Enderle noted that laptops won't fully disappear because users, particularly business users, need the larger screen, keyboard and power. But he does expect constant changes in the technology.

"I expect laptops and tablets to merge as a class at some future point, embracing the flexibility of the tablet but the functionality of the laptop," he said. "In the end, buyers are likely not willing to give either up but have sacrificed flexibility for functionality in the past, giving PCs the sustaining edge. Lenovo is stepping out as the PC company to watch."

Sharon Gaudin covers the Internet and Web 2.0, emerging technologies, and desktop and laptop chips for Computerworld. Follow Sharon on Twitter at , or subscribe to . Her e-mail address is .

in Computerworld's Hardware Topic Center.