Current Computer Solutions
with Gary A. Rhymer
March 01, 2011 Edition

The Rise of the Tablet PC

Gary Rhymer

Photo Credit: Current Computer Solutions

Gary Rhymer

Photo Credit: Current Computer Solutions

Not too long ago, but what seems like an eternity in the technology world we were talking about the next new revolution thing to hit the market. What was a buzz a few years ago was the mini computers called, "Netbooks".

They were touted to revolutionize the way we do business and somehow change the landscape of what computers we buy in the future. Well in 2011 that has not materialize for many a reasons. That was in 2009.

Today, in 2011, the new technology phenomenon is the tablet PC, which I mentioned in my January 15th article, "2010 Year in Review". We don´t know how the tablet PC phenomenon will affect the tech world and how we do business but currently we are on that ride.

Apple currently leads the way after the successful introduction of its tablet PC called the iPad back in April 2010. I have to correct myself, in my previous article I stated that at the end of 2010 Apple had gained 95% of the tablet market, that figure actually is for the end of the 3rd quarter of 2010. In fact at the end of 2010, that percentage for Apple had dropped to a little over 75% of the market as new manufacturers started delivering new products. It will be interesting to see how the market shakes out at the end of 2011. The new version of the iPad is rumored to be released sometime over the next couple months with improvements and additions than the current iPad. Apple is rumored to announce a release date on March 02nd ,It will be interesting to see whether or not manufacturers releasing new tablet PCs will be competitive against the new iPad or would they be on the current iPad landscape and playing catch up.

The only way a tablet PC is going to compete successfully against the iPad and this is mandatory, it must, must, must be simple to use, that´s the bottom line. Having the latest bells and whistles is great, but if its not easy to use, its game over. I have talked to people who have not been technological in the past and had their use of the iPad and the first thing they all agree on is its ease of use.

I also mentioned in my previous article that Motorola will be releasing its tablet PC which was showcased at the recent CES (Consumer Electronics Show) back on January 06th . Pre-orders for the Motorola Xoom started becoming available on February 24th. What has some people shaking their heads with the Xoom, is that Motorola is banking on the Tablet phenomenon and it is stated that they are having a price point much higher than Apple at around $800.00. The Xoom did get a best Electronics Device nod at the CES but will consumers want to shell out $800.00 to a manufacturer who has no track record selling tablet PCs or who has no loyal following that Apple has with its products? We will have to see how the Xoom takes off and how it competes with the iPad.

On the move as well is enterprise friendly manufacturer, RIM (Research in Motion), who makes the famous and popular Blackberry devices. RIM is currently expected to roll out its device at the end of March or early April based on some leaked documents. The document also states that the Playbook will retail for $499.99 for the 16GB device in the range of Apple´s base iPad. The PlayBook, is expected to be marketed towards both the consumer and the business community. On the business enterprise end, the Playbook will offer such things as pairing with the Blackberry smartphones, corporate data access and security that is expected to be better than what Apple offers today. On the consumer marketing end look for it to touch on the 3 MegaPixel front-facing camera and as well as a Megapixel rear-facing and these both are expected to be HD (High Definition).

HP TouchPad
HP, yet another of the major manufacturers introducing a tablet PC will introduce its "Touchpad" sometime during the summer analysts predict. To try to differentiate its unit from other units out there HP plans to use its new Synergy technology. This new technology from HP is slated to apply seamless integration between HP devices using its webOS platform. What´s cool about this for example, say you are on a website on your Touchpad and you want to have that same site loaded at the specific link that you are on, you click an option on your HP Pre Smart phone the page instantly appears and this can be done vice-versa as well. This allows for continuous flow of process.

DELL
Look for DELL to launch at least 3 tablet PCs when they finally come out with their models. Dell plans to release a 10-inch Android as well as a 10-inch Windows unit. They also plan to release a convertible tablet that converts from a Tablet to a Laptop which wil be interesting to see the results.

In conclusion, as I write this there is anticipated by the end of 2011 we could see 80 - 100 models of Tablet PCs, which is mind boggling if you really sit down and think about it. Every PC manufacturer is getting into the race, every mobile phone manufacturer as well, some TV manufacturers. The winner in all this if this does come to fruition would b you the consumer. I would anticipate price wars like we have never seen before if this all holds through. Do you remember when the iPhone was 699 and 799. Get ready for the rise of the tablet PC.


IT Tip of the Month:

Creating a secure session everytime you are on FaceBook

While on Facebook, look at your URL address; if you see http: instead of https: then you don't have a secure session and you can be hacked. Go to Account...Account Settings...Account Security and click Change. Check at least the first setting, FB defaults to the non-secure setting. You are now on your way to secure Facebook sessions.

Gary Rhymer is an IT consultant with many years of industry experience and the Managing Director of Current Computer Solutions, an IT Consulting and IT Solutions company with web solutions currently a principal focus. You can contact him at: gary (at) current-computer.com.

Website: www.current-computer.com
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