Ben Tremmel
Mr. Reuter
Economics B2
17 March, 2015
Desktops
With the technology of electronic products constantly increasing in proficiency and power, we see a older products decline in popularity to the extent to where production of this product completely seases. Weather it’s because the device can simply do the outdated machines job faster, or the trade off’s of the product is more appealing than that of its competitor it is more than apparent that this transition is and has been occurring. Evident enough that this transition is occurring one need look no further than the desktop pc, which has somewhat declined in popularity amongst the majority of consumers whereas smaller devices such as tablets and smartphones have sparked in popularity.
During the 1990’s personal computers received a sharp spark in popularity due to their smaller size, and greater reliability in comparison to that of it’s predecessor models. From this spark in popularity of personal computers many professions such as film making, and design saw rapid revolutions due to the creation of other various programs which simplified the responsibilities and tasks of those with in these fields. However, during the early 2000’s laptops were introduced which did divert a minimum amount of attention from desktop computers.This is because at the time the performance of a desktop couldn’t be completely contained into a smaller portable device. Given that a laptop could do the majority of what the average consumer desired, and was also moblie it appealed to consumers taste and with time grew more and more popular.
It wasn’t until 2013 did the amount of desktops being purchased received a noticeable decline. During 2013, 341,273 desktops were shipped worldwide a year later this amount dropped to 299,342 whereas mobile phones and tablets grew slightly. In 2014 this change became even more apparent as the amount of tablets being shipped around the world was nearly the same quantity as that of desktop pc’s which continued to decline throughout the progression of that year. Given that the majority of phones and tablets are becoming increasingly more advanced, along with the ability to be easily moved acts as somewhat of an incentive for others to shift towards this devices as a desktop computer simply isn’t capable of being accessible whenever the user is on the go or travelling as desktops tend to be large, bulky, and require an active outlet to function.
Every piece of technology with time becomes more and more outdated due to competitors constantly pushing new boundaries, and their products to be more appealing to the common user. The desktop while still used today by a large quantity of people simply isn’t preferred by the majority of consumers. While of course production of desktops won’t cease within the next three years or so, it’s simply a matter of time before like the VHS, and record player the desktop computer fades into obscurity and then eventually dies.
Sources:
"Is the Desktop PC in Danger of Becoming Extinct? - PChelp4U." PChelp4U. 22 Dec. 2012. Web. 14 Mar. 2015.
"Are PCs Going Extinct? - DailyFinance." DailyFinance.com. Web. 14 Mar. 2015
Stammford, Connor. "Gartner Says Worldwide Traditional PC, Tablet, Ultramobile and Mobile Phone Shipments On Pace to Grow 7.6 Percent in 2014." Gartner Says Worldwide Traditional PC, Tablet, Ultramobile and Mobile Phone Shipments On Pace to Grow 7.6 Percent in 2014. 8 Jan. 2014. Web. 14 Mar. 2015.
"Could I Really Ditch My Laptop for an IPad? - CNET." CNET. Web. 16 Mar. 2015.
"Desktops, on the Verge of Becoming the Next Fossil?" How to Launch NewGenLib Desktop at Server and Client PC ? Web. 16 Mar. 2015.
While I agree that Laptop's are going to out sell desktops, but desktops are not going anywhere at least for a while. Desktops are cheaper, easier to build, and be fit with more specs. While some day the trade offs may not be as large right now the are big enough to keep desktops in the market. Many business have desktop in there building only people who travel get laptop's now for the average American a laptop may be better. Though for companies, gamer's, or people who do specialized work like Photoshop or designing a desktop may be better. So as of right now and for at least another 5 to 10 years desktop's will stay in the market.
ReplyDeleteYeah the desktop market I feel will also be around for a while. Both You and I both know that building a desktop is cheaper, but also getting a better overall computer for the money you spend. The amount of time the desktop will be around for, I don't think you can put a number on. Notebooks are getting smaller and the processing power is getting comparable to desktops, but are not completely equal yet. I actually disagree with you on designers prefer desktops over laptops. If I had the option I would prefer a touch screen laptop over a desktop, so i could work on the go.
DeleteI agree that the number of laptop's is declining because the number of smart phones is increasing to to the prices like buy one get the second one for 1 cent, also the contract about it that makes the phones last longer. Comparing to the laptops the contract doesn't always come with the product because the sellers know that the buyers can break it and come for the new piece of the electronic.
ReplyDeleteBen, I think that it's great to see an article on this topic because it's not really a problem that the vast majority of people would take notice to. Given that the technology is still increasing, would you think that it would be a fair assumption to assume that eventually laptops would be able to processes the same amount, if not surpass, what is possible on desktops? Personally I believe that laptops are more beneficial for students as they're portable, easy to hold, and faster start up times making productivity more adverse working times and locations.
