The world of computing is at a crossroads. The primary computer for most users today is not a PC; it’s a phone. While our PC stands on a desk at the office or on a coffee table at home, Smartphone goes everywhere with us and is integrated into every part of our lives. However, despite getting smarter and smarter, phones are too small to replace PCs completely. We need a device bridging the gap between what PCs do and what mobile phones do. That device has arrived. Welcome to the age of the tablet.
Unlike earlier, arguably premature efforts to transform tablet computing into a mass-market reality, today’s models are here to stay. The new wave of slates is rolling in fast and furious, offering a tsunami of diverse options for every user. Although, most LI members have opposite point of view.
«My next PC probably won’t be a tablet. Mind; I like tablets; I have a tablet PC and a laptop PC and a small-format Unix-slate. But the tablet format PC is hard to find, expensive, and usually under-powered. If you want an anti-glare, outdoor readable screen it is even more expensive. Pity.»
James Bupp
«Nope. Not a tablet. I use too many applications that would not be supported on a tablet. Now, would I get both!?? Hell yes!!»
Jeff Tincher
«Tablet’s seem to be not quite ready for prime time. I’d get one if it were lighter, had greater battery capacity and could also serve as a book reader. I think there’d be a huge market for students, especially if textbooks could be easily accessed and annotated. The key here is ease of use. I’d also like to find a way for students to securely submit their work to an instructor, and a way for the instructor to verify its authenticity. Those are software issues, I know, but that kind of software must be available for the college or high school marketplace. I think we’ll get there eventually, but more needs to be done.»
Raymond Mignogna
«I certainly won’t replace PC with Tablet (iOS, Android)
its different field of game to play with and certainly cannot replace full brown OS like Linux / Windows. I have Android phone, tablet laptop, normal laptop and normal PC. When I am mobile, I am satisfied with the smart phone, when I am at work laptop/PC. Fortunately I am not in position to work while mobile, but if you are there are lots to consider for a tablet style devices. However, I think current generation of tablet devices iPad, Android tablets) are still not mature enough and I would wait for two or more UPGRADE before seriously considering my own money.»
James K Hong
«No… A tablet is too limiting… A PC also has a real keyboard that’s much easier to deal with than a flat, smooth version.»
Dave Maskin
«No, they are apples and oranges. I use them for different stuff. I don’t want to play games or write long articles or program using a virtual keyboard on a small screen.»
Irune Itoiz
«I might be tempted to purchase a tablet like the iPad if I can use it as a replacement for my old Palm Pilot in a way that lets me sync with a PC through some common software.»
Stephen O’Malley
