Today's business environment is constantly changing and executives will always be looking for innovations that allow them to be more productive both inside and out of the workplace. Smartphones and tablets have dominated the conversation when it comes to devices that construction firms are investing in, but a recent story for Computerworld outlined how PCs should not be forgotten.

During a recent conversation with Navin Shenoy, Intel vice president and general manager, Computerworld learned that thin and lightweight ultrabooks, as well as hybrid laptops are some of the most recent innovations in the world of PCs.

"Much of this innovation is being fueled by the huge competitive pressure on laptops from tablets and even smartphones," Dan Olds, an analyst with The Gabriel Consulting Group, told the source. "The vendors who rely on the laptop ecosystem for a big chunk of their business are being forced to innovate to defend their turf... This could serve to increase PC sales or to at least stop the bleeding."

PCs adapt to user needs
Many executives at construction firms need some type of device they can use to access construction software when out in the field or up in their office. This is where recent cutting edge inventions from PC providers can be of real use to construction firm executives. The Computerworld article showcased how Shenoy believes PCs are ready to meet the needs of business users.   

"When we started the whole ultrabook push, the fundamental reason was to get innovation flowing in a rapid fashion in the PC industry," Shenoy told Computerworld. "Year after year after year, we had those kind of thicker machines. We had incremental advances, but I expect to see more innovation in the next 12 months than we had in the last 18 years."

Be wary of large investments in PCs
While Shenoy is touting the growth of the PC industry, an article for Midsize Insider talked about how tablets may eventually take over the role of PCs in the workplace. The number of tablets that construction firms are buying is continuing to grow, while the inverse is happening with PCs. However, if PC providers are stepping up to the plate and delivering powerful machines, they may be worth a sizeable investment after all.