The tech blogsphere is all abuzz about the long-rumored but short-on-fact expected announcement that Apple is going to produce a tablet computer. The expectation is that we’ll have a slate sized device, suitable for all those mobile computing needs that the iPhone can’t handle.
I can’t get too excited about the prospect of an Apple tablet computer for a couple of reasons. While I know IF they build one, Apple will create a darned sexy product that will be completely drool-worthy, but they’re business model is one that bears a bit of caution.
First, most likely, any Tablet they create will be overpriced. Second, it will be constrained from being modified and hackable, and only be able to run Apple software. Like it or not, some of us prefer Windows.
Let’s say an Apple tablet computer is released someday. Maybe even in 2010. The thrill is that APPLE is making the product, yet Microsoft established the slate PC market years ago with the XP Tablet PC edition. While there are devoted Tablet PC fans, many say the product line (sans keyboard) isn’t particularly viable and Bill Gate’s dream of Tablet PCs taking over the world were never realized.
What will make it possible for Apple to succeed where Microsoft failed? Touchscreens. Consumers are now trained in touchscreens (thanks to the ubiquitous iPhone) and we now expect them in our gadgets and technology. Even though Windows 7 is touchscreen capable, we’re still waiting for the notebook sized screens to take advantage of the technology. I predict Apple will be the breakthrough for the the laptop touchscreen computer.
But they won’t be first on the market with the idea of a Tablet PC. Don’t forget that, Apple fanboys. I won’t.
