Can Traditional Personal Computer Vanish - Case Study Example

CAN TRADITIONAL PERSONAL COMPUTER VANISH? Student’s Name: Instructor’s Name: Course Code & Name: Date of Submission: Can Traditional Personal Computer Vanish Introduction Computer technology has been evolving steadily since the invention of an integrated circuit by Robert Noyce and Jack Kibly in 1958. Every part of the computer has been changing with new advancement being reported in the market one after another in a systematic manner. The development of the first personal computer in 1981 by IBM was initially considered as the greatest milestone in the computer technology evolution. Most individual thought that the long awaited discovery has been made, and it is here to stay. However, the development of computer technology did not stop. Discovery of the first personal computer resulted in the development of a number of companies all focusing on developing the most refined product to satisfy consumers demand. This emergency of new companies led to the development of stiff competition in the field with each company trying to develop the best product ever. This was done by refining one or more aspects of a personal computer1. Different companies worked hard to decrease the physical size of important computer components while increasing their capacity. This has been achieved slowly and it can be demonstrated by the recent development of 1 terabyte hard disk, 8 GB RAM and refinement of more computer features that include development of laptops and desktops with higher storage and operational capacity. This went hand in hand with the improvement of the computer processor to increase computer operational speed. However, this evolution took a new turn after the introduction of the first iPad in 2010. Researchers are now more interested in developing tablets as compared to personal computers. Moreover, consumers are more interested in owning tablets as they were previously interested in buying a personal computer. However, this does not mean that tablets are going to replace personal computers completely in operations. Personal computers still have an extensive range of operations that it can handle as compared to a tablet. In this regard, it will be extremely hard for a tablet and other related technologies to replace the personal computer. This paper evaluates the dominance of the PC in the market today and weighs the possibility of PC being replaced by a tablet. The paper proposed that personal computers popularity is going down, however personal computers are here to stay, and not even tablets can replace them. The traditional Personal Computer (PC) is no longer the major player in the technology world Traditional personal computer sales have been recording exponential growth since the invention of the first PC. At this time, the competition was only based on the brands and the type of manufacture, or the machine size and capacity. However, the emergency of substitutive technology brought a great shock to the computer industry. The industry experienced a decline in the level of the PC demand in the market. This trend was expected to continue as more substitutive devices were manufactured from all over and worse from the companies that previously dealt with PC manufacturing. Therefore, a number of companies that were previously concentrating on expanding PC technology shifted their attention into the manufacturing of tablets. In addition, most individuals who initially used PC for substituted tasks shifted their interest to the tablet. This general situation resulted into a decline in the number of manufactured and supplied PC in the market while the PC demand declined from where it was previously. In this regard, it is true to say that PC is no longer the major technology for it is currently sharing the manufactured memory chips with other substitutive technologies, unlike in the past where memory chips were manufactured targeting personal computer's manufacturers as the main consumers. A Memory chip is currently used by, smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, video console, and computers. Therefore, if the leading ability of a PC will be measured based on the memory chip it consumes, it is evident that PC is not currently the major technology in the world. However, it is not right to conclude that the PC will be extinct. Although there is advancement in technology, and similar diverse technologies have been developed, there is no any emerged technology that had managed to substitute the PC completely, therefore, it is not end yet, PC are still more useful especially in business world than all other emerging technology, particularly where intensive data entry, data processing, and programming is required2. Manufacturing and Sale of Personal Computers The sale of personal computers was growing steadily before the invention of iPad technology. At that time, all people required a personal computer for one purpose to another with these purpose ranging from internet access, communication, programming, designing, office work processing, and entertainment among others. However, the invention of a tablet resulted to decline in the demand for personal computers. This is because tablets, which are more portable, substituted a number of personal computer's functions, carrying with them a huge number of individuals who used to purchase personal computers to carry out these tasks. Some of these tasks include internet access, entertainment, and communication. This resulted to a decline in the personal computer demands. This trend can be demonstrated in the graph below: According to Kass, the statistics regarding the sale of personal computer, integrating desktops and laptops, has been declining since 2010, after the invention of the first iPad, while that of tablets has been increasing3. Although, the number of PC sales has always been more than that of the tablets, the gap between the two is decreasing on detail basis such that it is predicted that the sales of tablets will be more than that of PC by the end of 2015. This situation was once predicted by Steve jobs in 2010 after the invention of the first iPad. Although it has not yet been fulfilled, there is a clear indication more people finds tablet technology more viable to them as compared to the PC technology. This is demonstrated in the table below4: According to the graph below, it is evidence that the rate of PC sale was high than any other similar technology products immediately after the release of the smartphones and tablets in the market in the last quarter of 2008. However, the sales of other products have been increasing gradually, an aspect that has affected the PC demand in the market. Smartphones and tablets allowed access to the internet and thus, those who were purchasing PCs for internet access preferred other options since they were more portable and with similar provisions as PCs. In addition, those who needed PCs for communication also had an alternative for this. This can be used to explain the shift of the PC consumption after the introduction