4 ms·

A tablet isn't more portable than a netbook. It's less functional, doesn't have any protection for the screen, no way to stand up the screen to a good viewing a

by axod 17y ago

A tablet isn't more portable than a netbook. It's less functional, doesn't have any protection for the screen, no way to stand up the screen to a good viewing angle, no keyboard. It's a dead duck. Don't know why this is news to anyone.

glhaynes 17y ago
I almost agree, but it seems clear now that Apple is working intensely on just such a product. They've earned trust that they just simply don't introduce things of such large scale that are fatally flawed.
- bmalicoat 17y ago
  I think you're right. I also don't see the point declaring something a dead duck before it has been seen (or even announced!). Apple understand what a good consumer product is, the only not stellar product they've had in a while was the Apple TV and even that did not bomb. I definitely think it is wise to wait and see. Personally with a laptop and a smart phone, I'm interested to see how they can make it appeal to me, but I'm willing to let them try.
jsz0 17y ago
Functionality depends on what tasks people are using netbooks for. It's hard to generalize but it seems most people are just browsing the Internet, watching videos, and listening to music. A tablet might be more functional for them.
evgen 17y ago
CmdrTaco, is that you? Try to consider the tablet as a modern version of the Newton MP2100. No built-in keyboard, no protection, no way to stand it up for a good viewing angle, pretty much the same complaints you give here. My newt's leather carrying case had a little fold-out bit that propped the newt up at an adjustable angle and held the keyboard in place so that I could unzip it on a tabletop, adjust the prop, and have my "laptop" ready to go. When I wanted to be more portable I could disconnect the keyboard, slide the newt out of the case, and walk away. It is more portable than a netbook because it can do away with the keyboard. Any keyboard worth using cannot fit into a netbook. Period. By eliminating the keyboard you have more design freedom than the netbook form-factor allows.
Devilboy 17y ago
Dead duck? I'll bet you $50 that's not only will Apple make boatloads of money from the iSlate, they'll also make boatloads of money selling newspaper and magazine subscriptions for it on iTunes.
- axod 17y ago
  Deal.

by axod 17y ago

glhaynes 17y ago

I almost agree, but it seems clear now that Apple is working intensely on just such a product. They've earned trust that they just simply don't introduce things of such large scale that are fatally flawed.

bmalicoat 17y ago
I think you're right. I also don't see the point declaring something a dead duck before it has been seen (or even announced!). Apple understand what a good consumer product is, the only not stellar product they've had in a while was the Apple TV and even that did not bomb. I definitely think it is wise to wait and see. Personally with a laptop and a smart phone, I'm interested to see how they can make it appeal to me, but I'm willing to let them try.

jsz0 17y ago

Functionality depends on what tasks people are using netbooks for. It's hard to generalize but it seems most people are just browsing the Internet, watching videos, and listening to music. A tablet might be more functional for them.

evgen 17y ago

CmdrTaco, is that you? Try to consider the tablet as a modern version of the Newton MP2100. No built-in keyboard, no protection, no way to stand it up for a good viewing angle, pretty much the same complaints you give here. My newt's leather carrying case had a little fold-out bit that propped the newt up at an adjustable angle and held the keyboard in place so that I could unzip it on a tabletop, adjust the prop, and have my "laptop" ready to go. When I wanted to be more portable I could disconnect the keyboard, slide the newt out of the case, and walk away. It is more portable than a netbook because it can do away with the keyboard. Any keyboard worth using cannot fit into a netbook. Period. By eliminating the keyboard you have more design freedom than the netbook form-factor allows.

Devilboy 17y ago

Dead duck? I'll bet you $50 that's not only will Apple make boatloads of money from the iSlate, they'll also make boatloads of money selling newspaper and magazine subscriptions for it on iTunes.

axod 17y ago
Deal.