This week, Apple Computer will finally unveil its long-awaited and much-speculated tablet computer -- most likely called the iSlate and Apples first entry into a rapidly crowding field (if you discount Apples ill-fated Newton MessagePad, of course, which was introduced years ago and was a resounding flop).
It remains to be seen whether the iSlate will be a huge success, or will take up residence with other niche products that were technically interesting but never reach critical mass in terms of consumer acceptance. As Brighthand.com Editor Ed Hardy said in a recent posting, "A slate computer has all the disadvantages of a notebook, plus all the disadvantages of smartphone." Also, they are "as expensive as laptops, but offer the same feature set as a smartphone."
One thing is certain, though, since it is Apples first entry into what is fast becoming a crowded field (although only about 121,000 pure tablets were sold last year, according to market researcher International Data Corp.), the iSlate could be perceived as Apples impra mateur on the technology and therefore give a boost to development and sales. Then again, even the great Apple can get it wrong sometimes (as the MessagePad demonstrated).
Brighthand.com and NoteBookReview.com have covered and reviewed some of the best and most innovative tablets and tablet hybrids over the past several months. The following is a sampling of the technologies that will give Apple a run for your money in this niche field, much of which has been reviewed and analyzed by the TechnologyGuide.com staff.
APPLE TABLET NEWS
iSlate and iPhone OS 4.0 Unveiling Expected on Jan. 27
Verizon May Be Getting the Apple iSlate and iPhone
Apple and AT&T have had a successful partnership, selling millions of iPhones together. But analysts say Apple has wandering eyes, and will bring both the iPhone and the iSlate to Verizon Wireless later this year.
Apple Very Optimistic About the iSlate: Has Ordered 10 Million Units
According to an industry insider in China, Apples first tablet computer will have a webcam and a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and will act like both a netbook and an e-book reader. Apple is apparently quite optimistic: it plans to have millions of these devices produced next year.
TABLET REVIEWS
ASUS Eee PC T91 Review
The idea of a compact convertible notebook tablet might not be anything new, but ASUS found a way to create a mini tablet that sells for just $500.
Fujitsu LifeBook T4410 Review
The LifeBook T4410 is one of the latest Windows 7 equipped tablets from Fujitsu. Offering a Wacom-enabled 12.1" display with multi-touch this model is aimed to compete with the Dell Latitude XT2 and Lenovo X200 Tablet.
Multitouch ThinkPad X200 Tablet Review
Lenovos entry into the field, featuring a two-finger multi-touch display, as well as the 2.16GHz Intel SL9600 Core 2 Duo CPUs.
Dell Latitude XT2 Tablet Review
The Dell Latitude XT2 is a 12.1" tablet targeted towards business users. It offers a multi-touch enabled touch-screen, active digitizer, and optional daylight viewable panel. Dell has the starting price listed as $1,929
TABLET PC NEWS
CES 2010: The Best And Worst Laptops
Hybrid tablets were definitely in vogue at this years CES 2010, including the debut of Lenovos IdeaPad S10 Tablet, which is an Intel Atom-based netbook with a 10-inch touchscreen that rotates 180 degrees in either direction; and a unnamed entry from HP.
NVIDIA Launches Tegra 2
At CES 2010 NVIDIA launched the new Tegra platform, officially making 2010 the rebirth of the Tablet. Even with hints of the Apple Tablet coming around, it turns out that quite a few companies have already jumped on the bandwagon of super thin slate computers thanks to the second generation NVIDIA Tegra.
Most Popular Tablet PCs of December 2009
Our latest rundown on the Tablet PCs our readers are researching the most, based on clicks on product links within our articles and reviews.
TabletKiosk Launches 3 Atom-Based Tablets
TabletKiosk launches three new Intel Atom-based Tablet PC models. The new Tablets include the 7-inch eo a7330D, 7-inch eo TufTab a7230XD, and 12.1-inch Sahara NetSlate a230T.
HP TouchSmart tm2t Tablet PC Now Available
HP releases its latest consumer tablet PC, the TouchSmart tm2t series. It features an Intel Core 2 Duo Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) processor, optional ATI Radeon graphics, weighs 4.72 pounds, and has a six-cell battery.
EDITORIALS
Why the Apple Tablet (or iSlate) Will Change Everything
Apples upcoming tablet computer, which is expected to be unveiled this week, has everyone talking. In this editorial, NotebookReview.com Editor Jerry Jackson explains why this will likely be the most important consumer electronic device since the iPhone
Apples Tablet Computer Might Be a Flop
Interest in Apples upcoming tablet computer, which is widely expected to be unveiled this week, has reached fever pitch. Despite all the hoopla, Brighthands Site Editor points out that there are plenty of reasons why this device could go down in flames.
