Google Android Tablet Imminent

[Disposed]

The average buyer isn't going to be thinking about which OS is better for a tablet. They will buy what they know, and that will be Apple.

Fixed. They are going to see a giant version of their iphone and buy that over all the others.

 

[heatlesssun]

Fixed. They are going to see a giant version of their iphone and buy that over all the others.

Or they could see a small version of their laptop or desktop and buy that over all others. This isn't a zero sum game, there's room for both because some people want a big phone and some people want a small full function computer.

 

[badcaps]

How much will this over-sized Nexus One cost? And how do I opt out of Google's creepy data collection?

 

[Disposed]

Or they could see a small version of their laptop or desktop and buy that over all others. This isn't a zero sum game, there's room for both because some people want a big phone and some people want a small full function computer.

Do you honestly think your beloved windows tablet devices have a chance against the ipad?

 

[heatlesssun]

Do you honestly think your beloved windows tablet devices have a chance against the ipad?

Why not? The iPad has great battery life and decent weight but lacks a lot of features that other devices will, no camera, Flash support, peripheral suppprt, etc.

Indeed even iPad folls say that it's not a full replacement for a laptop or convertible Tablet PC. So I'd day that Windows slates can do well against devices that can't fully replace it.

 

[nowie]

Google is definitely becoming a major pain in the neck for Apple. No wonder Apple did the HTC lawsuit thing in order to scare other companies away from Android. But I doubt it'll work.

 

[Disposed]

Why not? The iPad has great battery life and decent weight but lacks a lot of features that other devices will, no camera, Flash support, peripheral suppprt, etc.

Indeed even iPad folls say that it's not a full replacement for a laptop or convertible Tablet PC. So I'd day that Windows slates can do well against devices that can't fully replace it.

I dont know if you have been living in a cave or what since the iphones release but those things have not stopped apple from dominating. Not that i agree or even understand it but it is what it is.

 

[Azhar]

Do you honestly think your beloved windows tablet devices have a chance against the ipad?

Yes - if nothing else, one fact remains true of Windows slate that would make the iPad a poor choice of tablet PC - native stylus capability.

Show me a college student or a businessman who doesn't want to scribble notes on a tablet and I've a bridge to sell you.

And yes, I know iPad has third party stylus support such as Pogo, but writing with a blunt stylus isn't my idea of fun.

 

[Azhar]

I dont know if you have been living in a cave or what since the iphones release but those things have not stopped apple from dominating. Not that i agree or even understand it but it is what it is.

smartphone != tablet PC

 

[heatlesssun]

I dont know if you have been living in a cave or what since the iphones release but those things have not stopped apple from dominating. Not that i agree or even understand it but it is what it is.

But this isn't a phone, we're talking about a full function computer with a large screen. The type of device that people like to be able to print from, watch whatever content they so choose and even edit and upload videos with.

The iPad has so many holes in its capabilities that other devices are going to do well simply because of the features the iPad lacks for nor at least.

 

[Disposed]

But this isn't a phone, we're talking about a full function computer with a large screen. The type of device that people like to be able to print from, watch whatever content they so choose and even edit and upload videos with.

The iPad has so many holes in its capabilities that other devices are going to do well simply because of the features the iPad lacks for nor at least.

The ipad is not meant to replace laptops and PCs its more of a netbook type solution.

And the same argument was made against the iphone initially too.

Dont get me wrong i fucking hate apple and all its shitty products but they have and continue to be incredibly successful in spite of what i think.

Your arguments would seem rational to most people but that wont stop the damn ipad from selling like hotcakes. Its a truth we just have to get used to and live with.

 

[Disposed]

smartphone != tablet PC

mp3 player != smartphone

The cycle repeats itself.

 

[marshac]

I'd day that Windows slates can do well against devices that can't fully replace it.

PC slates have been out before- and they failed to catch on. Then we had convertible laptops- they're a small niche market, and 9 times out of 10 when I see them, they're functioning as a normal laptop. Windows as it currently exists (and most of the apps) just doesn't work well on a tablet- why else would joojoo, HP, etc need to come up with their own UI? To make it more finger friendly. Face it- it's a new UI dynamic that requires not only the UI to be rethought, but also the apps that run on it... for this reason, the library of software that exists for Windows simply isn't suited to run on a tablet. Android has always had the touch-screen element, so it's in a much stronger position IMO since all of the currently existing apps would function just fine on a slate- kinda like how the iPad can run iPhone apps in 2X mode.

