Top 10 battlegrounds of 2009

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By Mike Jennings

Posted on 23 Dec 2008 at 17:41

It's never really been a conceivable choice before, but if you only surf the web, check emails and download the odd photo - without undertaking tasks that require huge amounts of bandwidth, such as online gaming - then a mobile connection could be tempting. There's also the added bonus of being able to take it wherever you go.

We're looking forward to seeing how both sides of this particular battle respond in 2009.

10. Offline v online apps
The inevitable passage of time means that it's now possible to conduct most of your computer activities using online-only applications. For instance, Gmail instead of Outlook, Google Docs instead of Microsoft Office and Photoshop Express instead of the full-fat version.

Of course, you do give up plenty of functionality in exchange for the convenience. It's debatable, though, whether people will miss the majority of tools that sate the desires of professional users. For many people, the basic functions of online apps are more than capable. The recession may well encourage more people to hunt out the free alternatives.