Am I Wrong To Doubt Tablet Computing?
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Given Apple's astounding sales and the recent committment made by Microsoft I know the question is a bit bizarre. Many people consider the question already completely answered, and I can respect that point of view. However, I'm still in teh doubters camp - not so much about the current success but about the long term viability of tablets. To me the whole thing is still just a fad. Let me explain myself. 1: The typical PC form factor has been with us for at least 30 years and I think the reason it's enjoyed such a long streak is because it works. Laptops and notebooks have been with us for nearly as long - again, because they work. So when I call the tablet a fad I mean in comparison to more traditional form factors. 2: Traditional form factors allow for an incredible amount of customization. Different screen sizes, keyboards, mice, speakers - tons of peripherals, etc. People like cutomization beyond the color of the case - ergonomic customization is important. 3: The Microsoft Surface can ship with a keyboard. To me this suggests the tablet has a deficiency. I don't understand why someone would get a tablet with keyboard when they could get a ridiculously thin Mac Air with the keyboard (and more functionality). 4: It's true that a tablet can be used in the medical field for very specialized purposes but that has been true of medical devices since the flashlight was re-imagined as a device to peer up someone's nose. In short, just as the little nose looker thingies didn't replace flashlights I don't see the tablet replacing netbooks. This post isn't about hating on tablets, Apple, or the Surface. I think they're really slick devices but anytime I consider buying one I cannot get past the question of Why? I think in 5 years we'll all look back on the so-called post-PC era and LOL.
I think tablets are here to stay. I don't think they will replace desktops or laptops, but I don't think they are going away either.
m.bergman
For Bruce Schneier, quanta only have one state : afraid.
To succeed in the world it is not enough to be stupid, you must also be well-mannered. -- Voltaire
In most cases the only difference between disappointment and depression is your level of commitment. -- Marc Maron
I am not a chatbot
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Given Apple's astounding sales and the recent committment made by Microsoft I know the question is a bit bizarre. Many people consider the question already completely answered, and I can respect that point of view. However, I'm still in teh doubters camp - not so much about the current success but about the long term viability of tablets. To me the whole thing is still just a fad. Let me explain myself. 1: The typical PC form factor has been with us for at least 30 years and I think the reason it's enjoyed such a long streak is because it works. Laptops and notebooks have been with us for nearly as long - again, because they work. So when I call the tablet a fad I mean in comparison to more traditional form factors. 2: Traditional form factors allow for an incredible amount of customization. Different screen sizes, keyboards, mice, speakers - tons of peripherals, etc. People like cutomization beyond the color of the case - ergonomic customization is important. 3: The Microsoft Surface can ship with a keyboard. To me this suggests the tablet has a deficiency. I don't understand why someone would get a tablet with keyboard when they could get a ridiculously thin Mac Air with the keyboard (and more functionality). 4: It's true that a tablet can be used in the medical field for very specialized purposes but that has been true of medical devices since the flashlight was re-imagined as a device to peer up someone's nose. In short, just as the little nose looker thingies didn't replace flashlights I don't see the tablet replacing netbooks. This post isn't about hating on tablets, Apple, or the Surface. I think they're really slick devices but anytime I consider buying one I cannot get past the question of Why? I think in 5 years we'll all look back on the so-called post-PC era and LOL.
based on our business here, tablets(ipads, whatever) are handy for salespeople, bosses and managers to view reports on the fly, stay mobile with emails and whatnot. For hardcore work, its desktop all the way here. I think they have their place, and as apps get developed for them, maybe more places open up. However, I think development work will always(for the near future at least) be done on more conventional pc's of some sort. Just my opinion.
I'm beginning to hate the news...the world was much nicer when I was illiterate Be careful which toes you step on today, they might be connected to the foot that kicks your butt tomorrow. You can't scare me, I have children.
