Last month I had the opportunity to visit family out of town. While I typically don’t bring a computer along for an overnight, this time I decided to bring my notebook to get some work done over the weekend.
On other occasions staying at this hotel when I brought the notebook computer, a CAT5 connection was available. The hotel where I stayed must have recently changed from a hardwired Internet connection to wireless Internet when they remodeled. Being concerned about security, I made the decision not to connect my notebook to their wireless network and didn’t bother tethering my Android phone to the computer. Instead I used my Samsung Fascinate smartphone. Other than taking the notebook out of the case, it didn’t get any use.
Back at my office I find having a notebook works superbly as I am able to take advantage of both the display on the notebook and the 32″ HDTV which acts as my second monitor. While smartphones and Android based tablets allow connection to an HDTV, they run in mirror mode as oppose to being able to run different software on each screen of a notebook computer. Also I don’t have to have a desktop computer at my home office as the notebook does double-duty.
There are so many new offerings, which may have a dramatic impact on notebook computers. The iPad started the tablet revolution and a week so doesn’t go by when a company announces a new tablet being introduced. Tablets have great functionality and if a person primarily uses the Internet, may fit the bill.
Recently I upgraded my phone from the Samsung Fascinate to a Motorola Droid 3. The Droid 3 has a slide-out keyboard which works exceptionally well for complex passwords as well as for typing email and texts. The Droid 3 in combination with our Exchange system and some of the applications I have installed on the smartphone make it an ideal candidate for travel.
Notebooks still have value and depending on needs are a good solution; but their role is changing and perhaps in the not too distant future will transform into something completely different.
