Desktop PCs are heading the way of the dinosaur, according to a study by consulting firm, Deloitte. The “Deloitte Predictions for the Technology, Media & Telecommunications Sector, 2011” predicts that in 2011 more than 50 percent of computing devices sold will not be PCs, but smartphones, tablets and non-PC netbooks.

Moreover, in 2011 more than 25 percent of all tablet computers will likely be bought by enterprises, with that figure rising in 2012 and beyond. For example, Deloitte predicts that during 2011 up to five million tablets could be deployed in the retail and healthcare industries, thanks to ease of use, long battery life, minimal need for training and rapid app development.

As for data, Deloitte predicts that the volume of data uploaded or downloaded from portable devices via public WiFi networks will likely grow faster (25-50 percent) than that carried over cellular broadband networks, and that we will watch 140 billion more hours of television in 2011, worldwide. According to Deloitte, the proportion of businesses using eGov services is expected to average over 90 percent worldwide, and that there will be no important innovations with regards to batteries in 2011.

Driving this is the proliferation of WiFi hotspots, reveals the report. For example, Deloitte predicts that 25 percent of North American large retailers, situated in shopping centers, will begin offering free in-store WiFi access to shoppers, with this spreading around the world in 2012.

Luc Van Coppenolle, Industry Leader TMT at Deloite Belgium, indicates: “This allows shoppers to compare prices during their shopping trip. According to these retailers, this could stimulate their turnover. WiFi access also allows retailers to exchange specific information with customers, when they are inside the shop.”