Discussion on:

Poll: Is the Tablet PC form factor a fad or a glimpse into the future?

Is the tablet PC, best embodied by the Apple iPad, really a glimpse of the future when it comes to media consumption or is it just another fad we are passing through? I am willing to be convinced, so give it your best shot.

I think the tablet has a long future ahead, but it may take a while to really permeate.

My rationale is based in part on science fiction. There are a number of movies, etc where people are using tablet-like devices to consume and manipulate information. (Star Trek being an obvious example)

I think that tablets now are in the gestation stage. Eventually, when corporations have line-of-business tablet apps, we'll see greater and more useful penetration. For example, tablet-oriented architectural design apps; hospital patient chart apps; manufacturing assembly instruction apps -- that's where tablets have a bright future.

Think of it another way: if we were on Columbus' ship and had just gone out of sight of the home port, we might be inclined to say "There's nothing out there. This is pointless." But of course, the journey had only just begun.

Perhaps that is my real problem with the tablet form - it is so early in development that I am less than mesmerized. Buying an iPad because in 10 years the tablets on the market will be practical doesn't appeal to me.

...they need better OSes. At least for me, a developer and geek. iOS simply doesn't cut it. I like the idea of something like a Dell Duo that acts like a full computer, but also has the nice, large touch screen.

I can't see tablets replacing notebooks completely for any but the crowd who limits computing to Facebook-Internet surfing-e-mail, etc. Without a dedicated keyboard, they're just too limited in terms of content any longer than a tweet. They might have some use to take on short, non-business vacations to avoid carrying a computer and some peripherals around. From my point of view, the ideal setup is either an ultrapolrtable 13-inch laptop with a docking station or port replicator for use at home, (if a heavy business traveler), or a 14-15" laptop, plugged in mainly at home but still reasonably portable for the more-occasional travelr on his/her longer trips, combined with a smartphone for shorter trips. It has less screen real estate, but also takes up much less space. Even guys can carry an Evo 4G Shift in a pants pocket and still have a non-virtual keyboard. Unless you're a woman who's going to have a carry-along of purse-size volume, and don't really need the functions of a full computer at home, what's the advantage of an iPad-size tablet- and if you're carrying a smaller tablet, why not just stick with a smartphone. It might be a neat device for a pre-teen kid, too. Otherwise, why have a large tablet, as opposed to any of the other choices, above?

I think they are but not as the tech world envisions them. Tablets won't replace serious computer hardware and already are doing some of those things for which you don't need a major piece of equipment anyay. For example, the iPad even at the One level found a use in some schools and colleges as replacement for those very expensive and heavy text books.

The technical worker's role in this? Create the applications that the tablets will be using. If you see and understand the problem with the various tablet OS's and can program, there's an opportunity to expand tablets' usefulness by writing the solution. Those nice fellows at NookDev created a do-it-yourself upgrade to what essentially was an e-reader. That was a giveaway on their part but could point the way to more serious improvements to various tablets and mobile devices.

At the risk of stating the obvious, the iPad isn't a Tablet PC - it runs iOS. Unless it's running the same OS as a desktop PC it's not a PC. While this may seem pedantic, it's not: Most users aren't looking to run a PC OS on a tablet, but are more interested in feature set. The old 1990s Palm Pilot was a PIM, not a Windows 98 desktop - PIM features were king, not Angry Birds. Palm morphed into the phone market - it's not that the PIMs died off, but that they merged/converged with cell phones and became smart phones. Don't make the mistake of calling Palm washed up - they were very successful in their prime like Apple today before succumbing to multiple corporate buyouts. The Apple iPad is just the next logical step, take the best of the smart phone but break it out of the cell phone shell. It is evolutionary, not revolutionary.

Don't believe me? I'll show you diagrams I kept for nostalgia circa 2000 when buddies of mine were developing a "wireless" (the buzzword then) touchscreen computing device that looks strangely similar to the iSlab. It didn't go anywhere, partly because the dot com bust, but also partly because our device wasn't seen as "revolutionary" against competition of the REAL Tablet PCs - Laptops with a stylus interface - that was starting to heat up. Not that I am upset our concept died, at the time I shed no tears over it, but it just reminds me that at some point everything old is new again.

The Tablet PC may be dead but the Tablet form factor has been attractive from GRiD computing, Newton, and Palm all the way to present. The form won't change because like a bound book, the size and form have a timeless appeal regardless of what technology is crammed in it.

