Despite new technology, PCs still needed

With all the talk of tablets, smartphones and other devices going around lately, it may be easy to dismiss the tried and true personal computer. But, given the undeniable benefits of the traditional desktop, it doesn't seem PCs will be heading to the technology graveyard any time soon.

For certain, tablets have already proven to be a game-changer in the ever-evolving technological world. More portable, flexible and, oftentimes, fashionable than PCs, tablet computers have their advantages in an increasingly mobile society.

However, there are some areas in which mobile devices cannot compete with PCs. For starters, desktops are generally better suited for multitasking than tablets or smartphones. Often supported by more powerful processors, PCs, more so than mobile devices, are capable of running several applications simultaneously, affording greater productivity for business users and consumers alike.

Additionally, PCs tend to be more versatile than tablets. Since a PC has no limit to its battery life, it can support any number of other devices, including printers, scanners and external hard drives, simultaneously without sacrificing functionality.

While mobile devices have certainly shifted the way today's users approach technology, they have not replaced the need for PCs. This is made evident in a recent report from research firm Gartner, which predicts PC shipments will grow by 10.5 percent this year.