Don’t Rely On Unreliable Technology!

Technology is constantly evolving, and changes to both hardware and software occur at an incredible pace.  Some of the biggest technological advances of the last few years have been mobile devices and touch screens.  While they both represent huge advancements in mobile computing, they are unlikely to replace regular computers or mouses at any point in the near future.  The average techie has no problems throwing themselves head first into the newest and most cutting edge devices, but the majority of consumers and businesses are very conservative about making changes, especially when they already have something that works.

Mobile Devices VS Computers

For example, while touch screen technology makes using tablets and smartphones much easier, it is unlikely to be a strong competitor of the mouse.  Touch screen technology lacks finer controls, and the majority of consumers who use it frequently resort to styluses and Bluetooth keyboards.  Additionally, many computer users, especially in business, need the ability to right click on menus and documents.  There is limited ability to imitate this simple task on a mouse, and doing so on touch pads is cumbersome at best.

Further, while tablets and smartphones have made Internet use and working in a mobile setting far easier, neither have come close to replacing a computer.  Computers are still the simplest and fastest way to accomplish the majority of work related tasks.  Having a full size keyboard and screen makes word processing, image editing and code writing far easier.  Additionally, advanced gaming is still something that requires a PC or console.  Essentially, tablets and smartphones are excellent stand ins for situations where PCs are not easily available for use.

Brand Loyalty May Drive Sales

However, it is not just smartphones and touch screen technology that consumers and businesses are hesitant about.  While there is no question that a huge number of mobile devices have been sold in the last few years, they were generally sold to people and companies that already had computers.  Many people are willing to try new technologies out, but the majority of users and businesses will not make large changes to how they do things without extensive use and testing.

While the iPad has sold without problems, many other tablet manufacturers are having problems gaining a foothold in the market.  Since Apple has a reputation for high quality products and a large fan following, they were easily able to convince people to purchase the iPad.  However, many other manufacturers are having a hard time selling tablets.  For example, the HP Touchpad was discontinued due to lack of sales.  Recently, lower priced tablets have become successful, but it shows that the majority of consumers are not willing to spend a lot of money on relatively new technology from a company that they are not loyal to.

The Reliability of Established Technology

Further, Windows XP is over 10 years old, and two operating systems have been written by Microsoft since it was released.  However, the decade old operating system is still the OS of choice for over a quarter of computer users.  Many companies still use Windows XP as their base platform for company and networked computer systems.  Additionally, while Windows 7 takes up a majority share of the market, it took quite a while to do so after the debacle that was Windows Vista.

Due to pricing, limitations and reliance on familiar devices and systems, it is unlikely that consumers and businesses are going to replaced established technology any time soon.

Byline:  Aaron Gormley understands the importance of using reliable technological and business services both for personal and work use.

About Jakk: Jakk Ogden is a professional self-employed blogger and the founder / owner of Technology Blogged. 22, with a love for good writing, you'll find me playing 'Drag Racing' on my HTC One X and rocking a pair of Grado headphones. If you love technology, be sure to subscribe to my feed for unique editorials. Find me on Google+. View author profile.