Why I don't see how the tablet is going to be revolutionary
It's the day before Apple's presumed announcement of a new tablet computer, and the press has been abuzz with quotes about how important this product will be. I don't share this sentiment. Here are the reasons why...
1) It's all about text input. Emails, texts, twittering, blog posting, search... they all live and die with text input. As of today, a regular keyboard is far and away the most effective tool for composing text. I've tried touch screens and hand gesture recognition; neither come close. Touch screens don't let you rest your fingers on the screen, and hand gesturing is just as tiring as real hand writing. I'll admit that voice recognition could come close, but the fact that I'd have to talk out loud is a big problem (imagine your current workplace, and now re-imagine it with everyone talking aloud to their computers). I have no idea how apple will match the effectiveness of a keyboard with their tablet (and if they do, then they will also apply this magic to the iPhone, and that will be the revolution).
2) Whatever the tablet can do, I can probably do it on a laptop (with the help of an EVDO internet adaptor, if necessary). In fact, as per point 1) above, I can do more on my laptop because it actually lets me type fast. The tablet is rumored to have a 10 inch screen which means it won't fit in your pocket. How many scenarios are there where I can comfortably use a 10'' tablet, but not a 10'' laptop? Or, on the other hand, is there a task that requires a tablet that really wouldn't work on an iPhone sized screen?
3) There's no way a 3G network can handle video conferencing. If there is one application I could think of that would make the tablet revolutionary, it would be videoconferencing over a cell phone connection. I would be very surprised if that is on the docket here though.
4) If the big deal is related to publishing, then what will it do that the kindle can't? As far as I can tell, the kindle is mostly restricted by what content they can license/digitize.
5) Maybe it's health care. But what would the killer app be? And why wouldn't it work on an iPhone?
Of course, this is Apple we are dealing with. If anyone can pull a rabbit out of a hat it's them. Any ideas? I'd love to hear them... Or we can just wait until tomorrow!
1) It's all about text input. Emails, texts, twittering, blog posting, search... they all live and die with text input. As of today, a regular keyboard is far and away the most effective tool for composing text. I've tried touch screens and hand gesture recognition; neither come close. Touch screens don't let you rest your fingers on the screen, and hand gesturing is just as tiring as real hand writing. I'll admit that voice recognition could come close, but the fact that I'd have to talk out loud is a big problem (imagine your current workplace, and now re-imagine it with everyone talking aloud to their computers). I have no idea how apple will match the effectiveness of a keyboard with their tablet (and if they do, then they will also apply this magic to the iPhone, and that will be the revolution).
2) Whatever the tablet can do, I can probably do it on a laptop (with the help of an EVDO internet adaptor, if necessary). In fact, as per point 1) above, I can do more on my laptop because it actually lets me type fast. The tablet is rumored to have a 10 inch screen which means it won't fit in your pocket. How many scenarios are there where I can comfortably use a 10'' tablet, but not a 10'' laptop? Or, on the other hand, is there a task that requires a tablet that really wouldn't work on an iPhone sized screen?
3) There's no way a 3G network can handle video conferencing. If there is one application I could think of that would make the tablet revolutionary, it would be videoconferencing over a cell phone connection. I would be very surprised if that is on the docket here though.
4) If the big deal is related to publishing, then what will it do that the kindle can't? As far as I can tell, the kindle is mostly restricted by what content they can license/digitize.
5) Maybe it's health care. But what would the killer app be? And why wouldn't it work on an iPhone?
Of course, this is Apple we are dealing with. If anyone can pull a rabbit out of a hat it's them. Any ideas? I'd love to hear them... Or we can just wait until tomorrow!
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