I continue to believe that the future of hand-held computing and to a lesser extent personal computing, in general, will be defined by tablet computing. This revolution started by eReaders and transformed by the Apple iPad will continue to gain ground on traditional PC Based computing. Think about all of the things you hate about computers: lack of portability, complex systems, software installation, operating software maintenance, slow startup times, data synchronization, high energy use, low battery life, and high cost. Tablet computing holds the promise of a manageable, easy to use, less complex and portable solution.
By harnessing the power of powerful servers and the internet, tablets will revolutionize computing for many people. Yes, complex functions like media production, software development, research, and finance will still require powerful systems. However, students, home users, and even offices can migrate to these new devices. In 1993 Scott McNealy of Sun Microsystems was preaching that the network was the computer and put forth the idea that simpler devices would be used by individuals to access powerful information stored on the network. One of his early projects was headed by Eric Schmidt who later went on to head Google.
Think about the typical organization that maintains thousands of computers. These computers require a huge amount of IT resources to install and maintain. The actual cost of maintaining a desktop computer can easily exceed $5,000 per year. This cost goes way beyond the initial purchase cost and replacement every three years. There are software licensing fees, repairs, infrastructure, data loss, data recovery, software upgrades, operating system upgrades, imaging, and even disposal fees.
Tablets can reduce the complexity and expense in virtually every area. 2011 will be the year of the tables, lets quickly look at what is coming this year. New Introductions seem to fall into two camps, consumer solutions from Apple, Samsung and Motorola; and enterprise solutions from Cisco.
Apple has taken a clear lead in innovation by producing the first successful device to deliver the promise of tablet computing. By extending the existing iPhone technology to a new device, Apple correctly chooses to use a small operating platform rather than try and make the complex OS/X or Windows simple to use. In February of March or 2011, Apple will release at least two new iPads, both with cameras, USB connectors, better screens, and one smaller screen size.
Samsung has jumped the gun and released what many believe to be the next thing in personal Tablet computing. The Samsung Galaxy Tab is an Android 2.2 based solution that comes in lighter than the iPad, features front and back cameras. The smaller 7" screen size allows the unit to be held with one hand. It also features cell phone functions so you can make and receive calls with a wired or Bluetooth headset. Available through Verizon, U.S. Cellular, Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T. With prices starting at $399 with a new contract, this device can be purchased now.
Motorola is also expected to enter the tablet market in 2011. Motorola was early to offer phones using Google's Android operating system and is expected to leverage it's expertise in manufacturing handheld devices to develop and deliver tablet solutions for individuals in 2011. Initial reports look like this will be a Verizon device called Stingray with a 10" screen and Android 3.0 operating system. This may be the first Android 3.0 tablet available.
Google has been working very hard on two fronts to come out with a new Tablet software. Some believe that a new Android operating system specifically designed for the tablet will be the answer. Android cell phones have become very popular and some vendors have extended the software to work on tablets. One advantage would be the ability for Android-based tablets to access a large number of applications that can run on this popular platform. This new Android 3.0 version is expected to support tablet computing with no extensions. The thing is Google, is not putting all of its eggs in one basket. They are also working on Chromium OS that some believe will eventually be the killer tablet or laptop OS. Most of the buzz seems to agree that HTC, makers of the Droid, iPaq and Verizon partner, are working hard with Google to release a tablet. One rumor anticipated a November 26 announcement by Google, HTC and Verizon, but that date is not been pushed back to March 2010.
Cisco has announced a tablet called the Cius based on Android. The device is expected to be a front end to their successful VOIP communications solutions with a docking station that looks a lot like a desk phone. Cisco has announced this device will deliver full 720p HD Video conferencing over existing IP networks. Of all the devices, this is the only one reported to have a user replaceable battery. The Cius features centralized management of all devices using the device and user access policies by the IT department using existing Cisco tools. The Cius device is expected to be released in early 2011.