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Given Apple's astounding sales and the recent committment made by Microsoft I know the question is a bit bizarre. Many people consider the question already completely answered, and I can respect that point of view. However, I'm still in teh doubters camp - not so much about the current success but about the long term viability of tablets. To me the whole thing is still just a fad. Let me explain myself. 1: The typical PC form factor has been with us for at least 30 years and I think the reason it's enjoyed such a long streak is because it works. Laptops and notebooks have been with us for nearly as long - again, because they work. So when I call the tablet a fad I mean in comparison to more traditional form factors. 2: Traditional form factors allow for an incredible amount of customization. Different screen sizes, keyboards, mice, speakers - tons of peripherals, etc. People like cutomization beyond the color of the case - ergonomic customization is important. 3: The Microsoft Surface can ship with a keyboard. To me this suggests the tablet has a deficiency. I don't understand why someone would get a tablet with keyboard when they could get a ridiculously thin Mac Air with the keyboard (and more functionality). 4: It's true that a tablet can be used in the medical field for very specialized purposes but that has been true of medical devices since the flashlight was re-imagined as a device to peer up someone's nose. In short, just as the little nose looker thingies didn't replace flashlights I don't see the tablet replacing netbooks. This post isn't about hating on tablets, Apple, or the Surface. I think they're really slick devices but anytime I consider buying one I cannot get past the question of Why? I think in 5 years we'll all look back on the so-called post-PC era and LOL.
The main point you make is what drives technology. Form fits function. But I think you've got to look way beyond the factor itself. From the standpoint of portablility, ANYTHING, and I mean anything, that reduces the weight of the moving human frame will result in incorporation into the "corpus". So logically, while tablets and "phones" are just stepping stones, the biological implant and neural access without these "interface" cludges is naturally what will happen. Basically, forget about any sense you've got. Now, can you throw away that device you're using while moving your two feet down there?
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Given Apple's astounding sales and the recent committment made by Microsoft I know the question is a bit bizarre. Many people consider the question already completely answered, and I can respect that point of view. However, I'm still in teh doubters camp - not so much about the current success but about the long term viability of tablets. To me the whole thing is still just a fad. Let me explain myself. 1: The typical PC form factor has been with us for at least 30 years and I think the reason it's enjoyed such a long streak is because it works. Laptops and notebooks have been with us for nearly as long - again, because they work. So when I call the tablet a fad I mean in comparison to more traditional form factors. 2: Traditional form factors allow for an incredible amount of customization. Different screen sizes, keyboards, mice, speakers - tons of peripherals, etc. People like cutomization beyond the color of the case - ergonomic customization is important. 3: The Microsoft Surface can ship with a keyboard. To me this suggests the tablet has a deficiency. I don't understand why someone would get a tablet with keyboard when they could get a ridiculously thin Mac Air with the keyboard (and more functionality). 4: It's true that a tablet can be used in the medical field for very specialized purposes but that has been true of medical devices since the flashlight was re-imagined as a device to peer up someone's nose. In short, just as the little nose looker thingies didn't replace flashlights I don't see the tablet replacing netbooks. This post isn't about hating on tablets, Apple, or the Surface. I think they're really slick devices but anytime I consider buying one I cannot get past the question of Why? I think in 5 years we'll all look back on the so-called post-PC era and LOL.
I'm in the same boat than you. Tablets are great toys and also devices that can be used to check information, doctors, people that need high levels of mobility reading data, salesmen that need to show videos to future customers, people that is always carrying a lot of paper notes... But in my case, which I need to make programs and that I also need to connect to multiple devices at the same time, a tablet just doesn't fit, and which would be the meaning of a tablet if I'm always with my latptop... But of course there will be people out there that will not be able to live without it...
[www.tamautomation.com] Robots, CNC and PLC machines for grinding and polishing.
