power will double every 18 months. This has been the case since the early 1970’s and it is not expected to change even ten years from now 26. Recent advancements in wireless phone and notepad/Palm organizers have resulted in predictions of the demise of the PC.Rumors of the PC’s demise may be premature, but they aren’t necessarily exaggerated. No one can say for certain whether the PC will survive the coming onslaught of super smart alternative computing devices ranging from wireless phones to household appliances. Such products could make the PC less essential. In short, you can expect PC to become smaller and more powerful, with thinner and lighter screens, and advances in voice recognition could ultimately make your mouse and keyboard a museum piece. But while the aging PC may undergo some cosmetic nips and tucks, it probably won’t disappear altogether – at least not in the near future. 27There is a new trend away from PC’s to NC’s (network computers) in the workplace and for networks data to be contained on the Internet rather than on a computer based network server. This approach means that the computers on people’s desks at work will not have hard drives, which will all be located on one server. Units of hardware, such as monitors and keypads are predicted to last at least ten years, and the server will be upgraded only as needed. This approach will significantly reduce computer system maintenance requirements. Also, from this study’s point of view, the size of equipment involved - a small desktop NC - will be considerably smaller than existing PCs, and the rate at which these units will be discarded may be slower than for current technology, thus reducing the flow of IT waste to disposal.7.0 Technology Changes in Computer EquipmentFlat panel displays (FPDs) such as plasma display panels and liquid crystal displays (LCD) offer several environmental advantages over CRTs, includ...
