Linked by David Adams on Tue 31st Jan 2012 23:08 UTC
PDAs, Cellphones, Wireless An article at The Next Web points out that the latest marketshare numbers put Apple at the top of "PC" makers, and that some PC makers that don't have any tablet momentum are calling foul. It's "controversial" to count tablets as PCs, they say. The article points out various justifications for not categorizing tablets as personal computers, and then shoots them down. I must say, I find the argument compelling.
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Why does it matter anyway?
by MORB on Wed 1st Feb 2012 09:10 UTC
MORB
Member since:
2005-07-06

Who cares? Are tablet somehow diminished when we don't call them PC? Are they improved when we do?

I don't see the point of being overly pedantic and technical and pointing out that anything with a microprocessor actually counts as a personal computer.
If you take "PC" literally, then tablets, phones, gaming consoles, and probably even your microwave oven all count as PCs.

And now you have to come up with a new word to specifically describe the ones that are a box on your desk. So why not just keep calling things the same way people always did?

Reply Score: 3

RE: Why does it matter anyway?
by MOS6510 on Wed 1st Feb 2012 10:16 in reply to "Why does it matter anyway?"
MOS6510 Member since:
2011-05-12

It matters to people who don't want Apple to be rated the #1 PC selling company, overtaking Hewlett-Packard.

They are #1 if you count the iPad as a PC, they aren't if you don't.

Reply Parent Score: 2

MORB Member since:
2005-07-06

Corporations will always present facts in the way that makes them look better, it's nothing new, nothing that can be changed and nothing that most people should really care about.

I don't give a flying crap about the industry's dick waving contest myself, but that's just me.

Reply Parent Score: 2

Thom_Holwerda Member since:
2005-06-29

They are #1 if you count the iPad as a PC, they aren't if you don't.


Funny how this entire debate can be accurately summed up like that in one sentence ;) .

Reply Parent Score: 1

TechGeek Member since:
2006-01-14

The entire problem with the article is that its lopsided. We question whether or not to count iPads as PCs. But what about iPhones and Touches. They run the same iOS and the same software. Why should they be left out. And if you include them, then all android devices should be counted as well. You shouldn't be picking and choosing products to manipulate the data and the outcome.

Reply Parent Score: 4

No it isnt Member since:
2005-11-14

Er, so they matter to people who desperately want Apple to be #1, including the author of the article.

Reply Parent Score: 3