Even after a year, Im still in love with my Archos 9 tablet. The screen is a little small at 8.9 inches, but running Win 7 instead of iOS or Android does have some advantages. I would prefer Archos to update their design with a little more RAM, wireless and one of the new dual core processors, but I wouldnt trade it for any iPad or android tablet out there (well, maybe the Xoom).

until wireless USB takes hold. Tablet PCs will not need any docking station to sync/transfer files and full fledged PC apps back and forth, plus being able to use network printers, network storage, etc., at bit rates much faster than current WiFi technology can provide. The form will change as flexible display screens come online, so users can use the device as a phone, or PC as he or she needs a la the TV series "Earth, Final Conflict." I loved their communicator that could be used as an audio phone, or a portable PC with a HD camera simply by sliding open, or closed the screen.

Was a favorite. You didn't have to screw with it.

Gut an iPad and you might have yourself a decidedly un-aerodynamic Frisbee. Still have to screw with it, though.

Kevin's put his finger on it. Our place isn't the Enterprise, but we have a little tablet dedicated to our grocery list, another is used almost exclusively for checking the weather before going out with the dogs. I'm about to buy another one that will be just for presentations (a Fujitsu T730--my style needs a stylus). The pile of tablets on the desk is not far off.

Just bought one for my granddaughter as she is about to enter college. The problem with what I have been reading (article & comments) is the lack of creative thought with respect to what the Ipad developers should be doing to make this the future. In the early 80s when IBM made their first PC, I told my family and friends this was the future. I'm going to do the same today. This device should take us to the next level that the tablet with pen first took us when they were created. Let's see, word processing, mathmatics, research, studying new thoughts and ideas, being able to download 'chapters' of textbooks to read the mandated 'specific' chapters, etc. These are just a few generic thoughts that come to mind. Yes, you can do this with the laptop, but how much simpler and less cumbersome is the tablet? They will become more powerful overtime and the price will adjust and come down to a more affordable price. They always do. What we need are developers to come up with programs that will take us to the next level. To slam this device in it's infant stage indicates to me that you young people (I'm 63) are being trained to accept mediocrity and complacency instead of being taught to open your minds and take any idea or thought to their ultimate level. I don't think you've done that with respect to this issue.

Michael posted earlier and in essence I agree, its evolutionary not revolutionary. The ipad came out of a phone, once they find people carrying them around, guess what, bluetooth and integrate the phone. The thing is totally useless for business, again someone here has stated its not a PC, dead right, the tablet of which has already failed, but...cloud storage, online office apps. streaming movies, bluetooth keyboards, one home one office and one in the car for travel (keyboards that is)...its all about innovation, integration and evolution. Your home phone is about to do a disappearing act, merged into your cell, once done merge the cell back into the ipad (by then "thingy", the ipad will morph), the true personal everything. In the meantime its just great for the babblers on Facebook, the brain dead on Twitter and for me..its a great research tool and book reader...ummm...I can't do any actual WORK on it.

Py

I've used Windows Tablet PCs for many years and the one thing the iPad is missing is the active digitizer. The difference is taking notes in a meeting. It's a lot more natural with a pen. With the Windows Tablets with both active and capacitive digitizers, they ignore the capacitive touches when the pen is in range. That allows palm rejection when writing with the pen. I've tried a stylus with the iPad and it's so imprecise that it's useless for handwriting. It will also pick up your hand so you cannot rest your hand when writing.
Arguing about the OS is pointless. It's the apps that matter. That's why Windows beat OS/2. That's also why the iPad is still the best tablet. Not because of the hardware.

Others have mentioned the interface as a limiting factor for inputs, specifically the lack of a keyboard. Imagine that voice recognition software advances to commonplace, and then there's no need for a keyboard except for entering code or typing a correction or such. This assumes the current trend of consumer use, not producers.

Of course, Star Trek was mentioned earlier. (I kinda wonder if Jobs had been watching reruns and thought, "we can do that.") There were no keyboards as we think of them today - pretty much anywhere - due to voice recognition by the ubiquitous technology.

I don't think I'm saying anything new and revelatory, but it goes along with those who say give it time: this is a new growing technology, and it'll surely grow on us. Consider the evolution from PDAs to smartphones for a recent example of limited beginning and mass-appeal maturity.

Long before Apple stuck a fruit logo on one.

I dont see the tablet replacing the PC. The tablet is a logical edition and evolution to the line of computing equipment. However, I dont see it replacing the PC for some time to come. Tablets will need quite a bit more horsepower.

