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back to article Steve JOBS finally DEFEATS the PC - from BEYOND THE GRAVE

So it's official - the lifelong battle of legendary Apple CEO Steve Jobs is finally won, now that he has toppled the PC platform from beyond the grave: well, in the UK, at least. During Q1 this year more slablets were shipped into consumer and business channels than PCs - that's notebooks AND desktops COMBINED. Beancounting …

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  1. sandman

    No surprise

    It's not really much of a shock, how many people need a fully functioning PC as opposed to a portable media consumption and communication device? Add a bunch of useful apps and browser-based interaction and I reckon that's about most peoples needs satisfied.

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    1. ColonelClaw
      Reply Icon

      Re: No surprise

      Agreed. At work I have a mega-PC with lots of cores/GPUs/RAM/gerbils etc, but at home I am now finding I never need more than a tablet. It's a new wave of devices that aren't actually overpriced shit.

      6 1
    2. Another Justin
      Reply Icon

      Re: No surprise

      I have a tablet sat on my coffee table that I find myself using picking up very frequently for fairly standard "light internet use", reading e-mail, looking up film reviews, ordering takeaway etc... Its so much easier to just pick up a tablet and turn it off standby than having to walk across the room and wait for the PC to boot up.

      In reality about half the time I find myself giving up on these fairly straightforward tasks and using the PC anyway through sheer frustration at the effort of typing in password / card numbers, or some website with a dodgey drop down menu / JavaScript combo box that doesn't work properly without a mouse (I'm looking at you National Rail!). The one that really gets me is takeaway ordering - the tablet should be ideal for this but the ordering systems are so difficult to use that I generally just give up and use the PC anyway.

      Although many people don't "need" a full PC for these sorts of things, a lot of the time its just so much quicker and easier to do these simple tasks on a PC with a proper keyboard and mouse. The only way I can see this changing is if the average tablet also has a keyboard and mouse, which is kind of cheating really.

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  2. Hooksie

    Colour me shocked

    So the vast majority of people prefer to have a mobile internet enabled device that they can use on their couch rather than have a desktop PC that does far more than they need? Well, who would have thunk it.

    Of course it's all Microsoft's fault for releasing Windows 8. *sarcasm*

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    1. darklordsid
      Reply Icon

      Re: Colour me shocked

      Yes, a 25% contribution if you look at actual sales.

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  3. Ian Johnston Silver badge
    Thumb Down

    Prognostication

    As a result, consumers continued to opt for competitively priced tablets, particularly the new 7-inch devices.

    Seven inch devices, eh? The ones Mr Jobs said had too small a screen to be of any possible use - a claim repeated by his fan club at every possible opportunity, often using apps on their iPhones to broadcast their (received) opinions.

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    1. El_Fev
      Reply Icon
      Thumb Down

      Re: Prognostication

      Couple of points .

      1) Apple created the market , with the likes of you saying it was a toy and would never take off, sounds like a woman's sanitary product etc. etc. ...sssshhhh there's a good lad.

      2) People get the 7" BECAUSE IT IS CHEAPER! , The bigger screen gives a better experience, but if it was a choice between the two at the same price, who do you think would win. you utter utter cretin.

      Now get back to crying over your galaxy note, while wishing you could afford a proper iPad you deluded little man

      4 34
      1. Timmy B
        Reply Icon
        WTF?

        Re: Prognostication

        Good lordy lord. Somebody got out of bed on the wrong side.

        5 1
        1. Anonymous Coward
          Reply Icon
          Anonymous Coward

          Re: Prognostication

          I wouldn't say so. It is the response of someone who is irritated by asinine regtard comments. I read the first post and thought "Ian sounds like a typical ignorant fandroid. Comes out with utter shite to feel better about his own technology choices. How pathetic."

          2 9
      2. phr0g
        Reply Icon

        Re: Prognostication

        Give me a 10" Galaxy Note over a glorified app launcher with the wrong shaped screen any day. Even if the note cost more.

