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Trends in computing

Mobile phones and tablets are affecting how PCs (especially laptops) are designed, so here are a few hints at what is likely to change, in part already a reality:

  • SSDs instead of moving hard drives. Still much more expensive, but they are also much faster, and increasingly content is stored on-line or is streamed instead of stored locally.
  • No optical storage drive. See PC software below.
  • Large application and data caches in Flash/SSD.
  • Touch screens, as a complement to a mouse or touchpad.
  • Integrated snapshot/video camera.
  • Detachable and/or flippable screens.
  • Integrated location technologies: GPS, accelerometer, compass.
  • Integrated mobile modem.

When it comes to PC software:

  • Will be purchased, installed and updated via the Internet, via the established application store concept.
  • Backups will be done to Internet services, in part provided by PC and OS manufacturers.
  • Media will mostly be streamed instead of locally stored.
  • Applications will collaborate via means similar to Android Send/Share.
  • Messaging, news feeds, social networking etc will be fully integrated in the OS, so that updates are presented in a coherent way.

Will anyone buy or rent software or content on physical media by 2020? I doubt it.