It remains to be seen whether the iSlate will be a huge success, or will take up residence with other niche products that were technically interesting but never reach critical mass in terms of consumer acceptance. As Brighthand.com Editor Ed Hardy said in a recent posting, "A slate computer has all the disadvantages of a notebook, plus all the disadvantages of smartphone." Also, they are "as expensive as laptops, but offer the same feature set as a smartphone."
One thing is certain, though, since it is Apples first entry into what is fast becoming a crowded field (although only about 121,000 pure tablets were sold last year, according to market researcher International Data Corp.), the iSlate could be perceived as Apples impra mateur on the technology and therefore give a boost to development and sales. Then again, even the great Apple can get it wrong sometimes (as the MessagePad demonstrated).
Brighthand.com and NoteBookReview.com have covered and reviewed some of the best and most innovative tablets and tablet hybrids over the past several months. The following is a sampling of the technologies that will give Apple a run for your money in this niche field, much of which has been reviewed and analyzed by the TechnologyGuide.com staff.
APPLE TABLET NEWS
iSlate and iPhone OS 4.0 Unveiling Expected on Jan. 27
Apple has confirmed earlier rumors by announcing a press event for the end of this month. Its not saying whats going to be unveiled, but numerous unconfirmed reports say its going to be a tablet computer and a new version of the iPhone OS to run on it.
Verizon May Be Getting the Apple iSlate and iPhone
Apple and AT&T have had a successful partnership, selling millions of iPhones together. But analysts say Apple has wandering eyes, and will bring both the iPhone and the iSlate to Verizon Wireless later this year.
Apple Very Optimistic About the iSlate: Has Ordered 10 Million Units
According to an industry insider in China, Apples first tablet computer will have a webcam and a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and will act like both a netbook and an e-book reader. Apple is apparently quite optimistic: it plans to have millions of these devices produced next year.
TABLET REVIEWS
ASUS Eee PC T91 Review
The idea of a compact convertible notebook tablet might not be anything new, but ASUS found a way to create a mini tablet that sells for just $500.
Fujitsu LifeBook T4410 Review
The LifeBook T4410 is one of the latest Windows 7 equipped tablets from Fujitsu. Offering a Wacom-enabled 12.1" display with multi-touch this model is aimed to compete with the Dell Latitude XT2 and Lenovo X200 Tablet.
Multitouch ThinkPad X200 Tablet Review
Lenovos entry into the field, featuring a two-finger multi-touch display, as well as the 2.16GHz Intel SL9600 Core 2 Duo CPUs.
Dell Latitude XT2 Tablet Review
The Dell Latitude XT2 is a 12.1" tablet targeted towards business users. It offers a multi-touch enabled touch-screen, active digitizer, and optional daylight viewable panel. Dell has the starting price listed as $1,929
TABLET PC NEWS
CES 2010: The Best And Worst Laptops
Hybrid tablets were definitely in vogue at this years CES 2010, including the debut of Lenovos IdeaPad S10 Tablet, which is an Intel Atom-based netbook with a 10-inch touchscreen that rotates 180 degrees in either direction; and a unnamed entry from HP.
NVIDIA Launches Tegra 2
At CES 2010 NVIDIA launched the new Tegra platform, officially making 2010 the rebirth of the Tablet. Even with hints of the Apple Tablet coming around, it turns out that quite a few companies have already jumped on the bandwagon of super thin slate computers thanks to the second generation NVIDIA Tegra.
Most Popular Tablet PCs of December 2009
Our latest rundown on the Tablet PCs our readers are researching the most, based on clicks on product links within our articles and reviews.
TabletKiosk Launches 3 Atom-Based Tablets
TabletKiosk launches three new Intel Atom-based Tablet PC models. The new Tablets include the 7-inch eo a7330D, 7-inch eo TufTab a7230XD, and 12.1-inch Sahara NetSlate a230T.
HP TouchSmart tm2t Tablet PC Now Available
HP releases its latest consumer tablet PC, the TouchSmart tm2t series. It features an Intel Core 2 Duo Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) processor, optional ATI Radeon graphics, weighs 4.72 pounds, and has a six-cell battery.
EDITORIALS
Why the Apple Tablet (or iSlate) Will Change Everything
Apples upcoming tablet computer, which is expected to be unveiled this week, has everyone talking. In this editorial, NotebookReview.com Editor Jerry Jackson explains why this will likely be the most important consumer electronic device since the iPhone
Apples Tablet Computer Might Be a Flop
Interest in Apples upcoming tablet computer, which is widely expected to be unveiled this week, has reached fever pitch. Despite all the hoopla, Brighthands Site Editor points out that there are plenty of reasons why this device could go down in flames.