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      3. Tegne
        Reply Icon
        Thumb Down

        Re: Prognostication

        My wife has not used her PC since November when I got her a Nexus 7. That thing goes with her everywhere as it's an ideal size. But I can tell you this - there's no way she'd be lugging a 10" tablet in her bag.

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      4. Anonymous Coward
        Reply Icon
        Anonymous Coward

        Re: Prognostication

        @El_Fev

        The convenience of the 7" format should not be underestimated - my wife has gone off to her Uni's summer school with my 7" Nook HD in preference to her 10" Galaxy Tab 2. In every way other than screen res the Tab2 is a better product, so the form factor must be the reason for her preference.

        Aside: Last year after listening to her talk of what she wanted, I took her to the big JL in Oxford Street. A 7" tablet looked like a good fit, and the iPad mini had just been released. So she would be able to compare the iPad mini against Nexus 7, Kindle Fire, and Galaxy Tab 7". I thought she would go for the iPad mini, but she preferred the 10" Tab2.

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        1. JEDIDIAH
          Reply Icon
          Linux

          Re: Prognostication

          The missus was an iFan early adopter. She had her iPad1 probably before a lot of the fanboys here even ever saw one. Once she saw my 7" Tab2 she was immediately hooked and dumped all of her Apple products. While it was true that it was an impulse buy because of it's price, the price tag had nothing to do with the larger device with the fruity logo being immediately DUMPED.

          Apple (and fanboys) showed open contempt for end users with a shred of independent thought or creativity and was soundly proven wrong.

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          1. El_Fev
            Reply Icon

            Re: Prognostication

            Your lying , your missus dumped off 500 pounds worth of iPad for a smaller Tab 2. pull the other one its got bells on you lying git!

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            1. JEDIDIAH
              Reply Icon
              Linux

              Re: Prognostication

              > Your lying , your missus dumped off 500 pounds worth of iPad for a smaller Tab 2.

              Like I said. Not everyone wants the same black Model-T.

              Contrary to the opinion of the fascists-in-denial, one size does not fit all.

              Apple is not "inevitable". We don't have to turn the iPad into the next MS-DOS.

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        2. El_Fev
          Reply Icon
          Paris Hilton

          Re: Prognostication

          Well its true when given a woman has a choice between 7" and 10" .... sorry couldn't resist :) lol

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      5. csumpi
        Reply Icon
        Stop

        Re: Prognostication

        " People get the 7" BECAUSE IT IS CHEAPER! "

        BS. People get the 7" because it's portable and easier to hold than the 10". The 7" fits in my coat or back pocket. It's also not an ergonomic design disaster like the 10" (especially 10" with metal case that has edges to create cut marks), so my wrist doesn't feel like it's going to break after 10 minutes of use.

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        1. El_Fev
          Reply Icon

          Re: Prognostication

          Again your lying , you do not putt 7" tablet in your back pocket, it barley fits in a coat pocket. I know because I have a kindle touch, and that barely fits in my trouser pocket and that's only because I'm massive! Over 5 Inches goes in a bag, and if you have problems holding an ipad with your wrist I suggest you go to a gym once in a while! sweet jesus

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          1. Anonymous Coward
            Reply Icon
            Anonymous Coward

            Re: Prognostication

            My 7" tablet-Nexus 7- fits into the front pocket on my jeans. Even while I'm wearing them. Not particularly comfy, but doesnt stop me walking round Tesco, work, etc. Same with my Galaxy Note- that's actually perfectly pocket sized.

            And as you brought up your size, I've got an entirely reasonable 36-inch waist. So no parachute-like pockets here.

            A 10" tablet would be thoroughly impractical if you want to carry it, though it's probably nicer to use around the house.

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      6. David 138
        Reply Icon

        Re: Prognostication

        i bought a 7" because it was smaller for reading and carrying around. If i wanted a weighty lump to carry around i would have bought a laptop....or an ipad.

        But a tablet is for quick jobs, anything more like ordering, typing chatting is a chore. PCs still have their place and will recover but it is a little slow at the moment. There is no new hardware for gamers, businesses are downsizing so don't need any and alot of people are buying the newest toys e.g tablets.

        The real question is will anyone buy another tablet?

