Loading ...So, the internet/blogosphere is abuzz with news of an Apple tablet, and deservedly so. While I am not going to say I don’t believe it is not coming any more (there is way too much evidence forming) I am having a tough time placing it in Apple’s line-up. Microsoft has been trying to push the tablet idea for years, without much success. I think in Bill Gates’s vision we would all be working on tablets today, but sadly tablets are typically only used by sales reps.
So far the rumours seem to be pointing to the device being an iPhone OS-based device with a 10-inch capacitative touchscreen similiar to the iPhone. While I cannot seem to find fault with the form factor, I really hope Apple will not use iPhone OS on the device. Current suggestions are the device will cost about $800 — which in my opinion might be way too much for something that will essentially be an internet tablet. Where will this device fit into the typical user’s lifestyle?
If it does not have a keyboard (or at least the ability to connect to one) I wonder how it will fit in my daily routine. If I already have an iPhone and a MacBook, what will this device add to my computing lifestyle. I might see it as an internet device that lies around at home, but not a travelling workstation that replaces my MacBook.
What I hope it is:
The more I think about it, the more I hope they just add at least the ability to use Mac OS X on the device. One potential use which I do find intriguing is using the device as a secondary touch screen, when in the vicinity of your main Mac computer. There is a clear selling point.
If it can wirelessly sync my documents and media with my Mac and enable me to quickly grab the device on the run, that sounds great. But then it should dock as well once I come back to my desk and sync back any new info. A device like that might just replace the role of my MacBook for quick trips, provided it has keyboard support. If this is the case, I expect to see Apple tablets in many meetings …
But Apple being Apple, I am sure whatever they create, it will be a hit at first. Only time will tell if they can truly perfect the idea of the tablet computer.
So, do you think Apple will perfect the tablet formula?
Many cannot ‘get their head around’ a touch screen.
I suppose entrenched consumer preference /resistance persists even when rooted in technical constraints which no longer exist, such as the ‘QWERTY’ keyboard layout (and mechanical keyboards in general) or ‘Desmodromic’ valve gear in Ducati motorcycles.
I now use a Samsung ‘Omnia’ smart phone for virtually everything while on the move, as it is basically a miniature tablet PC.
I acquired it for half price, (after my first one blew out of my pocket off of the bike!)as the original owner traded it in after two days for ‘anything with a keyboard!’
Obvious constraints are that it is just too miniature in screen size and capacity, having been designed as a ‘phone’ rather than a ‘computer’
A tablet device will likely fail because it would not include design features which would address niche markets which certainly exist.
It will probably end up being too big, not rugged and waterproof, and fail to capture the imagination as something desirable and of special quality, say like a ‘Hummer’ (or a Ducati!)
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