Why do we have to own a laptop, smartphone, and tablet computer if they all perform somewhat similar functions?

8/9/2010 1:24 PM EDT

I think one needs to put smartphones and tablet/netbooks into different categories. It is a simple case of form factor. Sorry, that 10" display just does not fit into the back pocket very well.

Personally I find the size of tablet/netbook screen limiting for most tasks that I undertake, even basic web surfing. I like my eyes too much to spend too much time with a small screen. Netbooks/tablets are also underpowered at times.

Are we approaching a time ... of course eventually.

8/9/2010 7:47 PM EDT

Well, in my view, the trade-off here is between the amount of disposable income one possesses and the functional ease. For many with moderate income levels, the over-lapping of the functionality may make the 2nd or 3rd device out of the three (or many?) rather undesirable.

However, for some the added ease resulting from form-factor, style and trendiness and/or life-style convenience would outset the price tags of multiple devices. For example, one may use the notebook computer from his office desk, may use the tablet in the conference/meeting room and may be the smart-phone may come in handy when in an outing with friends.

With lover-lapping functionality being incorporated into these somewhat competing product areas, it is true, we have approached the period where the marginal effectiveness of owning multiple devices have reduced. Yet, the trend will continue, since the people with that extra bit of disposable-income would look for ways to show off!

8/10/2010 8:18 AM EDT

A reasonable question some OEMs would not want asked or answered in such a way as to decimate their business.

8/10/2010 3:35 PM EDT

I don't see this as being much different than having a potable radio, one on the kitchen table and one in the dashboard of a car, they all have slightly different applications.

Personally, I have a smartphone and a large laptop, the Netbook type requirement is just not there for me.

8/10/2010 11:13 PM EDT

Netbook is yet to catch on IMO and could still catch with newer Atoms and ARM cpus but the traditional laptops will remain there though these netbooks will somewhat dent their sales. These gadgets if you look at from a capability roles look similar but if you consider the functional aspect they serve different requirements.
A smart phone is for the savvy, mobile and always connected individual but a laptop is actually a desktop which can be carried around in a sling bag. I feel that the Laptops will eventually move into the desktop space and replace it except maybe at schools. A netbook is more for people just wishing a system which can connect them to the internet and can also do small office tasks.
These are in transition and some convergence will happen in the future but it certainly won't be one device.

8/11/2010 3:44 PM EDT

It is similar to why people where different clothings and shoes to difference events. Gadgets are fashion for men, and sometime the function of a gadget is simply to show off.

8/13/2010 6:38 PM EDT

not a good question for the tech companies and the cs/ee guys looking for jobs. however i agree with your opinion. i use a 3 year old cell phone without using its GPRS feature. for music and entertainment i depend on the internet (on my laptop). as far as travelling is concerned i prefer not to plan much when i am touring places. so no need for GPS or watever. and most of the time it turns out just fine. the iphone/ipad/nexus/ipod never looked appealing.

8/14/2010 2:08 AM EDT

I do prefer lighter electronic devices. With 3G my smartphone has more convenient internet access than my laptop. It's definitely all I need to post and read stuff on the internet.

8/14/2010 6:47 PM EDT

It all depends on demand and availability. Demand drive new product with more and more features. One cannot compare playing PS3 on MAc versus on simple PC. Also, these inventions are becoming more like society symbol or in simple words show -off. That is my opinion.

8/16/2010 7:29 AM EDT

As far as your ear is concerned Smaller is better but as far your eyes are concerned bigger makes better sense. Hence in TVs sizes such as 32" 40" are more popular than those minuscule 10" or 14" TVs. When you are on the move smart phones make sense.

As the gadgets become more affordable the basic functionality is taken for granted and Taste & Fashion comes in.
people naturally go for having all variations with them . Same has been with Cars, homes, clothes and Jewelery and for that matter food!

8/17/2010 12:00 PM EDT

I don't think that there is any question but that there will be a convergence of these devices. I have read in many discussion groups people complaining about the lack of just such a device, myself included. This does not mean that there will not be a demand for seperate devices as well, but the convenience and ease of carrying one device instead of three makes an all in one device very attractive. That is the main reason I switched to a smart phone. I got tired of carrying my MP3 player, phone, and pocket PC or laptop for all that they provide. My current phone gives me all this in a sometimes too small form factor. More processing power with a larger screen would make it much more convenient, and I don't have to actualy hold a large device to my ear to use the phone as long as it has Bluetooth so I can use a Bluetooth headset. With the continual advances in electronics, these smaller devices will soon have as much computing power as most current laptops therefore narrowing the gap between the devices and making them more attactive to a larger segment of the technology purchasing population. There will always be those who prefere to have separate devices, but there are enough people who want to consolidate all their devices that it will happen. When it will happen is the real question.

8/17/2010 7:22 PM EDT

I run with an iPhone4, an iPad and a MacBookPro with Windows XP loaded on it. Is the iPad just a larger iPhone (iTouch)? Yes, but when I fly cross country movies are simply better on the iPad. I also like having my library with me for reading. Walking the streets of San Francisco, the iPhone in my pocket is just right. With the MacBook back in the hotel I can conduct all the business I need. Form factor definitely counts. I just wish the darn things would sync a little better.