of smartphones and tablets in the market. However, there is still a group whose need for PC have not been substituted by this technology yet. Therefore, this group will still remain in demand for PCs as long as it is the only alternative to handling their needs. Therefore, we cannot call it the end yet. PCs are still useful to a huge number of the population especially in the offices and other workplaces. Thus, manufacturers will still have to keep on manufacturing the PCs to cater for the few who are still in need of it5. There has been a number of prediction regarding the PC sales from 2010 to 2015 or more. Most of these predictions demonstrated that the number of PCs sales and shipments will decrease gradually from 2010 and stabilize later. According to Hessinger, PCs sales were expected to drop in 2013 by 10.3% that was the worst predicted situation. Unfortunately, the actual declined was more than the predicted value by 3.6%. This decline according to Liedtke returned the value of PCs sales back to what was sold on 2009. It was also predicted that PCs sales would fall in 2014 with 4% prior to its stabilization at a level it was in, in 2008. This prediction demonstrates that even the research established that PC will remain in use by a certain group of the population even after the tablet has dominated the market. Just like in any other industry, every product experiences the threat of substitution. However, substitution does not completely wipe out the original product. Actually, most people make a change expecting to have more advantages over the new similar product, only to be disappointed. PCs are no exception, although the introduction of tablet shock the PC market, the market will at some point define a new equilibrium. Based on this analysis, PC will always be needed by a group of people in the market. In this regard, it is expected that the PC market will reach a point where it cannot be influenced by more growth in the tablet demand. Thus, PC is not expected to be forgotten they will still remain and be used by those who cannot manage without them6. Figure 1: Sales of smartphone, tablets and PCs after the introduction of Tablets and Smartphones (Arthur, 2013) Tablets and smartphones preference in the market is still increasing. This is because, the two can be used in two most important tasks that all individuals would which their gadgets accomplish. This includes internet communication and internet accesses. The use of the internet in the world has been increasing drastically with most individuals using internet to access social media. The need to remain connected and updated created the urge for consumers to have a more portable device that they can use to access internet anytime they needed it. Tablet and smartphones acted as the best solution for their needs and thus, their sales are high despite their high cost. Moreover, most young people are highly determined to own a smart device. In addition, the portability aspect has also made most individuals to own tablets or smartphones despite having a computer. Smartphones and tablets have highly catered for personal computing needs. However, they have not managed to cater for commercial needs of a computer. This aspect has protected the personal computer from extinction. Companies, organizations and other enterprises are still in need of personal computers due to their irreplaceable role that they play in their businesses. In this regard, PC remains viable to a huge group of the world population even after tablets have gained popularity7. In addition, tablets are more expensive as compared to computers and thus, most middle, and lower class individuals in many countries still prefer buying a personal computer they can afford for their personal use other than tablets. It is therefore evident that, computers are still very useful to the world population, and they are nowhere close to being a forgotten technology. Do you think that Tablets will take the place of the traditional PC, or will business still rely on PC? Tablets are more like traditional PC in a number of ways. They perform a number of tasks that a PC can perform with the most important ones being access to the internet, communication, and entertainment. Tablets also have a number of advantages over PCs that include their small size and their ability to maintain their battery charge for quite a long time as compared to PCs. In this regard, most people prefer purchasing tablets for their personal uses as compared to PCs. This has resulted to an increase in the number of tablets sale in the market while PCs experiences a decline in the sales volume. However, the decline is expected to stop at some point and the PCs will define a new equilibrium. This is because, although tablet can replace some of the PCs functionality, it cannot do all need to be done by a PC especially when it comes to demanding office work. Therefore, it is not possible for the tablet to replace the PCs. Personal Computer (Laptop) versus Tablet PC is a general purpose machine created in different sizes and capacity. It includes desktops and laptops. The laptop is the latest technology of a PC. A laptop is normally typified as a mobile PC. It is a device in which one can do all tasks accessible in a desktop but in a compact, light, mobile fashion. Laptops have turned to be smaller and lighter over the years. Moreover, a laptop has managed essential strides in performance, functionality and power. Laptops have turned to be the most preferred device of computing since it permits them to complete the entire task needed on the desktop though with the flexibility and mobility convenience. On the other hand, a tablet is currently the mobile technology pinnacle. A tablet is compact, very easy to carry and extremely easy. Nevertheless, they do not have the laptop processing power. Their computing functionality is extremely limited, though it is enough for some individuals. Tablets are ideal for individuals who casually browse the web. This includes accessing a popular website or reading the news as well as those who wish to watch films or TV, playing lightweight games while traveling. Moreover, tablets can be employed in a number of specialized professions such as music and design. Nevertheless, these extremes are not very suitable for some aspects of these professions, for instance, heavy researching, presentation creation and arrangement, and hardcore gamers. Therefore, the user's choice depends on what they prefer. Tablets are more expensive than laptops in most cases despite the limited functionality. The only other advantage that a laptop has over a tablet is that a tablet can manage to preserve its battery charge for a longer time than a laptop8. Ever since the introduction of the iPad as the main product of technology, the question of whether a tablet can replace a personal computer such as a laptop. The similarity in the operation of a tablet with that of a laptop has made many people think that a tablet is there to replace a personal computer. However, this is not possible. Although a