Posts Tagged "Netbooks"

Netbooks vs. Tablets ? Too soon to declare a winner

Notebook computers and tablet PCs are two very different beasts that both live in the same jungle. Each sort of machine aims for a similar set of goals: ultimate portability and ultimate connectivity. These machines let users hold the whole world in their hands – so long as there is free wifi nearby. But do both machines have an equal footing in the computer industry? Will both be around in five years? To answer this, we need to think about what each machine does, and what each is best used for.

Netbooks are basically miniature laptops. They offer fold-out “clamshell” designs with a keboard at the bottom and a screen at the top. Long battery life, slim profiles, and antennas for every sort of wireless signal available ensure their portability. Their design is familiar, and the only thing that new users need to get accustomed to is their mini keyboards and small screens.

Tablets, on the other hand, are 100% screen. They lack keyboards and mice entirely, relying instead on touch input for all controls. While touch is tactilely invigorating and lots of fun to use, it really limits how these sorts of computers may be used. Playing games, surfing the web, or reading ebooks on a tablet PC are all easy to do, but touch-screen keyboards turns a simple task like writing a letter into something a lot more complicated than it needs to be.

Ultimately, both types of portable computers have different target audiences. Netbooks are aimed at anyone who needs to conduct business or stay in touch when on the go. Tablet PCs on the other hand are more for fun than for work, offering outstanding multimedia capabilities and great interaction that most computers can’t provide.

Of course, there are plenty of things that can be accomplished on both netbooks and tablet PCs. Both can make full use of online programs called “web apps” to accomplish all sorts of useful things, from uploading and editing family photos to managing finances, composing presentations, and more.

Games also work equally well on both netbooks and tablet pcs. Thousands of free games are available on the internet – games that do not need to be downloaded in order to be played. Players who know where to look can even find free casino games online, and can gain instant access to real-money events like online free blackjack tournaments from anywhere in the world using either a netbook or a tablet PC.

At the end of the day, while netbooks and tablet PCs have similar overall goals, each targets a different demographic and each is best suited to its own purposes. Perhaps the future will see hybrid machines – small notebook computers with swivel touch-screen displays. Such devices have already been released by some manufacturers, but they have yet to catch on. One thing remains certain – whether your goal is work or play, the future of computing is online.

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Can Tablets outperform Netbooks in 2010?

In the last two years, netbooks had made substantial growth in the PC market and begun to take market share away from laptops possibly due to their featherweight designs and low prices. But, the devices lack key features like optical drive, have reduced specification and computing power.

In contrast, Tablet PCs offer an edge over netbooks with its touchscreen and use of digital pen or a fingertip, instead of a keyboard or mouse. Recently, Apple had ignited the tablet market by announcing its entry in the segment. It is reported that ASUS, Dell, Samsung are also planning to introduce their tablet PC by the next year. Therefore, consumers can soon expect small touch-screen tablets from all major PC vendors.

But, the question is will tablets kill netbooks and e-readers in 2010?

At present, Tablet PCs have a bad reputation. It is due to Microsoft’s unclear vision for the devices, which resulted in higher cost, slower input speed, unpleasant pen-based tablets, and risk for screen and hinge damage to users. The Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system lacks power.

But, after the introduction of several new mobile operating systems and cheaper components, the next generation of tablet PCs can outshine Netbooks in near future. The new Tablet PCs will have following new features that will make the devices to intersect other markets.

Now, use finger instead of pen

After the success of iPhone and other touchscreen mobiles, it is understood that actually touching the screen is far more appealing than using stylus, which requires different UI and software up gradation that Microsoft unwilling to do till Windows 7.

Due to the introduction of Swype technology and new mobile operating systems, the touch technology will make all the difference in the next generation Tablets.

Mobile phone operating systems

The new Tablet PCs will be powered by various mobile OSs like iPhone OS, Android etc, instead of Microsoft’s Windows. These operating systems will provide adequate software compatibility to the Tablet devices for accepting human touch and will make them cheaper, faster and more ultraportable than before.

