Do you think the desktop is dead?

[SAWYER]

I was listening to a podcast and Paul Thurrott made an interesting point about traditional computer use. He claimed that there really hasnt been a significant new desktop app in years an the top 10 applications are nothing more than basic stuff like anti virus etc.

So gaming aside and serious computer work such as coding, video work etc..do you think the traditional desktop od forever gone? A whole new generation is coming up on touchscreens and no keyboards or mice, what does atot say?

 

[Brainonska511]

For the average consumer, the necessity of a desktop is rapidly declining, but I would hardly say they are dead.

 

[PieIsAwesome]

I was listening to a podcast and Paul Thurrott made an interesting point about traditional computer use. He claimed that there really hasnt been a significant new desktop app in years an the top 10 applications are nothing more than basic stuff live anti virus etc.

So gaming aside and serious computer work such as coding, video wok etc..do you think the traditional desktop od forever gone? A whole new generation is coming up on touchscreens and no keyboards or mice, what does atot say?

I don't see how it can be gone if its still needed for actual work. Touchscreens and tablets are terrible for productivity. They are toys. Even laptops are pretty terrible without a bigger screen and mouse.

 

[lxskllr]

What desktop program is needed? The desktop's role as sole computing device may be waning, but there will be a use for the foreseeable future.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Most folks I know that don't game, use laptops and tablets now at home. At work, everyone has a laptop.

 

[lxskllr]

Most folks I know that don't game, use laptops and tablets now.

For the purpose of this discussion, I consider all keyboard driven computers equal.

 

[rudeguy]

For the purpose of this discussion, I consider all keyboard driven computers equal.

nein!

A laptop is not a desktop.

 

[mmntech]

For the average consumer, yes. Though they'll live on as a niche product for gamers and artists who need a something with a bit more power, flexibility, and storage than laptops offer.

In the business world, they'll be around for quite some time. Most offices still use them for work stations or heavy duty tasks. We use desktops for bulk video encoding and generating 3D graphics for on air. A laptop wouldn't be up to snuff to handle that.

Even laptops though I see going by the wayside for consumers as tablets get faster. I did a quick search on Geekbench benchmarks comparing the Apple A7 in the Air to desktop grade CPUs. It seems to hover around a Core 2 Duo 2.4ghz Penryn. Which actually makes it faster than my C2D 2ghz laptop, all be it with less RAM.

While the iPad is arguably far less flexible than a laptop, it does what most consumers need a computer to do. Surf the web, watch videos, listen to music, play casual games. More importantly, it's idiot proof. It lacks complicated file systems, doesn't require maintenance, and is immune to viruses for the most part. It's fast enough to do these jobs while at the same time being far more portable than just about every laptop out there.

 

[Capt Caveman]

For the purpose of this discussion, I consider all keyboard driven computers equal.

Including using a blue tooth keyboard with a tablet?

 

[BurnItDwn]

Desktops are shrinking in size and getting cheaper, or, they are being sold as a premium option.

They are no longer the starchild of the universe, however, they are anything but dead.

 

[Vdubchaos]

Never

It will just take time for people to realize that Tablet/smart phone crap is just a gimmick.

These devices are my last resort. Desktop > Laptop > tablet/smartphone

One thing I will say is that these devices are great for travel.....and toilet material.

But when it comes to anything more than visual stuff, i will always prefer Desktop. I simply refuse to type or do anything other than read on these devices.

They are gimmicks/nice to haves and great travel companion.

 

[purbeast0]

far from dead. they aren't leaving the workforce anytime soon.

me personally though i don't use my desktop much at home at all. i use my laptop to browse around the net and stuff when watching tv. but when i'm doing dev work at home on my laptop, i wish i could be doing it on my desktop because i have dual monitors, and a real keyboard/mouse is nicer than the touchpad.

i think for the average joe though, who isn't doing any work or gaming, desktops are dwindling down. there is just no need for them over a laptop, or even a tablet in many instances.

 

[lxskllr]

Including using a blue tooth keyboard with a tablet?

Maybe... Not at the moment, but I can see it in the not too distant future. To me, the benchmark for being a serious computer is whether or not it can competently run AutoCAD. That requires precise mousework, and quick, error free text entry. A computer that can do that is a desktop, or facsimile.

 

[TraumaRN]

They'll just be a niche product. Even in my hospital while we have lots of laptops, all our computers for doctors and nurse workstations are desktops. And since I'm helping with a move to a new charting system know for a fact that we are ordering hundreds if not thousands of new desktops with HD monitors.

