Signalling the end of the PC?

[Technical Ben]

With form factors this small, and mores law, will we soon loose them?
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/04/09/review_dell_wyse_cloud_connect_android_ultrathin_client/

[pctech]

Would you buy one then Ben?

[Technical Ben]

I've got an android tab. And while the power of it is lacking for anything I do on the PC, I'd consider it (with mouse + keyboard of cause ) a decent replacement for usability and what I generally do.

Not for the "cloud" use, but for what we can put in such a small form factor for local use. Plus some processors getting "good enough". Even when 3d TV kicks off, we should have dedicated chips that would fit in a mobile phone that could decode them easily enough. Other than gaming, the processing power does not need to go much further (and CPU development shows a bit of a lack in "need" to drive a market of "faster" right now).

As long as the software can have the usability then the hardware could go "on a chip/system" and I'd not be too worried. Even if most the software is useless, we can alway go to Linux, right?

While a PC is handy for being modular, the reasons of customisation, price (allows partial repairs etc), or usability become some what mute when the replacement is a £30 dongle.  

It's like talking about replacing the old scrolls with these new tiny little books. Or a car to replace the horse. When things first come out, price or size, complexity or rarity makes it prohibitive to adopt or move over to them. Given enough time and progressive development though, and all the kinks are ironed out.

I'll never replace the desire to get a 8 core 32gb monster though... that would let my sim games whiz along.

[talos]

No never , I still like that grey box I can get into. I they still sell I'll still buy, and if I cant I'll rebuild 

[Glenn]

I ordered a case, m'board, cpu, cooler & memory on Saturday, hopefully it all arrives before Thursday afternoon.

[Technical Ben]

No never , I still like that grey box I can get into. I they still sell I'll still buy, and if I cant I'll rebuild 

True. I do that too.

[Lona]

I don't like laptops

[Gary]

I don't like laptops

I don't think the future of PC's is going to be based on your dislike of laptops, Lona 

[Lona]

I don't think the future of PC's is going to be based on your dislike of laptops, Lona 

I don't like tablets either and I'm fed up listening to the word Apps

[Simon]

Any problem with electric lights, Lona?  I've heard there's health and safety issues around candles these days. 

[Ray]

 

[pctech]

While I wouldn't be without my smartphone now I won't be making a tablet my main computing device anytime soon.

As long as I can get the parts I'll build my own desktops if need be.

[zappaDPJ]

I'm not convinced that laptops will be around for that much longer so Lona might get her wish... or not as I'm sure they will be completely replaced by tablets.

[Steve]

I think your correct Zap, it will mainly be Tablets, the desktop and laptop will be resigned to antiquity but there'll still be 'workstations' for those that require them.

[pctech]

Computing will become pretty boring if its just down to the iPad and Android tablets.

[Glenn]

For the home market I think there will be a rise in tablets, but until they can integrate well with other systems in the work place then they will still play second fiddle to a laptop/PC. HP have just given some of our directors HP Spectre 13-h200 x2 PC http://www8.hp.com/uk/en/products/laptops/product-detail.html?oid=5405609#!tab=features  to play with, they will integrate better.

[FritzBox]

Couldn't give up some form of PC to play with. Looking to get one of these when I've moved house. XBMC anyone

http://hothardware.com/Reviews/Zotac-ZBOX-ID89-Plus-Mini-PC-Review/

[Lona]

Any problem with electric lights, Lona?  I've heard there's health and safety issues around candles these days. 

If energy prices continue to rise I might start using this....................

[Den]

I can see that tablets will put laptops under pressure but I can't see them ever taking over from desktops in a business environment. I can do a number of things on a iPad but when push comes to shove I return to the desktop for anything complex.

[talos]

I can see that tablets will put laptops under pressure but I can't see them ever taking over from desktops in a business environment. I can do a number of things on a iPad but when push comes to shove I return to the desktop for anything complex.

A very valid point, most offices I frequent still use the PC for sales, gen accounts, stock control etc., I can't see these tasks being done on a tablet.

[Technical Ben]

For the home market I think there will be a rise in tablets, but until they can integrate well with other systems in the work place then they will still play second fiddle to a laptop/PC. HP have just given some of our directors HP Spectre 13-h200 x2 PC http://www8.hp.com/uk/en/products/laptops/product-detail.html?oid=5405609#!tab=features  to play with, they will integrate better.

Nice. Hope they do not "de-inter grate" if you accidentally lift it by the screen...

Couldn't give up some form of PC to play with. Looking to get one of these when I've moved house. XBMC anyone

http://hothardware.com/Reviews/Zotac-ZBOX-ID89-Plus-Mini-PC-Review/

They seem quite snazzy. I've no idea on the performance though as I've no experience below AMD/Intel Celeron. I'm hoping to make my own, slightly larger, with an intel i3/i5 micro board.

I'd love one of those old fashioned lamps Lona.  I still have a tube radio in the cabinet. I can't get good sky reception on it though.