If you don't have an iPad, consider waiting until mid-2011 and select the device that is best for your needs. Organizations should be preparing for the new world of tablet computing by enhancing secure wireless networks and shifting focus to centralized network delivered solutions. Schools should be looking forward to delivering customized classroom content via tablets. A few years from now, reference manuals and textbooks may join the ranks of other "vintage" technology like wired phones, records, and CDs.
By harnessing the power of powerful servers and the internet, tablets will revolutionize computing for many people. Yes, complex functions like media production, software development, research, and finance will still require powerful systems. However, students, home users, and even offices can migrate to these new devices. In 1993 Scott McNealy of Sun Microsystems was preaching that the network was the computer and put forth the idea that simpler devices would be used by individuals to access powerful information stored on the network. One of his early projects was headed by Eric Schmidt who later went on to head Google.
Think about the typical organization that maintains thousands of computers. These computers require a huge amount of IT resources to install and maintain. The actual cost of maintaining a desktop computer can easily exceed $5,000 per year. This cost goes way beyond the initial purchase cost and replacement every three years. There are software licensing fees, repairs, infrastructure, data loss, data recovery, software upgrades, operating system upgrades, imaging, and even disposal fees.
Tablets can reduce the complexity and expense in virtually every area. 2011 will be the year of the tables, lets quickly look at what is coming this year. New Introductions seem to fall into two camps, consumer solutions from Apple, Samsung and Motorola; and enterprise solutions from Cisco.
Apple has taken a clear lead in innovation by producing the first successful device to deliver the promise of tablet computing. By extending the existing iPhone technology to a new device, Apple correctly chooses to use a small operating platform rather than try and make the complex OS/X or Windows simple to use. In February of March or 2011, Apple will release at least two new iPads, both with cameras, USB connectors, better screens, and one smaller screen size.
Samsung has jumped the gun and released what many believe to be the next thing in personal Tablet computing. The Samsung Galaxy Tab is an Android 2.2 based solution that comes in lighter than the iPad, features front and back cameras. The smaller 7" screen size allows the unit to be held with one hand. It also features cell phone functions so you can make and receive calls with a wired or Bluetooth headset. Available through Verizon, U.S. Cellular, Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T. With prices starting at $399 with a new contract, this device can be purchased now.
Motorola is also expected to enter the tablet market in 2011. Motorola was early to offer phones using Google's Android operating system and is expected to leverage it's expertise in manufacturing handheld devices to develop and deliver tablet solutions for individuals in 2011. Initial reports look like this will be a Verizon device called Stingray with a 10" screen and Android 3.0 operating system. This may be the first Android 3.0 tablet available.
Google has been working very hard on two fronts to come out with a new Tablet software. Some believe that a new Android operating system specifically designed for the tablet will be the answer. Android cell phones have become very popular and some vendors have extended the software to work on tablets. One advantage would be the ability for Android-based tablets to access a large number of applications that can run on this popular platform. This new Android 3.0 version is expected to support tablet computing with no extensions. The thing is Google, is not putting all of its eggs in one basket. They are also working on Chromium OS that some believe will eventually be the killer tablet or laptop OS. Most of the buzz seems to agree that HTC, makers of the Droid, iPaq and Verizon partner, are working hard with Google to release a tablet. One rumor anticipated a November 26 announcement by Google, HTC and Verizon, but that date is not been pushed back to March 2010.
Cisco has announced a tablet called the Cius based on Android. The device is expected to be a front end to their successful VOIP communications solutions with a docking station that looks a lot like a desk phone. Cisco has announced this device will deliver full 720p HD Video conferencing over existing IP networks. Of all the devices, this is the only one reported to have a user replaceable battery. The Cius features centralized management of all devices using the device and user access policies by the IT department using existing Cisco tools. The Cius device is expected to be released in early 2011.
If you don't have an iPad, consider waiting until mid-2011 and select the device that is best for your needs. Organizations should be preparing for the new world of tablet computing by enhancing secure wireless networks and shifting focus to centralized network delivered solutions. Schools should be looking forward to delivering customized classroom content via tablets. A few years from now, reference manuals and textbooks may join the ranks of other "vintage" technology like wired phones, records, and CDs.
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