Will Smartphones and Tablets Replace Computers?

Do we need the desktop computer anymore? Especially in the home, can we get by without even the laptop as tablets and smartphones provide all the surfing we need? It seems when it comes to sales, smartphones are outselling computers. "While advanced mobiles are selling like crazy, the PC market has been far more subdued. In fact, it barely even registered any year on year growth in the 4Q of 2010." Perhaps it is the simple fact that a smartphone is a one user product while a computer gets shared in the household. For a family of four, the simple math is that smartphones take a 4 to 1 lead. Add to that the lower price point of smart phones and you see quicker obsolescence and a willingness to keep buying a new phone every 2 years.

And the rise of the tablet demonstrates that everything a PC can do can be easily accomplished with an iPad. "There’s no denying that 14 million iPad sales took a chunk out of the laptop market, and it’s evident in the sales stats." Since the house is wireless enabled, communication and printing is just as easily managed. And yet the computer is not going away so quickly. It's role as the server to household products will continue to play an important role. And business still relies on the computer for daily functions.

The rise of smartphones and tablets simply reshapes the use of the computer and its role in the household. The ability of these devices to talk to each other and facilitate efficient functionality is key. Today iPads and iPhones can talk to cable boxes. Sharing content inside the home from phone to computer and back means a much richer experience. And this link will only continue to grow.