The funny thing about time is that there's no end of the stuff. I think it's wrong to say that a tablet will never replace a laptop. To those who think that way, I say "never is a long time".

The current tablet may not replace a laptop, but the iPad's already on it's second iteration. Version 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, ..........x will keep getting better and better. The same goes for all the other tablets coming out now.

Portable rollup keyboards are already here. Even if you don't like them now, and maybe specific brands of them don't attach to specific tablets now, but they will get better in the future. Eventually, your favourite tablet will have a small detachable keyboard for those times when you really need one.

Tablets are infinitely lighter and more portable than a laptop, and more usable when you're standing up or in transit (think crowded train cars, etc.). They will keep getting better and better, so it's inevitable that they are the future.

I was an early iPhone adopter. It was great, it was revolutionary (at the time). The ipad, no matter how much the TR writers rave that it is the best tablet, is simply a big iPhone. The form factor is lacking. The lack of true multi-tasking just plain sucks. And I have "played" with both the iPad and iPad2. Left them both in the Apple store as I was unimpressed with the flash and bling and that little Apple on the back...

HOWEVER, I bought a nook color. Yes an eReader. Rooted it, then flashed a custom rom (Cyanogen), and my laptop stopped being a daily commuter. I have no problem with on screen and software keyboards. I am not trying to write memos, briefs, articles. I just needed access to servers and document management via Citrix and VPN. I am able to do that on the fly now and resolve issues without having to fumble with my laptop or find a place to sit while I connect. The end users love this new level of support.

As a side note, I am tired of reading the apparently biased reports from TR writers that iPad's are the best tablet to own. It is really making me start to believe that Apple gave each of you a new toy for giving them free publicity. In terms of specs and features, there have been alternatives to the Ipad and Ipad2 for awhile now. And what is the difference between 1 Million apps and 100,000 apps? Honestly it doesn't mean much. There is no way a user can run or download that many apps on their device.

There is a lot lacking from both the iPad and it's Android Counterparts, but I believe that the face of computing is changing. If the tablet does not replace the desktop, it stands a good chance of replacing the laptop. Especially if hybrid devices and/or accessories continue to be developed.

I love the futurist arguments, but is this really the future? Picking away at it as I go, seems to be an advanced multi-media book reader and web access tool. Some utilities and other apps are nice to have but not essential. Segregation of email accounts and email filtering are wanting out of the box. Not a Safari fan (yet - I have tried).
Needs: Sound and image recognition. As mentioned previously, nice active digitization app built in that allows for handwriting to text or drawing to image creation. Needs better external hardware (like better BT device) support.

Now it is just another tool in the toolbox and makes my roadwarrior kit heavier rather than lighter.Still playing, maybe the light will come on.

I think the smaller form factor is the way of the future. Maybe not necessarily in the shape of a tablet or phone, but definitely smaller than desktop towers.

As mentioned in discussions above, the iPad is a "tablet device", but not a Tablet PC as I am using now, typing on the keyboard in laptop position but scrolling at my convenience with my finger on them screen, with very nice control.

Devices will continue to be designed as specialty tools vs. multipurpose, at different sizes accordingly, and the capabilities will be determined in part by the limits of technology at the moment.

The biggest thing in the way of consumer adaptation of "Tablet PCs" is knowledge and information, of all things. Things Apple get advertised well. Any other device, other than "plain old laptop or desktop", you essentially have to be routinely reading tech sites to discover what is out there. It has been years since you could go into a brick and motor store and actually get knowledgable help picking out a device to do what you want.

Give me a "true" Tablet PC, operating Win7 with the CPU and RAM of any full functioning "standard laptop"., and nothing else. The interesting stuff comes after that- is it a convertible, a slate with separate keyboard, a slate that docks, a slate input device with the main battery and computing hardware in a docking base with keyboard.

There is no good reason, IMO, why every high school student going to college shouldn't already have such a device with OneNote. Active digitizers in conjunction with the OS power of a laptop were made for students, and doctors, and lawyers, and engineers, and designers, and people who make diagrams, take notes, draw circles and arrows, etc., etc.

