New tech products for the New Year
Zatni Arbi, Columnist, Jakarta, zatni@cbn.net.id
In a few days we shall leave 2003 behind us. Nonetheless, the year 2003 saw a slew of developments and enhancements in computing technologies and products.
No, there was no game-changing technology introduced last year, but a lot of other things were tremendously improved.
Just to mention some of them: Today we have a wireless Internet connection, a DVD writer in addition to a CD writer, a panoramic display screen, a longer battery life, etc. on our latest generation of notebook computers.
As to multimedia desktop computers, a TV tuner is a standard feature of some of them, and so is a large, bright and brilliantly colorful LCD screen. The cordless keyboard and cordless mouse have become increasingly popular. Their computing power is far more than what we normally need.
Digital projectors also became commonplace as they were more affordable. The big concern is that the price of the replacement bulb remains very high. By the time you have to replace your bulb, it may be cheaper to simply buy a brand new projector.
Incidentally, does this predicament sound like the one you face when your printer breaks down? Today, rather than having your inkjet printer repaired, you might be better off throwing it away and buying a new one.
Digital cameras remained one of the most active technology areas in 2003. Several models with six megapixel capability were already emerging. Fuji will even launch a module to be attached to the back of its DX680 camera, which will be capable of capturing 20-megapixel images. Wondering what this little beauty will cost? A hefty US$22,000.
In 2003 Canon introduced EOS 300D, a more affordable "prosumer" (professional consumer) model that received much praise. And, I guess in 2004 we will see more digital cameras with interchangeable lenses. Meanwhile, this Japanese company is reportedly planning to launch around 20 new models of compact digital cameras next year. You will have even more homework to do before you choose your new camera.
Tablet PC was launched in 2002. After a powerful beginning, unfortunately, their sales reportedly stagnated. While a Tablet PC has more functionality than an ordinary notebook, people seem to be waiting until Microsoft -- or any third party vendor -- can come up with a killer application for Tablet PC.
And, clearly, everyone is also waiting for Microsoft to slash the price of Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, which the company has so far been reluctant to do. That is why after the first models were introduced, we have not seen their successors.
Linux is still trying to grab the market, but personally I think Microsoft's domination will remain unshaken. The good thing is that Microsoft keeps adding usable features. I have not had the chance to try out Office 2003, but other reviewers have raved about it. That is not to say that there are no good alternatives out there.
StarOffice and WordPerfect 11 are certainly two great products with much better affordability. However, the unofficial statistics have remained basically unchanged. Only the hardcore foes of Microsoft use the alternatives.
As far as Indonesia is concerned, one of the most important dates in 2003 was July 29, the day our IPR law became fully effective.
However, like so many things in this country, the significance of the event did not last very long. Today, you can once again find pirated stuff being hawked in the usual places.
Looking forward
What can we expect in 2004? On the global scene, we can expect fuel cells to be more widely used in notebook computers and other portable devices, although it will be some time before they reach the mainstream.
Security concerns will become even more widespread, given global volatility and worries about terrorist attacks. The development of system security, virus protection, firewalls and others will be a potentially high business area in the coming years.
As far as the mobile network is concerned, CDMA services will gain a greater market share as GSM players scramble to squeeze the last drops (of kilobits) from the technology they had heavily invested in.
In Indonesia, the success of CDMA cellular services will depend on pricing and the emergence of killer services that can only be efficiently accessed via the CDMA network. Here is another potentially high business area for the creative minded.
Hotspots were already getting hotter everywhere else in the world. Next year, we may even begin to have the luxury of hotspot services on a few long-haul flights.
Meanwhile, Indonesia is slowly catching up, with the availability of a growing number of hotspots in our big cities. Again, pricing will be a crucial success factor.
Finally, what we hope to see in 2004 are advancements in the networking technology that take advantage of power lines. There are other things to look forward to, including the convergence of various technologies in surveillance, automotive, communication, aviation, and security.
Unfortunately, Indonesia will have to go through a national event that has traditionally put everything else on virtual standstill -- the general election.