Why I feel sad for those who get the latest and greatest

The other day, someone showed me his iPad. I have seen and used tablets before, however I know that they fall short of the utility of a desktop or notebook computer. Portability is nice, but the ergonomics of a touchscreen are lacking.

Computers haven't changed that much in the past 20 years. We use:

• e-mail;
• instant messaging or chat;
• write reports;
• read the news;
• search for articles (yes that was possible with Lynx);
• work with media such as compose music or edit videos;
• play music and videos;
• play games; 
• etc.

When we hear about the latest smartphone, or tablet, with the highest resolution, fastest processor or something else, there is in fact very little to be excited about. Most functions were possible with phones about 7 or 8 years old including a camera, voice recorder, synchronize contacts and e-mail. I look at my phone and find only a few apps that I installed. Most of them have never been used.

Lenovo is looking into acquiring smartphone companies: Apple and other small fry

In order to keep on developing new products and stay at the cutting edge of technology, companies need to expand by increasing in-house R&D, contract out product development, form partnerships or make acquisitions.  The Beijing based technology company, Lenovo, has bucked the trend of most computer manufacturers and has seen growth since 2011. It has also increase its market share of mobile devices.

The iconic ThinkPad trademark became part of Lenovo's product line in 2005 and the the team's innovations continue to shine. There are high hopes for the potential new acquisition. A recent report suggests that Lenovo is making acquisitions of smartphone manufacturers. Blackberry may be too troublesome, albeit its great array of patents, but the Taiwanese manufacturer HTC may also be in Lenovo's sights. The acquisition of a HTC by Chinese company will not only stir up the technology industry, but also fire up the nationalist debate around the China-Taiwan ongoing cultural, political and economic integration.

With the regard to the purchase of Apple, Lenovo may not have to wait long. As Apple is losing market share in smartphones as well as tablet computers, the obstacles remain cost and politics. Even falling to near half of its peak value in 2012, Apple (APPL) is overvalued and investors, like consumers, are being shown less reasons to jump on the bandwagon. As for the political aspect that may make the acquisition doubtful, there are security issues: American lawmakers have proved to be reluctant to the presence of Chinese. companies such as Huawei, in the domestic market. The acquisition of Apple by  Lenovo may also be dissonant with one brand's perception which reflects vanity, entitlement and a lack of responsibility, to the other image of traditional values such as hard work, frugality and modesty.