4 ms·
In undergrad we had an intel prototype version of this (can't remember the exact name). It pretty much ruled because it was ~1998 and nothing even close to it
by zmonteca 17y ago
In undergrad we had an intel prototype version of this (can't remember the exact name). It pretty much ruled because it was ~1998 and nothing even close to it existed (i.e. small and lightweight laptops). We couldn't figure out why a market didn't exist for the product either. Apparently after a fully functional prototype, Intel couldn't find a market for it either. Still puzzles to me.
Then big issues in the device then were lack of flash and lack of power. They claim those have been resolved. We shall see.
Will a device like this become ubiquitous? I can see it finding a home in the kitchen, next to the bed or on the coffee table. The key here is making it lightweight and not delicate. I'm thinking something more in between a TOUGHBOOK and a MacBook. Something you can drop in the kitchen and throw on the couch and have the kids play with. Perhaps, with a aim of $200 that doesn't even matter.
- axod 17y agoOne of the reasons a laptop is the design it is, is that the screen is positioned in a comfortable position for viewing. I can't really see how you can sit comfortably with a tablet like thing. Hold it with one hand and try to navigate with the other? Could get tiring.
- 10ren 17y agoBooks and paper have a similar problem. You can buy stands, and some desks have tilted surfaces. The separation of input/output areas is an improvement on paper. Starting with the typewriter, it's been an enduring and ubiquitous design. Exceptions like the iPhone are primarily output.