© Mark Ollig
“Laptops to overtake desktops by 2010” was the lead from the Sept. 24, 2007, Bits and Bytes column.
So, here we are nearly 15 years later, and I can happily report back, per our friends at Statista, that in 2010 a total of 201 million laptop computers and 157 million desktop computers were shipped worldwide.
Yes, another prediction accurately fulfilled by this humble columnist.
Of course, it comes as no surprise mobile laptops would become more popular than stationary desktop computers.
In 2010, the buzz regarding large-screen tablet computers began, as folks were anxious to have them.
The first-generation Apple iPad prototype model was the 2009 K48AP. Its back case engraving showed the Apple logo.
The K48AP prototype unit included 2 GB (gigabyte) of data storage capacity and would boot up (initialize) using Apple’s Switchboard launch utility software.
Jan. 27, 2010, Steve Jobs, then Apple’s chief executive officer, revealed the iPad tablet computer to the public.
The first generation iPad used the A4 system-on-a-chip microprocessor designed by semiconductor company PA Semi, which Apple Computer acquired for $278 million in 2008.
April 3, 2010, the iPad became available and sold three million units in the first 80 days.
In 2010, 19 million tablet computers were shipped worldwide, with 9.7 million sold in the US.
Apple’s iPad accounted for 8.8 million of the computer tablet sales in 2010.
The success of the iPad soon triggered other high-profile electronics manufacturers such as Samsung, RIM (Research in Motion — the creator of the BlackBerry), and HP (Hewlett-Packard) to manufacture tablet computers. Still, none could match the popularity of Apple’s iPad with the public.
As of 2021, an estimated 350 million Apple iPad tablets have been sold worldwide, per Statista, while other sources report 425 million Apple iPad tablets of various model sizes sold.
It’s been regularly reported that Henry Edward Roberts, who designed the Altair 8800 Computer, coined “personal computer” in 1975.
I did some research and found the Star Tribune (Minneapolis) newspaper from Feb. 18, 1970, with the words “Your Personal Computer” in a Northwestern Bell telephone advertisement describing “7 Exciting Program Ideas.”
The ad said a Northwestern Bell telephone company representative would come and speak to any local club or group about their telephone service.
“An inside look at how the telephone company uses computers in its day-to-day operations. In addition, you’ll learn how your own phone acts like a computer in the nationwide telephone system,” the advertisement stated.
The bold wording “Your Personal Computer” appeared under the drawing of a telephone and some electronic printed circuit boards.
In 1970, it may have been unknowingly envisioned how a telephone would evolve into a digital smart device and become a node within the high-speed computer network of the future — our future.
I suppose it only makes sense an old telephone guy like myself would find the term “personal computer” in a 52-year-old newspaper advertisement from a telephone company.
In 2021, computing manufacturers shipped 348 million PCs (personal computers), 277 million laptops, 160 million tablets, and 1.6 billion mobile phones worldwide.
The top computers sold in 2021 were: Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, ASUS, and Acer.
According to Statista, PC revenue for this year is estimated to be $64.7 billion, and by 2026 will be $66 billion.
The dollars spent worldwide on IoT (Internet of Things) devices and technology will reach an estimated $1.1 trillion in 2023.
IoT refers to digital appliances, devices, and technology inside homes and businesses controlled through a computer’s internet connection or an app on a smartphone.
The number one reason for growing IoT sales with businesses and consumers is increased security.
IoT technology and devices have become popular worldwide. Its technology is used in visual doorbell systems, programming thermostats, controlling lighting, televisions, automobiles, and virtually hundreds of other uses.
Reports said in 2020, nearly 37 percent of households in the US-owned a smart home device. In addition, an estimated 66.3 million US households will own an internet-connected IoT smart device this year.
IoT smart-home systems include the Google Nest Hub Assistant, the Amazon Alexa Smart Home, and the Ring Home Security System, which one of the folks I work with use.
As for me, I am still using the Google Nest Hub.
As of 2021, the most commonly owned intelligent devices in the US were smart TVs, innovative home systems, and various digital streaming devices.
The number of intelligent home systems installed in the US is estimated at 95 million units this year.
By 2025, revenue sales in the US of smart home IoT devices will reach $47 billion. The same year will see a projected 131 million computers being used.
In 2025, households throughout North America will be using an estimated 164 million personal computers.
What will North America, US, and worldwide computing revenue sales and hardware statistics be at the end of the next 15 years?
Hopefully, you will be reading about it in one of my 2037 columns.
Stay tuned.
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| Star Tribune (Minneapolis) newspaper from Feb. 18, 1970. |
