Computing: desktops vs portables

[oz]

How do all of you feel about computing when it comes to desktops vs portable devices?

I've always preferred desktop machines, but the trend is clearly moving towards portable devices and it seems to be picking up quite a bit of momentum. Even our current desktop environments and applications are clearly moving to be more compatible with portables.

When it comes to your own computing needs, likes, and dislikes, do you prefer desktop machines, or portable devices?

[daark.child]

I prefer desktop machines. I find them easier to upgrade or add extras. I am not too keen on portables, but when I am travelling, my laptop is an absolute necessity.

[oz]

I am not too keen on portables, but when I am travelling, my laptop is an absolute necessity.

Portables are clearly here to stay, but I'm not a fan of the small screens or tiny keyboards. Once voice recognition software works better, it might be a little easier for me to adapt to portable devices.

It seems that there would be a built-in conflict with portables when the screens are so small, yet advertisers want to be able to push more ads than ever at end users. How will websites get all those ads and any useful data that end users are looking for onto those screens? I'm also not fond of having to watch ads before any useful data appears on-screen.

I tried connecting to these forums over the weekend using my iPhone, but was so immediately turned off by the hassle and appearance of it all that I backed out of that and simply made a phone call, which was the real purpose for me having a cell phone to begin with.

The laptop that I purchased 4 months ago (my first ever) hardly ever gets turned on because I simply don't like computing by laptop, and I'm not interested at all in lugging one around with me. It turns out that it was money wasted unless I can adapt.

Hopefully, adapting to all of this new portability in computing will become easier as the technology improves.

[elija]

Desktop without a doubt. Portables, even really good laptops, are nightmarish ergonomically speaking and frankly tablets are an RSI time bomb waiting to happen.

[oz]

Portables, even really good laptops, are nightmarish ergonomically speaking and frankly tablets are an RSI time bomb waiting to happen.

Foolishly, I purchased a tablet (ArchOS 43 Tablet) six months ago to see what all the talk was about, but soon after playing with for a few days, the thing went back into the packaging and it's been in the closet with the battery completely down for about 5 months, now.

I'm personally of the opinion that marketing groups everywhere want us to believe that the day of the desktop computer is dying so that everyone will purchase portable devices and the advertisers can get their ads to you no matter where you are. Not only that, those ads reach more people when each family member has their own portable device with them at all times as compared to the family sharing a family desktop, or two, and only being on it when time permits. Whether right or wrong about any of that, it would certainly be nice to see desktop machines retain a solid position in the world of computing, at least for the foreseeable future.

That being said, I have no problem with other end users making use of portable devices if they find them truly useful and helpful in accomplishing what ever tasks they need performed.

[Haze]

Hi

I prefer portable computers because they can be as powerfull as desktop machines. With a port replicator it's possible to convert them to a semi-desktop-computer and thats enough for my needs.

You need to spend some money into a powerfull computer, of course. But I don't play the newest games, so I don't need a high end laptop.

Regarding the new tablet-development: They are great for surfing the net on the couch but they can't replace the laptop.

Br
Haze

[rokytnji]

Confusion alert.

I like my Desktops like in the Motorcycle shop to blare streaming music through my pioneer amp.

I like my EEEPCs when I am in the Doctors office waiting room watching my preferred movie instead
of reading magaziines or watching fox news on their tv. Makes a good gps map (downloaded and saved) when
riding my bikes.

Can't vote. I'm in a loop.

[cousinlucky]

People in New York City carrying around electronic devices are
robbed a lot. Even if someone gave me a laptop or other device I would not be carrying it around with me, it's too dangerous!!

[cynwulf]

I'm personally of the opinion that marketing groups everywhere want us to believe that the day of the desktop computer is dying so that everyone will purchase portable devices and the advertisers can get their ads to you no matter where you are. Not only that, those ads reach more people when each family member has their own portable device with them at all times as compared to the family sharing a family desktop, or two, and only being on it when time permits.

A truer word was never spoken... (posted?)

I find myself angrily shaking my zimmer frame, gurning and wanting to chase the proverbial kids off my lawn after reading that...

It is without a doubt all about marketing and turning the average computer user into the ideal perpetual consumer. Tablets, smartphones and other assorted junk tech are the best way for them to achieve this. We now have legions of people sitting in front of what is arguably the "cutting edge" of technology, posting barely legible crap on sites like facebook, twitter, etc. The pioneers of computing must be turning in their graves...

[hazel]

Well, here's another old fogey who will probably never buy a laptop, let alone a smartphone. What on earth would I use it for? When I go out, it's either with the dog or to go shopping. In neither case do I want to drag extra weight around with me.

Long live the desktop computer!