FTT: the PC
I see PC growth driven by hardware rather than the traditional software.
1. Form factor - the desk top is giving way to the laptop and this in turn will share space with the hand held. Both are mobile and require wireless. The hand held will require innovative ways to provide satisfactory data input and display.
2. Multi function - a PC is also a phone, a DVD player (wireless connections to TV monitors), a digital camera, a digital video camera, etc. People will have reason to buy "standalone" functions, but the PC will provide basic functionality in each area and it will "bundle" the cost.
3. Cost - I see a $50 CPU and $25 of DRAM as the backbone of these ubiquitous mobile PCs. Internet, printing, scanning, usual business and personal productivity software, and most games will naturally be supported.
In summary, the PC will be the ultimate consumer electronic device. Using te MSFT model, it will continuously "bundle" the functions of other consumer electronic devices. It will be small, cheap, and mobile. |
