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The PC Is Dead

Funniest part is when he said graphic intensive gaming are on the consoles :p
 
John R. Quain said:
Doubtless, there will always be those of us who need to run formulas on spread sheets, crunch numbers, program, fold proteins, animated movies [??] and write. So for us, a desktop or laptop computer will be the choice.
Click to expand...

fixed it for ya' Mr Quain.

also, I'm not a literary scholar, but I don't think "Doubtless, ..." is actually proper English, as that comma creates ambiguity in the verb's target. "Without a doubt there will..." or "Undoubtedly there will..." is fine. Doubtfully, this is the case.
 
Wonder what type of device he typed the article on, and what type of device his article was most read on...
 
The guy who wrote the article contradicts himself so much, lol.

The vast majority of computer users don't spend days working on CAD engineering programs to create complex 3-D wire frames. Or crunch massive amounts of data to assess the results of a pharmacological assay.
Click to expand...

Got it, so basically you're saying I don't need a device that is as powerful as a desktop PC. We don't need the processing power and vast storage. It's a modern day equivalent of one of the first computers, too big and powerful for what a person would need, except now the desktop size is too large. Funny though, I never heard a person exclaim to me, "My desktop PC is just too fast for me, I wish they'd back up off the speed a little bit!".

Consumers want more than just a shiny case. So expect an emphasis on processor speeds (1 gigahertz, dual core!) and high-speed connections (4G!) in smartphones.
Click to expand...

Wait a second, I thought you just implied that we don't need so much processing power. Now one of the biggest selling points is more power? High speed connections? 4G has low caps, and isn't nearly as fast as my cable connection to my desktop, and 4G costs more. /confused

To get past the storage limitations, fast wireless connections to the Web will be increasingly important as we rely more and more on online servers, so-called cloud computing, to store our songs, movies, books, pictures and the other digital detritus of everyday life.
Click to expand...

Right. So instead of paying $50-80 for a 1TB - 2TB HD and storing pretty much all of the information I would ever need without associated costs to access my information, I'm supposed to pay a third party *monthly* to store things for me? Oh, and also transmit it back and forth over a 4G wireless connection too, lol. Yeah, because we all know they don't have highly punitive overcharge fees with low caps.


==================


The guy who wrote the article is basically a spineless corporate shill.
 
He can come back when consoles aren't the thing that limit my gameplay experience.

Background: Games that are designed for consoles then ported, including hits like Mass Effect 2, could on paper support far higher-resolution textures than they ship with. But, because the game's textures have to fit into a console's tiny framebuffer, you get low-res textures that really look bad in the type of close-up, over-the-shoulder views common in games like ME2. Consoles are gaming for people who don't want to fuss. Yeah, you have RRoD and the like, but those aren't problems with the games themselves (think installation, DRM, drivers, etc that happen on a PC). PC is the "Let's see what we can do with this--tear it apart, rebuild it, create something" platform.

I agree PCs might become more of a niche market (I'd think it's fair to say people have replaced some uses of pen and paper because of the PC--I sure did when it came to taking certain class notes and in the same way smartphones may reduce PC usage). However, to write them off completely is absurd.

I don't see businesses abandoning PCs entirely either. Yeah, we're going to get all our apps on iPhone! Oh wait...
 
Postscript to that last post (#132). Microsoft has such massive cash reserves that they can go a few years with zero revenue. This is almost certainly due to Gates and co. watching what happened to IBM and being determined to survive it. Sooner or later they should expect to see how well that plan will work. Gates famously missed the internet (it was on TV news long before his email on said topic was sent), I just can't see Balmer turning the company on a dime the same way.
 
Meh, power-users and professionals will always have a need for a powerful "PC".

Right now I have a half-dozen windows open: an XP VM that is VPN'd into the office, Outlook 2010, an SSH client, a couple PDFs and Firefox... Good luck doing that on a tablet or a laptop. Even without taking into account the performance associated with a Core i7 machine loaded with an SSD and tons of RAM there is still the issue of screen real-estate. Dual 24in high-res monitors is a lot more productive than a 15-17in screen.

Long live the PC.
 
mattjw916 said:
Meh, power-users and professionals will always have a need for a powerful "PC".
Click to expand...

Exactly ande not only that good luck getting a job if the only devices you know how to use are a cell, game console or iPad. Remember folks all these trends and predictions thus far are about devices that don't really help with job skills. If you have no idea how to use a full function computer, laptop or desktop, don't you know that you will be competing with people that do?

There needs to be some VERY serious thinking about what all these trends mean especially given globalization and their on education and jobs. The knowledge I gain from working on PCs has been CRITICAL to me staying employed and making a good living.

