Is the laptop and personal freedom dead? - Page 2

Caltsar · 02-02-2011, 05:23 PM

I do see many people who have either already migrated to a tablet, or are planning to migrate to a tablet when they next replace their computers. The tablet, for them, is in fact replacing the laptop, but it doesn't replace their "real" computer. They're just getting a cheaper, more powerful desktop and using the tablet to replace most of what their laptop is used for.

To me this makes sense. I had a laptop because it was portable, but I always did most of my work on my desktop while the laptop got used for web browsing, chatting, email, and other simple tasks it was way too powerful for. The benefits of the laptop are lost to me now as tablets get better at replacing the everyday computing people do while not at their desks.

Of course, laptops and portable "real" computers will never be dead, but it's easy to see from the way people around me (and myself) are adopting new technology that the laptop will largely be replaced by a desktop/tablet combo... at least until some new form factor arrives to replace it.

ardeegee · 02-02-2011, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belle2Be

I've never heard this before. Whats the difference? Is it just semantics?

No, it is about the size-- the first "portable" computers were the size of suitcases with tiny CRT screens in them. Then came portable computers with LCD panels that were a mere 10 pounds or less and were small enough to hold on your lap. Then, some time in the early 1990s, manufacturers started producing portable computers that were around the size of a notebook-- and the term that stuck was notebook computer. If a portable computer has dimensions of around 8.5x11 inches or smaller, it is a notebook, not a laptop.

Dodge · 02-02-2011, 05:28 PM

No I don't think the laptop is dead. I like my laptop because I can do everything on it - programming, writing, surfing the web, and I like the size. The only drawback is weight. But it is superior for now

queentess · 02-02-2011, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodge

No I don't think the laptop is dead. I like my laptop because I can do everything on it - programming, writing, surfing the web, and I like the size. The only drawback is weight. But it is superior for now

My MacBookPro (it's for work, honest!) is only about 5.5 lbs. Not too shabby. CD drive and everything. If only it were not a Mac...

arkietech · 02-02-2011, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardeegee

No, it is about the size-- the first "portable" computers were the size of suitcases with tiny CRT screens in them. Then came portable computers with LCD panels that were a mere 10 pounds or less and were small enough to hold on your lap. Then, some time in the early 1990s, manufacturers started producing portable computers that were around the size of a notebook-- and the term that stuck was notebook computer. If a portable computer has dimensions of around 8.5x11 inches or smaller, it is a notebook, not a laptop.

A laptop to me is a device that runs an operating system (Microsoft 7). I can control what programs (from a large variety of sources) are loaded and run on it. I can also choose to remove stuff I don't want.

In the ipad I do not have this choice. I can select apps (all provided by Apple) as long as I pay for them and run them by Apple's rules. I choose not.

queentess · 02-02-2011, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arkietech

A laptop to me is a device that runs an operating system (Microsoft 7). I can control what programs (from a large variety of sources) are loaded and run on it. I can also choose to remove stuff I don't want.

In the ipad I do not have this choice. I can select apps (all provided by Apple) as long as I pay for them and run them by Apple's rules. I choose not.

What you're talking about is a walled garden, and has nothing to do with the definition of a laptop.

Girl Read Write · 02-02-2011, 06:08 PM

Laptops and iPads = apples and oranges

arkietech · 02-02-2011, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by queentess

What you're talking about is a walled garden, and has nothing to do with the definition of a laptop.

My laptop contains "walled gardens" of my choice.

the ipad is a "walled garden".

Belle2Be · 02-02-2011, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Girl Read Write

Laptops and iPads = apples and oranges

No, not so much. I agree! Can I upload PhotoshopCS4 and Lightroom2 to an iPad? Can I insert my SD cards and edit photos on an iPad? Can I store 60 GB's of photos on an iPad?
Does an iPad have Excel or Word? Bridge? Illustrator?
Just sayin. Maybe for some and the reasons they use laptop/tablet are the same, but I know for many it's simply not comparable.

teadonkey · 02-02-2011, 06:52 PM

I think that's what Girl Read Write was saying, Belle2Be. You can't compare iPads and laptops because they are used for different things. They CAN be used similarly, but laptops are more workhorses and iPads are more show ponies.

