Over the past six months I’ve noticed an interesting trend at the computer stores. Customers procrastinate getting their computer repaired for months. The story is always along the lines of using their tablet or smartphone until they need a computer.
Even a year ago this was never the case, if a computer malfunctioned it’s repair became a priority. Even though portable devices were popular they simply lacked screen size and functionality to be an adequate computer substitute. Today’s devices are much faster and easier to use.
I wanted to understand this phenomenon because it’s become a trend. I started with internet statistics (which at least I found interesting). Only around 5% of browsing is done from an Apple computer. 45% or so is done from a Microsoft PC. Finally, around half of internet surfing is done on mobile devices.
My theory is that people use portable devices for personal surfing and to pass the time. Computers are reserved for real work, that other four letter word associated with bosses and deadlines. Tablets and phones are truly personal so they’re used only for non-work related activities like Facebook and games.
For me to say we’ve reached the end of the computer age would be blasphemy and I’d most likely be ousted from my professional circle. But I’m going to say it anyways, PC sales are being replaced by mobile devices. Earlier this year my theory was proven correct when Intel announced a move towards processors for portable devices.
Windows 10 came out at the end of July with a marketing announcement that it was cross-platform. The same operating system will run on computers, tablets and phones and has many new features. By unifying products they are making an effort to retain market share.
I’m scratching myself on the head right now trying to figure out where I’m going with all of this. I guess what I’m saying is that although PC sales are slowing, I don’t think they’ll ever go away because of the dichotomy separating how different formats are used. Everything serves a purpose.
My company’s sales numbers slumped in the first quarter of this year then returned to normal and even exceeded last year. Bear in mind that my company repairs computers. I was recently asked to explain why sales are slow and repairs are high.
The answer is explained in an article I wrote a few months back about technology reaching a plateau. In sum, I wrote that technology is no longer rising at the rate it had in the past. Processors, the heart of a computer, are fast enough for most users so there’s little demand for innovation.
Through my research and talking to customers, I’m concluding that computers will never die because there will always be a need for powerful devices. There’s no way an accountant or engineer could do their work on a tablet. I wouldn’t hesitate to place a bet that the same accountant who uses a powerhouse computer at work also scans Facebook on his phone during lunch.
It’s rare I’m a vanguard with anything, but I do believe that I am the first to introduce my theory of substituting technology. Although computers are on their way out, I don’t believe the industry will die. Major manufacturers will continue to build around cross-platform operating systems while expanding their product lines. I guarantee that when I’m done typing this article on my computer I’m going to be surfing the web on my smartphone.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can call him at (978) 919-8059 or visit www.LocalComputerWiz.com.)