 

[JamesV]

He claimed that there really hasnt been a significant new desktop app in years an the top 10 applications are nothing more than basic stuff like anti virus etc.

He sounds like one of those rose colored glasses tech dabblers.

What 'significant' phone app has come out, ever? The only thing a phone can do, that isn't practical for a PC, are apps like Instagram. Sure I could take pics via a webcam, or even with my DSLR attached and controlled by my PC, but it isn't worth it.

Things like maps are becoming less important to phones, since many new cars have it built in.

Perhaps he is thinking of Facebook/Twitter, and how great (?) it is to stay glued to your phone while outside your house? Or that he can find the nearest Chinese restaurant while already out? Now that is significant.

 

[mode101wpb]

No, not for me and my profession. I use 3D CAD, FEA and etc. software and Desktops are still King of the hill and will be for the foreseeable future.

 

[IronWing]

Laptops are great for real work... as long as they come with a docking station, external monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

At home I run a desktop and laptop. The desktop gets 95% of the use. I haven't come up with a compelling reason to drop the desktop yet. By the time I need a new computer the performance/cost ratio may tilt in favor of a laptop.

I haven't really thought of a use for a tablet yet that doesn't involve an expensive data plan for what would be a toy.

 

[Kaido]

Mixed feelings on this.

Nicely-equipped 15" Toshiba laptop for $229: (regular price...at Best Buy)

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2351976

4" x 4" barebones desktop from Intel starting at $159:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2289083

Gaming is fun on the PC, but it's sure getting expensive. $500 for a video card every year or two...ouch! I don't think you can beat a keyboard & mouse for input. Touchscreen stinks for typing. Voice to text is too much effort.

Honestly though, I use my iPhone 90% of the time - calls, video chat, social media, looking up questions on google, checking out a quick website, taking a picture & doing basic photo editing, reading email, etc. At home, I usually only sit on my computer when I want to nef here, when I want to type a lot (like emails or blogs), or when I'm doing a video editing project. And the occasional Steam game.

I like the idea of Chromebooks. I think I've settled on the new HP model - 11.6" IPS screen for $279. I'm using an ancient Dell laptop basically for the same purpose, as kind of an around-the-house lounger, but it's a brick haha. Not in any rush though, so maybe for Christmas.

The new iPad Air is a tremendous product. It feels like the future. I honestly didn't think the half-pound weight difference would matter much, but it's the difference between it being a "tablet" and it feeling like a device from Star Trek. It feels exactly how it's supposed to feel - thin, light, easy to hold in one or two hands, great screen, great battery life, awesome touchscreen interface (no lag, multi-touch, etc.).

I don't think desktops will ever go away, because people like having large screens to look at, keyboards & mice to use, and sitting down. I think a lot more people are going to be using laptops now that you can get a decent model for $230. I think a lot more people would buy those if they realized that they could use them in place of desktops thanks to the HDMI/VGA output & USB ports for full-sized keyboards & mice, but most people don't realize they can do that.

He has a point. We're not really doing anything new - stuff just gets more bloated as time goes on. Office 2013 is pathetic. It launches slow & it has lag. And all you do is TYPE in it! At least Adobe got their act together with the latest version of Adobe Reader, no more slug-mode. Windows 8 is confusing for most people to use, especially since most of humanity has been on the Start-button system since 1995 (18 years now?).

Will desktops die? No. Will their role be diminished? Yes. If people knew they could use laptops as desktops and hook them up to monitors etc., there would be even more use. If people knew that modern laptops are just as good as desktops for everything but heavy gaming & those type of activities, they generally wouldn't insist on a desktop computer at home with a laptop for around-the-house use. So there's some perception issues in the general public, for sure.

 

[Kaido]

Laptops are great for real work... as long as they come with a docking station, external monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

At home I run a desktop and laptop. The desktop gets 95% of the use. I haven't come up with a compelling reason to drop the desktop yet. By the time I need a new computer the performance/cost ratio may tilt in favor of a laptop.

I haven't really thought of a use for a tablet yet that doesn't involve an expensive data plan for what would be a toy.

More laptops need to come with docking stations imo. People love dropping their laptops onto a clickable docking station. And I've found people would rather just plug their stuff in manually than use those horrible USB 3.0 quasi-docks. Dell has the new Wi-Gig docks which are pretty cool, but you still have to plug in the laptop, which means having a messy-looking cord dangling somewhere, instead of a nice, neat dock with everything already hooked up in one place.

