If you are one who follows the tech market, you know that the world of PCs seem to be dying out as the phrase “the death of the PC” is growing more commonplace as the decline of the market continues. However, not everyone in the tech world would agree, and for good reason.
Rob Enderle of Tech News World takes a look at the history of the PC and why it is now declining. Basically, he notes how in the beginning, companies excelled because their focus was bringing the technology to the individual user. However, over time, focus began to be turned into development of the server (IT) side, and the PC side suffered. As more personal devices have hit the market, they have become to people what the PC used to be. As Enderle puts it, “The personal computer isn't dying -- it's morphing from a device to an experience that's device-agnostic. Whatever you would previously have done with PC, you'll be able to do on a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, car unit, kiosk or wearable thingy.”
Ted Schandler of Forbes looks at is as replacement technology too, saying PCs are here to stay. In his opinion, PCs last longer, and so they are purchased less frequently. However, with the big push on mobile, and with more and more people using mobile devices for online activities, those devices get updated more often. Updated devices usually leads to people purchasing and upgrading those items much more frequently that they do their PCs. Schandler says people buy a new PC when they just “can’t live with the old one any longer,” which tends to be about 6 years for home computers and 4 years at work. I know for me personally this rings true. I buy a new PC maybe once every four to five years, but I purchase new or upgraded mobile devices every one to two years usually.
So, while mobile devices are the rage, and huge sellers in the market, the PC still has a central purpose in the home. Schandler puts it well stating, “People want the best tool for the job. Typing a blog, running a spreadsheet model, creating a presentation, closing the books, surfing the Internet are all (still) easier on a computer than a tablet, LapPhablet, smartphone, or TV.“ I agree! I use all kinds of mobile devices for quick access to looking things up, for social media, for keeping in touch, and more. Being mobile is freeing me to not be tethered to a desktop PC, but allows me to be out and about enjoying life yet still being productive in many ways. However, when it comes to real work, I cannot function without my PC.
The PC is therefore not really dying; it is just suffering from more competition in this multi-device world. No longer is the PC the only reliable source for doing these tasks, and so it does not get as much keystroke time, but it is still a staple in the lives of most all tech users. The closing comments by Schandler says it best, “Computers aren’t going away. They’ll just get better, more connected to things you care about, more agile in being the right tool or tools for the job, and more consistently integrated with other devices you own.”
So, while the tech market is growing and morphing in different ways, it is likewise important that your job search takes this into consideration. Being more mobile friendly in your skills is a huge plus (as I am even currently finding out in my career), so be sure to stay up with the latest in your field.
Image courtesy of Freedigitalphotos.net
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