Computer and Library Learning (Archived)

Although the Apple 2, the Commodore PET, the Osborne 1, and the Tandy TRS-80 preceded the IBM 5150, the IBM 5150, in conjunction with MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System), was seen as popularizing the idea of a personal computer in most homes. The IBM 5150 made its debut on August 12, 1981. A debate is now occurring over whether the personal computer is obsolete.

Mark Dean, Chief Technology Officer of IBM Middle East and Africa, helped design the IBM 5150 but has “moved beyond the PC”. Dr. Dean sees the PC as no longer being on computing’s cutting edge and joining other items seen as obsolete including the typewriter, vinyl records and incandescent light bulbs. He now uses a tablet but sees innovation occurring primarily in social spaces where people and ideas come together rather than through the devices themselves. IBM sold its PC division in 2005 to Lenovo and Dean saw IBM being on the leading edge of the “post-PC era.” Apple’s Steve Jobs referred to the iPhone, iPod, and iPad as “post-PC devices” at the unveiling of the iPad 2 in March, 2011.

Frank X. Shaw, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President – Corporate Communications, sees things differently as the “PC-plus era” where some 400 million personal computers will be sold in the coming year but Microsoft’s software dovetails with various evolutionary devices, including the Windows PC, the Windows Phone platform, and the Xbox. Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have already taken on tasks that were previously the sole purview of PCs such as document creation/editing, email, and internet browsing.

What are others saying? Ed Oswald, writing on PCWorld, cites his agreement with both Dean and Jobs and emphasizes the growing importance of the server and cloud computing and the reduced significance of personal computers. Kevin C. Tofel, writing on GigaOm, states his concurrence with Dean on the importance of mobile social networks and consumer interaction reducing the PC influence, and points to the continuing trend of smartphone sales beginning to outpace PC sales at the end of 2010/beginning of 2011. Joel Santo Domingo, writing on PCMag.com, offers six reasons why the predicted demise of the PC has been great exaggerated, including: simple ergonomics; large screens/HDTV; storage; number crunching (i.e. working on spreadsheets is better suited to PCs); dings and dents on mobile devices (with less likelihood of accidents with PCs); and, separate keyboard.

What do you think about the personal computer (PC) debate? Please write in and share your thoughts as we acknowledge the 30^th anniversary of the IBM 5150.