 

[notposting]

No, no I don't (and I believe he means "the desktop" like the Windows desktop -- ie can you do everything in "apps").

The answer is no, or I sure as hell don't want to try.

Groundbreaking must have programs for the desktop in the last 10 years? Maybe not.

But plenty of programs I DO NOT want to dick around with on my phone or tablet, or sometimes even my laptop.

When I'm going through piles of music on my desktop I have two monitors (and sometimes wish for 3), with Tuneup, iTunes, WMP, couple Explorer windows, couple browser windows (for wiki/album info, and cover art) mp3tag, all open.

When I'm cleaning up the MyMovies DVD imports on our server, I may have Collection Management and a couple Explorer windows open.

I want to be able to sort things easily by different criteria, scroll through my connection to a network device hooked up via Gb LAN, and do it quickly.

I want to be able type quickly, accurately and easily ESPECIALLY when it is things the helpful auto-correct libraries will only bungle.

We will be sticking with our desktops for quite a while. And also using phones, tablets, and laptops when they are the best tool for the job.

 

[z1ggy]

Not dead. Won't be for atleast another 15-20 years IMO.

Places like where I work, that don't embrace technology (cough cough Navy contractors) will use PCs long after they are not to be considered "mainstream". Also, a gaming niche will probably always exist because PC gaming will want to compete with console gaming for market share.

 

[Svnla]

Maybe for consumers at home but at the office, desktops are still kings.

 

[Kaido]

We will be sticking with our desktops for quite a while. And also using phones, tablets, and laptops when they are the best tool for the job.

I think that's really what it comes down to - the best tool for the job. Computers are the primary thing I blow money on, and I've been through so many toys in the last few years...some current & future ones:

iPhone: In my pocket all day, on my nightstand at night. #1 most-used electronic devices.
iPad: Mostly for entertaining the kiddo - kid's games, movies in the car.
Kindle: Reading novels primarily.
Computer: Video editing, typing, surfing.
Roku: TV apps (Netflix etc.). Replaced my HTPC. Just needs emulators!!
Chromebook: Couch computer. I'm using an old laptop right now, but I'm planning on replacing it with an 11" chromebook - long battery life, just simply Internet access with a keyboard. Grab it anywhere in the house & chill.
GPS: I still prefer having a dedicated GPS device in the car.
21" Android Tablet: HP has a 21" Android tablet (basically an AIO computer) for $399. Could definitely see one by the front door for shopping lists, shared family calendars, etc. and another in the kitchen for looking up recipes, listening to Pandora while cooking, etc.

That's a ridiculous number of devices, but they're all useful in their own very specific way. I think even up until I graduated high school in 2001, we only had one family computer in the house (with dial-up, yuck!). No cell phones, no laptops, I think we had a DVD player on the tube TV and a cordless phone. And that was all the technology. Amazing how things have changed in such a short period of time!

 

[Capt Caveman]

Maybe for consumers at home but at the office, desktops are still kings.

If you consider laptops with docking stations, that's the trend in the office.

 

[destrekor]

Most folks I know that don't game, use laptops and tablets now at home. At work, everyone has a laptop.

Most people, all they do is browse the shallow internet, like facebook, twitter, news websites, email of some sort, etc.

If I wanted to teach my folks how to get around with a tablet (no clue if I'd convince them to go iPad, Android, or Surface, probably Android since mom has a Droid), I could pretty easily get them to everything they want, including fantasy football, on a tablet.

They were solely desktop-only forever, recently got a cheap laptop so they could do fantasy football (mostly, if not solely the reason lol) from anywhere in or outside of the home. They don't really need the full OS experience 99% of the time.
The 1% of the time is when someone else is over needing to work on documents (itself beyond rare), or when they want to work on a resume or something. I've actually gotten more use out of their computers, in terms of the full Windows experience, than they have.



For most people who need Windows even a little bit, the most economical and practical solution is actually a laptop and dock. Get them setup for a desktop-like experience with display, keyboard and mouse... and if they want to go portable, just remove the laptop from the dock.
You could teach them to just connect the cables without the dock, but it's that much easier (I'd go that route too, because I like to be lazy).

Of course, if they need power, while that can work, it becomes more economical for the desktop, since cramming power into laptops (depending on purpose) can be mighty expensive.

If I didn't play games, and I was a coder or something, I'd definitely go with a beastly laptop. It would be on a dock at a computer desk, or act as a true laptop elsewhere.