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The Online Niches that are still Dominated by Desktop Users

September 9th, 2016 by Irwin Fletcher Comments

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The Online Niches that are still Dominated by Desktop Users
Mobile platforms, be it phones, tablets, or even iPods, are taking over the world, and anyone can see that, however there are still some niches where desktops are staying strong, for various reasons. There are advantages to both, but some industries are either unwilling to transfer to a more mobile friendly platform, or simple the users feel more comfortable on the desktop. I’m going to briefly examine some of these niches where the desktop versions are winning out against the growing mobile trend.

Research
You ever tried to do serious research on your phone or tablet? Probably, and you found it really difficult and annoying, I’m betting. Whether you’re a student or in a profession that requires research, chances are you will be doing it on a desktop. I know this because I need to do research all the time and these are the reasons it’s easier on a desktop:

– You will often need to take notes and that’s easier at a desk when you’ve got your and free.

– Mobiles often have page blocking ads that will start to really annoy you, whereas ad-blockers are still really effective on desktops.

– Most sites you will be using to gather information, including journals and authoritative websites won’t be designed for mobile use, making them really hard to navigate.

When it comes to actual work, and not just procrastinating on Facebook, the desktop wins every time.

Online Gambling
This is a strange one, considering how extremely popular mobile gaming has grown. I think it largely comes down to people not finding apps or mobile sites secure enough. There is a great deal of mistrust when it comes to online gambling on mobiles, even though it’s pretty much as safe as the desktop versions but because there is money involved people would rather find bingo sites on their desktop rather than through an app or phone browser. I also feel that online gambling companies put more of their time into their desktop versions, which is also a factor.

Streaming
This is a controversial entry because someone could probably make a very good argument that just as many people are streaming on their tablets and mobiles than on their desktops. Whilst that is true for music apps like Spotify (although there is definitely a very strong presence on desktops), I think that when it comes to streaming movies and TV on apps like Netflix, Amazon, and catch-up services, the majority of people will be using their desktops or other devices like their smart TVs or gaming consoles. Trying to watch the latest episodes of Daredevil on tiny screen is no way to experience a show like that, as something like Daredevilwould need to be watched on a bigger screen, either on the laptop up close or by plugging the laptop into the TV.

Business Communications
I can’t see a time in the near future where business communications happen over tablets and phones instead of desktops. Obviously, I’m not talking about phone calls, but emails, video conferencing, and instant messaging though software like Skype. You need reliability and ease of access which you can only be guaranteed when on a desktop. Mobile platforms have made doing business more flexible as you can check you emails whilst travelling and do more of your work on the go, however at the end of the day, the desktop is always going to rule the roost when it comes to business.

So, although it seems the complete mobile takeover hasn’t happened, I think it’s only a matter of time before the desktop goes the way of the VHS player, especially if mobile devices continue to get more and more sophisticated.

I'm an LA journalist who really lives for his profession. I have also published work as Jane Doe in various mags and newspapers across the globe. I normally write articles that can cause trouble but now I write for FTN because Nerds are never angry, so I feel safe.