In late 80′ we have domination of mainframes. To access shell account based on Unix and VMS, we use big and ugly text terminals. Those systems provide multiuser environment with TCP/IP networking. People used to socialize in IRC channels, MUD style game invironment, download via FTP, FSP and HTTP protocols.

 

[flickr]tag:Terminal@Igor Pecovnik[/flickr]

 

Logic of having terminal and account is getting back in our lives and our PCs are becoming more and more just a terminal to access web based solutions or servers via RDP. For normal business use, there is less and less need to have fancy and strong PC, equiped with lot’s of memory, fast processor, … except PC gamers. We need strong servers and good portability. Terminal device should be smaller and lighter than average laptop.

 

In basic you need 1k pix display and good connectivity and just optional equpied with keyboard and mouse.

 

What we can get on the market today?

 

[flickr]tag:TabletPC@Igor Pecovnik[/flickr]

 

Some of those devices looks quite cool

VAIO® UX Premium Micro PC
OQO model E2
Sahara Slate PC i215 Touch-iT Tablet PC
Sahara Slate TufTab v7112XT

 

What about mobile smartphones? I am using it to store and manipulate PIM data, to get some information from the net and sometimes to call someone. Beeing “not avalible” is becoming luxury, so there is not so mouch need to be avalible on the phone. Access to your working environment is getting in front.

Anyway. Good (smart)phone is temporaly solution! For decent work you need big-ger screen and keyboard/touch screen as well.