Laptop Prices and New Gadgets

by Jaclyn Jacobsen
Debonair Magazine

Few items tickle the hearts of New Yorkers like a brand new laptop or a top-of-the-line gadget. But are current laptop prices justified? It is every consumer’s dream that the longer technology is on the market, the lower the amount they will pay less money for that shimmering Dell or Compaq they’ve had their eye on. However, despite certain chains, namely Wal-Mart and Best Buy, that have radically slashed laptop prices to meet the Christmas rush, most portable computers will cost upwards of $700.

Laptop prices have sparked a concern over the growing ‘digital divide,’ present in New York City and throughout the country. According to the National Telecom and Information Administration, “The ‘digital divide’ (the disparities in access to telephones, personal computers (PCs), and the Internet across certain demographic groups) still exists, and in many cases, has widened significantly. The gap for computer and Internet access has generally grown larger by categories of education, income, and race.”

A study released by the Department of Education found that, while two-thirds of white children had access to the Internet at home and used it regularly, only 44% of Hispanics and 47% of blacks currently use the Internet. Only 26% of Hispanic students, and 27% of black youth, use the Internet at home, a figure related to the availability of computing technology within schools and residences.

New programs, such as “One to One in Ten” (One Laptop for Every Child in School Region Ten) are hoping to bridge this technological divide. Other programs, such as the One Laptop Per Child program, seeks to create a $100 laptop, available to children in the developing world. But even these programs can cost upwards of a million dollars (the current pilot program for “One to One in Ten” costs $1.3 million), and is not immediately available for all school districts within the city. So why are laptops still an unattainable commodity for many potential consumers?

“I think they haven't dropped because laptops aren't as easily customizable as desktop PC's, and therefore don't have a demand for cheap and affordable parts,” explains IT professional Kris Meyers. Web designer Christina Hope agrees. “They [laptops] are [too expensive], depending upon what type you get,” she said. “But I also don’t know how much it costs to produce the technology.”

Another professional web developer, who requested anonymity, narrowed that statement. “Yes, they are [too expensive]. Apple laptops are overpriced because their parts are proprietary.”

Essentially, proprietary parts are the components of a computer that cannot be duplicated by competing companies for cheaper prices. While Apple computers were the vanguards in the use of proprietary parts, other computer manufacturers like Dell and Compaq have increasingly adopted proprietary designs.

Still, others do not believe laptops are prohibitively pricey. Chris Cavallari, Executive Producer of Filmosity Productions, believes laptop prices are just about right. “They’ve pretty much hovered around the same prices for years,” he said. “Prices might be slightly inflated, but considering manufacturers are getting more into a smaller package, I think prices are about right.”

Industry analysts believe advances in cellular phone technology, such as the ability to import music, take pictures, and store increasing amounts of memory, may threaten the predominance of laptop computers in the near future. New products, like Sidekick phones, Sony Mylos, or Palm Treos, have consolidated their sizes while offering email, messaging services, and significant storage space, which could potentially decrease the demand for portable laptops.

The Sidekick phone, distributed by T-Mobile, is quickly growing in popularity throughout the university population. Measuring 5.1 x 2.6 x 0.9 inches, this compact phone comes complete with a full QWERTY keyboard, AOL Messenger, speakerphone, a color screen, web browser, and 6 MB of email storage space. Sidekick phones are usually available for $49.99, without a service plan.

Following the success of Sidekick phones, Sony has unveiled a competitor product – the Mylo (My Life Online). In addition to offering the same features as a T-Mobile Sidekick phone, the Sony Mylo stores music, takes video, and has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. In addition, Mylos have the capacity to both take, and edit, digital photographs. Mylo hopes to entice new consumers by promising no monthly service fees, as Mylos are compatible with wi-fi networks. Mylos are available for $350.

Finally, the Palm Treo 600 and 700 series Smartphone has essentially the same features as the Mylo, but does not have a separate slide-out QWERTY keyboard. The Palm Treo is shaped like the Blackberry, ubiquitous in all urban areas, with a smaller, more condensed keyboard than its competitors. The Treo also features an Intel processor and Bluetooth technology – enabling all Treo owners to be directly connected to each other. Palm Treos start at $199, while the color-customized 680 is available for $399, not including service plans.

The Economist, among other media, has been increasingly optimistic about the potential of cell phones and their capacity to replace current laptop technologies. Citing the use of cell phones to stimulate business development in Africa, the newspaper believes that the evolution of mobile technology can result in tiny machines executing the many functions carried out by laptops today.

Others aren’t so sure. Hope does not believe these gadgets could become a real replacement for current laptops. “It’s also nice to have a large screen and to have multiple applications,” she said. “Sidekicks are good for games and quick emails and IM,” but for more specialized programs, they are not sufficient.

Cavallari explains, “SmartPhones … are meant to complement desktops and laptops, not replace them. For example, a Blackberry is a super portable pocket computer, but its limited functionality really doesn’t suit it to the larger functions of laptops and desktops.”

Therefore, consumers are still better off with a sturdy laptop, although these accessories can also serve as fun gifts for any holiday.