The headline was thought provoking ... "Tablet computers forecast to sink laptops" (an article by Greg Bensigner of Bloomberg News published on 8/26/2010 in the SF Chronicle and SFGate.com).
That’s a pretty bold statement. There is no doubt that tablet computers are gaining popularity among consumers. Even though tablet computers have been around for many years the hype surrounding Apple’s recent introduction of the iPad has brought renewed interest in these devices. However, is predicting the extinction of the laptops, and more specifically the wholesale replacement of laptops by tablet computers, a bit premature?
Tablet computers come in many sizes and shapes, although portability is a common feature. Historically they have used a stylus for data entry, sometimes accompanied by a trackpad and/or conventional keyboard. The iPad and other devices now offer innovative touch-screen interfaces that bring the user experience to a whole new level. Variations of tablet computers are also available for specific tasks, such as the Amazon Kindle for reading eBooks. Common uses for tablet computers have been note taking, planning/scheduling, email, social networking, browsing the web, doodling, playing music, playing games and viewing videos.
Tablet computers also have a presence in the mobile workforce. For example, the Panasonic Toughbook and other durable computers can be found on many construction sites and are often used by inspectors, contractors, and others to manage projects. Business applications are also becoming increasingly available for iPads and other tablet computers. However, the toolkit of most members of a mobile workforce currently includes a Smartphone and a laptop.
Data suggests that many people use laptops for both work and personal business. If tablet computers are gaining in popularity among consumers, and business applications for tablet computers are becoming increasingly available, and many people use laptops for both work and personal business, could the statement “… tablet computers replace laptops” be a logical conclusion?
Rather than tackle the bigger question of whether or not tablet computers will lead to the extinction of laptops I’d like to solicit feedback on how you think tablet computers will affect your agency and the people who live in the communities you serve.
Question 1. What role do you see tablet computers playing within your agency?
Question 2. What role do you see tablet computers playing within the communities you serve?
Question 3. In the battle between Windows 7 vs. Android vs. iPad vs. others do you see a clear winner?
In addition to responding to these three questions you are welcome to post comments to this blog with your thoughts on iPads, tablet computers and related topics as they apply to your agency and the communities you serve.
I look forward to your feedback.
Chuck Spink – Product Manager, Accela, Inc.
Chuck Spink is product manager for Accela’s community-serving Accela Citizen Access, Accela Mobile Citizen Access, and Accela Interactive Voice Response products, as well as new iPad and iPhone applications in development. Chuck, a Licensed Professional Civil Engineer, has over 25 years of professional experience that includes product management for leading database and CAD software products, hands-on engineering and construction experience, and membership on local government and community service organization boards.