Oh the irony

[G+_Martin Bell]

Oh the irony... when my Win 7 laptop died I seriously contemplated not replacing it and fully depending on Android tech (I have a GS3 and a 2013 Nexus 7). It was going fine until I bricked my GS3 by executing a prompted firmware update. "OTA firmware update for Samsung Galaxy S3 not recommended, you should download via a PC & USB" - my mobile operator.

 

So to maintain an Android device I have to keep a PC to hand? Why would I maintain ownership of a PC but then not use it as my productivity device? How is that a competitive solution?

 

 

[G+_Dave Trautman]

I've taken the attitude that we're all in a period of transition between the connected PC and the mobile nirvana we all crave.

 

I feel your pain about your carrier not supporting OTA updates.  I too wish I did not have to involve my laptop in the routine operation of my mobile devices.

 

I think this is where the iOS walled garden prevents carriers from dictating what hardware they will support.  Since Apple does all the support stuff for the OS then they can deliver every update OTA without worrying a carrier's version will brick the device (that is unless Apple cause it themselves).

 

Automatic updates to apps and system should be a given (and a choice).  A PC should only serve as a back up storage for the mobile data if I choose to use it.  It should not be required to maintain my devices.

 

I think things are moving along but these kinds of constraints remind us we still have a ways to go before things even out.

 

Also...

 

I haven't yet ditched my computer for productivity.  Some of what I do needs significantly more "oomph" than is available on mobile devices at present.  When I think of all the stuff I used to need to get things done then I am still grateful for my laptop's capabilities.  When I remember all the peripherals I used to have I am even more grateful I don't have to hassle with that much any more.