Just watch television advertisements and I think the advent of cloud computing is pretty much the way of the future. As the technology continues to develop and the machines get smaller and handier, the desktop will take second seat. I don’t think that there will be a time in which the desktop is gone completely – I see it’s place in schools and businesses to run things smoothly and efficiently. Word processing and setting up spreadsheets, creating movies and editing photographs will still be tasks that require desktops and laptops but with BlackBerries and iPhones and all of the applications to choose from, the need for a traditional computer for each member of the family will dwindle. I also see some of the software becoming less necessary – for example won’t there be a time when we dictate to a machine that will record and print (if necessary) the information for us?
Much of these perceived changes will depend greatly on the users – I can’t see myself tied to a blackberry like my sister is. I was just with her for a few days last week and she is tied to her phone. It beeps and vibrates when she receives an email (an average of 1 per every ½ hour), it rings and toots when she’s receiving a call. Although that may be normal for many people, I can’t see myself or many of my peers living by phone that way. However, if you asked me if my high school students could function that way the answer would be a resounding yes.
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You know, Ann, I used to say the same thing about my husband's Blackberry. It too buzzes precisely at 6 a.m. each morning and doesn't stop til 11 p.m. or so. It used to drive me crazy until... I got my Wi-fi phone and synced it with my Outlook email. Now I, too, buzz all the time and have become depended upon it to keep me informed at all times. And when it comes to my 16 year-old, her texting is pretty much her ONLY means of communicating, so I have a feeling that you and your friends may be the dying generation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets will continue to be important, but something tells me that with the increase in people's desire for mobile devices and the increasing number of web-based computing, the traditional desktop computer will become obsolete. My school purchased a mobile lab of 25 laptops this year and now no one uses the computer lab except for myself. It's much more handy having the laptops and there's very little the students need that the laptops can't provide. It'll be interesting to see...
Kara-
ReplyDeleteI think that your comment about laptops replacing desktops is interesting. If laptops can continue to come down in price, I think that they will dominate the landscape. I take my laptop with me around town, so that I can work from a variety of places. Imagine the horror when I found out that my favorite lunch spot did not have wifi!! Lazy Janes on Willy Street in Madison does not have Wifi??
But, I do not see desktops going away, until laptops become more indestructible. We have had laptops around school for a few years now, and they have become trashed very quickly. They are nice, but middle school students have a difficult time taking care of them!
Sorry, Ann. I meant to comment on your original post, but Kara's really struck a chord with me!
The other side of the blackberry is that people can get out of the office and workplace, spend time with their families and still be in touch with their office.
ReplyDeleteThe best of both worlds?
Ann, I have to agree with Kara and John on their defense of the mobile communication. I too was in your shoes a short time ago. I am someone who looks at these big businessmen and feel sorry for them being so tied to their work that they have to take it with them when they leave the office. Then, for some reason, I decided to get a Blackberry and now I don't know what I'd do without it. I regularly check my email from it and text my players and co-workers from it. As John said, this technology has allowed me to be free from my computer for awhile and go away with my wife and know that I will still be able to complete important tasks and remain in touch with those that need me. I think like anything, if you have the technology you use it and if not you figure out another way to get the job done.
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