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Follow UsTablet 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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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, |
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