I'm at a loss as to why the author can't find anything useful to use it for. I've had my wifi Xoom since the release at the end of March and I have full RDP and am able to work on all my clients server installations from the Xoom in Starbucks, Mcd's or wherever. Have a full outlook type email client on board as well as a slew of other tremendously useful apps. As for anyone wanting a keyboard, the voice recognition software is so good I usually just use it for emails/texts, etc. although I've got to admit the virtual keyboard on the Xoom is good. I pretty much can run my consulting business from the Xoom and they haven't even begun to develop apps for it like will be available in the next six months. I don't know much about the iPads, but maybe they don't have the ability or business apps available for them?
I wouldn't make the claim that it completely replaces my laptop, it doesn't. But as a tool for when I'm running around town and don't want to carry all the bulk into a Starbux and work it is an awesome tool in the arsenal.

That may be where I am having trouble - when I am at McDonald's I'm there to eat my Egg McMuffin not write a blog post. I don't work that way.

And while I'm eating my Egg McMuffin, I don't often see anyone else using a computing device like a tablet either. Phones yes, tablets no. Maybe I'm at the wrong McDonald's?

In AZ you can't go in anywhere with wifi without seeing many tablets, laptops, phones, etc. in use. The fight for "the plug" at Starbux is almost infamous around here. Could make for a good post.

As people use the Cloud more and more, there will be less need for applications like Microsoft Office on local hardware. Even Microsoft has figured this out and is in the midst of the release of web-based Office applications. I suspect Mark uses many local apps which is why he does not see the advantages or need for a tablet device. With HTML5 being supported on the iPad and with the evolution of more applications to the Cloud, Windows and Mac based applications will shrink allowing tablets to replace the PC as the computing platform of choice.

A touch screen offers the ability to create multiple user interfaces on the same piece of equipment. A tablet - or anything that is touch screen only for that matter - becomes a UI swiss army knife freeing you from a keyboard.

Is the tablet form factor a fad? - probably not as more things become cloud based and rely on browsers more and local apps less.

Will it replace a laptop? - probably not since the laptop vs. tablet and power vs. price ratios will be similar to those of a desktop vs. laptop. As with desktop vs. laptop question - it all depends on individual user needs.

To me, the iPad is first and foremost an awesome e-reader device. Gone are the days of hauling 10s of pounds of paper around and the acrobatics involved in fitting pieces of overloaded hand luggage to the overhead bin - and unlike the Kindle, it can act as a netbook replacement, should the need arise.

Although I agree that there are many things that the iPads (and probably the Xooms and other Android devices) are unable to do, there are many things you can do. Everyone keeps harping on the lack of a keyboard for the iPad. I purchased a bluetooth keyboard (ZaggMate) from Zagg.com that adds less than 1/4 of an inch to the overall dimensions of my iPad. The keys are the same size as on my poor unused Sony Vaio laptop (which replaced my desktop for all real purposes). It allows me to touch type as I need. As an added bonus when I travel, it doubles as a cover for my screen. No cables, no cords, just turn it on and a keyboard I have! So far, the only real deficiency that I have to deal with is still the Flash...

I think they're here to stay - especially with the advent of cloud computing. As more companies virtualize, they need cheap managable devices to front end the business data. Tablets fit the bill nicely. Maybe a combo of Thin Client, Cloud and tablets. In any case, they're gonna stick around for a while.

The iPad is a poor comparison on the Table PC market, because of it's lack of functionality on... well, anything. Is really a BIG Amazon Kindle, yeah you can read books, surf the web, play some games, do some "work," and have access top 527 Flashlight apps. However, I think once Windows and Google, who I think are fighting for the market, get their head out of their assssssss. They may be able to put out a TABLET that has the FULL functionality of a DESKTOP. In other words, wireless local, network, and ANYWHERE printing, REAL work, playing, and basically anything you can do on a DESKTOP PC whether is PC, MAC, or (maybe soon to be) Google OS. THAT'S WHERE I THINK THE TABLET IS GOING. I also think, that it will take a sort of graphical text input like handwriting recognition, or a speech recognition solution, because Mice, keyboards, and WIRES/CABLES are going out the door. The only wire you may have to attach to your Tablet would be a power cable to charge the battery once every few days, but even then, they'll probably come up with some standard induction charging base available EVERYWHERE where it will constantly charge your device in, say, walking by a specific spot in the mall.... But then, I may be rambling on.

what blackberries were before smartphones, and palm pilots were before those

none will replace the notebook computer or the desktop- not enough power.

everything is for light use- in fact very light use. so give it a few years- what I see is the return of the tablet/notebook using fusion processors

Fad. It lacks full capability. If I have to haul something around, an extra pound is worth the effort. The future will bring something else (or maybe a tablet with real capability).

It's a fad that will pass into obscurity, but linger for a long time refusing to die.