 

[Dzero]

You do know it has 16-64GB built in for you to put stuff you already own?

Yep.

It lets me stream any video I want to the device from my windows home server; it converts the video in real time. That combined with cellular tethering should allow me access to my videos most places I go.

Hey Steve, can the iPad tether with the iPhone?......No.
Buy a separate account just for that device. Cha-ching!

Playing Sam and Max looks almost identical to when I played the previous ones on my computer - which is pretty impressive to me - if you've played them before.

If I ever play a game with rabbit and a dog it's to splatter them against a wall with .50cal machine gun.

 

[heatlesssun]

PC slates have been out before- and they failed to catch on. Then we had convertible laptops- they're a small niche market, and 9 times out of 10 when I see them, they're functioning as a normal laptop. Windows as it currently exists (and most of the apps) just doesn't work well on a tablet- why else would joojoo, HP, etc need to come up with their own UI? To make it more finger friendly. Face it- it's a new UI dynamic that requires not only the UI to be rethought, but also the apps that run on it... for this reason, the library of software that exists for Windows simply isn't suited to run on a tablet. Android has always had the touch-screen element, so it's in a much stronger position IMO since all of the currently existing apps would function just fine on a slate- kinda like how the iPad can run iPhone apps in 2X mode.

There have not been $600 PC Slates before, they historically have cost a lot more. And as niche as the market may be plenty of companies make Windows convertibles and slates so somebody is buying them.

With no camera, no Flash or ANY other plug-in support, no real pen or system wide handwriting recognition or the ability to handle desktop files WITHOUT translation, as good as the iPad may be it simply doesn't do a lot of things. If all of a sudden the things I mentioned were irrelevant to everyone then sure, everybody should go buy an iPad.

Otherwise there are other devices.

 

[marshac]

With no camera, no Flash or ANY other plug-in support, no real pen or system wide handwriting recognition or the ability to handle desktop files WITHOUT translation, as good as the iPad may be it simply doesn't do a lot of things. If all of a sudden the things I mentioned were irrelevant to everyone then sure, everybody should go buy an iPad.

....I never once in my reply said that the iPad was the solution- my point was that Android has a large (and growing) library of software that's suitable for running with a touchscreen, and that they could most likely be run at a doubled resolution similarly to how the iPad runs iPhone apps (and how this is not the case on the Windows side)- never once did I say anything about the merits of the iPad over Android or Windows.... don't let the word 'iPad' cause you to see so much red that you fail to completely read what people write. =P

 

[Azhar]

mp3 player != smartphone

The cycle repeats itself.

Huh? What do mp3 players have to do with this? You think there's a corelation with mp3 players and smartphones as smartphones and tablet PC?

Mp3 players are tiny devices you carry around with you in your pocket while you're away from your home or desk. Phones and smartphones also. So why carry two devices when you can have one? It makes sense to implement mp3 playing capabilities into smartphones, or regular cellphones. Whether they have decent DAP or not is another story.

Tablet PC are related to laptops and netbooks, not smartphones. The cycle does not repeat itself. They're completely different class of devices. You cannot compare iPhone sales to Tablet PC sales. A fair comparison would be tablet PC sales against the netbook or laptops - especially tablet-converting laptops.

 

[heatlesssun]

....I never once in my reply said that the iPad was the solution- my point was that Android has a large (and growing) library of software that's suitable for running with a touchscreen, and that they could most likely be run at a doubled resolution similarly to how the iPad runs iPhone apps (and how this is not the case on the Windows side)- never once did I say anything about the merits of the iPad over Android or Windows.... don't let the word 'iPad' cause you to see so much red that you fail to completely read what people write. =P

I'll say it again, this isn't a zero sum game. Different devices will simply have different capabilities and target audiences. Is there little doubt that the HP Slate will be targeted a business folks who wouldn't have a lot of intrest in an iPad simply because it lacks features that business users would be intrested in. Like running Microsoft Office or the ability to hook to a projector for a Powerpoint presentation.