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      7. JEDIDIAH
        Reply Icon
        Linux

        Re: Prognostication

        > People get the 7" BECAUSE IT IS CHEAPER! , The bigger screen gives a better experience,

        No. The 7" screen gives you a better experience depending on your use case.

        Contrary to popular fascist opinion, people are different. One size really does not fit all. There is room (nay desire) for more than one option in the market. Not everyone wants the same black Model-T.

        Inherently cheaper devices only serve as a "gateway drug" to clue people in that they don't need to be a slave to one particular brand.

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        1. Anonymous Coward
          Reply Icon
          Anonymous Coward

          Not Fascists...

          ...it's the commies screaming that 7" screen is the best and everyone else is stupid for disagreeing with them.

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      8. paulll
        Reply Icon

        Re: Prognostication

        I have a 7" tablet because IT FITS IN MY POCKET YOU UTTER UTTER CRETIN. As I've said before around here, a 10" tablet requires some kind of bag which will just as easily carry a laptop which obviates a 10" tablet.

        Jobs was an industrial designer in the same way as Colin and fucking Justin are interior designers.

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        1. Don Jefe
          Reply Icon
          Happy

          Re: Prognostication

          Do you mean interior designers or decorators? Just curious.

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        2. John L Ward
          Reply Icon
          Pint

          Re: Prognostication

          Wow.

          Chill.

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        3. elderlybloke
          Reply Icon
          Happy

          Re: Prognostication

          Hello paulll

          Please Sir don't get your tits in a tangle over this.

          It is only some bits of shiny metal that you play with to pass the time.

          Don't worry-be Happy.

          TTFN

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          1. paulll
            Reply Icon
            Happy

            Re: Prognostication

            @elderlybloke - Don't worry, my tits are decidely non-tangled. The shouty bit was parodying el_fev, the rest was casual observation with a bit of casual swearing chucked-in 'cos it's fun.

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    2. Anonymous Coward 15
      Reply Icon

      It's not the size

      It's how you use it.

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      1. Cipher
        Reply Icon
        Joke

        Re: It's not the size

        Correct, the magic is in the way the wand is waved, not how large it is...

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  4. Babbit55

    Hybrids

    You have to wonder what these hybrid devices count as. I am actually quite keen on something like a Asus Vivopad smart though it would need significantly more HDD space to replace my work machine.

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    1. phr0g
      Reply Icon
      Thumb Up

      Re: Hybrids

      I thought that too.

      I *need* a new tablet as my Samsung 8.9 is going to a sprog :)

      I want one with a 10+ " screen, preferably at least fullHD and definitely one with an OS with true multi-usewr support.

      That leaves me with Windows 8 (or possibly Linux on a Nexus 10, but then there is no warranty).

      So I am toying with the idea of the likes of the Acer W700 or Lenovo Yoga 13. I have until September to decide :)

      1 0
      1. paul 97
        Reply Icon

        Re: Hybrids

        doesn't the android update 4.2 add multi user support on tablets?

        Still - I'd love a proper linux on a tablet.

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        1. Babbit55
          Reply Icon

          Re: Hybrids

          I was playing with the Asus w510, seems like a nice piece of kit, maybe on the small side at 10.1in though I am not sure I would want much larger for what is really designed to be a portable device

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        2. phr0g
          Reply Icon

          Re: Hybrids

          "doesn't the android update 4.2 add multi user support on tablets?

          Still - I'd love a proper linux on a tablet."

          It does.

          But access to downloaded apps is per google account. So ultimately useless. I want to be able to download games and apps with my account, and also allow my kids (and SWMBO) to use them, without access to my mail or purchases.

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      2. Anonymous Coward
        Reply Icon
        Anonymous Coward

        Re: Hybrids

        phr0g me too need something 10+" by September. The current £799 for the 128G Surface pro +£99 for touch cover is too pricy but if I can get something similar with longer battery life from Haswell etc, for me the benefit of x86 apps is the killer feature over iPad or Android. Will be interesting to see what Lenovo are doing with upcoming models, I can't see this £900 for a detachable notebook lasting very long.

