Still waiting for slate computing

Having recently begun a new Job I was asked what type of computer I would like. I asked for a windows tablet, as this has been my way of working since 2004. Obtains one however proved to be more of a challenge than I first anticipated. It seems that the arrival of Apples iPad has caused a change in the perception of What a tablet is.  Though I could find windows tablets they were either expensive or low power in an attempt to compete on price With the more limited finger only devices.

Apples device and the many devices that copy it is are media consumption devices and in this role they are excellent. None of these devices through work well for the creation of information.  I have seen students who type amazingly fast on these things, but even they use a "proper" computer for writing their essays.This would suggest we need two devices one for consumption and one for creation, but I suspect that many people have realised they don't actually Create that much.  Perhaps this is why iPads are so popular with upper management.

I believe that pen computing could make the iPad style tablet the best of both worlds.  I agree with Steve Jobs comments about styluses on mobile phones but I believe they are not valid for tablets, as long as styluses are for used for input and not application control. Judging by the number of awful rubber ended styluses you can buy many iPad users feel this way too. I think Apple may come to recognise this too, after all Apple were also the company that brought the Newton, a PDA that recognised handwriting, to the world. They may also recognise the potential of creating a licensable pen system that could be sold to create a vibrant aftermarket. Mont blanc stylus for your iPad anyone?

I also hope that Microsoft will ensure that Pen support continues in windows 8 rather than simply copying Apples decisions. After all it may well be the only thing that windows 8 has to offer over and above the devices currently in the market.

Tablets of stone were used to hand down commands and information that we needed to consume.  Reusable Slates for writing on though helped us learn and create new ways of working. I am holding my breath waiting for the tablet computing world to turn in to the slate computing world. For me it cannot come too soon and combined with ubiquitous connectivity and the cloud will change our view of computing forever.