Ray Ozzie, Microsoft’s Chief Software Architect, called Tablet PCs “niche” last week and angered Tablet PC lovers the world over. Why? Mostly because even Microsoft isn’t backing Tablet PCs, let alone the world at large.
Tablet PCs were supposed to be the next big thing back in 2002 and they’ve still not taken off, leading many – including, apparently, Ozzie – to consider them niche. However, there is a full sub-culture of computer users who think Tablet PCs are the bees knees. It seems Windows 7 will include a bit of touch interface but I suspect that wlll be less about handwriting recognition and a bit more about the multi-touch, Surface-y stuff that everyone seems to love.
I think Tablet PCs are dead in most cases although I did see a nice medical tablet the other day that looks great for vertical applications. As a consumer plaform, however, I’d say it’s DOA.
I love my tablet pcs.
Having one in the magazine rack next to my recliner is great when I want to look something up or surf the web without the hassle that comes along with a laptop.
My wife loves the one I mounted under the cabinet in the kitchen (media center style front-end) for recipes, weather, etc. and yes, a faux digital photo frame.
I’m seriously thinking about getting a third to mount in my garage for music and video streaming; with the occasional “howto” lookup while turning wrenches. OK, I just talked myself into it. Thanks alot, JB :)