What truly scares me about this current phone and now tablet craze is that its TOTALLY focused on simplicity and ease, not about learning and productivity. It's scary in a world where employers are looking for employess with ever expanding and increasing skill sets and knowledge and the current trend in IT seems to be about making people simply passive consumers.
 
What's a PC? Going by the term personal computer, the PC sure isn't dead, but the desktop may be (which is what this article seems to be stating). I haven't used a desktop per se in about 5 years now, other than when forced to at work. However, I have a PC that is the main hub of my digital infrastructure (for lack of a better term) that includes an ultraportable/netbook, ps3, psp, android phone and android tablet. All rely on the main PC, which is connected to my projector in the tv room and handles tv/dvr duties, in some form or another. My desk is now more of an electronic repair station than anything - I have a docking station with kb/m for the ultraportable and an lcd on it, but haven't used either in months. At work I have a laptop, so for me, the desktop is dead. However, by my count, I have about 5 personal computers if you count my phone and tablet.
 
Maybe YOU haven't had to use a desktop PC for the last 5 years but IMO YOU are the minority.

If technology for you is just being part of the social network, email, web, etc... then yeah you can skip having a desktop. For everyone else, it's a must to have a full size PC or desktop replacement laptop.

Not just counting gaming, which I do a lot of, I couldn't go without a desktop. Processing the 21 mp RAW files from my 5D Mark II would be a nightmare on anything less than a full size PC as an example.

People view the ultra portables as death to the non portables. Has the DS, PSP, Gameboy, etc killed the console? They've had 20 years to do it, hasn't happened. Has consoles killed PC gaming? 30 years and I'm still waiting for the death of PC gaming.

For people that use electronic devices for more than just taking crappy photos and typing 144 bytes of text at a time, the desktop PC isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

I bet people think dotmatrix printers are dead and gone. Yeah, right, think again.
 
Exavior said:
How many kids do you see bring full sized desktops with them to college anymore?
Click to expand...

All my friends...then again they also consider the college experience 4 years of lan party and software development and are scattered on here, anand, overclock, and occ so i guess we aren't the demographic they are looking for.
 
canon.tk said:
Maybe YOU haven't had to use a desktop PC for the last 5 years but IMO YOU are the minority.

If technology for you is just being part of the social network, email, web, etc... then yeah you can skip having a desktop. For everyone else, it's a must to have a full size PC or desktop replacement laptop.

Not just counting gaming, which I do a lot of, I couldn't go without a desktop. Processing the 21 mp RAW files from my 5D Mark II would be a nightmare on anything less than a full size PC as an example.

People view the ultra portables as death to the non portables. Has the DS, PSP, Gameboy, etc killed the console? They've had 20 years to do it, hasn't happened. Has consoles killed PC gaming? 30 years and I'm still waiting for the death of PC gaming.

For people that use electronic devices for more than just taking crappy photos and typing 144 bytes of text at a time, the desktop PC isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

I bet people think dotmatrix printers are dead and gone. Yeah, right, think again.
Click to expand...

Did you even read my post? Look at my sig? Is there any way i couldn't efficiently process RAW files from my couch on a 100" screen? Or run Inventor/Autocad and run iRacing or any other game? Like I said, I have a PC and my digital infrastructure revolves around it, it's just nowhere near a desk and I can't fathom why I'd want to go back to one. My PC is much closer to an htpc than anything else, but I can and do run traditional workstation programs on it with greater comfort and less eyestrain than a traditional desktop.
 
I should add, posted from my rooted nook color. I guess if I could only have one device, a desktop or desktop replacement would be the way to go (key word: replacement), but I don't need a one size fits all, so I use whatever the best tool for the job is, which is rarely the PC these days.
 
magoo said:
Fuck it.

I'm giving all my shit away then.

I'll just game on my Wii and use my DroidX for everything else.:eek::eek:
Click to expand...

:eek::eek:

If I had to use this phone over my lappys or desktop I would go crazy XD
All this mobile phone and tablet technology has a ways to go before its on the level of a real notebook computer or desktop for sure.
 
Exavior said:
He does make a good points. For most people desktop computers are dieing off. They are moving toward more and more stuff being done by other means. Students are moving to tablets, netbooks, laptops. How many kids do you see bring full sized desktops with them to college anymore?
Click to expand...

All of which you have mentioned are PCs.....only portable.

PCs aren't dead....they are evolving as needs change.
 
fatrat said:
PCs aren't dead....they are evolving as needs change.
Click to expand...

This.

My HP Slate is a PC, one that 1.5lbs with multi-touch and pen input, okay battery life at 5 hours, runs Windows, Office, and hopefully when Rovio get's it fixed Angry Birds with a mouse or touch interface, works on my other Tablet PCs just fine however.

