Slate/Tablet Computer Category Killer

Slate/Tablet Computer Category Killer

Cleve Horrocks January 2010

Years ago, prior to the first Palm computers hitting the market, I outlined what I thought would be the direction that new portable computing devices would take. Many of my ideas have been surpassed by our current technologies, but several of them have yet to be implemented into mainstream usage. Today the technology exists to fully explore their use and more.

In my original concept, I thought that the first several generations would need to be the size of something like a Fluke Digital Multi Meter, eventually shrinking to a pocket sized device over several generations. In fact, the market skipped the larger form factor entirely, jumping straight to the smaller sized units entirely, but with more limited functionality. Today, I realize the need for a larger size device as well as the smaller ones. Apple’s iPhone is an excellent device for the smaller, pocket sized devices. But there is a very real need for an all in one notebook sized device as well.

Several companies have already announced various new Slate or Tablet type devices this month, and the market is anxiously awaiting the introduction of the new offering from Apple. Those that have been introduced still seem to miss the point that we need less to carry, not more. Most laptop/notebook computers get left behind most of the time, while we take with us our cell phones and mp3 players. Adding a netbook or ebook reader, just gets too cumbersome. I don’t have any idea what form Apple’s offering will take, but here are my ideas about what such a device should be.

First off, I believe that rather than increasing the number of devices we carry around with us, any such new device needs to replace the need for any other device at all. Therefore, it should be a fully functional Cell Phone, Video Phone, MP3 Player, eBook Reader, Digital Voice Recorder, Camera, Camcorder, and Computer all rolled into one device. Just as for years we carried our Day Planners around with us, which literally contained our lives, so should this device function today. Completely incorporating all of the functions of the various devices we carry around now.

It should be a ruggedized device, waterproof and fully capable of being dropped multiple times onto a concrete floor. EMP hardening would be a plus for military/government sales. The size should be that of a standard business portfolio notepad, with an 8 ½” x 11” touchscreen fully incorporating handwriting character recognition and voice control such as Dragon Naturally Speaking as well. It should weigh less than 3 pounds, and ideally be less than 2 lbs. Ideally it will be about ½” thick when closed. Certainly less than 1” at a maximum. It should have a hard shell cover that fully swings around to the back of the unit so that it can be laid flat on a table or knee while in use. Perhaps it would incorporate an eReader screen on the outside of the shell, with a full color 1080p capable touchscreen inside. It should incorporate full video conferencing capability, microphone, speakers, webcam, BlueTooth, 801.11 b/g/n capability, 3G voice and data capable, wireless mouse and keyboard capability, etc.

With a target market of students and business professionals, it should be a fully capable all in one computer. Battery life of at least 7-9 hours. Preferably 2 weeks on standby. 3 GB or more of high speed flash memory, so that even when turned off or the batteries die it will retain everything you are working on. A minimum of a dual core, 2.8 Ghz microprocessor so that it can be used for video and high end gaming as well. 320 GB hard drive and full read/write CD/DVD/BlueRay Disc optical as well. Connectors should include USB 3.0/2.0, Firewire, HDMI, and SD/MS/CF card reader. They should be behind a waterproof cover. A solar charging panel could be incorporated into the back as well.

In short, it should function as a complete, all in one device that replaces the need to carry around a number of different devices. It should be elegant and sleek both physically, and in it’s operations. A cell phone, mp3 player, digital voice recorder, and eReader when closed up, and a fully capable color tablet computer when opened, capable of entertainment, gaming, video, and business use that can be voice, touchscreen, and keyboard controlled.

Such a device is very doable with today’s technology. I wouldn’t be surprised if it could be done in the $400 price range in fact. It might start out in the $1500 range, but sales would really take off as the price drops. Add a Scanner to it for another $100.