Quote:
Originally Posted by dmaul1114
I agree with that. But as I said the point isn't a larger PDA. But a 9-10" Tablet that does all kinds of stuff--PDA functions, e-books, e-mail, full featured web browsing (not the limited usefulness of a tiny phone screen), videos, games, music, note taking, ability to mark up word documents, view spread sheets etc.
Basically everything a Netbook could do sans things that require a keyboard (typing documents etc) in a more portable device that's better for reading, jotting notes with a stylus etc.
So I could have my regular phone in my pocket, and that tablet device in my briefcase or backpack rather than having a PDA, Kindle, MP3 player, DS, Laptop etc. etc.
I think there would be a nice market for something like that. It wouldn't replace smart phones, as people are going to want something they can just carry in their pocket. But it could replace a lot of other gadgets.
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The problem being that once you get beyond the "wow" factor you find that tablets aren't all that practical. Tablets aren't new but they haven't caught on because they have neither the functionality of something like a netbook nor the pocketability of a smartphone. Tablets have been relegated to a few niche professional markets (medical comes to mind) for a reason. If someone (Apple?) succeeds at creating mass market demand for a tablet it will be more a triumph of marketing than technology.