Johannesburg, 30 Aug 2005
Today`s personal computer (PC) users are more likely to look at the "fun" aspect of computing before purchasing their next machine - which will probably be a lightweight and very portable notebook PC.
So says Andre Rossouw, a business manager at Rectron, who believes modern notebook PC users are today more influenced by the entertainment possibilities of the latest generation machines, than their accepted business attributes.
"Today`s uniquely designed laptops, such as the Toshiba Qosmio range, now weigh less, have smaller form factors and are packed with features designed to appeal to new markets and users who are looking to play games, listen to music, watch DVD movies and even tune into their favourite TV stations while on the move," he says, underlining the giant leaps taken by notebook manufacturers in terms technology.
"Now called AV notebook PCs - this class of machine represent the last word in mobile entertainment and features large - around 17-inch - colour screens, TV tuners and special technology to enhance sound and picture quality way beyond what is currently considered possible by many prospective buyers.
"Toshiba`s latest Qosmio family encourages you to take your CD or DVD collection on the road and enjoy the very best entertainment experiences on the move.
"And if you get the chance, these PCs can plug into the Internet via wireless networks and download sound, video or graphic images from other computer systems - and even share them with your Internet chat partners a world away."
Rossouw says the technology to deliver image quality - from reflective black and white liquid crystal displays to true colour, high resolution, thin film transistor (TFT) active matrix displays with over 6 million colour reproductions - as well as sound quality improvements, with virtual surround sound and multichannel audio, was unheard of only a year ago.
"This is probably why the notebook PC has broken out of the `office equipment` genre and is now a globally acclaimed fashion accessory," he says.
"This was underlined by a recent research study commissioned by Toshiba and conducted by KRC Research in Europe.
"According to their findings, laptops now rival cellphones as the technological travel accessory for keeping in touch with home and work.
"The report revealed that of the 600 laptop owners polled, 72% take their laptops on holiday with them - compared with 79% who bring their cellphones along with them," adds Rossouw.
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