I do not agree that the netbook is properly compared with a smartphone. The value of the iPhone as far as "production" is that we keep our phones with us and hence they are usually available. My iPhone is practically always accessible to me. My netbook, however, is only with me when I have taken the step to carry it based on a foreseeable need (which is generally "production"). And then after I foresee the need for the netbook, I may decide that the burden of carrying the extra device (as well as usually the power supply to go with it) exceeds the need for "production." In short, if I need to type notes, edit documents, work with spreadsheets or databases, etc., my iPhone will be in my pocket, but I will also be carrying a bag with a netbook or notebook. I cannot choose to rely on my iPhone for "production".
My Thinkpad gathers dust now that I have one of these nifty Acers with a 10" screen. It was three hundred bucks. So what if it gets lost, cracked, dropped, or completely fails (I have a solid backup system). The device at that price is not disposable, but is a game changer based on the low price. Also, I love the size and portability. Fortunately they thought enough to make the power adapter small as well (have you seen mini notebooks with relatively large power adapters?). Why carry the notebook? The bigger screen is nice and I tell myself that one day I will enjoy the benefits of the extra screen size, but day after day the Thinkpad stays closed and the netbook gets toted.
What about the additional power from the notebook? I am a Windows user and am not going to include games in this discussion any more than to say that generally netbooks, notebooks, and smartphones are not viable permanent substitutes for a desktop. All Windows users know the reality of living with a Windows machine. The faster processor, ram, etc., is nice when the machine is new, but after it has become "seasoned", the performance degrades. I can use an old Compaq M300 pentium notebook running XP just as well as my Thinkpad or shiny new netbook, but I don't because the PC slot has failed and the USB port cannot be accessed when the CD is installed (it's that old!). The performance difference is noticeable, but still comparable. I wouldn't switch choose to carry my Thinkpad over my netbook due to performance advantages.
No other device has been able to displace my desktop computer. No matter what I use for "production" or other purposes, I rely on my desktop when I am at its station for the convenience of the installation, my peripherals and cables always at the ready. There is no compromise on screen size, keyboard. My desktop synchronizes files with my portable devices, although honestly it really only matters that I synchronize with the netbook (I am just not using the Thinkpad much and did not renew my MobileMe subscription). Having the netbook and the desktop sync'd is a true luxury and I am thankful that the technology has finally become free, easy, and reliable. No netbook nor smartphone has made an impact on my use and reliance on my desktop.
All that said, I think smartphones can become more useful for "production." We are all too aware of the Pre bringing the physical keyboard to knock out some iPhone sales. I "produce" less on my iPhone that I did on my Treo 650 because typing on the iPhone sucks. I play with voice recognition from time to time, so perhaps that is a step that would bring smartphones to the next level as far as "production", but with obvious limits brought by verbalizing in non-private settings. I cannot see a smartphone being as useful or capable as a netbook to the extent that I would leave the netbook at home when I see the need for production.
Similarly, a netbook could never replace the phone. A phone always finds a place on one's person due to the communication function of the phone. We are willing to carry a device that does more, but only to the extent that we retain the availability of the phones on our persons. A 10" netbook will never be as portable or available as today's phones (nevermind tomorrow's phones!).
Do K-12'ers really believe that netbooks are more useful because they are accustomed to their phones? Perhaps they are more accepting of the small screens because they are aware of how limited is their ability to type into smartphones and because they have never become jaded with notebooks sporting screens from 13-17 inches. Besides, kids generally like gadgets, so why say no? I like gadgets, too.
The netbook has made a significant impact on me. I would like to go from a 10 to 12 inch screen, an extra gig of memory, and a wireless mouse that doesn't require a USB stick (eg bluetooth). But I appreciate the built in SD card reader, USB ports, and very importantly the reasonable battery life. If they reduced the netbook so as to primarily act as a keyboard and screen for my iPhone, what would be my advantage? I see none. |
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"Acer netbook"