Matt Richel and Ashlee Vance of the New York Times reported recently on an effort by leading PC manufacturers are cutting the time it takes for a PC to start up. Here's a link to their story.

All I can say, is that it's about time! The time it takes for a computer to boot up has been a pet peeve for the last decade. Since work and productivity is a significant reason why people access the internet, placing the emphasis on the lack of consumer patience rather than a need to increase efficiency and ease-of-use surprised me. Or, maybe the consumer is starting to prefer other methods of going online than the computer.

Nowadays I debate whether to boot up my computer or use my iPhone. The iPhone will suffice for email and basic web access and it starts up much more quickly, but the experience is not as enjoyable for me as via my computers. Yet, the emergence of mobile access has changed the way I think of jumping online. Competing for consumer attention with quick start-up procedures rather than dulling our senses with a 15 minute boot up routine is more of a strategic decision to remain relavent to consumers in an always-on world.