Computing Devices and the Race for Market Share

With so many competing devices to choose from today, the race for market share provides better choices to consumers. The right device for a particular individual requires careful thought on what that device will be used for.

The battle for market share in personal computers, laptops, tablets, phones and other devices presents many options this fall to consumers. With so many options available, determining which is right for a particular individual depends on specific needs as the one shoe size fits all philosophy no longer applies.

Starting at around $200, Chromebook poses a significant threat to Microsoft and Apple. Not everyone needs all the bells and whistles and for casual usage, Chromebook is hard to beat. A fast boot, less susceptible to malware and attractive price gives the product significant advantages over the competition.

On the downside, as a newer product, backwards compatibility may be an issue for some Wi-Fi printers and the high dependence on cloud services is not for everyone. Nevertheless, it is hard not to be impressed by all the power squeezed into these devices.

Despite strong competition, Microsoft also seems to be gaining ground. The reintroduction of the Start menu in Windows 10 combines the best of the old and new. A wider tablet also makes the Web easier to view in an interface that now adapts well to the hardware. A single API for all Windows devices gives Microsoft a unique edge that programmers and IT professionals are sure to appreciate.

Although the iPhone 6 came with mixed reviews, overall Apple remains a fierce competitor. With the largest market share still in tablets, their branding and overall dominance in key markets continues to chip away at Microsoft’s once near monopoly. Even so, Samsung is gaining momentum with Google’s Android-based operating system and the lower cost/high powered devices get the job done for less money.

With cloud services also a key indicator, the future may not be determined by just hardware, operating system advantages and apps. Answering which device is best for a particular individual depends on what the device will be used for. If you want the best overall compatibility for business hardware and software, a Windows device is probably still your best bet.

The wider screen on the tablet also plays well for better presentations, movie viewing and working in large spreadsheets. However, people that just want a simple device to browse the Internet and accomplish basic tasks may prefer a more reliable Android-based solution.

On the higher end, a Macbook provides a great alternative to the PC and though pricier, may be worth spending a little more for its power, performance and dependability.

This was a guest article from Robert Haskell.

Robert Haskell helps maintain OfficeSalesUSA.com, the official site of Haskell New York Inc.