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  5. Rogue Jedi

    Tablet Persional Computers (a more legitamate use of the term than the Family PC, as tablets are usually persional, primaraly used by a single persion) are outselling Desktop and notebook PCs, ok but is that a victory for Jobs, apple has a 40% share, android has 59% (and Steve Jobs violently hated android).

    this looks to me more like a victory for Google

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  6. Neil B
    Go

    I'm a textbook case with my own consumption over the years moving from my tower -> laptop -> netbook -> Nexus tab. The phone is good but only when I don't have access to the tablet.

    But, I still need my tower for any serious work (design, programming, business docs, etc.), and of course any serious gaming, along with the Xbox. So really, you could say that the PC space is shedding those consumers who never actually needed a PC in the first place.

    Doesn't change the numbers, though.

    3 1
    1. Anonymous Coward
      Reply Icon
      Anonymous Coward

      > you could say that the PC space is shedding those consumers who never actually needed a PC in the first place

      You absolutely hit the nail on the head, there... whether they go to Apple or an Android, these folk radiate a "wow, this is what I always wanted my PC to be like" glow.

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      1. Anonymous Coward
        Reply Icon
        Anonymous Coward

        The Glow

        I'll have to agree with this sentiment. It is not that people don't need PC's, it is that a certain segment of current PC users don't need a PC - they want the access to the WWW and email, maybe one or two other things like music services, video chat or Facebook, but in reality just want a touch of the functionality of a PC but really don't want to be "bothered" by the technology itself. They just want a closed, no maintenance, no-thought consumer box that spits out the modest amount of functional power that they need and does not require an investment in time to learn or maintain.

        These types of people jumped on the PC bandwagon out of necessity but not choice - they wanted the abilities but the PC was the only way. They are barely functionally literate on PC even after all this time.

        The tablet is perfect for those unwashed masses. But to say that the PC is extinct...yeah. Sure. The hundreds of MILLIONS of PC running business and industry throughout the world will certainly disappear when tablets become just a bit more powerful [/sarcasm]. Get real: consumer market and business market are two completely different things. Business must justify an expenditure so upgrading is not frequent - we are simply in an business upgrade lull right now, Windows 8 is not enticing enough to invest in considering that the Windows 7 integration was still going on when Windows 8 arrived.

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      2. JEDIDIAH
        Reply Icon
        Linux

        Monopoly based mental block.

        > You absolutely hit the nail on the head, there... whether they go to Apple or an Android, these folk radiate a "wow, this is what I always wanted my PC to be like" glow.

        This has more to do with the fact that it isn't Windows than anything else. People have had this long established mental block encouraged by Lemming FUD. Everyone was conned into believing that PC equals DOS and Windows. Most users would have been better off served with something NOT from Microsoft. Yet the monopoly feedback loop and constant propaganda made everyone feel trapped.

        Tablets offered a fresh start with a product that superficially seems different than everything else.

        It allows people to get past the idea they can use only one brand of OS.

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        1. Anonymous Coward
          Reply Icon
          Anonymous Coward

          Re: Monopoly based mental block.... I think not

          @JEDEDIAH

          > This has more to do with the fact that it isn't Windows than anything else.

          Unfortunately not in my experience. I've tried very hard to get friends and colleagues to use Linux, and the experience for those who gave it a go was pretty much a mixed bag. They appreciated the improved stability but struggled with the learning curve and especially the document format complications. I certainly didn't see the kind of revelatory excitement that is associated with tablet-discovery - and I think the underlying reason is that a Linux box is a general-purpose computer & with power always comes complexity and a a learning curve.

          Especially for a non-technical end user, they need to filter out the many features that are not useful or relevant to them - Apple pretty much did that already with the iThings and Android is just conforming to that pattern, hence the tablet "wow".

          In the past I *have* seen new Mac users surprised by the superior usability of a Mac, but particularly pre-OSX there was a price to pay in loss of flexibility and generality compared to Linux and Windows.

