Tag: iPad

Tablet Computers are the New “Must have” Device

This blog is still written using MS Word and I still love my 19″ desktop computer. That is not likely to change.

There were e-readers before the iPad but Apple made tablets the new ‘need to have” category.  Suddenly Amazon’s Kindle and Barnes & Noble’s Nook had taken on new value.  Actually the iPad did both of those devices a favor.  They spurred them to improve the quality and capabilities.

We saw some Europeans in San   Diego last summer (2011) with their tablets.  I realized they knew where the restaurants were located and could obtain other worthwhile info you were on vacation.  Dragging a 17” laptop to London and Paris this past summer was no fun.  It’s old and slow too and that made it even more unpleasant.

When Microsoft announced their new Surface tablet this past August I knew I would have to consider this new connection to the world.  Now Apple has announced their new iPad Mini that does not include a mini price tag.

Many potential iPad buyers may have been contemplating the purchase during this coming Christmas buying season. They might now buy the Mini to save some money.  Apple will have diverted buyers and that means less profit.  From a shareholder viewpoint this decision will impact the bottom line.

The challenge for me is to determine the size and capabilities that will fulfill my immediate needs and what future needs I might have.

Surface by Microsoft coming October 26

I can hardly wait!  As a dedicated PC user, I have been disappointed by the offerings of the primary PC manufacturers.

Apple’s iPad tablet computer is reported to hold 70% of market share.  None of the competitors have been able to come even close to making a dent in Apple’s dominance.  H-P has dropped out of the market entirely and Dell offers a tablet but I do not know anyone with the unit.

Thus the entry of the Surface by Microsoft might bring on even more sales and a significant migration from the laptop format.  To add extra spice it is rumored that a low cost 7 inch version may be offered at $199.  That could be the reason that Apple is reportedly introducing its own 7” iPad.

On our recent trip to Europe I did see a few people carrying tablet computers.  The really are too big to use as a camera.  However, for finding your way around New York, London, Paris, Rome, etc. they would be a great benefit.  Of course they will be an easy way to update your blog.