The notebook computer as we know it will be gone within 5 years. Why?
It's simple;
1. Too much hype. When it comes down to it, unless you travel frequently, carrying an 8 pound beast is a pain in the arm. All most of us really need is some decent word processing, spreadsheet capability, and a little graphic presentation (a la Powerpoint) now and then. The ability to watch a DVD movie, play Myst, and listen to some music can be met easily with other products more effectively. The days of the 8 pound IBM or Toshiba 15-25 watt (and climbing) beast of burden are numbered. What we all want and need is functionality and convenience. These machines are all far too expensive, heavy, large, and sort of like carrying an IBM Selectric just to make a few notes now and then. I find 3x5 cards and a Bic quite useful, and at 25 cents a set a real bargain.
2. Eventually all of the airlines will wire up seats with DC jacks. American and Delta are already experimenting, and (like non-smoking) they should all simply just do it. And when that happens, battery life will be personna non grata. Who cares? It will be a thing of the past.
3. Bottom line, all this "miracle" $300 rechargeable battery baloney will simply fade away. Who needs it? Who wants it? No one buys it!
Think about it. Let's all get back to work! |