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Given Apple's astounding sales and the recent committment made by Microsoft I know the question is a bit bizarre. Many people consider the question already completely answered, and I can respect that point of view. However, I'm still in teh doubters camp - not so much about the current success but about the long term viability of tablets. To me the whole thing is still just a fad. Let me explain myself. 1: The typical PC form factor has been with us for at least 30 years and I think the reason it's enjoyed such a long streak is because it works. Laptops and notebooks have been with us for nearly as long - again, because they work. So when I call the tablet a fad I mean in comparison to more traditional form factors. 2: Traditional form factors allow for an incredible amount of customization. Different screen sizes, keyboards, mice, speakers - tons of peripherals, etc. People like cutomization beyond the color of the case - ergonomic customization is important. 3: The Microsoft Surface can ship with a keyboard. To me this suggests the tablet has a deficiency. I don't understand why someone would get a tablet with keyboard when they could get a ridiculously thin Mac Air with the keyboard (and more functionality). 4: It's true that a tablet can be used in the medical field for very specialized purposes but that has been true of medical devices since the flashlight was re-imagined as a device to peer up someone's nose. In short, just as the little nose looker thingies didn't replace flashlights I don't see the tablet replacing netbooks. This post isn't about hating on tablets, Apple, or the Surface. I think they're really slick devices but anytime I consider buying one I cannot get past the question of Why? I think in 5 years we'll all look back on the so-called post-PC era and LOL.
So, the estimated market for tablets over the next few years is larger than the desktop and laptop market, and a portion of the laptop market will move to tablets. That's pretty much it one form factor isn't intrinsically better or worse. Desktop computers will probably just get a new name, like mainframes are now called cloud computing.
Curvature of the Mind now with 3D
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Given Apple's astounding sales and the recent committment made by Microsoft I know the question is a bit bizarre. Many people consider the question already completely answered, and I can respect that point of view. However, I'm still in teh doubters camp - not so much about the current success but about the long term viability of tablets. To me the whole thing is still just a fad. Let me explain myself. 1: The typical PC form factor has been with us for at least 30 years and I think the reason it's enjoyed such a long streak is because it works. Laptops and notebooks have been with us for nearly as long - again, because they work. So when I call the tablet a fad I mean in comparison to more traditional form factors. 2: Traditional form factors allow for an incredible amount of customization. Different screen sizes, keyboards, mice, speakers - tons of peripherals, etc. People like cutomization beyond the color of the case - ergonomic customization is important. 3: The Microsoft Surface can ship with a keyboard. To me this suggests the tablet has a deficiency. I don't understand why someone would get a tablet with keyboard when they could get a ridiculously thin Mac Air with the keyboard (and more functionality). 4: It's true that a tablet can be used in the medical field for very specialized purposes but that has been true of medical devices since the flashlight was re-imagined as a device to peer up someone's nose. In short, just as the little nose looker thingies didn't replace flashlights I don't see the tablet replacing netbooks. This post isn't about hating on tablets, Apple, or the Surface. I think they're really slick devices but anytime I consider buying one I cannot get past the question of Why? I think in 5 years we'll all look back on the so-called post-PC era and LOL.
I don't like them, they are too difficult to hold while using for me. However, I think they are simply a step in the move towards fully wearable, clothing or body integrated computers. They are more portable (slightly) than a laptop and easier to share. Think of a lawyer with a tablet, showing something to jurors or the judge, easier than a laptop.
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Given Apple's astounding sales and the recent committment made by Microsoft I know the question is a bit bizarre. Many people consider the question already completely answered, and I can respect that point of view. However, I'm still in teh doubters camp - not so much about the current success but about the long term viability of tablets. To me the whole thing is still just a fad. Let me explain myself. 1: The typical PC form factor has been with us for at least 30 years and I think the reason it's enjoyed such a long streak is because it works. Laptops and notebooks have been with us for nearly as long - again, because they work. So when I call the tablet a fad I mean in comparison to more traditional form factors. 2: Traditional form factors allow for an incredible amount of customization. Different screen sizes, keyboards, mice, speakers - tons of peripherals, etc. People like cutomization beyond the color of the case - ergonomic customization is important. 3: The Microsoft Surface can ship with a keyboard. To me this suggests the tablet has a deficiency. I don't understand why someone would get a tablet with keyboard when they could get a ridiculously thin Mac Air with the keyboard (and more functionality). 4: It's true that a tablet can be used in the medical field for very specialized purposes but that has been true of medical devices since the flashlight was re-imagined as a device to peer up someone's nose. In short, just as the little nose looker thingies didn't replace flashlights I don't see the tablet replacing netbooks. This post isn't about hating on tablets, Apple, or the Surface. I think they're really slick devices but anytime I consider buying one I cannot get past the question of Why? I think in 5 years we'll all look back on the so-called post-PC era and LOL.