Average desktops, sure that's a shrinking market. Laptops are doing better than ever however. Windows will make the transition to slates in earnest next year I believe. But no slate device is going to replace something like my sig rig, 3D Surround, surround sound, hooked to cable, OTA HDTV, etc. Desktops like this to me aren't even desktops, they are more like high-end media hubs. And the three monitors are GREAT for work as well. Powerful stuff just has bulk, and while fewer people may need the power, there's always a market for the best.

Just another zero sum game article written by someone who simply doesn't understand technology.
 
heatlesssun said:
This.

My HP Slate is a PC, one that 1.5lbs with multi-touch and pen input, okay battery life at 5 hours, runs Windows, Office, and hopefully when Rovio get's it fixed Angry Birds with a mouse or touch interface, works on my other Tablet PCs just fine however.

Average desktops, sure that's a shrinking market. Laptops are doing better than ever however. Windows will make the transition to slates in earnest next year I believe. But no slate device is going to replace something like my sig rig, 3D Surround, surround sound, hooked to cable, OTA HDTV, etc. Desktops like this to me aren't even desktops, they are more like high-end media hubs. And the three monitors are GREAT for work as well. Powerful stuff just has bulk, and while fewer people may need the power, there's always a market for the best.

Just another zero sum game article written by someone who simply doesn't understand technology.
Click to expand...

QFT...
 
bobzdar said:
I should add, posted from my rooted nook color. I guess if I could only have one device, a desktop or desktop replacement would be the way to go (key word: replacement), but I don't need a one size fits all, so I use whatever the best tool for the job is, which is rarely the PC these days.
Click to expand...

I hate to say this to you, but no matter how you slice it, what you are using is a PC.

Laptops are simply portable PC's.

Netbooks are essentially laptops sans the CD rom drive.

Tablets are netbooks sans the mouse and keyboard.

And when you think about it....smartphones are tablets with a phone bundled with them.

They are all PC's, just different configurations designed to meet different needs.

The Personal Computer (whch is what PC stands for) is not dead, not even sick with cold, and never will be. All that is happening is it is evolving.
 
Plenty of posters have claimed that the PC will live on, if only as a "main server" for other devices used to directly work on. Note that both the PS3 and the Xbox360 appear to be trying to do this as well, no idea if a PS4, xbox720, WiiHD has any more chance than the last generation. The other obvious question is if the linux routers we are already using would make more sense than trying to make a (more or less) headless windows box as a server. My guess is that such a device would be more likely to have an android interface, if only to make it more obvious how the thing works. Don't expect the year of the linux non-desktop anytime soon, though.
 
One other thing.

Dirk Meyer executed brilliantly (considering just how much money AMD was hemorrhaging), but failed on tablets and mobile (or more accurately, sacrificed them to save the company's desktop business). You might want to ask him how the job is going.
 
Wumpus said:
One other thing.

Dirk Meyer executed brilliantly (considering just how much money AMD was hemorrhaging), but failed on tablets and mobile (or more accurately, sacrificed them to save the company's desktop business). You might want to ask him how the job is going.
Click to expand...

Im sure he's still sitting pretty happily on a big pile of money even if he is currently unemployed.
 
As soon as I obtain the new tri core intel 5.0 GHZ 16MB Ram with 2TB Memory and a GTX 900
iPod Touch that is hot enough to also act as a hand warmer (it's cold right now) then i'll stick my computer desktop and carry a laptop.

Hand gadgets are awesome...but in no way a desktop replacement...even if you own a console. Which I own.
I use desktops and laptops more then anything...unless I am on the road or something...then YES I do use the ipod touch.
 
Ya know, I will never get a smartphone for one reason and one reason only: I have patience.

Do I need to watch a movie on a 3 inch screen and hurt my eyes? Nope.. it can wait. Do I need to instantly get on the web wherever I may be standing/driving? Nope. I plan ahead and again, if it needs looking up, I can wait. Do I absolutely positively have to update my Facebook page every 2 seconds like a jackass? Nope.. I know others don't care that much. Do I want to rely on a phone to do basic thought processes like figuring out tips, calculating distance, or remembering a scene? Nope.. I have a brain. Do I absolutely have to text whenever I have even the slightest question? Nope.. I'll just lump it in an email or *gasp* call and ask.

Besides, you cannot convince me to game on a phone/handheld device. You also cannot convince me that my best graphical experience will be through an IPAD instead of my monitor. And you SURE as hell can't tell me your phone sounds better than my speakers.

