At what point do you think a phone/tablet will replace a desktop?

[Genx87]

For anything but higher end gaming? I would say within a decade. We are deploying Dell tablets running Win8. They have a dock, can power two monitors, i5 processor, 4-8GB ram, 120GB SSD.

 

[Jeff7]

When a tablet comes with a mechanical keyboard, an SD slot, 500GB+ drive, and a mouse, I'm all in.

And two screens that are no less than 24" each. That better be an SSD, too.


I do have a Win7 tablet.
- 1.3GHz processor, thereabouts. Dual-core, Hyperthreaded. It feels quite sluggish.
- 4GB RAM
- 64GB SSD
- 12.1" screen
- Battery life that feels like they forgot about including a battery until the design was ready to go to the factory for production, and so had to jam a tiny one in there somewhere. (1-2hrs of usable battery life.)


It's painful to really use it for anything; it's sluggish, and the screen is tiny.
But as far as tablets are concerned, it's full-featured. Two standard USB ports, SD card slot, IPS screen that might be Gorilla Glass, mini-HDMI output, and an internal stylus holder (Win7 wasn't made for efficient touchscreen input).

When I'm using someone's phone for anything, it's like using an adorable little toy that thinks it's a computer, in the same way a young poodle thinks it's a husky Saint Bernard.

 

[nageov3t]

I prefer it. I'd much rather be lounging comfortably on the couch, in bed, or outside while doing all those things than at a desk.

that's why I said many not all

I actually like browsing on my tablet, and maybe someday speech-to-text won't feel awkward, but for now, if I'm browsing on my tablet and need to compose an email or message longer than one sentence, I'm walking over to my desktop to do it.

(likewise, for any kind of "serious" browsing, like research or product comparison, desktop + 2 screens is really the only way to go)

 

[KeithTalent]

That Surface Pro 3 is looking pretty sweet. May look into getting one of those since it would be a nice way to bridge the gap between my desktop and my tablet/phone.

KT

 

[shortylickens]

That Surface Pro 3 is looking pretty sweet. May look into getting one of those since it would be a nice way to bridge the gap between my desktop and my tablet/phone.

KT

I saw the reviews. Its friggen expensive.

They wont be proper replacements until they are the same price for the same features as a desktop.

 

[OBLAMA2009]

the best buy ceo said a few days ago that tablet sales are crashing. once people have a tablet and see how much they dont use it they dont buy the next generation. i dont think tablets will ever totally replace desktops, they are too limited in terms of computing power, battery life and screen size. also the high cost of data has made tablets not that much more convenient than a laptop. for tablets to really replace pc's youd have to have fast intel chips and nearly unlimited data

 

[nageov3t]

the best buy ceo said a few days ago that tablet sales are crashing. once people have a tablet and see how much they dont use it they dont buy the next generation. i dont think tablets will ever totally replace desktops, they are too limited in terms of computing power, battery life and screen size. also the high cost of data has made tablets not that much more convenient than a laptop. for tablets to really replace pc's youd have to have fast intel chips and nearly unlimited data

at least speaking as a tablet owner, the upgrades from generation to generation just aren't worth the huge expense.

every app I use runs fine on my iPad currently, why buy a new one before this one breaks? getting an extra half a pixel isn't worth it, and given that 90% of my usage occurs inside my house, it's not like battery life is a big selling point like it would be with a smart phone. (seriously, give me 4 extra hours on my phone at the same specs and I'd upgrade today)

 

[Leyawiin]

When I'm on the couch watching TV I'm constantly grabbing my iPad to look up something I just saw. Its really handy for that. When I want to do serious research or shopping I do it on my desktop. Its just a lot faster (more powerful, keyboard, mouse, etc...). Not to mention gaming which I don't think I'll ever give up.

 

[vbuggy]

... when y'all are a foot tall.

 

[Fritzo]

That Surface Pro 3 is looking pretty sweet. May look into getting one of those since it would be a nice way to bridge the gap between my desktop and my tablet/phone.