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          1. JEDIDIAH
            Reply Icon
            Linux

            Re: Monopoly based mental block.... I think not

            Before the rise of the tablets, I would have had a problem just plain GIVING a Mac to a stubborn low impact WinDOS user. The brand fixation with Microsoft was a near impenetrable barrier. Now dumping Microsoft products seems a lot easier for them. I suspect that's due to tablets successfully displacing PCs.

            Suddenly it's not all Microsoft products anymore.

            The times, they are a changing...

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    2. Amorous Cowherder
      Reply Icon
      Pint

      Is it not diversity as you've suggested in you references to lots of technology? Are we seeing more diversified use, ie horses for courses?

      I was a PC fanatic but I find that an XBOX does fine for my gaming, the PC for my photo editing and uploading to sharing/stock sites and practically everything else is on my tablet, including checking on my social networks and general browsing. Slouch on the sofa, tablet up and running in seconds flat and you're chatting to Auntie Doris in Oz on Facebook, while watching an episode of something on TV or possibly in another window on the tablet itself.

      We have so much more choice of device now, ones designed to perform certain tasks perfectly, the PC is not the one-size-fits-all it used to be and is therefore fighting to maintain our attention when it comes to upgrade time. We often can't afford to upgrade all items at once, the manufacturers are cutting great deals on cheap tablets so being savvy consumers we're upgrading those while the prices are reasonably good.

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  7. Tim 11
    FAIL

    but which has the bigger installed base

    most people here seem to be overlooking the simple fact that the reason not many people bought a laptop last year isn't because they don't want one any more; it's because they already have one

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    1. Justice
      Reply Icon
      Meh

      Re: but which has the bigger installed base

      You beat me to it.

      I upgrade my system every 2-3 years rather than buy a new PC.

      Who seriously buys a new PC every year?

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    2. Anonymous Coward
      Reply Icon
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: but which has the bigger installed base

      No Tim. The notebook market has been mature for years. I would guess most users are now on anything from a 4th to an 8th machine. So the market has for long been settled down into a steady state of renewal purchases. In a mature market like this, a reduction in sales, is a reduction in sales, is a reduction in sales. Those sales rates are never coming back again. Sure the many customers may purchase another laptop at some point. But with tablets serving the needs of the average punter so well, their desire and motivation to do so has decreased considerably and the upgrade cycle will be far, far longer than it was before.

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      1. Anonymous Coward
        Reply Icon
        Anonymous Coward

        Re: but which has the bigger installed base

        No, the average age of a notebook has been increasing over the last few years so the replacement rate has been declining for years. To some extent this has been counterbalanced by more notebooks per household and some brand new users but now we are approaching saturation hence the net decline.

        When my son started primary school ten years ago, there was a survey showing fewer than 40% of children had access to PC and internet at home. Now he is at secondary school, a PC (Windows or Mac) at home is assumed and less than 4% or children don't have access to the tech at home and need to do homework at school after hours or whatever. Incidentally tablets don't meet all of this need so still a huge part of the household demographic requiring PC tech.

        If detachables/hybrids take off, we might see a decline of the 10" tablet and a return to PC tech, who knows.

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  8. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Windows 8 destroyed the PC>

    Sorry...

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    1. Phoenix50
      Reply Icon
      Stop

      Re: Windows 8 destroyed the PC>

      No, it didn't, hasn't and won't.

      Microsoft could have not bothered with Windows 8 and we'd be up to Windows 7 Service Pack 3 by now - it would have made no a single jot of difference:

      People don't refresh their computers every year

      Content consumption devices are plugging gaps in "need" for most, hence the rise of the tablet

      Technology is moving from a capital expenditure model to a subscription based one - though admittedly not with Windows (yet).

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      1. phr0g
        Reply Icon

        Re: Windows 8 destroyed the PC>

        "No, it didn't, hasn't and won't."

        Totally agree.

        My desktop is ancient...upgraded bit by bit every year or so.

        My laptop is 30 months old, but an i7 with a fast GPU (Asus G73). That will last at least another couple of years.

        PCs and laptops have peaked. They don't need to be any more powerful. They have batteries that can be replaced.

        Slabs on the other hand mostly don't have a replaceable battery (which WILL die) and a small amount of storage and memory. They are in their infancy and improving hugely all the time.

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