Unless it's important, I can wait. If it's important, I'll call and tell/ask you. People spend more time describing their lives than living it these days. It's sad.
 
The versatility and power of a PC can't really be matched dollar-for-dollar by smaller machines. The PC will simply change, become more powerful, and see even more use by the average household. It will also become a staple in poorer countries, where it hasn't become quite affordable, yet. The future is bright for the "PC."
 
satsunada said:
Ya know, I will never get a smartphone for one reason and one reason only: I have patience.

Do I need to watch a movie on a 3 inch screen and hurt my eyes? Nope.. it can wait. Do I need to instantly get on the web wherever I may be standing/driving? Nope. I plan ahead and again, if it needs looking up, I can wait. Do I absolutely positively have to update my Facebook page every 2 seconds like a jackass? Nope.. I know others don't care that much. Do I want to rely on a phone to do basic thought processes like figuring out tips, calculating distance, or remembering a scene? Nope.. I have a brain. Do I absolutely have to text whenever I have even the slightest question? Nope.. I'll just lump it in an email or *gasp* call and ask.

Besides, you cannot convince me to game on a phone/handheld device. You also cannot convince me that my best graphical experience will be through an IPAD instead of my monitor. And you SURE as hell can't tell me your phone sounds better than my speakers.

Unless it's important, I can wait. If it's important, I'll call and tell/ask you. People spend more time describing their lives than living it these days. It's sad.
Click to expand...

Preach Baby!

It all comes down to the fact that people need to have constant attention in one form or another, whether it be via text message or somebody liking one of their billion facebook statuses.
 
satsunada said:
Ya know, I will never get a smartphone for one reason and one reason only: I have patience.

Do I need to watch a movie on a 3 inch screen and hurt my eyes? Nope.. it can wait. Do I need to instantly get on the web wherever I may be standing/driving? Nope. I plan ahead and again, if it needs looking up, I can wait. Do I absolutely positively have to update my Facebook page every 2 seconds like a jackass? Nope.. I know others don't care that much. Do I want to rely on a phone to do basic thought processes like figuring out tips, calculating distance, or remembering a scene? Nope.. I have a brain. Do I absolutely have to text whenever I have even the slightest question? Nope.. I'll just lump it in an email or *gasp* call and ask.

Besides, you cannot convince me to game on a phone/handheld device. You also cannot convince me that my best graphical experience will be through an IPAD instead of my monitor. And you SURE as hell can't tell me your phone sounds better than my speakers.

Unless it's important, I can wait. If it's important, I'll call and tell/ask you. People spend more time describing their lives than living it these days. It's sad.
Click to expand...

I couldn't have said it better myself!
 
satsunada said:
Ya know, I will never get a smartphone for one reason and one reason only: I have patience.

Do I need to watch a movie on a 3 inch screen and hurt my eyes? Nope.. it can wait. Do I need to instantly get on the web wherever I may be standing/driving? Nope. I plan ahead and again, if it needs looking up, I can wait. Do I absolutely positively have to update my Facebook page every 2 seconds like a jackass? Nope.. I know others don't care that much. Do I want to rely on a phone to do basic thought processes like figuring out tips, calculating distance, or remembering a scene? Nope.. I have a brain. Do I absolutely have to text whenever I have even the slightest question? Nope.. I'll just lump it in an email or *gasp* call and ask.

Besides, you cannot convince me to game on a phone/handheld device. You also cannot convince me that my best graphical experience will be through an IPAD instead of my monitor. And you SURE as hell can't tell me your phone sounds better than my speakers.

Unless it's important, I can wait. If it's important, I'll call and tell/ask you. People spend more time describing their lives than living it these days. It's sad.
Click to expand...

A big +1!
 
satsunada said:
Ya know, I will never get a car for one reason and one reason only: I have patience.
Click to expand...
Fixed?

Or maybe...
satsunada said:
Ya know, I will never get on an airplane for one reason and one reason only: I have patience.
Click to expand...
A smartphone is a modern convenience. Rather than waiting to do X, I can perform X instantaneously, practically anywhere. I don't think that's a capability that should be taken lightly. Obviously a PC is a much more powerful and typically more efficient way to do things, but the PC, as we know it, is not without its own set of limitations.
 
satsunada said:
Ya know, I will never get a smartphone for one reason and one reason only: I have patience.

Do I need to watch a movie on a 3 inch screen and hurt my eyes? Nope.. it can wait. Do I need to instantly get on the web wherever I may be standing/driving? Nope. I plan ahead and again, if it needs looking up, I can wait. Do I absolutely positively have to update my Facebook page every 2 seconds like a jackass? Nope.. I know others don't care that much. Do I want to rely on a phone to do basic thought processes like figuring out tips, calculating distance, or remembering a scene? Nope.. I have a brain. Do I absolutely have to text whenever I have even the slightest question? Nope.. I'll just lump it in an email or *gasp* call and ask.