KT

That and the fact that Microsoft finally started marketing them correctly. The other Surface versions would have sold a lot more if they were branded as ultrathin laptops instead of iPad competitors.

 

[Newell Steamer]

For me - never.

I use the iPad to:
* surf the web
* quick search stuff while playing video games
* e-mail
* watch videos
* listen to music
* place a quick order for something (cigars, etc.)

I use the PC/Mac to:
* play video games
* work (excel, word, etc.)

Unless there is a suitable piece of hardware that can do all of the above (swivel laptops are an abomination,.. and they are not capable of TEH GRAPFIX), I will always have both.

 

[ElFenix]

laptops are better in bed for watching things. i need an acute angle between the screen and my chest in order to see it well, and you can't do that with a tablet stand. laptop? no problem.


edit: is that typecover actually mechanical?

 

[WHAMPOM]

When a tablet comes with a mechanical keyboard, an SD slot, 500GB+ drive, and a mouse, I'm all in.

That is called a dock and a back up program. All add-ons of your own choice.

 

[JulesMaximus]

With the size of files I open and work with in Excel there is no way a tablet would work for me.

 

[Imp]

Just give me my damn keyboard, mouse, and big screen.

I don't care what the actual computer part looks like as long as it's quiet, small, and easily serviceable -- I have none of these right now, even the last one because my case is so cramped.

 

[Midwayman]

I think the real answer is eventually mobile and desktop will use the same cpu/gpu but with different TDP. Its already drifting that way. Maybe eventually your phone docks or syncs with your desktop so its like using the same machine, just with a larger screen, real keyboard, etc. I can't ever seen using just a phone form factor, or tablet. However it all being the same hardware underneath I can easily see happening.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Hopefully never. It would be frustrating trying to do anything productive on a tiny touch screen. Sadly the industry seems to be wanting it to happen so it eventually will. At that point think I will quit computers and do something else.

 

[Zodiark1593]

i stopped played games so i use my desktop for:
1) web surfing
2) word/excel

the limiting factor for my phone is the screen size.
i have the Droid which is 854x480.

the best bang for the buck tablet (~$100) in terms of screen size is the Nexus 7 (1900x1200).
but the limiting factor for the Nexus 7 (1900 x 1200) is that there's no microSD slot.
(what idiot approved of a no microSD slot design?!)

other phones/tablets that has good specs costs as much as a desktop.

so i guess for me is to wait for the 3rd gen Nexus 7 where they hopefully will include a SD slot.

How about you?

When a phone/tablet can perform real time ray tracing at 16K resolution and 240 frames a second.

Since there isn't a desktop alive that can manage that, the mobile platform will lag behind for much longer yet.

 

[MongGrel]

Probably not in my lifetime.

I like my big towers

 

[Humpy]

Just give me my damn keyboard, mouse, and big screen.

I don't care what the actual computer part looks like as long as it's quiet, small, and easily serviceable -- I have none of these right now, even the last one because my case is so cramped.

That's all I care about too, that an easy to see display reacts seamlessly with the input I give. I'd prefer for the actual "computer" to disappear completely.

The NUC with proper cabling almost suits my need.

 

[Mai72]

Never son.

NEVER!!!

The smartphone/tablet will only supplement the PC.

 

[Maximilian]

I don't know why people are so interested in seeing their favorite computing platform replace the rest. There is no perfect tool for all needs.

This.

You can pry my desktop/laptop/phone/tablet from my cold dead fingers

 

[John Connor]

I love my keyboaded laptop and desktop. I will most likly NEVER use a tablet. I don't have a damn smartphone either just a blackberry like Tracphone. I would like to have Google glass though.

 

[Fritzo]

laptops are better in bed for watching things. i need an acute angle between the screen and my chest in order to see it well, and you can't do that with a tablet stand. laptop? no problem.


edit: is that typecover actually mechanical?

Yes they are mechanical, and the Zagg Keys Folio is awesome. Even has backlit keys. It essentially turns your tablet into a laptop.

 

[Jumpem]

Never. Small screens and the lack of a keyboard and mouse make them just toys to use in a pinch.