My question is where do Android tablets fit? Another phone OS on low powered hardware. Sounds just like the iPad. For the average consumer the iPad vs. Some nameless Android slate? At least the HP Slate runs Windows, which some people will WANT on their tablet devices.

Why would any consumer WANT Android on a tablet? Serious question. Not trying to slam Android tablets but if all they are are iPad clones with no intresting characteristics all their own they will just have a tough time finding an identity and buyers.

 

[Azhar]

PC slates have been out before- and they failed to catch on. Then we had convertible laptops- they're a small niche market, and 9 times out of 10 when I see them, they're functioning as a normal laptop. Windows as it currently exists (and most of the apps) just doesn't work well on a tablet- why else would joojoo, HP, etc need to come up with their own UI? To make it more finger friendly. Face it- it's a new UI dynamic that requires not only the UI to be rethought, but also the apps that run on it... for this reason, the library of software that exists for Windows simply isn't suited to run on a tablet. Android has always had the touch-screen element, so it's in a much stronger position IMO since all of the currently existing apps would function just fine on a slate- kinda like how the iPad can run iPhone apps in 2X mode.

And Apple Newton has been tried before and also failed. Just because it's Apple doesn't mean it'll magically catch on. The only reason it would is because now the time is ripe for it.

 

[BigBeef]

If it's an "e-reader that functions like a computer" like they said, then I won't be buying one.

I would never buy such a device unless it was a fully functional Windows-based computer. I want to be able to do whatever I want with few, if any, limitations. I'm sure this tablet will be very functional...but will it just be an over-sized Android phone, without the phone? If so, then I wouldn't waste my money on this after getting an Android-based phone that may do the same thing on a smaller scale.

 

[Disposed]

Huh? What do mp3 players have to do with this? You think there's a corelation with mp3 players and smartphones as smartphones and tablet PC?

think about it... Its exactly the same shit they said about the iphone before its release.

 

[heatlesssun]

I would never buy such a device unless it was a fully functional Windows-based computer.

A LOT of people feel the same way considering that these devices don't cost less than a full function computer. It's really neat to be able to take my work from my desktop, copy stuff through HomeGroups and not have space, speed or compatibility concerns. In this respect Windows tablets have the competition beat by a mile.

 

[Azhar]

think about it... Its exactly the same shit they said about the iphone before its release.

Maybe so, but as I said, an mp3 player is an utterly and completely different class of device than a tablet PC.

 

[marshac]

Is there little doubt that the HP Slate will be targeted a business folks who wouldn't have a lot of intrest in an iPad simply because it lacks features that business users would be intrested in. Like running Microsoft Office or the ability to hook to a projector for a Powerpoint presentation.

MS Office? On a slate? Perhaps a convertible, but certainly not a slate unless you're coupling it with all the accouterments of a desktop... in which case, you should have purchased a convertible. As for video out- I hate to say it, but the iPad can actually do that.

My question is where do Android tablets fit? Another phone OS on low powered hardware. Sounds just like the iPad. For the average consumer the iPad vs. Some nameless Android slate?

For the same reason android phones are becoming increasingly popular. As for the low powered hardware bit- sorry, but low power is what allows the platform to last all day. For professionals that might possibly find value in a slate (doctors, etc), endurance is critical- a 2-3 hour runtime in unacceptable.

 

[heatlesssun]

MS Office? On a slate? Perhaps a convertible, but certainly not a slate unless you're coupling it with all the accouterments of a desktop... in which case, you should have purchased a convertible. As for video out- I hate to say it, but the iPad can actually do that.



For the same reason android phones are becoming increasingly popular. As for the low powered hardware bit- sorry, but low power is what allows the platform to last all day. For professionals that might possibly find value in a slate (doctors, etc), endurance is critical- a 2-3 hour runtime in unacceptable.

With a dock sure the iPad can hook to an external monitor. With an extra battery my convertible tablet can match an iPad in battery runtime. Both extra stuff to carry around is the only reason I make the comparison.