Besides, you cannot convince me to game on a phone/handheld device. You also cannot convince me that my best graphical experience will be through an IPAD instead of my monitor. And you SURE as hell can't tell me your phone sounds better than my speakers.

Unless it's important, I can wait. If it's important, I'll call and tell/ask you. People spend more time describing their lives than living it these days. It's sad.
Click to expand...

i *almost* 100% agree. and its the reason i have a phone that has wifi and not data...because its a phone first...and thats all i need, i have laptops for everything else.

ok...why i disagree... and let me start by saying I hate smartphones the absolute majority of the time...because people sit on them addicted to a 2 inch screen..i mean i love my ds/psp but still.

The only good to come of a smartphone is something like having the gps or google maps built in should i get stuck somewhere...saves me from purchasing a gps....that functionality has been what i feel is the only positive use i have found for a smartphone...otherwise i'm sick of my gf sitting there staring at the phone ignoring everything else as she reads whatever unimportant forum she feels like squinting at.
 
phide said:
A smartphone is a modern convenience. Rather than waiting to do X, I can perform X instantaneously, practically anywhere. I don't think that's a capability that should be taken lightly. Obviously a PC is a much more powerful and typically more efficient way to do things, but the PC, as we know it, is not without its own set of limitations.
Click to expand...

Cars and planes are there so you have more time to live your life instead of taking hours/years to get places. Not a good comparison. Unfortunately the X in the smartphone's category is "facebook, web search, maps, texts, and crappy games" Not even really comparable in terms of "convenience" outside of the maps function for some people. It's more there for entertainment than anything else and to be completely honest, no one needs to be locked to a phone for everything. Get out, do stuff. I know way too many people 20 and under who can't maintain a conversation because they get a text.. no matter how serious that conversation is. An object that removes you from reality while you are doing other things is no longer a convenience, it's a choke collar.
 
satsunada said:
Cars and planes are there so you have more time to live your life instead of taking hours/years to get places. Not a good comparison. Unfortunately the X in the smartphone's category is "facebook, web search, maps, texts, and crappy games" Not even really comparable in terms of "convenience" outside of the maps function for some people. It's more there for entertainment than anything else and to be completely honest, no one needs to be locked to a phone for everything. Get out, do stuff. I know way too many people 20 and under who can't maintain a conversation because they get a text.. no matter how serious that conversation is. An object that removes you from reality while you are doing other things is no longer a convenience, it's a choke collar.
Click to expand...

Yes, there is alot of that. It may be time to adjust your list of people you associate with, though :)
 
satsunada said:
Cars and planes are there so you have more time to live your life instead of taking hours/years to get places. Not a good comparison.
Click to expand...
It's not a perfect comparison. Not a bad one though, in my opinion. Car ownership is a convenience, as other modes of local transportation are available but less convenient, as is smartphone ownership.

Consider the idea of waiting at a bus stop or for a taxi. If one owns a car, there is no waiting for a bus: You begin on the path to your intended destination whenever you feel like it, and you can do so immediately. Same deal with a smartphone. I can respond to a client's e-mail immediately as opposed to having to wait until I'm in the vicinity of a PC. That's quite beneficial.

satsunada said:
Unfortunately the X in the smartphone's category is "facebook, web search, maps, texts, and crappy games"...It's more there for entertainment than anything else and to be completely honest, no one needs to be locked to a phone for everything. Get out, do stuff.
Click to expand...
If that is the only manner in which you use your phone, then you're not really exploiting the phone's capabilities to the extent that you're able. That is your fault — not the device's. My phone doesn't preclude me from "getting out", either. If your eyes are constantly glued to your mobile device, you've made a personal decision to do that. The phone is just a means for you to turn your attention away from other matters, and it is not responsible for your behavior.

You can either blame people for their behaviors or blame smartphones. Which to you seems more appropriate?
 
Mobile phones have more than any other device already replaced the desktop computer -- whether they realize it or not.
Click to expand...

Is that even a sentence?
 
Cars need oil changes, maintenance, cleaning, gas. Buses do not, from a rider perspective. There is convenience on both sides of this flawed analogy.

However, I have nothing against smart phones. I do not want to use one for work, but it would certainly be a little more convenient for loading myself up with extra work. I chose not to use one, instead opted for the cheap dumb phone from my company. A smart phone would likely make me slightly more efficient at my job, but it would also preclude me from having time for [H] while getting paid. :D
 
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