Any surprise PC sales are much lower (14% lower in first quarter)?
Any surprise Windows 8 is being displaced by Windows 7 on new PC company orders?
As soon as good smartphones (cell phone connected to the Internet) appeared, it was known PC sales would decline. As well, social media significant increase (brought about by smartphones) meant movement away from the computer.
I had always disliked the Windows 8 interface and have switch my desktop look to the classic Windows 7 look and included the start icon ... much easier to work with (easy to do, if you are considering).
This is not helping computer manufacturers/sellers.
What we should do ... IMO:
If you don't use a cell phone or only use it for phoning/texting:
. stay with your computer until it doesn't work anymore.
. buy a replacement laptop (approx $400) when needed.
If you use a smartphone for the Web, Facebook, Twitter, etc:
. consider stopping use of your computer, when it fails.
. then consider stopping home Internet (modem and router).
. get the 6GB smartphone data plan (only $5/mo more).
. consider stopping use of your landline phone (not easy if a Bell Fibe TV subscriber).
One transition option (when you need to replace your current cell phone) is to buy a smartphone without an Internet usage plan, if you use it for only phoning right now.
This is quite a cost saving (save approx $50/mo).
Then wean yourself from the computer (when it dies) by adding the Internet usage plan (approx $50/mo) and dropping the home PC Internet access plan and landline phone plan (if you haven't already) - additional approx $100/mo saving.
This will only work if you and your spouse are of the same mind.
My Forecasts:
1. More browsers will have comprehensive mobile access (easy smartphone use) very soon.
2. Most services (travel, hotels, airlines, car rentals, etc) will offer an Android (mobile) app as well as their std web browser presence ... very soon.
3. Decline in landline phones will increase significantly.
I already see a decrease in landlines. Our children are already there!
However, they are having trouble weaning themselves of home PC Internet.
Any thots?