It you don't need a keyboard with an iPad you definitely won't need one for the HP Slate. You have as good if not better OSK and possibly a real pen with handwriting recognition that a lot of people will find quite useful for editing documents.

And who says how long is good enough for buttery time? Sure longer is better but if the device doesn't do what you need it to do then battery runtime is irrelevant.

 

[christianw]

if its going to run android its bound to suck hard.

ive been so severely dissappointed with my droid its not even funny and ive tried everything. ive rooted, ran bugless beast, droidmod, overclocked it, you name it.

even stock all my droid has ever done is lock up, crash when bluetooth streaming, and force close apps.

and yes, ive exchanged it, im on my third droid.

android is a joke.

 

[Deleted member 210069]

I keep waiting for a tablet that looks sleek (the iPad definitely looks good, but I don't want a larger iPod Touch), is powerful relative to its size (like the HP Slate should be with its Atom processor), and runs a real OS that is streamlined (like Ubuntu Netbook Edition).

 

[jwalk6]

hmmm,

Will this device be the equally useless pc counterpart to the IPAD?

Sure looks like an IPAD especially that keyboard. I smell lawsuit!

 

[Disposed]

Maybe so, but as I said, an mp3 player is an utterly and completely different class of device than a tablet PC.

Just like it was an utterly and completely different class of device than a smartphone.

You are not getting it.

Mp3 to smartphone was scoffed and succeeded beyond anyones wildest freaking imagination. Now its smartphone to slate. Its all the same shit that happened before.

You are for some reason making the connection from mp3 player straight to ipad and completely missing my point.

 

[dandragonrage]

Nope. I hate Apple but I don't want a Google version, or any version of anything similar to the iPad.

 

[Azhar]

Just like it was an utterly and completely different class of device than a smartphone.

You are not getting it.

Mp3 to smartphone was scoffed and succeeded beyond anyones wildest freaking imagination. Now its smartphone to slate. Its all the same shit that happened before.

You are for some reason making the connection from mp3 player straight to ipad and completely missing my point.

I'm not getting YOUR connection between the iPhone and a slate PC. I have an iPhone. It's a tiny little device which I have no desire to use as a PC replacement now or any time in the future. It plays videos, it gets emails, it plays mp3, it can play little games and convenience apps, but would I want to use it to take notes in class or at a business meeting? Fuck no. I would still need a full size slate or tablet PC to do it effectively.

I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but slates are in the tablet PC, netbook and laptop class, not smartphones. God I hope it'll never be in the smartphone class or I'll be strapping computers around my body like supernerds do.

 

[Disposed]

I'm not getting YOUR connection between the iPhone and a slate PC. I have an iPhone. It's a tiny little device which I have no desire to use as a PC replacement now or any time in the future. It plays videos, it gets emails, it plays mp3, it can play little games and convenience apps, but would I want to use it to take notes in class or at a business meeting? Fuck no. I would still need a full size slate or tablet PC to do it effectively.

I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but slates are in the tablet PC, netbook and laptop class, not smartphones. God I hope it'll never be in the smartphone class or I'll be strapping computers around my body like supernerds do.

Seriously? If you cant see the connection from iphone to ipad i really dont know what to tell you.

How the hell can you say the damn thing is in a whole other class when its just a large version of the iphone?! Only real difference is the freaking size.

Did you not think the iphone was in a whole different class than the ipod?

 

[Azhar]

Seriously? If you cant see the connection from iphone to ipad i really dont know what to tell you.

How the hell can you say the damn thing is in a whole other class when its just a large version of the iphone?! Only real difference is the freaking size.

Did you not think the iphone was in a whole different class than the ipod?

It LOOKS like a large version of an iPhone. It doesn't mean it is!

 

[jiminator]

if an android tablet can come in at ~$300 (which may be doable considering the high apple markup) and provide full functionality for basic browsing and simple apps, that would be kick ass. I'd buy one. For the ipad, the few people I know that have them absolutely love them.

 

[Snowdog]

if an android tablet can come in at ~$300 (which may be doable considering the high apple markup).

Actually after doing a teardown, iSupply estimates it costs $260 to build an iPad.
http://mashable.com/2010/04/07/isuppli-ipad-cost/

So the markup isn't that high. No one is going to sell at $300 unless they want to use cheaper components.

