In a world that is rapidly filling up with internet access points, that question might be more and more realistic. Introducing Ulteo.com, a complete online desktop with the tools to do most day to day work. I urge you to take a look at this, and see what you think. True, working with an online desktop can definitely slow you down without a fast internet connection, and lag time could drive you crazy, but just imagine being able to access any file you want to, from anywhere, collaborate at the same time with others, have automatic backups, never worry about a hard drive crash, virus, or spyware problem again, keep your old computer running without having to upgrade every two years (or so), and all for FREE.

What you get:
-access to OpenOffice.org, without downloading it locally (Create and edit MS Office compatible files)
-GiMP (to manage and edit photos, read this post to see what it can do)
-Access your IM buddy list with Kopete
-Call VoIP contacts with Skype
-Access email with Thunderbird
-Use Inkscape (vector illustrations)
-Use Scribus or OpenOffice Draw to make great looking page layouts (Flyers, Postcards)
-Much more and mobility

There are paid accounts available too, with more storage, longer login times and more invitations. But for free, they sure are giving you a lot. I personally see the future of computing moving in the direction. Most businesses and power users will have a local desktop to use whatever enterprise software or really heavy duty applications (Adobe Suite), but the masses (library computers, internet cafes, grandma and grandpa) don’t need powerful machines.

Any opinions as to the future of the desktop?