We might not even be aware of the importance of mobile devices in our everyday lives. We now have the computing power of several desktops from just a couple of years ago at the palm of our hand. Things that required effort or getting out of our homes are now done conveniently without leaving out beds, be it placing a bet on our favorite team, playing an online game, or paying our bills.
Is a desktop-less world possible?
However, are mobile devices ready to replace desktops altogether? The idea sounds really alluring because most of us don’t want to be forced to sit down at a desk all day. Nevertheless, mobile devices have their limitations and can’t replace regular computers in everything. Imagine having to deal with several large spreadsheets and enter thousands of data points – the sheer size of the screen would be a problem, let alone the absence of a physical keyboard.
On the other hand, the vast number of specialized apps tailor-made for mobile devices now make formerly tedious and time-consuming jobs a piece of cake. The conclusion that emerges is that both have a future but that the key is to recognize which is more suited to what application.
Business purposes
Mobile devices are replacing computers in many practical areas of business life. For example, restaurants are using them as point-of-sale devices for placing and charging orders, thus eliminating the need for bulky cash registers and paper bills. Furthermore, mobile workers find it easier to carry around a tablet with all the data they need instead of a larger and heavier notebook computer. Having in mind that many of them have a SIM card slot, there is no danger of being left without an internet connection. Furthermore, travelers will never have a problem getting to their desired location with navigation services such as Google Maps at their fingertips.
Entertainment purposes
When it comes to entertainment purposes, mobile devices are taking the center stage from desktops and laptops at an even greater pace. Owing to the ever increasing processor power, battery life, and screen resolution, people are now sticking to their smartphones for watching and streaming videos in 4K resolution, experiencing VR, playing games, and browsing social media. Having in mind that the quality of the mobile device cameras is increasing at a stunning rate, these devices are an all-in-one solution for having fun.
Furthermore, when we speak of mobile devices, we are no longer speaking of phones and tablets as two separate units, since there is also a tendency of making larger smartphones (phablets), that will replace all the functions of both of these devices. In conclusion, will mobile devices completely replace desktops and laptops for all purposes? The answer is that it will probably not happen in all aspects, especially in office applications, but that mobile device will definitely become the primary computing devices for most daily purposes.