Tablets or Big mobile phones

It is assumed that the next generation Tablets will be touch phones with large screen, therefore cheaper to build. Further, due to lesser-powered processors, small RAM, free operating system and smaller screens, the cost for manufacturing them will be similar to the netbooks i.e., cheap.

Applications and connectivity

Similar to the cell phone apps stores, Apple will certainly pour large number of applications to its touch tablets. Further, various other vendors will also join the race to encash the growing opportunity of apps platform.

Meanwhile, when tablets will be sold like Smartphones, then the connectivity feature will come in-built. Hence, consumers can carry the tablets like their mobile phones.

HD video and e-book concept

At present, people are watching internet TV rather than using the conventional one. Therefore, they require a cheap, high-quality tablet which will provide High Definition video on the move. Further, the Tablet PCs can be used as e-Book reader; hence, it will be a good option against Amazon Kindle or Sony PRS range.

Discussion

In Netbooks, you have to type on its small keyboard, which is somewhat problematic to professionals. Whereas, Tablet PCs can be a fold-up or roll-out and use a Bluetooth keyboard of your choice. It is true that they will provide more refined experience to its users, but besides its functionality, price does matter for its success.

Want to Live an Extra Million Years?

Would Tablets outshine Netbooks in 2010?

In the last two years, netbooks had made substantial growth in the PC market and begun to take market share away from laptops possibly due to their featherweight designs and low prices. But, the devices lack key features like optical drive, have reduced specification and computing power.

In contrast, Tablet PCs offer an edge over netbooks with its touchscreen and use of digital pen or a fingertip, instead of a keyboard or mouse. Recently, Apple had ignited the tablet market by announcing its entry in the segment. It is reported that ASUS, Dell, Samsung are also planning to introduce their tablet PC by the next year. Therefore, consumers can soon expect small touch-screen tablets from all major PC vendors.

But, the question is will tablets kill netbooks and e-readers in 2010?

At present, Tablet PCs have a bad reputation. It is due to Microsoft’s unclear vision for the devices, which resulted in higher cost, slower input speed, unpleasant pen-based tablets, and risk for screen and hinge damage to users. The Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system lacks power.

But, after the introduction of several new mobile operating systems and cheaper components, the next generation of tablet PCs can outshine Netbooks in near future. The new Tablet PCs will have following new features that will make the devices to intersect other markets.

Now, use finger instead of pen

After the success of iPhone and other touchscreen mobiles, it is understood that actually touching the screen is far more appealing than using stylus, which requires different UI and software up gradation that Microsoft unwilling to do till Windows 7.

Due to the introduction of Swype technology and new mobile operating systems, the touch technology will make all the difference in the next generation Tablets.

Mobile phone operating systems

The new Tablet PCs will be powered by various mobile OSs like iPhone OS, Android etc, instead of Microsoft’s Windows. These operating systems will provide adequate software compatibility to the Tablet devices for accepting human touch and will make them cheaper, faster and more ultraportable than before.

Tablets or Big mobile phones

It is assumed that the next generation Tablets will be touch phones with large screen, therefore cheaper to build. Further, due to lesser-powered processors, small RAM, free operating system and smaller screens, the cost for manufacturing them will be similar to the netbooks i.e., cheap.

Applications and connectivity

Similar to the cell phone apps stores, Apple will certainly pour large number of applications to its touch tablets. Further, various other vendors will also join the race to encash the growing opportunity of apps platform.

Meanwhile, when tablets will be sold like Smartphones, then the connectivity feature will come in-built. Hence, consumers can carry the tablets like their mobile phones.

HD video and e-book concept

At present, people are watching internet TV rather than using the conventional one. Therefore, they require a cheap, high-quality tablet which will provide High Definition video on the move. Further, the Tablet PCs can be used as e-Book reader; hence, it will be a good option against Amazon Kindle or Sony PRS range.

Discussion

In Netbooks, you have to type on its small keyboard, which is somewhat problematic to professionals. Whereas, Tablet PCs can be a fold-up or roll-out and use a Bluetooth keyboard of your choice. It is true that they will provide more refined experience to its users, but besides its functionality, price does matter for its success.

Want to Live an Extra Million Years?