A list of essential Internet connected devices depends on priorities. I want every electronic toy and device known to mankind, but I don’t need them. Nor can I afford them. This means I have to prioritize most electronics purchases. Unless you’re rich you probably have to choose carefully as well. Here is a list of five connected devices that all of us may need. If you don’t have at least two of these devices you’re shortchanging yourself and those around you.
Desktop computer
I bought my first computer in 1986 because I needed a word processor. Computer games were a natural progression. With the Internet I discovered socializing in chat rooms. Chat rooms were wild and wooly during the mid 90s. I learned programming, CAD, graphics, computer controls and hardware. This led to advances in employment. I rarely play games now, or socialize beyond email. Most of my computer use is design and engineering research, CAD, writing, reading, business, and watching movies. The desktop computer is one of my most useful and enjoyable tools. I can’t imagine living without it. I need my desktop computer.
Laptop computer
Laptops are small and large mobile computers that you take anywhere. Netbooks are what I call small social laptops. The Apple MacBook Air has spawned a competitive line of small, thin laptops known as “ultrabooks.” I would love to have one of these delicious little toys, but I don’t need one. The laptop I need is large, powerful and capable of doing the same work away from home that I do on the desktop.
Tablet computers
This is where things get interesting. Manufacturers are falling all over themselves to match the iPad. The iPad happened to be the right product at the right place at the right time. Competitive tablets need to find their own niche to survive. I believe physical size will settle out around five by seven for e-reader tablets and eight by ten or so for social browsing, game, video and media tablets. I see the tablet as a consumer device, not a productive work device.
I have a Nook Color and can verify it provides basic services positive to me. So–I need it. As a tech junkie I’d love to have a large tablet, several of them, but I don’t need one.
Experts predict that tablets are the death of desktop computers. I disagree. No tablet in existence competes favorably with a desktop for productivity. The size, power, and format simply don’t compare. The tablet will compete with smaller laptops, netbooks, and ultrabooks.
Game devices
Stand alone gaming devices like the Wii, Playstation and Xbox have varying degrees of Internet capability. Games can be good fun and help let off steam. I play games only at parties and with my grandson. The streaming video capability is nice. Browsing sucks, but it’s there. It’s hard to say whether a connected game device is essential. You make that choice. I have a Wii, so I guess it is–at least for the grandson.
Smart Phones
Back in 1985 I had a radio phone. It was a real pain to use. Cell phones replaced the radio phone and now we have smartphones. Most smartphone apps are worthless, but with hundreds of thousands of apps available it’s almost a certainty you can find a few that work for you. The smartphone is an essential personal device.
Make your choice. Only you know which devices you really need–and which toys you just want. I want a new tablet!