I'm typing this reply on an Ultrabook. It's light, small, touchscreen and has a full size keyboard. Intel have improved the battery life and lowered the power consumption with Ivy Bridge, so I suspect that we will see more Ultrabooks. I far prefer it to my tablet - and yes, I'm using Windows 8 on it and I like it. On an Ultrabook it makes sense.
*pre-emptive celebratory nipple tassle jiggle* - Sean Ewington
"Mind bleach! Send me mind bleach!" - Nagy Vilmos
CodeStash - Online Snippet Management | My blog | MoXAML PowerToys | Mole 2010 - debugging made easier
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Given Apple's astounding sales and the recent committment made by Microsoft I know the question is a bit bizarre. Many people consider the question already completely answered, and I can respect that point of view. However, I'm still in teh doubters camp - not so much about the current success but about the long term viability of tablets. To me the whole thing is still just a fad. Let me explain myself. 1: The typical PC form factor has been with us for at least 30 years and I think the reason it's enjoyed such a long streak is because it works. Laptops and notebooks have been with us for nearly as long - again, because they work. So when I call the tablet a fad I mean in comparison to more traditional form factors. 2: Traditional form factors allow for an incredible amount of customization. Different screen sizes, keyboards, mice, speakers - tons of peripherals, etc. People like cutomization beyond the color of the case - ergonomic customization is important. 3: The Microsoft Surface can ship with a keyboard. To me this suggests the tablet has a deficiency. I don't understand why someone would get a tablet with keyboard when they could get a ridiculously thin Mac Air with the keyboard (and more functionality). 4: It's true that a tablet can be used in the medical field for very specialized purposes but that has been true of medical devices since the flashlight was re-imagined as a device to peer up someone's nose. In short, just as the little nose looker thingies didn't replace flashlights I don't see the tablet replacing netbooks. This post isn't about hating on tablets, Apple, or the Surface. I think they're really slick devices but anytime I consider buying one I cannot get past the question of Why? I think in 5 years we'll all look back on the so-called post-PC era and LOL.
People said that (pretty much) about mobile phones when they first came out. And rightly, for they were truly horrible objects, worthy only of derision. People said that land lines were here to stay... Tablets don't fill the same niche as PCs, or laptops. The way to think of the Surface is as a tablet that comes with a keyboard for when you what to use it, not as a cut-down PC - even then, I'd want a full size keyboard (I hate laptop keyboards and touch-panel mouse substitutes) and a proper mouse. I think they are here to stay. I think they have just about got to the point when they really have started to make sense as a consumer item (even more so if the rumours of a sub $100 device come to pass). If nothing else, as a book and newspaper reader, they are a lot less hassle on the train...
If you get an email telling you that you can catch Swine Flu from tinned pork then just delete it. It's Spam.
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I'm typing this reply on an Ultrabook. It's light, small, touchscreen and has a full size keyboard. Intel have improved the battery life and lowered the power consumption with Ivy Bridge, so I suspect that we will see more Ultrabooks. I far prefer it to my tablet - and yes, I'm using Windows 8 on it and I like it. On an Ultrabook it makes sense.
*pre-emptive celebratory nipple tassle jiggle* - Sean Ewington
"Mind bleach! Send me mind bleach!" - Nagy Vilmos
CodeStash - Online Snippet Management | My blog | MoXAML PowerToys | Mole 2010 - debugging made easier
Pete O'Hanlon wrote:
I'm using Windows 8 on it and I like it. On an Ultrabook it makes sense.
