A article over at NewMobileComputing asks whether 2003 is the “year of the laptop.” It seems that the tide has turned, and laptops are powerful and cheap enough to be most people’s main computers, and wireless networking is certainly a killer app. Also at NMC, a look at GSM vs. CDMA, wearable computing influencing fashion, and a 3D laptop.
The display of a laptop is what makes them cost so much. Displays have not become “commodity” priced. I’m waiting. Laptop cost has gone down a little, sure, but anything over 500$ for the most powerful laptop is too expensive. Most companies, particularly tech companies–cellphone, cable/satellite/computer/broadband want to get a customer into a “sweet spot”, where the customer pays over a certain amount to make it all worthwhile–all the executive exit plans, etc. It’s the old “Buy one, get one at half price” syndrome. That minimal “hit” must be had. Why is Intel selling Celerons anyway? They need a market for their chip abortions. No, laptops aren’t cheap, even if they are “mainstream”. They are mainstream because the mainstream will buy into any techno bs offered with nary a complaint.
just because you are of the mind that a computer must cost no more than 500 dollors does not mean that you are right.
$1000 gets you a good laptop now-a-days, and that is why people are buying them. they can do work or have fun anywhere they like, where as a cheap ass computer system built with parts that will fail in 2 years will chain you to a desk where it is convenient to have it.
Wireless networking doesn’t have enough range w/o access points all over the place. That’s not a good idea in a house w/children. And it’s expensive, too.
what are you talking about? my wireless network works for 150 ft. in all directions.
mabey in a huge house that is an issue, but not for me.
besides, what is wrong with having a few access points in tehhouse and having kids?