A slate computer has been launched into the American markets by Microsoft and HP this month. The device was long rumoured and was finally shown to the public at the first time during last year’s consumer Electronics Show. The device was announced following rumours that Apple was creating a similar tablet computer.
Tablet PCs have yet to make a massive dent in the market although many industry commentators believe that they could provide consumers with a useful tool that will fill the gap between small portable devices such as mobile phones and easier to use netbook and laptop computers.
Ever since Apple surprised the world with the iPhone, Microsoft and other large technology and software manufacturers have been keeping an eye out for any new announcements by the company in the hope that they can beat them to the punch with new technology.
However, reaction to the Slate computer haven’t been overwhelming, mostly because there’s not actually any new software involved – it’s simply Windows running on slightly different hardware. Some analysts believe a dedicated OS will be an absolute necessity if tablet computers are likely to come into the mainstream.
Senior Editor of Engadget, Paul Miller said:
“It’s an interesting product in itself but Microsoft could have gone further. It’s not anything new in terms of software and that is what you really need to make a device like this make people want to buy it.”
Apple’s machine may very well be doing just this, and if the revolutionary design and usability of the iPhone is any measure of the operating system that Apple will use on their tablet system, Microsoft may well have missed the boat on this one once again.
Would you purchase a tablet computer in the near future, or are you happy with the range of portable technology already available?
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