Do you find yourself using the touch part of it? Just seems unnatural (to me) on a laptop when my hands are perched over a keyboard...
Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. ~ George Washington
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Pete O'Hanlon wrote:
I'm using Windows 8 on it and I like it. On an Ultrabook it makes sense.
Do you find yourself using the touch part of it? Just seems unnatural (to me) on a laptop when my hands are perched over a keyboard...
Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. ~ George Washington
Funnily enough, I do. I find it frustrating that things like auto scrolling don't work in Visual Studio. I should be able to drag the screen around just by a gesture, but all it does is highlight text.
*pre-emptive celebratory nipple tassle jiggle* - Sean Ewington
"Mind bleach! Send me mind bleach!" - Nagy Vilmos
CodeStash - Online Snippet Management | My blog | MoXAML PowerToys | Mole 2010 - debugging made easier
-
Given Apple's astounding sales and the recent committment made by Microsoft I know the question is a bit bizarre. Many people consider the question already completely answered, and I can respect that point of view. However, I'm still in teh doubters camp - not so much about the current success but about the long term viability of tablets. To me the whole thing is still just a fad. Let me explain myself. 1: The typical PC form factor has been with us for at least 30 years and I think the reason it's enjoyed such a long streak is because it works. Laptops and notebooks have been with us for nearly as long - again, because they work. So when I call the tablet a fad I mean in comparison to more traditional form factors. 2: Traditional form factors allow for an incredible amount of customization. Different screen sizes, keyboards, mice, speakers - tons of peripherals, etc. People like cutomization beyond the color of the case - ergonomic customization is important. 3: The Microsoft Surface can ship with a keyboard. To me this suggests the tablet has a deficiency. I don't understand why someone would get a tablet with keyboard when they could get a ridiculously thin Mac Air with the keyboard (and more functionality). 4: It's true that a tablet can be used in the medical field for very specialized purposes but that has been true of medical devices since the flashlight was re-imagined as a device to peer up someone's nose. In short, just as the little nose looker thingies didn't replace flashlights I don't see the tablet replacing netbooks. This post isn't about hating on tablets, Apple, or the Surface. I think they're really slick devices but anytime I consider buying one I cannot get past the question of Why? I think in 5 years we'll all look back on the so-called post-PC era and LOL.
Horses for courses. I find my Transformer great around the house or travelling but it'd be rubbish for heavy-duty document editing or programming.
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Horses for courses. I find my Transformer great around the house or travelling but it'd be rubbish for heavy-duty document editing or programming.
I used to hate it when my Transformer changed into a really crap robot. Maybe an iPad would turn into a Prime.
*pre-emptive celebratory nipple tassle jiggle* - Sean Ewington
"Mind bleach! Send me mind bleach!" - Nagy Vilmos
CodeStash - Online Snippet Management | My blog | MoXAML PowerToys | Mole 2010 - debugging made easier
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I think tablets are here to stay. I don't think they will replace desktops or laptops, but I don't think they are going away either.
m.bergman
For Bruce Schneier, quanta only have one state : afraid.
To succeed in the world it is not enough to be stupid, you must also be well-mannered. -- Voltaire
In most cases the only difference between disappointment and depression is your level of commitment. -- Marc Maron
I am not a chatbot
I agree with you there. :thumbsup:
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The main point you make is what drives technology. Form fits function. But I think you've got to look way beyond the factor itself. From the standpoint of portablility, ANYTHING, and I mean anything, that reduces the weight of the moving human frame will result in incorporation into the "corpus". So logically, while tablets and "phones" are just stepping stones, the biological implant and neural access without these "interface" cludges is naturally what will happen. Basically, forget about any sense you've got. Now, can you throw away that device you're using while moving your two feet down there?
RedDK wrote:
So logically, while tablets and "phones" are just stepping stones, the biological implant and neural access without these "interface" cludges is naturally what will happen.
