Posted by Solutions Center on Tue, Jul 13, 2010
Does anyone care?
Maybe.
Steve Ballmer, at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference, announced that Microsoft Windows 7 slates are coming this year. Well, I’m glad Microsoft caught on and realized the iPad/tablets aren’t going to fade away. Finally.
Anyway, ol’ Ballmer mentioned that Microsoft and some of its partners, including Asus, Dell, Samsung, Toshiba, and Sony will all take a crack at Windows 7 slates. There will be a lot of variation amongst slates, and they will vary in price and features.
Seeing that the majority of the world’s businesses run on Windows, it would be interesting to see how a Windows 7 based tablet would compete with the iPad and Android tablets in the workplace. The iPad, based on my experiences, is great for personal use; however, I don’t see it catching on much with business. A Microsoft tablet could definitely steal the thunder here, and would fit in nicely. It would more likely than not be supported by IT support departments and companies over any other type of tablet, and could have a major effect on business.
Here’s the catch: is Windows 7 a tablet OS? Probably not. I have fallen in love with Windows 7 on my PC. It’s great, truly. However, will it hold up on a tablet? I’m not thinking so. It’s too intricate, too in depth, and nowhere near simple enough. It's not streamlined like iOS. One article I read, on ZDnet.com, put it nicely “…there’s more to a slate than just the physical form factor. If there isn’t longer battery life, instant on/off and some kind of app store with not just the usually business apps, but also consumer-focused apps and games, I’m not so sure users are going to bite…”
Anyway, whether these Windows based slates will be relevant or not in the marketplace, it will be interesting to see how they’ll affect business, IT Mobility, and maybe the use of PCs. I’m not going to say that I couldn’t care less, but the idea of a slate with Windows 7 does not excite me, and I don't think it can compete with the iPad.
Hopefully, I’ll be made to look stupid.
C'mon, Microsoft, in a weird way, I'm pulling for you...
Posted by Solutions Center on Mon, Jun 14, 2010
It's been just over two months since Apple's iPad made its unforgettable debut, and well over 1,000,000 devices have already been sold. Through working in
IT Support (and being an early-adopter nut-job who camped out on the morning of the release), I have seen firsthand what the iPad can do for
IT Mobility, especially in terms of the 3G version. From internet/email access, calendar/planner, business specific apps, telephone apps, remote desktop apps, and VPN connectivity to word processing, spreadsheets, and slideshow presentation capabilities - this awesome touch-screen toy is establishing itself as a requirement for businesspeople. It's light, portable, powerful and quite possibly the most convenient device I've ever come across aside from the iPhone.
Next week, the iPhone 4 will be unleashed, further crushing any competition Apple has in the Smartphone market. The iPhone 4 will make even the iPhone 3Gs look like a rotten apple (pun intended). That being said, think to way back when, just a few years ago, when Smartphones were first coming about.
Now, think of today's Smartphones.
Over just a few short years, Smartphones became a "must-have" for all businesspeople, constantly upgrading and evolving to the point where they became the most necessary devices around. Will this same transformation hold true for Tablets?
Apple's iPad Tablet isn't the world's first stab at Tablet computing. However, it is the first to make a big, unforgettable entrance to the party. And with the dawn of the iPad, many others are sure to follow. But, hey, more competition for the iPad will allow for better technology upgrades and features on all of the devices competing with the iPad, including the next-gen of the iPad.
The HP Slate, which promised to be a threat to the iPad, had its legs cut off before it could walk due to concerns over using Windows 7 on a Tablet. Unfortunately, it won't be making its way to the hands of tech geeks everywhere anytime soon. However, the possibility of an HP Tablet with Palm's OS has been lingering, and should make for pretty interesting news if it comes to fruition.
Also, there is a Samsung Tablet in the works which will run on Android 2.2. If this really comes about, let the games begin! With the features of the iPad already establishing it as an essential, and the fact that I expect the evolution of Tablets to mirror that of Smartphones, what can we expect next from Tablets?
We already know Apple overlooked many of the bells and whistles that could have been included on the iPad (most likely intentionally). Any competition that comes about for the iPad will serve as a catalyst that will cause competing brands to develop their products and features more quickly, in an attempt land the big punch first. I expect big things in the future, and I like what I'm seeing. If our phones are already making such a splash, I can't wait for the later generations of Tablets. I'm excited, and you should be to!
Posted by Matt Kolowski on Mon, Jul 27, 2009
Don't you want to look cool?
I know sure as heck I do. I want to be walking down the hall doing IT things on my fresh new Tablet PC, all the while snickering to myself that I'm the coolest nerd I know. And who cares that its bright 10'' screen causes me to walk into the CFO of my client, flipping the cake she was holding onto her face?
Actually, that wouldn't be so cool.
Cake covered faces aside, Tablet Computing is COMING! As most gadget dweebs like myself know, the CrunchPad is nearing completion. It's a thin tablet that boots right into a web browser. That's it. It's pretty much what most people use netbooks for, just without that miniscule keyboard and a bigger screen(12). And it will most likely sell for around $300. But what If I wanted to checkout our company Facebook page while out and about?
Well, I'm glad you asked, sir! Rumors are swirling that you're favorite company and mine, Apple, is nearing completion of their own tablet! No one really knows what kind of OS it will be running, whether it be a full blown OS X or a lite version, falling somewhere above the iPhone OS. But sources are saying that it will be 3G enabled, and most likely connected with a Verizon, AT&T like company.
I'm pretty content with browsing the web on my iPhone 3GS, and barely even use my laptop when I'm home cooking up delicious Lean Pockets. BUT, if the right product comes along, and it's promoted by a slick looking, black turtleneck wearing salesman, you can pretty much count me in. Well, until the iPhone 4G comes out.