ReplyDeleteI can definitely understand why the popularity of desktop computers is decreasing. At my house we have a desktop computer, but we all use our laptops and that computer became so un-used that now we just keep it unplugged. I can’t really see myself ever purchasing a desktop when I could just buy a laptop; laptops can do the same thing and they’re smaller and portable. It would greatly behoove consumers to buy a laptop over a desktop because laptops are clearly better. This post also mentioned that the use of tablets and smartphones could possibly decrease laptops sales, but I can’t really see that happening. Tablets and smartphones are great and have gotten a lot better, but they still lack many qualities that people look for in like keyboards and mouses. So while desktop sales may be decreasing due to other products, I think that laptops will stay popular for a long time.
ReplyDeleteLaptops and other portable devices are much more convenient for most people than desktops because you can take them everywhere you go. Also, they don’t rely on an electrical outlet like you said (besides when they need to be charged) so that makes consumers want to use them more. Personally, I prefer laptops over desktops because of how much more convenient they are. I liked how you included a graph that compares the sales of desktops and laptops.
ReplyDeleteMy sister actually bought a desktop computer about a year and a half ago. I like it a lot more than my laptop, and though it might not be portable, it runs way faster and is compatible with a lot more programs. Not to mention it has a potentially much larger screen than a laptop, maybe even multiple screens. It would behoove people who enjoy PC games and extensive designing to invest in a desktop rather than a laptop, because though laptops are increasing in capabilities and cool features, the desktop still holds the gold for ability to run all programs at a reasonable speed. Laptops are able to run some complex programs, but at what cost? It overall slows the process of the computer, while desktops are made to run those kind of things. Personally, I prefer desktops over laptops.
ReplyDeleteThe rise of mobile technology has grown rapidly since the turn of the century, but like you said, the proliferation of laptops has not replaced the desktop simply because of the inability of laptops to match the performance of desktops in regards to processing speeds, graphics capability, and resolutions/displays, and any laptops that can perform at desktop levels in regards to the aforementioned items tend to be far too expensive when desktops of greater superiority tend to be equally priced if not less. Once mobile computers can boast widespread performance statistics that the advanced desktops have, I expect an explosion in laptop sales, as people tend to favor the portability of laptops, but want the power of desktops. The increase in mobile computers will also create the demand for greater integration between phones, computer watches, and tablets, putting increased pressure and importance on the network companies. Will desktops be surpassed? Yes. Will it be rapid? Likely not. Regardless, it will happen, and the desktop will be consigned to history, like VHS and record players before it.
ReplyDeleteYou made good points throughout the post. While desktops have their own uses that other devices are not capable of, it is not as convenient as a portable device, so many people choose to purchase the convenient choice. Most consumers probably are not interested in the desktop computers because they wouldn't need the extra functions. With that said, I agree that the desktop is fading from the market.
ReplyDeleteYou argument was very clear about desktops. I didn’t really think about how they were going more and more out of style, but now I can see that they’re going extinct. The trade off of buying a Mac instead is worth it for the majority for consumers, due to their faster speed. However, desktops won’t be totally gone because some consumers don’t want all the extra stuff Macs have and will go for a simple desktop again
ReplyDeleteI do understand why laptops and tablets are gaining in popularity, seeing as most consumers don't need the full functionality and pure power that desktop computers offer, but desktop computers will still be around for a while because for some, laptops or tablets just aren't an option. With a desktop, you can build a computer to fit your needs, for usually a much cheaper price as a laptop computer with the same specifications. Desktops also have the option to completely and easily swap out components at will as things break or become outdated which you cannot do with a laptop or tablet, forcing you to buy a completely new device. Also, because laptops and tablets are marketed as being portable, even the most powerful laptops or tablets cannot hope to be as powerful as some desktops due to their size limitations. Until technology advances so much that the most powerful components can be fit into something the size of a smart phone, desktops will continue to live on.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that there has been a drastic decline in demand for desktop computers since laptops were introduced. If someone wanted to buy a laptop with the same specs as a desktop they will be paying a lot more than what they would for the desktop. Also, I think the statistic about how many desktops were shipped is kind of misleading, since there are many people who choose to just order the parts for their own PC build.
ReplyDeleteI remember back when I was around 10 years old my family got a new Dell desktop. In 8 shorts years we have advanced more than just one generation of technology to the lap top. But we use ipads and other tablets things that didn't even exist 8 years ago and now it has almost become the norm. Can't wait to see what we use in the next 8 years.
ReplyDeleteI remember back when I was around 10 years old my family got a new Dell desktop. In 8 shorts years we have advanced more than just one generation of technology to the lap top. But we use ipads and other tablets things that didn't even exist 8 years ago and now it has almost become the norm. Can't wait to see what we use in the next 8 years.
ReplyDeleteWhile it is certainly true that there has been a steep increase in laptops, smart phones, and tablets over the years, desktop computers will always be around due to the technological necessities that only larger and bulkier computers can hold. Things like archival footage and records are all stored in hard drives built for the more reliable PC rather than the flimsier and restrictive laptop.
ReplyDeleteI believe desktops will be around for a long time, because desktops will always be more power and cheaper (with similar stats) than any laptop. Plus you can customize a desktop really fast, while a laptop is very hard to do. Plus desktops are getting smaller and smaller as well,so that's not a factor. With technology getting more powerful and only desktops being the onlyones to hold all that power, they will be here for good.
ReplyDelete