That presumes quite a bit. First of course is that the interface will in fact come into existence. Second that the market forces that work elsewhere would work there as well. As an example cars often have many features now that did not exist 50 years ago. Replacing a car however is not the same as getting cut open to add a new model. Third that the market will accept the necessary medical invasion necessary to allow for the success. Currently successes in that market are driven by dealing with difficiencies not enhancements. Thus piercings might be popular but body modification implants are used much less often.
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Funnily enough, I do. I find it frustrating that things like auto scrolling don't work in Visual Studio. I should be able to drag the screen around just by a gesture, but all it does is highlight text.
*pre-emptive celebratory nipple tassle jiggle* - Sean Ewington
"Mind bleach! Send me mind bleach!" - Nagy Vilmos
CodeStash - Online Snippet Management | My blog | MoXAML PowerToys | Mole 2010 - debugging made easier
Hey Pete, yesterday you mentioned having a Kindle Fire HD as well as the new ultrabook. Just curious what made you decide to get both given the similarities?
Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. ~ George Washington
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Hey Pete, yesterday you mentioned having a Kindle Fire HD as well as the new ultrabook. Just curious what made you decide to get both given the similarities?
Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. ~ George Washington
Ahem - it's 3 Kindle Fire HDs. One for my sister. One for Catherine. One for Hannah. I got the Ultrabook from Chris and those nice people at Intel.
*pre-emptive celebratory nipple tassle jiggle* - Sean Ewington
"Mind bleach! Send me mind bleach!" - Nagy Vilmos
CodeStash - Online Snippet Management | My blog | MoXAML PowerToys | Mole 2010 - debugging made easier
-
Given Apple's astounding sales and the recent committment made by Microsoft I know the question is a bit bizarre. Many people consider the question already completely answered, and I can respect that point of view. However, I'm still in teh doubters camp - not so much about the current success but about the long term viability of tablets. To me the whole thing is still just a fad. Let me explain myself. 1: The typical PC form factor has been with us for at least 30 years and I think the reason it's enjoyed such a long streak is because it works. Laptops and notebooks have been with us for nearly as long - again, because they work. So when I call the tablet a fad I mean in comparison to more traditional form factors. 2: Traditional form factors allow for an incredible amount of customization. Different screen sizes, keyboards, mice, speakers - tons of peripherals, etc. People like cutomization beyond the color of the case - ergonomic customization is important. 3: The Microsoft Surface can ship with a keyboard. To me this suggests the tablet has a deficiency. I don't understand why someone would get a tablet with keyboard when they could get a ridiculously thin Mac Air with the keyboard (and more functionality). 4: It's true that a tablet can be used in the medical field for very specialized purposes but that has been true of medical devices since the flashlight was re-imagined as a device to peer up someone's nose. In short, just as the little nose looker thingies didn't replace flashlights I don't see the tablet replacing netbooks. This post isn't about hating on tablets, Apple, or the Surface. I think they're really slick devices but anytime I consider buying one I cannot get past the question of Why? I think in 5 years we'll all look back on the so-called post-PC era and LOL.
It depends on what you are doing. I am involved in dance, and there are a number of DJ's I have seen that use tablets for playing music. Don't do much typing, and so actually works fine. Would also work just as well for reading books (playing music, watching videos) like sold by amazon, et al. Web browsing is probably fine also. For applications that one will do a lot of typing, obviously you will want a keyboard. Then you are right.
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People said that (pretty much) about mobile phones when they first came out. And rightly, for they were truly horrible objects, worthy only of derision. People said that land lines were here to stay... Tablets don't fill the same niche as PCs, or laptops. The way to think of the Surface is as a tablet that comes with a keyboard for when you what to use it, not as a cut-down PC - even then, I'd want a full size keyboard (I hate laptop keyboards and touch-panel mouse substitutes) and a proper mouse. I think they are here to stay. I think they have just about got to the point when they really have started to make sense as a consumer item (even more so if the rumours of a sub $100 device come to pass). If nothing else, as a book and newspaper reader, they are a lot less hassle on the train...
