The Tablet PC is not a new concept. The term itself was used by Microsoft in 2001 when they released their "Windows XP Tablet PC Edition". They weren't selling the computer itself, but had prepared a version of Windows that would co-operate with a pen-based input system. Other terms that emerged were "Slates" and "Convertible notebooks", which had a detachable keyboard. A number of companies released tablet-products, but none gained wide acceptance.
Enter Apple. Their system of finger gestures and touch-screen technology (also not new) were combined in their iPhone, and this provided the introduction and the user-training for easy migration to their iPad. The intuitive nature of the iPhone software, coupled with its success, created a springboard to the media-frenzy preceding the iPad release. After seeing an iPhone in action, it is not hard to imagine how an iPad would function.
So do you need one? Well, what are they good for? According to Apple, it's "the best way to experience the web, email, photos and video". With built-in wireless networking, and a very sleek, compact design, it's definitely an attractive device. During the release presentation, Steve Jobs (co-founder and CEO of Apple) showed how one can touch-type on the onscreen keyboard, however I wouldn't think that it would be a great way to write a report. With the reviews I've seen (and no, I haven't actually laid hands on one), this looks like a "browsing and viewing" device...not very suitable for creating documents beyond a quick email.
But even if this sounds like something you need, should you buy an iPad? HP, Lenovo, Dell, and others have Tablets in development, or already released, and many are based on the popular Android operating system, ensuring widespread compatibility and continued development. Many of these take design elements of the iPad and tweak them in different directions, some of which may suit your needs better.
Only one thing is certain: Apple has set the stage for the Tablet PC. But will anyone applaud?
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