I think it's weird that people claim desktops are dying and will possibly be discontinued, especially by Apple. Have a look at the sales reports from Apple, for example, Q1-2012 - they sold 1.3 million desktops and 3.6 million laptops. Sure laptop sales are much higher than desktops, but does anyone really think a company would "neglect" 1.3 million units in 3 months?
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If "desktops are dead", then why...
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Another chiming in here.
A notebook is a compromise: the most computer you can cram into a very small lightweight portable package. That's a heckuva compromise.
With the iPad, the need for portable is severed from the need for power. One thin slate gives me the anywhere-anytime connectivity ... and "remote desktop" bridges the gap between what I actually need portable vs. the no-compromise desktop behemoths at home & work.
For me, NO more fixed postion desktop models as well. I use my laptop 95% of the time. And when this iMac needs replacing, I'll be getting another laptop. As someone stated above, our world is becoming more and more "portable". Portable phones (no more wires), portable music players (like MP3 players that fit into ones shirt pocket) and portable computers (that fit under one's arm - like a normal looking 8.5"x11" book). For me, I'm hooked on "portable" (look mom - no wires) new technology as well
My next computer system will be a 15-16-17" portable. Especially since they keep making them better and better every year.
Right, but it sounds like you dont do a lot of real deskwork. It's not ergonomically feasible to work 10 hours a day on a laptop and not develop carpal. Even if you go all out with an ergo setup (elevating the screen, external keyboard at a lower level, peripheral mouse), you're getting less and less "mobile" anyway.
You are describing toy-use to light-use computing. Have fun with that. Adults with real jobs need real computers too.
oh and P.S. - they make every computer "better and better every year." Even desktops. Useless statements are useless.
Personally... I think the ideal situation is:
1) 27" iMac with second 27" Thunderbolt Display
2) 11" or 13" MacBook Air (often connected to the ATD above).
Working on a large screen (or screens) is so much better working on any laptop screen. Also... I can have local high performance multi-TB storage attached permanently to the iMac... as well as numerous high quality peripherals constantly attached.
The MBA is the premiere laptop for me... because of its extreme mobility. I never travel without it, and would not want anything larger.
Everything I ever need while mobile stays synced via dropbox.
/Jim
1) 27" iMac with second 27" Thunderbolt Display
2) 11" or 13" MacBook Air (often connected to the ATD above).
Working on a large screen (or screens) is so much better working on any laptop screen. Also... I can have local high performance multi-TB storage attached permanently to the iMac... as well as numerous high quality peripherals constantly attached.
The MBA is the premiere laptop for me... because of its extreme mobility. I never travel without it, and would not want anything larger.
Everything I ever need while mobile stays synced via dropbox.
/Jim
Apple say they like to work in markets where they can bring something new or innovative, etc.
I reckon they don't see external monitors as one of those market segments. There are already a few really great monitor companies, dozens of pretty decent monitors, and hundreds of cheap just-about-acceptable (or not) monitors.
Apple offer a pretty decent monitor with a shiny Apple design and a docking station built in, but apart from that there's not going to be a lot of mileage, I imagine, in focussing on monitors.
What can Apple do in monitor design (function) that NEC and Eizo haven't thought of?
Would Apple bring out a cheap monitor to undercut the cheap monitors? Not really in their DNA.
If Apple are the only company that can do "Retina" displays decently, then this may all change, but we don't have evidence either way yet.
Actually mojothemonkey, being an IT Manager, I do work on a computer 10-12 hours per day.
As stated in my above post (without insulting others or assuming they don't do "real man's work on a computer unless at a fixed desk position"), my next computer will only be a LAPTOP. Full wireless, along with my full wireless phone. With wireless and portability, I pick the location to use my computer. For example, last week I did some wireless computing while sitting in my kid's Tree-House. Nice, quiet and very calming. The days of being at a fixed desk are coming to and end. Just like wired phones are coming to an end as well .
As stated in my above post (without insulting others or assuming they don't do "real man's work on a computer unless at a fixed desk position"), my next computer will only be a LAPTOP. Full wireless, along with my full wireless phone. With wireless and portability, I pick the location to use my computer. For example, last week I did some wireless computing while sitting in my kid's Tree-House. Nice, quiet and very calming. The days of being at a fixed desk are coming to and end. Just like wired phones are coming to an end as well .
