(PC Mag.com) - As the world begins to adjust to the mobile phone as a computing platform, we have to recognize the fact that for many people the device is bound to become the complete substitute for all computing needs. But not quite in the form we see it. I've written about this idea as far back as 1993, but this concept should be reexamined: We need to be in the right frame of mind for what's coming.

First of all the iPhone has set the stage for the future in much the same way that the Apple II set the stage for what became personal computing. And I can see things unfolding in much the same way. But the iPhone itself (or whatever device people end up using) needs at least two more iterations to become the desktop replacement. Let's start with some minimal requirements. First of all, a 250GB or bigger drive of some sort will be needed. And a processor with enough power to run both slim phone apps and robust office apps.

Each device must have a large connector on the bottom onto which any variety of dongles can be attached for input and output. The device should also fit into a cradle or docking station so it can be hooked directly to a keyboard and large screen. There should be no intermediary computer involved. Dock at work and it becomes the desktop replacement, where you do word processing and everything else. Then you pocket it and perhaps dock at home, or use it for its other mobile capabilities.

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