tablet can perform most of the laptop functions, it cannot perform all. The laptop remains powerful than a tablet in a number of ways, an aspect that guarantees laptop a higher lifespan than most people expects. Moreover the use of a laptop or a tablet mostly depends on the kind of technological aspects that one is more preferred. There are people who can manage satisfying or their technological needs with a tablet while others cannot. Laptops contain more inherent benefits over tablets. Laptops, as a rule, contain extra powerful processing hardware, permitting an extensive range of uses, provide a better ability to multitask and enhance faster performance. Laptops can also handle common uses of tablet easily for instance media streaming and web browsing, and then go essentially further, with uses that range from simple entry of data to difficult tasks that include video and photo editing. Games might be an essential part of every app store, however, demanding PC gaming is much more than Cut the Rope or Angry Bird. This depends on discrete processing of graphics and faster processors to handle complex rendered settings at frame rates and resolutions that tablets cannot manage. Actually, there is no PC gaming tablet that can match the best laptop in the entry-level of gaming. For instance, Razer Edge Pro tablet that is among the best in PC gaming cannot be compared with the performance of MSI GX70 3Be-007US laptop. The best tablet can currently handle anything demanding storage space between 16 and 128 GB, however, an average laptop can manage 500 GB and more9. Laptops contain the advantage of having a built-in mouse and keyboard, permitting the users to do all mouse related work and typing. On the contrary, touch screens used in tablets do not provide the same granular control level that a cursor and mouse do. Actually, screen keyboards employed in tablets are only fit for keying in short text bursts, for instance, a tweet or status update. A physical keyboard is a necessity for keying in a long text block and a mouse is very efficient for links clicking, frequent windows swapping, and general movements as compared to a touch screen. This is even more essential in the workplace where most tasks require intensive data entry. There is also an aspect of peripherals and ports. Although both tablets and laptops contain devices and accessories ecosystem around them, laptops also have a number of USB ports that are extensively compatible and HDMI outputs among other features, which work with a number of accessories which do not require to be modified to a particular device. Laptops are best and easy option based on the human interface that range from keyboards to a mouse, storage devices, and webcams. Actually, if one needs to perform serious tasks, requires powerful multitasking and processing, or require compatibility with a particular storage device or accessory, there is no better option other than the laptop. Although tablets can manage some of these requirements they cannot manage the efficiency, reliability and bulkiness like that of a laptop. This clearly demonstrates that personal computers (PC) are much more needed as compared to tablets for they can perform more duties than tablets10. Laptops are also known to accommodate more applications that can be used in more serious business other than gaming, photos, or media streaming. For instance, programming is an essential part of computer technology development. This technology is normally developed for personal computers such as laptops that can accommodate the applications required in their development. Tablets have not managed to outshine computers in this aspect. Other work related applications that include management, and accounting systems can only be supported by laptops especially due to its hardware interface. Actually, tablets have managed to replace a personal computer in entertainment and communication related aspects. However, it has not been able to replace personal computer in other office related operations in almost all professional fields. PC vs. Tablet in the Office PCs machine is regarded to have a higher computation powerful as compared to the tablets. They have a more superior processor, ability to have a higher RAM and high capacity hard disk among other things. Moreover, the PC has a great interface that makes it easier for users to use the computer effectively without any struggle. This includes the presence of a keyboard, and a mouse other than a touch screen in the tablet that acts as an input device. Touch screen limits the user's ability to key in extensive data or information on the tablet. On the contrary, both a desktop and laptop provide the user with all that she or he required inputting a huge amount of data in a computer. This makes a PC computer to be much more applicable in an office than a tablet. A tablet can only handle light tasks which are more based on personal use. In this regard, a PC is more applicable in an office as compared to a tablet11. Office computers also need to accommodate a number of applications which are unique to each organization. In this regard, they must have a capacity to accommodate different applications which ease the office operations. PC machines have a high capacity to accommodate all these requirements. It also has the ability of multitasking and thus enhancing effectiveness office operation, an ability that cannot be found in a tablet. On the contrary, a tablet cannot manage to handle all these tasks. In this regard, most organization will be completely unable to replace PCs with tablet since tablets cannot manage to handle their workload or to support their application. This is a clear indication that although tablets may manage to replace PCs in all other personal operation, they are absolutely unable to replace PCs in the office and thus, PCs will remain viable to customers that use them for office purposes12. Conclusion Since the development of the first personal computer, the world has constantly been experiencing modification in the industry. A personal computer has popular for a long time without any other equivalent technology in the world. However, the situation changed with the invention of a tablet and smartphones. The two devices fulfilled users desire to have a more portable computer that one can always carry along. This attracted many people into the device, distracting the population attention from a personal computer. This resulted in a decline in the PCs demand and eventually into their manufacturing. The demand for tablets and smartphones has since then been growing steadily while that of PCs going down. This has made the PCs lose their position as the major player in the world technology. However, that does not imply that PCs are no longer needed in people's life. A tablet has limited power of functionality and thus, it cannot be applied in all situations. Actually it cannot be applied effectively in office related work. In this regard, a tablet cannot manage to replace PCs exclusively. 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