I don't want an iPad because I have an aversion to touch screens. However, I do see them as an all around entertainment device. Laptops CAN be that, but can also do a lot of work.

Belle2Be · 02-02-2011, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teadonkey

I think that's what Girl Read Write was saying, Belle2Be. You can't compare iPads and laptops because they are used for different things. They CAN be used similarly, but laptops are more workhorses and iPads are more show ponies.

I don't want an iPad because I have an aversion to touch screens. However, I do see them as an all around entertainment device. Laptops CAN be that, but can also do a lot of work.

Ugh you're right, I had a brain fart. Sorry Girl Read Write!

queentess · 02-02-2011, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arkietech

My laptop contains "walled gardens" of my choice.

the ipad is a "walled garden".

If it's your choice, it's not a walled garden. And yes, Apple is renown for being a closed system.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Girl Read Write

Laptops and iPads = apples and oranges

Yep. iPad =/= laptop. It's a tablet.

Format C: · 02-03-2011, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Girl Read Write

Laptops and iPads = apples and oranges

If Apple makes iPads, does Orange make laptops?

HarryT · 02-03-2011, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardeegee

No, it is about the size-- the first "portable" computers were the size of suitcases with tiny CRT screens in them.

The first generation of "portables" normally had gas plasma screens - mono screens where the text glowed orange on a black background. I had one, made by Olivetti. It was about the size of a large briefcase.

HarryT · 02-03-2011, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caltsar

I do see many people who have either already migrated to a tablet, or are planning to migrate to a tablet when they next replace their computers. The tablet, for them, is in fact replacing the laptop, but it doesn't replace their "real" computer. They're just getting a cheaper, more powerful desktop and using the tablet to replace most of what their laptop is used for.

I do my "real work" on a laptop (a Dell "XPS Studio 15", with a 15.6" screen). The iPad for me is a portable entertainment device.

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02-02-2011, 05:23 PM	#16
Caltsar Zealot Posts: 135 Karma: 86951 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Minnesota Device: nook Touch, iPad, iPhone	I do see many people who have either already migrated to a tablet, or are planning to migrate to a tablet when they next replace their computers. The tablet, for them, is in fact replacing the laptop, but it doesn't replace their "real" computer. They're just getting a cheaper, more powerful desktop and using the tablet to replace most of what their laptop is used for. To me this makes sense. I had a laptop because it was portable, but I always did most of my work on my desktop while the laptop got used for web browsing, chatting, email, and other simple tasks it was way too powerful for. The benefits of the laptop are lost to me now as tablets get better at replacing the everyday computing people do while not at their desks. Of course, laptops and portable "real" computers will never be dead, but it's easy to see from the way people around me (and myself) are adopting new technology that the laptop will largely be replaced by a desktop/tablet combo... at least until some new form factor arrives to replace it.

02-02-2011, 05:28 PM	#18
Dodge Sparks fly off my pages! Posts: 123 Karma: 250002 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Device: Kindle	No I don't think the laptop is dead. I like my laptop because I can do everything on it - programming, writing, surfing the web, and I like the size. The only drawback is weight. But it is superior for now

02-02-2011, 06:08 PM	#22
Girl Read Write Literary Goodness Posts: 57 Karma: 34 Join Date: Dec 2010 Device: Nook Color, iPad 2, iPhone 4, iPhone 5, Samsung Infuse	Laptops and iPads = apples and oranges

02-02-2011, 06:52 PM	#25
teadonkey Zealot Posts: 132 Karma: 2179008 Join Date: Jan 2011 Device: Kindle 3 WiFi	I think that's what Girl Read Write was saying, Belle2Be. You can't compare iPads and laptops because they are used for different things. They CAN be used similarly, but laptops are more workhorses and iPads are more show ponies. I don't want an iPad because I have an aversion to touch screens. However, I do see them as an all around entertainment device. Laptops CAN be that, but can also do a lot of work.