Just a couple of days ago, a techie friend asked me if in the near future tablets would replace personal computers. Since I use both the tablet and the desktop it was natural that I started thinking whether such a scenario was possible.
Computers have grown from being desktops to laptops, notebooks to tablets shedding their weight along the way. More than the weight, it is probably the definition of a personal computer that has changed the most. If someone asks me what does a personal computer mean to me? I’d say it is a computing device a person uses.
If you agree with me, then you will probably agree that regardless of their size, shape and weight, tablets are just as personal as they get.
My techie friend, by using the term personal computer, probably meant a desktop. Now to the question that everyone is asking nowadays; will the advent of tablets replace your faithful desktop? There is no single simple answer to that.
But it is assumed that at one point in the near future, tablets may start eating into desktop/laptop sales. The reason for the rise in popularity of tablets is that, with a tablet computer you can do all the core functions of surfing, social networking, and emailing, much like a desktop. It is slim, light, and has a battery life that could put a laptop to shame.
And on top of it, you get to carry your computer with you. But for doing heavier stuff like programming, working on the word processor, CAD/CAM, or designing, I’d probably rely on my desktop. It has better processing power, larger storage capacity, a bigger screen, and a regular keyboard that a tablet lacks.
But if you are not in to video games, shelling out dollars on a desktop doesn’t make sense.
It boils down to this; when it comes to web surfing or tweeting, my trendy tablet would do just fine. Yes, it is slim and portable but for heavy-duty computing work I’ll rely on my desktop any day.
The answer is loud and clear, tablets are never going to replace personal computers. Yes, they may become more popular but no, they won’t replace PC’s.
Tablet computers still have a long way to go before they match the power and comfort of using a desktop. Until then, I’ll use my slate while I am on the move and work on my desktop while at work.
