Posts Tagged "Would"

Would Tablets outshine Netbooks in 2010?

In the last two years, netbooks had made substantial growth in the PC market and begun to take market share away from laptops possibly due to their featherweight designs and low prices. But, the devices lack key features like optical drive, have reduced specification and computing power.

In contrast, Tablet PCs offer an edge over netbooks with its touchscreen and use of digital pen or a fingertip, instead of a keyboard or mouse. Recently, Apple had ignited the tablet market by announcing its entry in the segment. It is reported that ASUS, Dell, Samsung are also planning to introduce their tablet PC by the next year. Therefore, consumers can soon expect small touch-screen tablets from all major PC vendors.

But, the question is will tablets kill netbooks and e-readers in 2010?

At present, Tablet PCs have a bad reputation. It is due to Microsoft’s unclear vision for the devices, which resulted in higher cost, slower input speed, unpleasant pen-based tablets, and risk for screen and hinge damage to users. The Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system lacks power.

But, after the introduction of several new mobile operating systems and cheaper components, the next generation of tablet PCs can outshine Netbooks in near future. The new Tablet PCs will have following new features that will make the devices to intersect other markets.

Now, use finger instead of pen

After the success of iPhone and other touchscreen mobiles, it is understood that actually touching the screen is far more appealing than using stylus, which requires different UI and software up gradation that Microsoft unwilling to do till Windows 7.

Due to the introduction of Swype technology and new mobile operating systems, the touch technology will make all the difference in the next generation Tablets.

Mobile phone operating systems

The new Tablet PCs will be powered by various mobile OSs like iPhone OS, Android etc, instead of Microsoft’s Windows. These operating systems will provide adequate software compatibility to the Tablet devices for accepting human touch and will make them cheaper, faster and more ultraportable than before.

Tablets or Big mobile phones

It is assumed that the next generation Tablets will be touch phones with large screen, therefore cheaper to build. Further, due to lesser-powered processors, small RAM, free operating system and smaller screens, the cost for manufacturing them will be similar to the netbooks i.e., cheap.

Applications and connectivity

Similar to the cell phone apps stores, Apple will certainly pour large number of applications to its touch tablets. Further, various other vendors will also join the race to encash the growing opportunity of apps platform.

Meanwhile, when tablets will be sold like Smartphones, then the connectivity feature will come in-built. Hence, consumers can carry the tablets like their mobile phones.

HD video and e-book concept

At present, people are watching internet TV rather than using the conventional one. Therefore, they require a cheap, high-quality tablet which will provide High Definition video on the move. Further, the Tablet PCs can be used as e-Book reader; hence, it will be a good option against Amazon Kindle or Sony PRS range.

Discussion

In Netbooks, you have to type on its small keyboard, which is somewhat problematic to professionals. Whereas, Tablet PCs can be a fold-up or roll-out and use a Bluetooth keyboard of your choice. It is true that they will provide more refined experience to its users, but besides its functionality, price does matter for its success.

Would Microsoft-HP tablet steal Apple’s limelight?

Microsoft Corp, the software giant has introduced a touch-screen tablet computer which is manufactured by Hewlett-Packard Co. The company’s CEO, Steve Ballmer said that the new device will be available this year and added that US sales of PCs running Windows jumped 50% over the holidays.

According to the company, the new device will be easy to use like Smartphone, but as powerful as a PC running Windows 7.  HP, a pioneer name in the touch computing, will ship the full-fledged tablet computer. However, the question is – whether Microsoft and HP could generate as much consumer excitement as Apple’s tablet?

Meanwhile, Microsoft has added that the new device will not confront Apple’s initiative as the PC space is enormous and expanding rapidly, with a lot of innovation.

Apple Tablet PC

Earlier this week, it is reported that the iPhone maker, Apple Inc will announce its tablet PC by the end of this month and will start shipping in March. According to sources, it has been working on its tablet PC since July. However, the company has never confirmed the existence of the device, which is supposed to resemble a larger iPhone or iPod touch. But, after the report surfaced about the device launch, Apple shares touched all time high.

Microsoft-HP tablet

It seems that the company wants to emphasize the touch-screen features of its recently introduced operating system, Windows 7. Hewlett-Packard and PC makers have been selling such devices with Microsoft software such as Windows XP Tablet PC Edition since 2002, with little success. But, this time, the new tablet will leave its “stylus” and allows option of human touch with powerful graphical support.

Other business announcements: Besides tablet PC, the company also unveiled an all-in-one PC with a touch screen from Lenovo and three-dimensional gaming on ASUS’s machine. Beside introducing touch screen gadgets, the company also said that HP will integrate its Bing search engine as the default choice on Hewlett-Packard’s computers worldwide for next three years, expanding an agreement that previously covered the US and Canada.

Why Tablet PC from Microsoft-HP?

At present, out of total PC sales, tablets hold less than 1 percent market share. Microsoft and HP have already announced various models in the segment. HP had launched various models based on Microsoft’s touch-enabled operating system; one out of them was a slate design that could be docked on a desktop computer.

However, due to their high prices, low connectivity and use of stylus in touch screen deter consumers from buying the device. Therefore, the two giants want to encash the opportunity, which is also eying by many new entrants like Motorola, HTC and Apple.

Discussion

Various analysts are predicting that the company will introduce the dual-screen Courier tablet which was rumored late last year, but the present model has disappointed many. The new HP tablet is a color e-reader based on Amazon Kindle software, with a sub-$500 price point. Other features are missing yet.