Tablets for Computing

[Welly Wu]

How many people here own some sort of tablet or slate device that performs some of the same functions as their computers?
 
This time, I am not thinking about buying something like an Apple iPad or a Samsung Galaxy Tab. I think these devices are horribly expensive given their paltry features set and the high cost of their data plans if you elect to get a model with 3G or even 4G WiMAX, LTE, or HSPA+ (for future products coming this year and the following years).
 
Why do people like these devices so much?
 
I see them being used all over the place from NJIT, Starbucks, public libraries, shopping malls, etc.
 
Most of them lack physical keyboards and they do not use a stylus so you cannot write notes to the device. They are expensive and most cost at least $400.00 USD and they cannot perform the same functions as a regular desktop or notebook PC. They have limited storage capacity at less than 64 GB maximum thus far.
 
It is very hard to install alternative operating systems without rooting the device or jail breaking it. Then, it becomes void from the warranty and support.
 
Again, what is it that I am missing here?

 

[dscythe]

Nothing, there is no advantage over a standard laptop except it looks flashier and costs twice the price.

 

[Uncle Erik]

I think you're missing the point. The current crop of tablets do an excellent job of browsing the Internet, running apps, serving as an e-reader, and much else. I bought a 3G iPad the day they were released and use it constantly. If you want to consume content and information, it's wonderful.

I'm happy that it lacks any kind of mouse, stylus or physical keyboard. The gestures are completely natural. So much so that I use it unconsciously and can browse the Internet faster than with any other device. I keep the laptop and a desktop around, but they don't get that much use.

The 3G data plan saves me money, as well. I don't have to look for a WiFi signal for the laptop. I can get online anywhere I want, any time I want. I don't have to pay a hotel for WiFi access. Add the Bluetooth keyboard and I can get through email, etc. faster than I can with a laptop. Best of all, the iPad hardly weighs anything. It and the keyboard go unnoticed into a briefcase, unlike the laptop. It replaces about 90% of what I need a laptop for, as well.

Also, there's a lot to be said for the interface. I have a somewhat cranky 81 year-old uncle. He hates the computer and is dismissive of pretty much all technology. I handed it to him a few weeks ago and showed him the basics. Within minutes, he was using the NPR and NYT apps. He "got" it and was fascinated. Loved the backlit screen and larger fonts, too. When he found out that it would hold hundreds of books and his favorite albums, he was sold. (His birthday is next month - we're getting him one.)

On the other hand, I got the kids an iPad to share for Christmas. The 6 year-old can put it through its paces faster than I can. The other night, my brother-in-law told me that besides when it's charging, that iPad is constantly used. When the kids go to sleep, he and my sister use it all the time.

I've been into computers since 1977. I've used every major OS and platform. Never, not once, have I seen a device that bridges the generations like an iPad and makes almost all of the benefits of computing and the Internet accessible to everyone.

Sure, you can go on an anti-Apple rant, complain about the performance specs, price, features X and Y missing, and all that. But there are a lot of people who have no use whatsoever for learning how to install a video card driver, partition a drive, and all the things that traditional computing requires. They just want to access information and content. They don't want to learn obscure protocols that change every 18 months. This is something for everyone. It changes everything.

"But it's just a big iPhone." And the criticism is what? The iPhone is the most useful piece of tech I've ever owned. I only rank it slightly ahead of the iPad because it makes phone calls and I can pocket it. But if I have the iPad around, I find the iPad more useful.

Before the usual criticisms roll in, I've been using Linux since late 2002. I can run Linux from the command line. I've built quite a few computers, too. Hell, I even had my mother running Linux. (We configured it for her.)

Even then, I still like to get out the iPad and read the news at night. One additional benefit is that I can use it while also having the cat in my lap. She can make laptop use difficult.

 

[marvin]

The joys of a desktop: monster computing power, three screens, plus lap cats.

 
As far as popularity, the iPad excels as a device used for content consumption. It's responsive, intuitive, and just plain works. Content creation? Not so much, but few home users create content. Everything it can do, it does better than a comparably priced netbook. Everything it can't do is rarely done by consumers. Not a bad niche to be in.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Marvin, I'm sorry, but my lapcat has learned that interfering with a keyboard results in attention. Desktop, laptop and sometimes even the tablet.

Though you can make the argument that this is my fault.