2009 was the year of net-books. It seems that 2010 will be the year of tablet PC.
It all started with the frenzied rumor that Apple is coming out with a new device that is said to be a tablet PC.
As many of you may remember, about 5 years ago tablet PC is touted as the next hot thing and most PC manufacturers came out with their version of tablet PCs. They did find take-up in niche market but the general consumer didn’t embrace them. Underpowered, unwieldy, inefficient use of stylus and tablet PC fizzled into oblivion.
In fact, if I’m not mistaken I still have that piece of Fujitsu tablet gathering dust somewhere in the shelves.
So why would anyone bet on them making a comeback this year?
For one, the idea of a computer device that can be operated by natural human movements is still very much in favour. Think of Tom Cruise’s hand controlled computer operation in the film Minority Report and you will get the idea.
But why now? I suspect, they would not want to be a laggard to a market that the oh-so-trendy Apple is planning to go into. Especially after being caught napping with the runaway success of iPod and iPhone, Microsoft especially do not want to be left behind and play catchup again.
It was rumored that Apple will lift the veil later this month though Apple, as usual, has been very secretive and give little away.
So what should they do? Potong jalan of course. Steve Balmer must have decided that the best way is to steal the thunder. On Saturday at Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, he showed off 3 models of tablet PC from HP, Pegatron and Archos that will be launched soon. To add impact to the presentation, a new term ‘slate PC’ was introduced. Unfortunately, not much details were released other than the PCs will be using (wait .. wait..) Windows 7! How very exciting… not.
Fast Tube by Casper
Personally, I don’t think the Microsoft approach is going to make much impact. It really is just an old horse in new makeup. Do you know that Microsoft has also another touch-screen-PC line called ‘Surface‘? You don’t? There you go…
My prediction is that Apple’s tablet PC will resemble more like a bigger, more powerful iPod Touch rather than a small one-piece Macbook. It will probably sport a new GUI that make heavy use of muti-touch-tactile-screen operations. Like iPhone and iPod, it will not be designed to be an all-singing multi purpose equipment but designed for limited specific uses only (but do it very well).
I may not opt for an iPhone and I have not converted to the Mac. But I do like my iPod Touch and if Apple’s track record is anything to go by – I will soon be queuing in line for Apple’s new tablet thingy (iSlate?).
Related articles :
- What is a tablet, anyway? (cnn.com)
- CES 2010: Gadget show begins ‘year of the tablet’ (telegraph.co.uk)
- Microsoft CEO unveils new HP tablet (canada.com)
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Ash is not paranoia. It is just that his keen sense of observation makes him see patterns that others fail to see.
Tablet PCs have been the coldest form of laptops in the market in recent years. Having found a loyal following of customers, the Tablet PC continues in popularity as fans increasingly computer, you learn all the benefits of these notebooks for growth.
Hey there Ash,
I have been obsessing about tablets for well over a year now. As a journalist and graphic artist wannabe, I believe that these tablets suit my needs perfectly.
However, its hard for me to find much info about them and from which manufacturer product would serve me best. Need your divine opinion on this.
Hi… let me cut short to the answer: try before your buy. There is a reason why the tablet PC failed miserably in the market – it stinks. No, I’m not being hard on them. Just because I have 2 units gathering dust at the bookshelves is no reason for any prejudiced answer. The tablet PC (at least those that came out earlier) failed to live up to expectation. So don’t bother looking for the previous generation – wait for the upcoming slate PC that was promised by Microsoft and the gang, or even Google (if reason rumor is to be believed). From your description – the iPad will not cut it – it’s not meant to be a notebook replacement.
hey guys…
check out this:
http://stylemanstore.blogspot.com/search/label/E2.3%20ZeniThink
1Ghz + 256ddr ram + 3G supported + Android 2.1
and it is only 699
very good response from user in lowyat!!
And now is 2011, the tablet pc are go on.