Tablets do not replace PCs
We have three tablets in my household. We use them, but not all that much and certainly not for any kind of work. Everyone here has a laptop and everyone is either on that laptop or on a full-blown PC every single day. They are also on their phones about the same amount as the PCs.
Somebody is going to make a killing selling thin, light, capable PC notebooks. They can replace a desktop for most people. Tablets can't replace anything. Phones are something new. Getting a phone does not mean you don't need a PC and having a PC does not mean you don't need a smartphone. Two of these three things you actually need if you are to participate fully in our culture. The tablet is not one of them.
It is hard to predict things, especially the future, but here is what I think would be a desktop PC killer:
Notebook PC:
- Less than 2 pounds
- SSD
- 16GB RAM
- 4 core processor 2.5GHz/3.5GHz turbo
- Graphics to drive four monitors
- 3 HDMI ports
- Built in multi-port USB3 hubs
- The usual network connectivity
- NOT Windows 8.whatever
- Decent usable keyboard -- I have never seen one on a notebook
- storage spaces into which can go flash drives, small mouse and power adapter
- fast charge battery
- 16 inch 1920x1080 screen
Option -- available companion monitors that match and fit together with the notebook screen
Out of box experience should look like this:
Hey it booted already and is asking for my password. <Enters password> Hey, it is actually connected to the Internet on its own using a complimentary wifi access point. What the ... there is an unobtrusive welcome icon on the task bar. Hey, a free open source office suite pre-installed. The music player has a library with music in it and a complimentary account on a music service as well as internet radio stations ready to go. The Email works already on a complimentary account. My welcome Email tells me how to hook in my other accounts if I wish and how to access my complimentary online backup storage. Well, I'm a bit disappointed that it is not already set up, but the welcome mail tells me if I reply with a subject line "Send a phone" it will set up a phone number and internet phone for me for free. The free internet fax service is a head-scratcher. Is anybody actually using it? Whatever, it's free. Now that's a browser, simple fast, capable and opened to a page that allows me to choose from a set of sensible home pages and set them up with a single click. Privacy button allows me to surf anonymously, fake cookies, ignore web bugs, etc. I am amazed that there is a proper archive tool, non-invasive open source PDF reader and a free store that allows me to filter for only open source applications and install them without having to sign in or answer invasive questions about myself.
I am amazed to find that everything I need is installed already but there is no crapware anywhere in sight. The vendor supplied control panel allows one touch backups, security scans, warranty status, help that works, a link to online chat support and no gratuitous crap.
The 'booted already' is because it has been completely set up and runs and was just sleeping and came out of sleep when you opened the case.
The three HDMI ports are so that three big monitors can be used instead of a the modest built-in monitor.
Cost: For me, complimentary because I invented it. Retail: $499. Special introductory offer at $399.