In a world filled with developing mobile technology, we use our smartphones in our daily lives more than ever before. We pull them out when we want to shop, play, work, communicate and more — and it may make regular PCs seem pretty obsolete. But can smartphones replace computers in the long-run? Both forms of technology have their advantages, so let’s look at some of them and finally put this desktop computers vs. smartphones debate to rest.
Advantages of Having a Smartphone
There’s little doubt that smartphones are becoming faster and more powerful by the day, so it’s reasonable to imagine that they could replace computers in the future. They’re compact, meaning they can slip into your pocket with ease and travel with you anywhere.
If someone sends you a work-related email while you’re away from home or away from your desk, you can pull out your phone to answer it while doing just about anything else — even standing in line at the store! Or you can shop online for gifts while waiting at the doctor’s office or having lunch. The options are endless.
What makes mobile devices so attractive is that you can get fast results from anywhere that has mobile service or internet connection. Other benefits of smartphones include:
- Work emergency convenience: If you need access to a computer for work and your information is stored in the cloud, you can hook your phone up to the nearest TV and work in Google Docs without the need for a desktop or laptop. In an emergency, having a smartphone at your side can save you time and energy.
- Longer battery life: Smartphone batteries today tend to last longer than laptop batteries, meaning you can often get more use for your money out of a mobile device than a PC.
- Better security: As technology develops, more security risks that can pose a threat to mobile devices and PCs crop up. However, iOS devices and Android smartphones are known for their built-in security features that make them safer against viruses and malware than laptops and desktops.
- New integration technologies: Thanks to the rise of smartphones, companies have started developing new technology, such as the Samsung DeX. Products like these allow users to plug their phone into a computer and then simultaneously use the device as a phone and a PC.
Advantages of Having a Laptop or Desktop
With all these advantages, it does appear that smartphones could replace laptops and desktops — but right now, PCs still have some benefits over phones. Some of these advantages include:
- More programs and software: Let’s say there’s a certain program you need to access for work. Depending on the program, you may not be able to use it or acquire its full functionality on a mobile device. With a desktop or laptop, you can work with photo/video editing programs, manage your files more efficiently and operate with more powerful business software. You can also play games on a laptop with a full-size screen without having to worry about extra USB connections and HDMI cables for your phone.
- More usable input methods: While you could buy a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse for your iPad, laptops and desktops have a keyboard and touchpad/mouse built into their design. If you have a long email or report to write, it’s possible to use a mobile device. But all on its own, it can be challenging to type lengthy sections of text with a smartphone or tablet touchscreen. Thanks to the larger screen and keyboard, it’s much easier for many individuals to input detailed information with a full-sized computer.
- Greater storage capacity: The amount of storage in smartphones and tablets continues to increase, but most full-sized computers have far more space to carry data and programs. Many advanced machines contain multiple terabytes of storage, while the average smartphone today has only 64 or 128 gigabytes. If you use a computer for heavy business work, having a greater amount of storage space may be more beneficial for you.
The Laptop vs. Smartphone Debate
As mobile technology evolves over the coming decades, science may formulate a way for smartphones and tablets to replace laptops. In just the last few years, we’ve seen smartphone technology offer us the ability to access and work with critical documents on the move, while mobile operating systems continue to improve. All these features we once thought were impossible have become possible — and it will likely happen again given companies’ recent attempts to bring mobile and desktop/laptop together.
Currently, full-sized computers still have power and software functionality that makes them valuable tools. In their current form, it’s a stretch to suggest that smartphones can replace PCs in all business, work-related and personal needs. Only time will tell if mobile technology can eventually surpass them all. In the meantime, visit The Whiz Cells blog for more information about smartphones, tablets, laptops and more.