Social Impact
Technology in general has no doubt fundamentally changed the way we interact with each other in a social sense. The technological revolution has seemingly made a lot of things easier for us, especially in terms of speed at which information is recieved, processed, and distributed. Depending on how one uses technology, it can make things easier for us, or like in Dilbert's case, a lot more complicated.
• Increase in wireless communication- Due to the internet and the increasing need for information, laptops have become essential in the business world. Whether it is an entrepreneur starting up a home business or a businessman waiting for a flight in an airport, wireless communication (in particular, laptops) has become the key to receiving up to date information. Laptops have also become more popular for entertainment purposes. With the beginning of the internet age, more people are becoming computer literate and demanding specialization. Another trend that has helped to make laptops more appealing to the general public is the decrease in the price of all computers. Most people can afford to have a family computer, and many are branching out to the portable laptop version.
• Laptops as a Replacement for Books in the Classroom- The new demand for laptop computers has evolved into discussions concerning the future of pens, paper, folders, and even books in classrooms across America. Several politicians, including former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and current presidential nominee George Bush, have suggested that schools begin investing in laptop computers instead of books. This would allow the students to take home all of the lecture notes and book information in the form of a laptop. But, are classrooms ready for this leap into the technology age? Many feel that replacing books with laptop computers is premature. They feel that the politicians advocating for change "know very little about the computer industry and are simply dazzled by new computers and educational software." says Chapman, Gary from Digital Nation: Push to Trade Class Textbooks for Laptop PCs is a Misuse of Technology.Teacher Librarian, Sept 1998 v26 i1, p.64 (1).
• “Information Poor”- As the world is becoming more interconnected through wireless communication, there is a concern that children who are not able to access the same informational resources (i.e- laptops, computers) as others will begin at an immediate disadvantage. Thus, a new division is created between the privileged and the poor. It is the responsibility of the laptop industry to ensure that this does not happen. Many companies have decided to take steps to deliver laptops to schools in less developed neighborhoods. As a result, "students who would not otherwise have a chance to develop computer skills are having daily access with laptops" argues Bev Buckton in Students Tune into Notebook Computing. Computer Dealer News, Sep 1999 v15 i35, p.32 (1).
• Theft- Although one of the major advantages of laptop computers is that they are portable, it also makes them a much easier target for theft. Only 3 percent of all computer equipment reported stolen is ever recovered. There are several common-sense precautions that owners may take to prevent a possible theft. First, owners should not leave their laptop unattended. They should try not to carry the laptop in an obvious carrying case. It is suggested that owners back up all files before taking the laptop on a trip. Engraving the laptop with an identifying number will make recovery easier and more likely. Finally, owners should not store their laptops in an obvious location says Paul Romani in IT’s Newest Challenge: Combating Laptop Theft. The American Salesman, Mar 2000 v45 i3, p.23 (5).
Political Aspects of the Laptop Industry:
• The main nations of the world, aside from the U.S., that are involved in laptop computer importing and exporting are located in East Asia. One exception to this domination is Mexico (and, in importing U.S. products, Canada). The main reason for this exception is NAFTA. NAFTA has given Mexico the advantage it needed to move from cheap, low-quality goods to sophisticated, technologically advanced products. In the process, Mexico has become an industrial power. North America is no longer losing jobs to East Asian competitors. NAFTA ensures political stability in a nation with low-cost labor. It allows duty-free access to the U.S. market, and it guarantees foreign investors the same rights as Mexican investors as put forth by Smith, Geri. Mexican Makeover. Business Week, Dec 1998 i3609, p.50 (2).
• The government has been instrumental in increasing public awareness and demand for laptop computers. There have been grants (such as the New American Schools grant) and special programs organized by the government to provide access to laptop computers for students and teachers. By working with the government to gain access to the public education system, the industry has gained access to a wide market. Laptop computers are ideal for students and teachers who need access to notes and other information in a variety of locations as noted in Study Reveals Enhanced Learning for Students with Laptops. T H E Journal (Technological Horizons in Education), Feb 1999 v26 i7, p.16 (1).