You're actually adding in a few things to make my original statement seem more ignorant. Perhaps you need to read what I wrote again.
Also, your job doesnt sound like the particular kind of computer use that I'm talking about. No one in my particular profession, as well as many others I know of, could do their job in a treehouse. Congrats on feeling special and being mobile. I can do that too, but not for more than 20% of what my job entails and I thank god my laptop is not my only computer.
Many jobs require hours of sitting in one place, reviewing massive amounts of paperwork (ie- need to be in your office and near your filing system with lots of desk space) and analyzing/creating multiple documents simultaneously from that paperwork. Laptop screens alone are terrible for that role for size alone, as side-by-side viewing on laptops sucks, whatever the resolution.
Can you really not grasp that your results vary from everyone else's and that just because you can go mobile it doesnt necessarily mean that it's an option to implement for everyone else?
As someone that uses a laptop for much of my computing needs, I still can't see desktops "dying" anytime soon. Sure, mobile computing has become extremely popular over the past few years, and it may or may not be true that laptops are more popular than desktops, but desktops will always be an important part of the computing world. Especially for professionals like graphic designers, video producers, etc. that really need a huge 20"+ monitor to do their work. Both desktops and laptops have their uses, even though it may seem like laptops are the clear winner. Those aforementioned professionals who do their work mostly on their 27" iMac with an external display may also find a laptop quite useful to do a little work on the go. Obviously, they can't rely on a laptop to do everything, so a desktop would clearly be more value to them. There definitely is still going to be a need for desktops for a very long time.
Lets see DDR3 arrived mainstream in 2007 or so and most likely won't be replaced until 2014
PCIe arrived in what '04 and is still the standard.
Socket 1155 is Sandy and Ivy but still uses the same ram..
So say I had a Q6600 C2 Quad with a 4870 and I wanted to upgrade..I go buy a nice Gigabyte Z77-D3H ($125), and and i5 3750k ($250) for $375 I have a new overclockable computer w/USB 3/SATA 3. No need for RAM video card or anything else.
If I were a smart shopper though I'd just wait for socket 1150 and haswell and still use my video card and RAM
Hi mojothemonkey.
Why the multiple quotes on my posts? Like I said in my 1st post and my 2nd post, I would NOT buy another fixed position desktop ((like iMac computer) again. The days of "wired computer" (even for 110/120V power wire technology) is becoming old school.
Guess what I'm using now? Sitting in my rocking chair, doing emails, watching TV and talking to my family members. Besides the tree house location, I also use my laptop on my lap, in my rocking chair, watching the news on TV and talking to family members as well. I also use my laptop on my home's rear deck while watching my kids play in our pool. And, I've even used my laptop on the kitchen table - doing homework with my one kid. And, I even used my laptop in my garage - when rebuilding my ATV's 2-stroke engine. Nothing like good research videos - in the location while doing the work. NO. I'm not ignorant. Not at all. I open my eyes and even see portables in malls, in coffee shops and in other public locations. For a small fee, they even offer wifi (wireless) for one's portable and PDAs at my public campground sites as well. Like I said in my 1st, my second and my future posts, I use the a computer tool as a portable tool - like my cordless cell phone. For me, there's no need for a fixed position desktop in my computing world anymore. Sorry if you disagree that in my "take anywhere - use anywhere" wireless computer world is reality for many - at home or at a business. Fixed position desktops are becoming old school technology. Just like CD/DVD media and USB 2.0 is becoming old school as well.
Why the multiple quotes on my posts? Like I said in my 1st post and my 2nd post, I would NOT buy another fixed position desktop ((like iMac computer) again. The days of "wired computer" (even for 110/120V power wire technology) is becoming old school.
