Comment The best computer is the one that's with you (Score 2) 649
We've all heard the quote, "The best camera is the one that you have with you." (The Internet seems to attribute this to photographer Chase Jarvis). Well, the best computer is the one that I have with me. Sure, my pocket sized Linux based mobile computer which also makes phone calls is far from ideal for gaming, word processing, etc., but it's perfect for when I'm bored at the train station or family reunion or whatever.
In a fast-paced lifestyle, people want a device that can send and receive content and entertainment a few minutes at a time, then go back into their pocket on standby for the next 2 minutes of free time. So, while my laptop might be better suited for many things, my phone is what I use. Some newer phones now are capable of docking with a "lapdock" which essentially turns the phone into a laptop computer with full sized screen and keyboard. With mobile processing power and network speeds increasing rapidly, this new use of mobile phones can easily replace the laptop/netbook/tablet that many people lug around.
For those griping about battery life, you do have a point, but I would counter with this: even with my dual core 4.5" display fancy new cell phone, if I shut off background services and turn off data (essentially reducing it back to only cell phone and PDA functions), I can easily get 2-3 days on one charge.
What I'm saying is, stop thinking about cell phones as such, the name "phone" is just a legacy at this point. They are rapidly evolving, ultra-portable personal computers and entertainment systems. Sell a high quality power drill and call it a "Margarita Mixer", and your customers will bitch that it is a crappy margarita mixer.