The future of the personal computer in the home: A research note

Abstract

It is widely accepted that, if technology is to be more accepted in the home, it must change to better suit this environment. A number of researchers have argued that this change will take the form of the “post-PC world”. Rather than use home PCs, it is predicted we will use single-function “appliances”, crafted for specific purposes. As currently stated, the model is flawed. It over-emphasises usability barriers to home PC adoption, and ignores the great success of multi-function devices. More seriously, the argument is based on a model of innovative technologies competing with and then superseding existing technologies. This is a simplification-often there is a process ofbalkanisation, where the market and use of devices changes, grows, shrinks and is subdivided. One potential balkanisation of the home PC market space is discussed, producing a range of PC-type devices which better fit home environments.