Look at Blackberry, Android, iPad, and a dozen other technological innovations in the last few years. BBs are being upgraded to tablets. Tablets are too big for your pocket. BBs are too small to read anything significant. They're getting closer to a workable solution, but we're not there yet.

this is all great, but tabs are just an invented bridge between a smartphone and a laptop. I predict as laptops get smaller and better, tablets die a hilarious death....

There's obviously a place for them, but that doesn't mean it's an exclusive one. There's a market for them, just as there are still ones for the smartphones, portable computing devices, laptops, desktops, and mainframes that preceded them. Few computing platforms have completely disappeared when new ones were introduced, although their market shares have changed.


As regards tablets portrayed in Sci-Fi, you'll notice they never tell you who's footing the connectivity bill. In those context, connectivity is presented as an omnipresent public service the same way we view streets or public parks. The government isn't going to start providing this service in exchange for my taxes any time soon, especially if the current for-profit providers can still afford lobbyists. The Federation may eventually muscle out AT&T, but it won't happen in my lifetime.

I am writing this message on a "tablet." Remember the laptops with the swivel screen. The iPad seems to have usurped the term and pushed my tablet off the shelves. I like my tablet a lot because it is a real computer - Toshiba M700. I can also use it to draw, use it as a reader and write cursive with. I am due for a replacement but I am no longer sure what to do about getting a new tablet. I don't think the iPad style of tablet has the horsepower that I need for work and it does not seem clear that the industry will continue to produce them.

I think the question should be will tablets take over from desktops and notebooks. The answer there is a definite no.
Tablets will have their place in the computer world but no matter what they will never reach the power of the desktop or a decent notebook.
Chances are that users will own all three, each used for specific purposes.

I think it is where you're going to use it. At the meeting it is a distraction to put on the screen keeping people in the dark whether you're surfing or making notes. A pad does say you're making notes, which is fine. In the field a pad is easier to lug. And the screen has to handle all the scratches and pressures throughout its lifetime. Can it handle it? But at the regular desk with some heavy software it is difficult without the keyboard.

they're obviously popular. I think tablets are a fad in that they're uber-popular right now (fad), but will fall back a few years from now once something "new" and "revolutionary" comes along to distract consumers' attention from tablets. PCs are here to stay, even if the desktop does shrink in size, which they've been doing for some time now. Desktops will stay around a lot longer in my opinion because they're perfect for the business and home-office. I haven't jumped in on the tablet party because I don't have a need for one right now. Are they cool? Yeah. However, I'm sure if I bought one it would simply be nothing more than a paperweight for me. My desktop does everything I need for home. My BlackBerry handles my email and texts just fine, so why do I need a tablet? I don't.

why is it that people are so desperate to show their ignorance off?
They think any personal computing device with a fruit logo is not a pc.

maybe they need to be reminded, Apple is a PC maker, all they make are PERSONAL COMPUTING devices. They always have been.

I think tablets have a very definite future. And not just because, in less than a year, apple did nearly as much business with the iPad as the Mac... but that helps.

There is some evoution needed, but my tablet (Notion Ink Adam) and desktop PC have pretty much given my laptop little reason to live. It's clear Android will be much improved in the future, but its pretty good now. Sure, on screen keyboards are not great for extended typing... so I spent the $15 for a little stand and USB keyboard, if i really do want to sit and type.

The great thing is that most of what I want for everyday use is possible on the tablet. Runs for hours on a charge, makes a great eBook reader, even in sunlight, etc. Not perfect, and yeah, i did a little Linux hacking to improve the experience... but I am a satisfied expert using a tablet every day.

One big issue, particularly for Apple, is that tablets do need to be completely stand alone. I mean,sync to PC or "cloud" is a nice feature. But I shouldn' NEED to own a PC of any kind to fully use my tablet, anymore than using a PC should mandate owning a smartphone. Android is ahead here.. there is never any need to dock to a PC. But it works fine if you want it.

I think there is a place for both. The problem that I can see is software makers dumbing down software across the board to make it work effectively on a tablet, meaning we lose features on the other platforms.

It's already happened with gaming. Most titles are now aimed at the console user with the PC version being an afterthought. It annoys the hell out of me when the interface to a game, in particular the menus and settings area, doesn't have full keyboard functionality.

I see the same happening with applications (no, not "apps"). The rich interfaces that rely on fine mouse control may disappear. There are things you can't do effectively with a touch interface. Think dialog box editors, report editors, drawing apps, 3D modelling apps, ....