 

[Disposed]

It LOOKS like a large version of an iPhone. It doesn't mean it is!

No it IS a large version of the iphone.

 

[Azhar]

No it IS a large version of the iphone.

OK let's say you're right. Let's say that Apple used the iPhone/iPod Touch software as-is for the stake of simplicity and so they can make use of the millions of apps they already have in their app store.

PC laptops and tablet PC have had 3G chips in most of their laptops, tablet PC and netbooks for years now with AT&T, NexTel, Sprint, and Verizon software pre-bundled in Windows since XP.

If your argument that an iPad can be a phone is true, why hasn't PC laptops and tablet PC picked up on that by now?

The answer's simple. Nobody wants a large phone. Apple says iPad will gain 3G (and possibly 4G) capability at next launch. I'll bet you my kingdom that nobody will use it as a phone, just like nobody's used existing 3G capable PCs as phones. It will be used for mobile internet (data) just as slates, notebooks and tablet PC has always done in the past.

Phones will remain small portable devices someone can fit in their pockets or purses just as always.

Apple didn't use iPhone and iPod Touch's OS because they wanted iPad to be the next phone. They did it because they're taking advantage of their already-popular app store. Why risk starting over? That would be a bad business move.

The only other way Apple would (or might) succeed with the iPad is by modifying and optimizing OSX for touch, and they could just as easily use Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, and NexTel's software to connect to 3G and 4G internet. But that would mean losing a larger customer base to their less popular OSX than using an already popular iPhone OS.

The iPad is not a phone. You could install Skype on it like any other laptops and slate, but it doesn't make it a phone.

I do see what you're wanting me to grasp, but I just disagree with you, that's all.

 

[Deleted member 210069]

OK let's say you're right. Let's say that Apple used the iPhone/iPod Touch software as-is for the stake of simplicity and so they can make use of the millions of apps they already have in their app store.

PC laptops and tablet PC have had 3G chips in most of their laptops, tablet PC and netbooks for years now with AT&T, NexTel, Sprint, and Verizon software pre-bundled in Windows since XP.

If your argument that an iPad can be a phone is true, why hasn't PC laptops and tablet PC picked up on that by now?

The answer's simple. Nobody wants a large phone. Apple says iPad will gain 3G (and possibly 4G) capability at next launch. I'll bet you my kingdom that nobody will use it as a phone, just like nobody's used existing 3G capable PCs as phones. It will be used for mobile internet (data) just as slates, notebooks and tablet PC has always done in the past.

Phones will remain small portable devices someone can fit in their pockets or purses just as always.

Apple didn't use iPhone and iPod Touch's OS because they wanted iPad to be the next phone. They did it because they're taking advantage of their already-popular app store. Why risk starting over? That would be a bad business move.

The only other way Apple would (or might) succeed with the iPad is by modifying and optimizing OSX for touch, and they could just as easily use Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, and NexTel's software to connect to 3G and 4G internet. But that would mean losing a larger customer base to their less popular OSX than using an already popular iPhone OS.

The iPad is not a phone. You could install Skype on it like any other laptops and slate, but it doesn't make it a phone.

I do see what you're wanting me to grasp, but I just disagree with you, that's all.

If they had put a streamlined OSX that has enhancements for touch capabilities for $500, I can guarantee that everybody who bought an iPad would have also bought it with OSX instead of iPhone OS. They would have also gained customers (such as me), that want a sleek package with a full desktop environment.

They would have probably needed some better hardware though.

 

[Azhar]

If they had put a streamlined OSX that has enhancements for touch capabilities for $500, I can guarantee that everybody who bought an iPad would have also bought it with OSX instead of iPhone OS. They would have also gained customers (such as me), that want a sleek package with a full desktop environment.

They would have probably needed some better hardware though.

I agree that OSX would be better because it's much more flexible, but it's still a big risk to take. You and I aren't like the average Jane and Joe who may want the comfort and simplicity of the App Store.

 

[nowie]

No it IS a large version of the iphone.

I heard they're making the iPad Nano...

Old joke, I know.