If you get an email telling you that you can catch Swine Flu from tinned pork then just delete it. It's Spam.
Even more significant, watch your tv shows while on the train.
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I don't like them, they are too difficult to hold while using for me. However, I think they are simply a step in the move towards fully wearable, clothing or body integrated computers. They are more portable (slightly) than a laptop and easier to share. Think of a lawyer with a tablet, showing something to jurors or the judge, easier than a laptop.
The right answer is probably glasses with voice input.
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Given Apple's astounding sales and the recent committment made by Microsoft I know the question is a bit bizarre. Many people consider the question already completely answered, and I can respect that point of view. However, I'm still in teh doubters camp - not so much about the current success but about the long term viability of tablets. To me the whole thing is still just a fad. Let me explain myself. 1: The typical PC form factor has been with us for at least 30 years and I think the reason it's enjoyed such a long streak is because it works. Laptops and notebooks have been with us for nearly as long - again, because they work. So when I call the tablet a fad I mean in comparison to more traditional form factors. 2: Traditional form factors allow for an incredible amount of customization. Different screen sizes, keyboards, mice, speakers - tons of peripherals, etc. People like cutomization beyond the color of the case - ergonomic customization is important. 3: The Microsoft Surface can ship with a keyboard. To me this suggests the tablet has a deficiency. I don't understand why someone would get a tablet with keyboard when they could get a ridiculously thin Mac Air with the keyboard (and more functionality). 4: It's true that a tablet can be used in the medical field for very specialized purposes but that has been true of medical devices since the flashlight was re-imagined as a device to peer up someone's nose. In short, just as the little nose looker thingies didn't replace flashlights I don't see the tablet replacing netbooks. This post isn't about hating on tablets, Apple, or the Surface. I think they're really slick devices but anytime I consider buying one I cannot get past the question of Why? I think in 5 years we'll all look back on the so-called post-PC era and LOL.
Well, I believe "to doubt" is always right ! Particularly when everyone else around you "truly believes:" so, I applaud your doubting, in general. But, just as there are, perhaps, "shades" of truth (except for those for whom truth is rigidly "binary"), so, I propose: there are different qualities of doubt. Where your doubts seem "dubious" to me (points 1,2) are that you seem to assume that the form-factors of early devices were the result of conscious design decisions, as if there were a range of choices available. Somewhere around 1952, I think, my family had our first television: it was a huge wooden cabinet, with a small somewhat-oval rounded-corner black-and-white screen (perhaps nine inches by six inches), and a small bezel around that screen of the same shape. While this was the time of "retro" in design, and kidney-shaped swimming pools, and (later 1950's) the classic Eames-style molded wood chairs were in fashion: no one designed a kidney shaped television. Form followed function, and was constrained by expectations of the public, and convention (big wood cabinet = something special, something fancy). I would argue that the early form-factors of computers, and their peripherals, resulted from the necessity of what the hardware demanded, economic factors (cost to manufacture), and what traditional manufacturing was ready to crank out in volume (boxes, big-boxes, small-boxes). And, of course, carry-overs from traditional mechanical devices: typewriter => computer keyboard. There have been other earlier small form-factor computing devices from Apple (the Newton), and MS, that did not fly: not powerful enough, screens not good enough, battery life not long enough. Direct-action control by stylus, or whatever, lousy. But, as early the late 1960's, all the ingredients of the "modern pc:" bit-mapped screen display with windows-icons-menus, hand controlled pointing device, were all prototyped, and being manufactured in actual computers at Xerox Parc ... as well as the prototype of the PostScript computer language with vector-based scalable fonts, high-speed network connectivity [ethernet], and high-level object-oriented programming OS/environment [SmallTalk]). The problem was the Xerox Alto, or Star, would have set you back the cost of a small house. That was where the late S. Jobs, and crew of "merry pirates," heisted all the ideas that became embodied in the Mac (over the fierce objections of Adelle Goldberg [
