Veteran tech investor Keith Rabois made a radical decision in 2010 — he gave up laptops and desktop computers entirely. More than 15 years later, he runs his full professional life from an iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, and claims he has never been more productive. Rabois, who has held senior roles at PayPal, LinkedIn, and Stripe, recently shared his story on Lenny’s Podcast, crediting one man as his inspiration.
Jack Dorsey Sparked the Change
While working at fintech company Square — now Block — Rabois watched CEO and cofounder Jack Dorsey manage a fast-growing startup entirely from an iPad. That observation changed everything. “I immediately converted in September of 2010, and haven’t looked back,” Rabois said. Dorsey himself later confirmed in 2018 that he worked primarily from his phone, relying on voice typing rather than a keyboard.
Rabois argues that mobile devices force tighter, more focused interactions. He views his iPhone not as a phone but as a “persistent computer,” believing that carrying a heavier laptop brings unnecessary distractions and limited flexibility.
A Growing Trend Among Leaders
Rabois is not alone in this thinking. Frits van Paasschen, former CEO of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, abandoned his desktop as early as 2014, stating that mobile work made him significantly more productive while traveling. Meanwhile, the rise of AI-powered mobile tools — including vibe coding apps that let users build software directly from their phones — is making the laptop-free lifestyle increasingly practical for business leaders worldwide.
Despite this, global PC shipments grew roughly 3% in early 2026, showing that traditional computers are far from obsolete for most users.