The past decade has seen more technological innovation than the past century – at least in the world of mobile computing. Netbooks, Smartphones, Tablets, and finally Phablets have revolutionized the world.
A new phenomenon is emerging – where Smartphones are turning into desktops. Sounds funny, doesn’t it?
Consider this: What’s the configuration of your smartphone? Most likely, it’s a dual-core processor with at least 2 GB RAM, and a 32 GB of disk space. Good examples are an iPhone 5 or a Samsung Galaxy S3. What’s the configuration of your home computer? Most probably, the processor is lesser than a dual-core, with 2 GB RAM, and a large hard disk. Putting all of these together, your smartphone today may as well have more processing power and memory than your basic home computer.
Yet, we have a home computer, for general Internet surfing, printing, or for things that you can’t yet do with your smartphone. And yet, most of us carry a smartphone.
Here’s a revolutionary idea: What if your smartphone could also be your home computer?
And this revolutionary idea comes to you not from Apple or Google, but from Canonical, the guys that brought you Ubuntu. Canonical has released a developer version of Ubuntu for Mobile. You can load this operating system on your smartphone. You can connect your smartphone to a dock to switch to Desktop Mode. You can then use your smartphone as a desktop computer simply by connecting a mouse, keyboard, and monitor to the dock. After using your Smartphone as a Desktop, just unplug it and put it in your pocket!
Here is a conceptual representation of the setup:
Intriguing? I think so. Here’s where you can read more about Ubuntu for Mobile: http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/phone
In my opinion, here are some advantages of using a single device (for a home user):
- Programs: Install all software programs on only one device..
- Data: Store your data on only one device (may also be synced to a cloud).
- Mobility: Carry the device around.
- Security: Manage security for only one device (anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-malware, theft protection etc.)
- Cost: Cheaper, since there is only one device to buy.
- Software Updates: Update software on only one device.
- Space: Saves space in your home.
- Environment friendly: Save power and creates less electronic recycling.
Here are some advantages of using a single device (for a business):
- Mobility: Welcome to the mobile enterprise – all employees are mobile.
- Mobile Device Management: IT administrators can now use Mobile Device Management instead of Desktop Management solutions (the desktop market is shrinking anyways).
- Licensing: Save on licensing costs for expensive programs.
- Unified Threat Management: Unified Threat Management on only one device – a boon for IT administrators.
I would love to have an Ubuntu Smartphone that is also my home computer.
In all fairness and much as I love the concept, there are some serious disadvantages to using an Ubuntu phone as a computer:
- Processor Speed: Can we have a processor that is as fast as Core i7 on a Smartphone? Not yet.
- Memory (RAM): Smartphones are yet to reach the 8 or 16 GB category.
- Network Speed: Smartphones do not have Gigabit Ethernet. Ethernet ports are still very useful when it comes to communicating over high-speed networks.
- Battery Technology: How reliable are smartphone batteries? Obviously not as reliable as a desktop computer that is plugged into a power line. (You might want to read more about my idea on battery technology in my earlier post Is the Smartphone Industry Curious about Curiosity?.)
- Applications/Programs: Finally, the obvious – Ubuntu for Mobile may not have as many programs as Windows. Windows still rules the market with millions of programs, drivers, and tools for business.
I guess technology has reached a full circle from Desktops > Laptops > Netbooks > Smartphones > Tablets > Phablets > finally to SmartTops*!
Let’s wait and watch to see if SmartTops* rule the market like Smartphones or Tablets.
*SmartTop is not an industry terminology. I came up with this term for this blog post. Remember, you heard this word here first. Ubuntu for smartphones may get in touch with my $$ anytime soon :)
