MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Pen computing has a future despite a rough start

Brian · 09-14-2005, 06:09 PM

In a Computerworld article titled Don't Give Up on Pen Computing, JupiterResearch analyst Michael Gartenberg discusses why "pen computing isn't dead, but it is stagnant."

Several factors were cited as reasons why pen computing platforms have been slow to take off, including the stigma created by the original Apple Newton's poor handwriting recognition, as well as inadequate hardware that often makes too many compromises. Mr. Gartenberg also makes a very important point when it comes to pen input. Pen navigation and handwriting input each have their places:

For small devices where browsing is more important than content creation, the pen is an ideal navigation tool. But when it comes to composing information like e-mail, thumb keyboards are proving superior, even in small devices.

The PC is a different story. Despite Microsoft's best efforts, tablet PCs haven't really caught on. Still, with devices like the x41 coming to market, it's time for IT to take another look at the functionality of tablet PCs and see where it makes sense to deploy them. There are a lot of places where the pen is mightier than the keyboard.

What do you prefer, keyboards, thumboards, or digital ink? Will tablet PCs continue to be a niche product, or do convertible models have mass market appeal? Will they become an ideal platform for ebooks and digital editions of magazines using programs and services like Zinio, or will small handheld devices like PDAs and the Nokia 770 be the future of pen computing and the preferred platform for portable content?

09-14-2005, 06:09 PM	#1
Brian MobileRead Editor Posts: 447 Karma: 84 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Massachusetts Device: Treo 700p, Zodiac2	Pen computing has a future despite a rough start In a Computerworld article titled Don't Give Up on Pen Computing, JupiterResearch analyst Michael Gartenberg discusses why "pen computing isn't dead, but it is stagnant." Several factors were cited as reasons why pen computing platforms have been slow to take off, including the stigma created by the original Apple Newton's poor handwriting recognition, as well as inadequate hardware that often makes too many compromises. Mr. Gartenberg also makes a very important point when it comes to pen input. Pen navigation and handwriting input each have their places: For small devices where browsing is more important than content creation, the pen is an ideal navigation tool. But when it comes to composing information like e-mail, thumb keyboards are proving superior, even in small devices. The PC is a different story. Despite Microsoft's best efforts, tablet PCs haven't really caught on. Still, with devices like the x41 coming to market, it's time for IT to take another look at the functionality of tablet PCs and see where it makes sense to deploy them. There are a lot of places where the pen is mightier than the keyboard. What do you prefer, keyboards, thumboards, or digital ink? Will tablet PCs continue to be a niche product, or do convertible models have mass market appeal? Will they become an ideal platform for ebooks and digital editions of magazines using programs and services like Zinio, or will small handheld devices like PDAs and the Nokia 770 be the future of pen computing and the preferred platform for portable content?