As one company projects increased laptop sales over the coming year, and probably with more to follow, are we set to see a boom in the number of notebook users?
Laptop sales are already on the rise and this Summer there were reports of laptop sales outstripping desktop sales. During the 'back to school' season, parents seem increasingly inclined to kit their kids out with laptops rather than their more stationary brethren. It makes sense for them really, now that laptops are considerably cheaper than they used to be. They take up less space (handy in a messy kids room) and can be stolen by the parents at any time for their own uses (perhaps not the best reason there, then.)
Look further than that, and the technology of laptops has gotten much better. The likes of Centrino mobile technology provide a level of connectivity which was once considered a luxury, but now is expected from many. Add to that performance, in terms of both work done and battery life. Laptops can do some serious computing, and the right models can also offer pretty good (and ever-improving) battery life. We're not just talking desktop replacements here, either. The more portable notebooks are also quite powerful, the mobility often outweighing the extra power a DTR offers.
With fuel cell technology on its way, we could be in for even longer battery lives, but perhaps a few inconveniences need to be worked out - like the need to refill the cells when drained. Still, fuel cell or battery, laptops are lasting longer on the move.
Today Digi Times is reporting that BenQ, a relative latecomer in the notebook market, is predicting that its notebook sales will jump three-fold over the next year. Will we see similar projections from other companies? Quite possibly.
I think that as we move towards a digital home, our computers and computing habits will transform somewhat. Our PC will become smaller, and find its way into the living room, but it's use won't be personal computing any more; it will be the media centre - the heart of household entertainment. Then, our laptops will be our tools of the trade, be we students, businessmen or just somebody looking to contact Uncle Bob in Australia.
Of course, there's still room for the desktop PC, but perhaps the notebook is growing more favourable these days?
