On Thursday, November 17, 2011 08:02:00 AM Craig White wrote:
development follows the money. Computer sales are flat and convergent devices such as smart phones and tablets are selling. Why is it so hard to figure out that computer development is following the money?
Recognize that it's not just Linux development but Microsoft is developing Windows 8 to run on many different hardware platforms including ARM and it's clear that they see this as essential to their continued existence. Apple is seeking to parlay their small device success into greater penetration into the main computer sales. You are seeing the convergence of what is known as smart phones, tablet computing and the personal computer into an amorphous OS that can take any form. Don't forget that even the computer on everyone's desk at their work place is really just a 'personal computer' with some ability to use shared resources, whether physically at the office or somewhere in the Internet cloud.
As for the majority... more than 50% of all phones sold now are smart phones. Soon everyone, everywhere will have one.
How did this thread get started on CentOS?
Anyway, I do a good 1/3 to 1/2 of my casual browsing on my Moto Droid 2. When I listen to the "radio", I use my phone with a blue tooth headset and an app that lets me listen to any radio station anywhere in the world. I read books on my phone, I answer lightweight emails, schedule meetings, skype chat, play a game or two, read a 'book' with my nook app. I reset my sprinklers by downloading the PDF manual and reading it on my phone while I dicker with the buttons. Why my Internet capable smart phone is far easier to use than my sprinkler timer is reason enough for a smart competitor to bankrupt Rainbird.
Anybody who doesn't think smart phones are going to be mainstream is missing something! No, I don't code on my phone, but I don't crack out my laptop at the bus stop, either.
My smart phone, with its slide-out keyboard, does passable-to-great at everything up to serious work. Give it an optional external monitor/keyboard, and it could easily grow into that, too, given a few years.