Tablets have undoubtedly had a dramatic impact on consumer notebook sales, but the personal computer will be around for a long time to come. "We may be selling fewer traditional tower PCs, but despite this we are selling more Thin Clients, Workstations, Gaming Machines and All-In-One PCs than ever before. Business and personal users have become more sophisticated and demanding, so the range we offer has had to grow accordingly," says Reeves.
He strongly believes that the tablet will not replace the notebook PC. "I view the iPad, for example, as a complimentary computing device. For the consumer looking to surf the web, e-mail, engage in social media, share photos and have fun with applications, a tablet is close to ideal. But how much work can be done on it? Does it seamlessly connect to your company ERP system, for example? How secure is your company data on it?" asks Reeves.
"A new range of ultra-thin and light notebooks with long-life batteries that combine business connectivity and security with instant-on responsiveness has arrived. Intel-based 'Ultrabooks', as they are called, provide business users and consumers with the best of both worlds," says Reeves.
"On more than a few occasions I have watched as tech-savvy individuals play around on their iPad while taking a call on their smartphone, only to then open their notebook to respond to a work issue. It does not make sense to carry two computing devices when you can carry just one," states Reeves. "Acer, Lenovo and HP have all launched stylish, yet robust and powerful models that will be able to serve both needs."
