It is an increasingly popular trend in today’s generation to use mobile telecommunication devices such as PDAs and mobile phones to access wireless internet. This is because of the greater degree of freedom and convenience that mobile internet offers, compared to the traditional means of accessing internet via personal computers. But will mobile phones entirely replace PCs?
Not likely according to statistics provided
by Gartner, Inc. The leading IT research and advisory company announced that the
number of installed PCs worldwide has surpassed one billion units. The
companies’ analysts state that the worldwide installed base of PCs is growing
just under twelve percent annually. At this pace, it will surpass two billion
units by early 2014. (Gartner, 2008).
PCs
In general, the category of PCs consist of
desktops, laptops and netbooks. The popularity of desktops has already
deteriorated in the last decade. It is assumable that desktop computers will
slowly but surely disappear in consumer markets. They will be replaced by PCs
that are less bulky and immobile. In the business market however it is likely
that desktops will be advertised to a niche market of companies in need of
computers for audiovisual and graphic design.
In general laptops, netbooks and other
alternatives (like iPad) will gain the largest market share. Arguments for this
statement are:
- High mobility
- High usability (relatively large screens and keyboards adjusted the human work need)
- High performance capacity (approaching desktop performances)
Gartner Research validates this by
reporting that in the U.S. PC market, mobile PC shipments exceeded desk-based
PC shipments for the second consecutive quarter. (Gartner, 2008).
Mobiles
At the same time, the mobile phone market will continue to expand due to the latest improvements in mobile broadband networks. The mobile phone’s usability however is limited to more simple functions such as checking emails, using social networks and other various applications. This is due to four major problems of the usage of internet on mobile phones (Nielson, 2009):
- Small screens – there is limited space for displaying multiple online and offline applications
- Difficult input and navigation possibilities – slower data entry due to smaller keyboards
- Delays in downloads
- Missdesigned websites – websites not designed for mobile phone screens
The restrictions posed by the first two
problems will not likely change because a mobile phone is ought to fit into a
person’s pocket. The other two problems however can be solved in time, provided
that there are improved developments in mobile Internet’s data speeds. As the
mobile phone market grows companies will certainly feel the urge to develop
website formats better catered to mobile phones.
Next
PCs will always have a place in our lives
when it comes to mobile internet access, even if the popularity of mobile
phones continuous to increase. This because of their high usability when it
comes to performing complex tasks. Laptops will remain a kind of big brother to
mobile phones who will cater to more basic, simple internet needs. Both have their
distinctive advantages and disadvantages and will therefore exist with and not
next to each other.
Sources
Gartner, I. (2008, June 23). Gartner Says
More than 1 Billion PCs In Use Worldwide and Headed to 2 Billion Units by 2014.
Retrieved February 18, 2010, from Gartner: http://www.gartner.com
Nielson, J. (2009, July 20). Mobile
Usability. Retrieved February 18, 2010, from Use It: http://www.useit.com
Picture: http://www.mobileocity.net
Picture: http://www.mobileocity.net
3 comments:
Im particulary agree with what you wrote but don't you think with the launch of the Ipad we are moving towards a compromise between both and maybe we will see smaller product than the iPad, with a screen of 6" or 7" which can allow a better performance than a mobile and easier to transport than a netbook or laptop
I think the iPad is a bad example because the iPad can only run one non-Apple application so you can't really multitask and it's certainly not made for watching websites the way we do today. (http://venturebeat.com/2010/01/28/5-reasons-not-to-buy-an-ipad). Maybe there will be another device that allows better performance than a mobile, but it seems to be that todays technology is not ready for it.
There's also a nice video on the internet about the iPad and why not to buy it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQnT0zp8Ya4
We totally agree with your arguments that PCs are here to stay. In addition, even changes in mobile technology is happening, the mobile will mainly serve as a tools that will revolutionize mobile commerce (Ktoridou 2008) for example, more data services that involve multimedia (pictures, music, videos etc), network marketing, advertisements, or even promotional coupons and vouchers but it will never replace laptops in terms of its features, speed, robustness, productivity and performance.
Reference:
Ktoridou, D., Epaminonda, E. and Kaufmann, H.R. (2008) ‘Technological Challenges and Consumer Perceptions of the Use of Mobile Marketing: Evidence from Cyprus’. International Journal of Mobile Marketing 3(2), 34-43
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