R.i.p. Pc

[Dan]

Originally Posted by John the train

Are you thinking along the lines of some ' one-piece ' desktops I've seen Dan? It's actually a bit of a misnomer, as they consist of a combined processor/monitor with plug in keyboard and mouse, but it is more literally a desktop in the sense of sitting on top of the desk. And don't forget the other configuration, going back to the Commodore, BBC and such, of a combined processor/keyboard with plug in monitor and mouse. I saw somewhere a case designed to build a modern version using a micro-ATX mobo - may have been here, maybe on the Puppy forum. Put a flat-screen monitor in the case of a defunct portable CRT TV and instant '80's retro!

Aye. Something along these lines comes to mind.

http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/all-in-one-pcs
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...me=Desktop-PCs


If I had my 'druthers -- and they had enough horsepower to suit the needs of the jobs at hand -- a micro (book size) low power consumption CPU unit, screwed to the back of a decent sized monitor wouldn't be a bad idea for general office work.

For my own purposes, I've often thought about integrating the main workhorse PC into the desk itself. But that idea brings with it a whole 'nuther set of problems, not the least of which being the fact that this solid oak monster is already plenty heavy enough.

[DBelton]

Originally Posted by Dan

Maybe serious hard-core gamers will hang on to the monster boxes for a while, but the general productivity market could be just as easily served by a micro-box, all-in-one or a laptop. (Necessarily chained to the desk, unfortunately.)

Hey.. Who says you have to have a tiny little smartphone or tablet to take it with you?

Edit:

Those all-in-one units you show above are a nightmare if you wish to have a reliable system. They have numerous issues, and are a pain in the $#%@ to fix when they do have their problems. I sure wouldn't waste my money on one of them.

[Dan]

Agreed. But in general ... laptops suffer from the same inherent design/serviceability limitations.

[John the train]

Originally Posted by Dan

Agreed. But in general ... laptops suffer from the same inherent design/serviceability limitations.

And as the owner/operator of the Fukashima special you should know!

[DBelton]

I wasn't going to bring up the "Fukushima Special"...

Hmmmm... I wonder if his laptop is glowing?

I think I just solved the battery life issue in laptops.. Install a miniature nuclear reactor in each one, and.. Yea, I know. A few little details to iron out.. but it might just work.. At least until the laptop gets dropped!

[Dan]

Ayup. It is interesting to note, however, that The Fukushima Special is currently alive and well and running on the left side of my desk supplying my morning dose of internet radio. (Currently 1.FM - Acoustic Blues)

Go figure. <....>


EDIT: It is probably important to mention that such would not have been possible under Gnome Shell. Way too heavy. Enlightenment, however, turns it into a reasonably functional box.

[billybob linux]

I like my desktops, I have had the same boxes for years, if domething fails then I replace it without too much of a problem, for example Hard Drive or PSU . If the mobo is under spec I can upgrade the RAM or replace the mobo completely.
There is usually some bargain to be had at my local Electroniics store. Probably because the trendy crowd are buying all the bling bling techno gadgetry that you can't fix by yourself.

My own view is that the desktop market has matured to some degree, but I think that with some creative marketing and some up to date designs it could make a comeback. I beleive there is still a lot of mileage in the desktop.

I have a notebook and it works really well, very impressive. When I say "notebook" i mean one that is made out of paper and you write on the sheets of paper with a pencil or pen, it's terrific. Look at the advantages:

Proven technology.
Simple low cost manufacturing process.
Uses no power in either standby or operational.
Does not crash or suffer software glitches.
Does not need special handling when it is trashed.
Breaks down with very little environmental impact .

[kona0197]

but the web-surf, email and social media device portion of the PC market is already succumbing to the consequences of someone inventing a better mousetrap.

A better mousetrap? Enter Google Chromebook. That's all I need at this point.