Guess what I'm using now? Sitting in my rocking chair, doing emails, watching TV and talking to my family members. Besides the tree house location, I also use my laptop on my lap, in my rocking chair, watching the news on TV and talking to family members as well. I also use my laptop on my home's rear deck while watching my kids play in our pool. And, I've even used my laptop on the kitchen table - doing homework with my one kid. And, I even used my laptop in my garage - when rebuilding my ATV's 2-stroke engine. Nothing like good research videos - in the location while doing the work. NO. I'm not ignorant. Not at all. I open my eyes and even see portables in malls, in coffee shops and in other public locations. For a small fee, they even offer wifi (wireless) for one's portable and PDAs at my public campground sites as well. Like I said in my 1st, my second and my future posts, I use the a computer tool as a portable tool - like my cordless cell phone. For me, there's no need for a fixed position desktop in my computing world anymore. Sorry if you disagree that in my "take anywhere - use anywhere" wireless computer world is reality for many - at home or at a business. Fixed position desktops are becoming old school technology. Just like CD/DVD media and USB 2.0 is becoming old school as well.
Just terrible reading comprehension....
Yes, laptops have great fun/toy uses, as you are describing. No one is arguing that point. Yes, some people can use them for work.
Your point that desktops are "old tech" that will be phased out is ignorant. I have 5 god damned laptops in my house; I'm not against them and they get used for the uses you describe. But I, and many others, will always need a desktop for certain types of work. They will never phase out. THAT is my point and where I disagree with your narrow world view.
If you really think your job as an IT manager exposes you to the full spectrum of needs for desktop computing, there's nothing anyone can say that's going to bring your head out of your ass.
You've never seen the Dell business end laptops with docking stations, have you? They're nice.
The over-expensive, and discontinued Z600 had a wireless induction charger, wirelesss video out, and was basically a 16" ultrabook... I wish I could have speced that thing out with enough horsepower for my needs
I agree with your post. My job keeps me on the forefront of technology... and I have replaced my laptop at least once /year since my first one in 1989 or 1990. That would put me at about 25 laptops. I would guess that I do 80+% of my computing on my laptop.
To think that can do my whole job... is insane. Even with my Thunderolt display attached to my MBA... it does not do my job. I would MUCH rather have a 27" iMac with a second 27" display (TBD) to lay out and organize my work.
Personally... I would not want a laptop larger than an MBA. I've had plenty... and to me, anything larger than an MBA just does not meet my mobility needs. An iMac is a perfect compliment to an MBA.
/Jim
Oh here we go Mr. Wireless Man
.. Look I don't see a problem using a wireless computer. In fact, I own an MBA just for "Sitting in a rock beside Tree-House connected to WiFi and manage my works" .. Oh yes I do that .. occasionally .. I call it desperate times, which means I wouldn't do that unless I really really have to.But some people including me does not get satisfied with laptop performance as a primary machine. Some people have also made mistakes for being completely "unplugged". A few of my friends bought a 15" and 17" MBP just to find out they hardly use it outside the coffee table in their bedroom.
Yeah, they end up being a fixed desktop since 15" and 17" is not exactly comfortable to be lugged arounds?
So what's the point then if their MBP just sit on the table? While for the same money, desktop (iMac included) give you more power, comforts, ergo? That's why I have iMac + MBA, just to fill in their own purpose.
Some people feel comfortable with sitting outside for hours in front of a laptop for computing times. I'm sorry but I only do it at desperate times. There's no way they could replace 27" monitor with real desktop component that could do anything I throw at it. Not just another GTX650M with all its limit.
When will 11" base MBA be able to play BattleField 3 on its full glory, ultra settings at native resolution? 2015? Too long, it would be a gimpy old game by then.
Oh yes, someday wireless will be the norm when WiFi will be able to surpass the reliability, speed, and pingtime of LAN networks. Or someday you can always produce clean electricity energy out of your hand so you don't need any A/C fixed plug .. Skadooshh ..
But we're not there yet Mr. Wireless Man. So I'll enjoy whatever there is for me today.Wired networks will never go away.
Wireless may become the norm but....
Wired will be the most secure!
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You wouldn't be able to work in the places where I worked IT, they all but forbid wireless. In fact in a couple of the buildings you would even be allowed to take in any computer. They have one inside for your use and it is wired.
Wireless may become the norm but....
Wired will be the most secure!
