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The iPad vs tablet PC dilemma

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S Aadeetya
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Tablet PCs are not new. They've been around for a fairly long time. They were

viewed as expensive, uninteresting and cumbersome devices with only one specific

purpose; to be used as mobile computing devices where either mobile phones or

laptops couldn't be used. An example of this would be HP's Tx1000, with a

touchscreen that swivels around. A variation of the tablet PC was the slate PC;

touchscreen only and without a keyboard. However, even though they were

'stripped down' PCs, slates still had some modicum of proper PC functionality

(like the ability to attach standard USB peripherals). Some of the 'popular'

slate PCs are made by Fujitsu, Motion Computing and Tablet Kiosk.

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But trust Apple to take a boring product, sprinkle some magic dust on it and

suddenly make it desirable. The iPad is a tablet PC (or slate), but not in the

true sense. Think of it more like a much larger iPod Touch (Go to http://bit.ly/NoiPad

- 15 reasons why not to buy the iPad). So there are many reasons why you should

not buy one. But the device may still be compelling enough for many to give up

using netbooks and eBook readers.

Apple iPad Tablet/slate PC
Runs a similar OS to the iPhone, based on MAC OSX Like any other general purpose computing device, you have the freedom to

install any software
External keyboard is possible, but only the one licensed and sold by Apple

(retail price of US$69)
Compatible with third party accessories like USB keyboards and mice
It cannot be connected directly to cameras, mp3 players. Data from these

devices has to first be transferred to a PC and then to the iPad
Can play 'host' to mp3 players, digital cameras etc; transfer data directly

to and from these devices
Will have a mind boggling number of applications available at launch, since

all existing iPhone and iPod Touch apps are compatible
Compatible with various applications depending on the operating system

installed
The accessory market for the iPad will be varied and extensive, with

customized accessories only for the iPad
Not many accessories available, very little customization.
At a starting price of US$500, the iPad takes straight aim at the eBook

reader
Usually more expensive. Starting price for a slate with pre-installed OS is

about US$1000
You can configure the total storage memory (16, 32 or 64GB) and whether you

want the Wi-Fi only, or Wi-Fi + 3G version, but that's it
Different configurations available; varying screen sizes, different options

like fingerprint readers, cameras and video out
Capacitive glass touchscreen will be super responsive, but may also crack

easily, rendering the device useless. Handwriting or sketches not possible

using a pen or stylus.
They usually have resistive touchscreens which require more pressure to

operate, but are also sturdier. A pen may also be included for handwritten

notes or sketches.
The internal flash memory is not expandable Memory is usually expandable, either by connecting an external hard drive,

or by means of an SD card slot
Uses and applications will tend to be more frivolous, and targeted towards

the youth
More serious uses, like field use by businesses
Will by nature be more secure, because it is a closed system and runs MAC

OSX
Susceptible to threats like virus attacks; normal virus protection applies
The touchscreen supports multi-touch Usually do not have multi-touch screens

Notion Ink's Adam Tablet has been developed in India,

but for the US market. It goes head-to-head against the Apple iPad, but can

run open source software like Android, Chromium or Linux. In addition, the

Adam beats the iPad in almost every count. It even includes a rotatable

camera, expandable memory, GPS, HDMI video out and a new dual display which

can switch between full color and e-book style sunlight readable B/W modes.

Thanks to the Dual-Core ARM CORTEX A9 MPCORE Processor and NVidia Tegra

graphics, the Adam can easily manage playback of 1080p full HD video besides

other graphics intensive apps. Just showcased at the Mobile World Congress

in Barcelona, the Adam is expected to cost between US$ 327 to 800, depending

on specification. More info over at

www.notionink.in
.

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