A tablet pc or a laptop pc:tablets replacing laptops:tablet sales soar

The iPad is a smash hit for Apple, following the trail of the iPod, IPhone and any other device Apple seems to want to put into the marketplace. As was true with the predecessors there is a stampeded in the marketplace to ride the coattails of this next massively successful foray into the electronics arena where it seems consumers have a never ending appetite.

Samsung, Compaq and Toshiba are just some of the major and trusted computer brands chasing Apple on this latest foray into a new electronics medium, which is also known as motion computing. So what makes the tablet pc so radical? I mean basically it does what every other computer device can do right? Of course, at a minimum it can achieve anything your stodgy old desk top or clunky laptop pc can accomplish, but it is way less bulky and has touch screen capability. You can say goodbye to your mouse!

So having an iPad makes you one of the cool kids doesn’t it? Are you still having those kinds of thoughts at your age? Well, I am no psychologist, but I think the need for acceptance might carry a high price if you purchase the iPad to buoy your self image. So let us assume you got it for the positive reasons you scribbled on a piece of paper while weighing your decisions, such as the one where you compared the size and weight to a bulky laptop. The iPad is definitely much lighter than the average notebook pc, which aching backs will find a great alternative.

Unfortunately the iPad is not regarded as a workhorse that will totally take the place of a full functioning laptop computer. It has internet accessibility going for it, which may be sufficient if you are a casual computer user or intend the iPad for a personal computer, but do not have any illusions it can replace a wound out personal computer as the operating system is still in its infancy.

This is a question that should be asked of any purchase, especially one in the electronics arena. We have experience with rapidly plummeting prices as technology ages and realize we can get caught up in the hype and plunk down many more dollars than necessary in order to ride the wave of popularity of these flashy new electronics gems.

Most of the table pcs are coming to us with prices in the $300-$700 range. That is well within the range of a decent laptop, which can offer you a full-fledged computing experience. So it really will come down to what you want to do with the device. By watching the commercials Apple has plastered on every television channel we see many flashy ways to utilize your iPad.

You can bet Apple executives and researchers sat in long meetings trying to determine what uses would be ideal for the iPad. Even with untold hours of brainstorming and what if sessions, even they really could have no clue which direction the iPad will be pulled by the purchasing public. Consumers have driven the Applications market for the iPhone into overdrive, with people not associated with Apple creating applications by the thousands. I think we will see the same with the iPad.

What I do know is there is a sustainable appetite for the iPad that Apple can ride the wave for a significant period. During this time they can tweak the operating system so that the capabilities that are becoming clear through market research and communication with customers will become standards of the iPad offering.

We consumers will benefit from this as those who wanted to be the first to grab one of these electronic devices help Apple scope out the width and depth of its potential. Before I narrow this to an iPad only discussion, the other tablets will be our ally by keeping Apple honest with their price. If you can find a comparable tablet pc for a better price, it gives you another choice, which is what a free market economy craves.

I wonder if the biggest lasting effect of the touch screen tablet is the ability to communicate your command to the device by simply touching your selection and watching the device react to your action. I expect within the next generation of devices this will become a common method of interaction. Even touch wireless mice and keyboards are becoming more pervasive, being able to operate without any extra device is an appealing possibility.

I can remember the first time I saw a touch screen cash register at McDonald’s. I thought it was a great advance for the employees behind the counter and realized, since I have an Electronics degree how the industry would soon be changing away from those bothersome keys that would stick or get so nasty. Just being able to quickly signal your choice on the touch screen will appeal to many users.

Obviously you will realize as soon as you unpack your tablet pc how vulnerable it can be to environmental hazards. The usual suspects that are a threat to all pcs are your foes: moisture, heat, cold, dust and the usual suspect. Perhaps the most frightening concept is the accidental drop, where your iPad comes in contact with some hard surface.

I have a personal story where a new iPad user showed me a near miss with their iPad which they dropped approximately three feet to a concrete surface, but the unit survived with only a dent as proof of the incident. The owner related how their stomach was twisting while they bent down to retrieve the face down unit and their amazed relief when they recovered the unit to see no ill effects. Trust me, they were extremely fortunate. Don’t take that chance, purchase one of the covers I have included in the capsule below.

So tell me what is your table pc doing in your electronics stable? What new and exciting abilities did it present to you? I really want to know as I think those who purchase will ultimately expand the capabilities faster than old Apple itself. Happy touching!