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You wouldn't be able to work in the places where I worked IT, they all but forbid wireless. In fact in a couple of the buildings you would even be allowed to take in any computer. They have one inside for your use and it is wired.
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Like I said in above posts and future posts, I will NOT buy another fixed position desktop again. If other folks like their desktops, then sure. They can buy then. Its a free country and one can buy what they want. For my computing needs (professional and personal), this will be my last iMac model. Laptop with full portability fits my needs the best.
BTW: I'm not Mr wireless or Mr laptop. I use the tool that fits my needs the best. And if that mean I use a can opener to open a can and a letter opener to open a letter, then sure. I use the best tool for the job. Life is that simple…
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Like I said in above posts and future posts, I will NOT buy another fixed position desktop again. If other folks like their desktops, then sure. They can buy then. Its a free country and one can buy what they want. For my computing needs (professional and personal), this will be my last iMac model. Laptop with full portability fits my needs the best.
BTW: I'm not Mr wireless or Mr laptop. I use the tool that fits my needs the best. And if that mean I use a can opener to open a can and a letter opener to open a letter, then sure. I use the best tool for the job. Life is that simple…
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In this line of reasoning, I would like to see that Apple makes the Mac mini a bit more powerful (compared to commonly-used PC desktops) and a little cheaper so that it, together with a monitor, can be used more suitably as a desktop for ordinary users. This way, ordinary users can just recycle the old Mac mini and get a new one if they want to upgrade.
I have a Q6600 PC (now relegated to running FreeNAS with a ZFS mirror for data storage).
the RAM is DDR2 (new RAM required)
the PSU is 4-5 yrs old and clogged with dust (new psu/fans)
the drives are spinning disks, and sata2
the video card is an 8800GTS
none of the components have warranty
no wireless N
if i play mix and match i need to deal with any potential driver/stability problems myself
I've done enough of that crap at work.
Cost-wise it is close enough that getting warranty, all new hardware and portability is worth it.
In my opinion.
Plus, when buying a new machine, i still have the old hardware to re-purpose - like I did above, or on-sell / give away to someone else.
So i bought a macbook pro.
edit:
as to laptops being suitable for "real work" - well, depends on what you define as "real work".
My "real work" brings me in >100k / yr, so its real enough for me. I do network simulation, Windows SOE development, operating system/application compatibility testing, cisco switch/router/wireless AP console (which i can't do with a desktop computer AT ALL if the gear is in-situ) vSphere (Cisco UCS + Netapp Flexpod) cluster administration, etc.
A modern laptop handles all this just fine.
Yes, there will always be users who need desktop workstations. Just like there are those who need server clusters for R&D, etc.
the point is, for the VAST MAJORITY of users, laptops have become more than powerful enough, and have been for some time.
With regards to the mini - my mini was fine for desktop use. I was using for home-user day to day crap it in preference to the Core2 Q6600 before getting my MBP, due to preferring OS X.
They already are powerful enough for casual/home use - unless you're a gamer. And again, rather than upgrade it (which isn't really possible beyond RAM/disk), i've repurposed it - it now runs Lion Server as a toy/test box.
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You have an old 775 board..ok 32GB DDR3 1333 $140 ($490 total)
Most drives are spinning disks so thats fine.
I ran an even older 7900gt because it's quiet and I don't particularly need graphic HP
If your PSU is full of crap thats your own fault and you deserve to buy a new one.
Products don't die when their warranties expire the computer has been running fine since '07 most likely so it's not going to die tomorrow.
Your old computer could also be repurposed with a clean PSU and you could build a whole new one.
What will you use as your media server for AppleTV? Or are you not interested in such functionality? Using a laptop is stupid for such a thing... right now the optimal function in form is probably a Mac Mini with a TBolt RAID, but you could do it with an iMac or Mac Pro of course. Because when you're out there in the tree-house doing real work with your computer propped up on one knee (ht: Maddox) your kids are at home wondering why they can't watch their Pixar movies on the ATV3. Perhaps you don't have kids. I think this adequately illustrates my point: no matter how post-desktop you may think you are personally, the functionality of a desktop is ABSOLUTELY current and relevant for a signficant user demographic.