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Today's trends for tomorrow's business
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Sleeker, Smarter PCs
April 22, 2018
The term “PC” has become so universal that we often forget what it stands for. But if “personal computer” once signified little more than a large beige box on your desk, it is beginning to mean something very different today. The designers of the HP Spectre—the world’s thinnest laptop[1]—said they wanted it to feel “more like jewelry.” Apple calls their new smartwatches their most personal device ever. The trend toward more personal, even artistic, computers is clear. The big question now is, how can your business take advantage of it?
The answer is to focus on your customers. More than 90 percent of consumers say they would consider taking their business elsewhere rather than work with a company that uses outdated technology.[2] Likewise, nearly 60 percent of consumers think a business is outdated if a company is still using a five- to 10-year-old desktop computer.[2]
Take advantage of the transition to more personal (and personalized) computers by using these new designs to influence your customers' perceptions of your company and brand—while also improving productivity.
What's driving personalization?
Worldwide PC shipments had a year-on-year decline of 10.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015.[3] Instead of purchasing traditional desktop PCs, businesses and consumers alike are replacing aging devices with ultra-light hybrids, wearables, tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices.[3] If you use a computer in your business, the odds are increasing that you always have it with you. It’s a part of your business attire—and therefore an important aspect of how you represent your business to your customers.
How can my business take advantage of this trend?
The move towards more personal mobile devices is affecting every consumer device category. For businesses, there are three main areas where tech as art can have the biggest impact:
1. Ultra-mobile PCs
These extremely thin and light notebook computers are distinct from most tablets and smartphones because they run a full-fledged operating system and have keyboards for more serious computing needs. The HP Spectre laptop is a great example of this category.
Business uses: Ultra-mobiles help you keep computing power close without straining physically. Additionally, like dressing to impress, they can signal to others that your company invests in technology during meetings, presentations, and any customer interactions, helping build client confidence.
Perfect for: Executives, business owners, and anyone who regularly presents to clients.
2. Wearables
These devices are any technology that can be directly worn by a user. At the moment, they most often take the form of watches, such as the smartwatches engineered by HP.
Business uses: Discretely remain connected, even during important meetings and customer interactions. Signal that you understand important future trends—such as the Internet of Things that smartwatches are a part of—and that you are accessible and responsive to customer needs.
Perfect for: Sales people, executives, business owners, and anyone who regularly interacts with customers.
3. Smartphones
Combining many of the capabilities of a tablet in a handheld form factor, these devices are fast becoming everyday essentials for many of us. And new options like the HP Elite x3 are pushing the category even further by adding more power and introducing docking capabilities.
Business uses: The most capable smartphones can help you decrease your device count from three (tablet, PC, and phone) to one, and they can help you stay connected and respond to customer needs anytime, anywhere.
Perfect for: Remote workers, employees with multiple device needs, and anyone who regularly multitasks.
Driving the bottom line
Our customers' perceptions of us matter. Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of consumers say they are likely to become a repeat customer of a business that uses modern technology.[2] With the transition to more mobile and more personal devices, your business has the opportunity to improve customer confidence and loyalty with just a look—while still powering through your essential tasks. For smart businesses that take advantage of it, that's a win-win.
[1] Based on HP's internal analysis as of 2/10/16 of vendors shipping >1 million units worldwide annually with clamshell design, Windows or OSX, measured at z-height.
[2] Microsoft, How outdated technology can cost your business
[3] IDC, PMrket Finishes 2015 As Expected, Hopefully Setting the Stage for a More Stable Future, According to IDC
