Recently I traded my portable MacBook Pro for a stationary iMac since I felt the need of having a computer to carry around for studying and working faded away gradually. Shortly after executing that decision it happened that I couldn’t access my computer for about 2 weeks and at the beginning of that time span I was wondering whether it was a good decision to give up on notebook computing.

5 years ago the answer to this question most certainly would have been yes due to doubts whether other portable devices would be able to fill the void. In 2011 however those worries are without reason for basic day-to-day tasks. Basic tasks are not in need of a full-fledged computer system; it is more than enough to carry a smartphone and/or tablet like the iPhone and iPad while traveling. E-Mail and web browsing are tasks that almost all more or less modern mobile phones can handle. Even when it comes to keep in close contact with friends and family modern smart devices let us use video calls with applications like Skype and FaceTime. For staying up-to-date what happens in the world around us Twitter and certain RSS feeds have proven to be a valuable platform for trivial information as well as for important input during emergencies.

In case the usual phone voice network is overloaded we have the freedom to switch to VoIP services with applications like Viber either on top of the mobile network or landlines through WiFi. While in a hurry to catch the last bus to our designated destination convenient easy to use applications enable us to quickly find the correct and fastest means of transport to tell us how to get there while already walking on the street or already traveling to the next station. When feeling stressed and burned out they help us to distract our mind with small casual games to play or our favorite music to listen to.

All this tasks can be done with a common notebook computer, of course. But smart phones and tablets do it in a way easier to use and in less time since they usually carry the spirit of providing small applications focused on one specific task only. This problem they usually tackle in the best possible way presented in the most easy way for the user. This ease of use and focus on a specific problem is the true merit of this new generation of computing devices and additionally they have longer battery life than the common notebook.

If asked, would I decide to give up on my portable Macintosh again if I had the chance to change my decision at that time? I have to say yes. Not only because I grew to like carrying around those lightweight and convenient devices but of course also because I am afraid of creating a time paradox when choosing differently.