I don't foresee a time when phones will replace laptops for all applications and for all people. But when you consider how people already use their phones -- read, compose and reply to e-mail; open, read and edit documents; browse the Web, enter social networking status updates, access corporate servers, etc. -- you realize that phones already are even replacing laptops for certain functions. It's no long necessary to carry a laptop if you need to do just those sorts of things.
However, I certainly agree that for a variety of tasks, phones aren't going to replace laptops.
The problem with phone + external keyboard is the weight and awkwardness of carrying a peripheral. I haven't found a rubber roll-up keyboard that's very good and I use one of the biggest external iPad keyboards (Logitech) because the typing experience is superior to more portable keyboards or keyboards with cases.
Although I've used PDAs and phones for writing, I'm basically resigned to carrying a laptop (including a Chromebook) or tablet + keyboard. I have used the BlackBerry keyboards for writing hundreds of words, which is why I still love BlackBerrys for text entry.
By the way, I, too, like external keyboards with their cursor keys and ability to use other navigational commands (PageUp/Down, Home, etc.).
A variety of Microsoft Office-type programs for iOS and Android work with the phones and tablets. And, of course, Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 will work with Office.
In a pinch, a phone + external keyboard will work, especially if you've got one of the larger phones (which I prefer), with screens of 4.5-inches and larger. However, the problem is having to carry an external keyboard.
An external keyboard + phone isn't heavy, but a keyboard + tablet or a lightweight notebook computer (MacBook Air, Chromebook, etc.) are so much more functional.
When you consider that phones have screens with 4.5-inches, 4.7-inches, 5-inches, 5.3-inches and even 5.5-inches, using them with an external keyboard (if the phone supports the keyboard) isn't entirely ridiculous.
I do a lot of writing, too, and a keyboard and good screen is essential for me. But in a pinch, using one of the new cellular phones with large screens, such as 4.5-inches and larger, plus an external Bluetooth keyboard (if the phone supports it), could work for some writing.
Using a tablet, with its even larger screen, and an external keyboard is much better, though. I've used my iPad to write a variety of articles, but I still prefer a laptop or desktop because of its larger screen and real multitasking.
That seems counter-intuitive. The device I expect to see the market demand is a small tablet, with cellphone capability. That seems to be the point of convergence.
I understand the potential of technological advancement, but I am finding it difficult to understand that we can totally replace laptops with smart phones. But I guess time will tell.
Haha...the pull down trays on airplanes's do not have room for much. I don't fly often, on my last trip I thought it would be nice to bring my laptop with me and do some homework while in flight...needless to say it wasn't even worth pulling it out, I couldn't even comfortably sit it on my lap to work...The blue tooth keyboard sounds like a great investment too...I could certainly put that to use...
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