Are PCs Becoming a Thing of the Past?

According to a recent article on MSNBC.com, personal computers may be a thing of the past, if the rest of the world follows Japan’s current trend of slowing personal computer sales. There are just too many other new products to choose from, and the issue of clutter continues. The new iPod Touch and other smart phones that act like pocket size computers are diminishing the need for personal computers.

The Japan technology market continually stays ahead of the curve, and their PC market is already shrinking. MSNBC.com reports that PC shipments in Japan have fallen for five consecutive quarters, the first drawn-out decline in PC sales in a key market, and analysts wonder whether Japan will become the first major market to see a decline in personal computer use, 25 years after it revolutionized household electronics.

Manufacturers of personal computers are aggressively marketing their products in places that have never had PCs, and outside Japan, Asia is a key growth area. They feel that computers are still crucial in linking the digital divide and are releasing laptops priced below $300 for the holidays.

While some have made the leap to checking their e-mail and downloading music and movies directly onto their cell phone, I am still loyally returning to my Mac everyday to check my e-mail and buy songs on iTunes. However, knowing that 50 percent of Japanese people send e-mail and browse the Internet from their cell phones, I know that I will probably soon be doing the same.

source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21624720/