Tablets are just a fad. Just like computers.

I think it's odd to even have to argue against the recent wave of opinion that says tablets are just a fad. Of course tablets are not a fad. So why do tech journalists and computer execs say this? One reason is the geek blind spot: most of the key advantages of tablets aren't evident or interesting to people who use computers for 8 hours a day and are experts at using them. These are features like:

• Instant power on and sleep.
• Incredibly easy software installation that rarely goes wrong.
• Automatic (Android) or nearly automatic (iOS) app updates.
• Relatively painless system software updates.
• Far fewer error and failure modes than with computer operating systems.

If you use a computer all day, every day, you're already used to the way computers work - including the crappy parts. So when something comes along that replaces much of the crappy, you might not notice. But your non-technical neighbor will.

Comments

[Stocklone]

For what the average person does which is read articles on the web, watch videos online and participate in some social networking sites, a tablet is fantastic for those and offers all of the benefits you mentioned. I don't think it should be the only device in the house but it should be the most commonly used device. You also forgot to mention that they tend to weigh far less and have battery battery life. I use a notebook for when I'm doing serious work but for casual stuff why not use a tablet.

[Meatloaf Recipes]

Very informative posting. Thanks alot for share.

[Shaun Duncan]

Many tablets have as much power as netbooks... if your needs are simple, what more do you require?
As a random question, if you ever read this, what are the odds of google open sourcing lively... or at least the art?
When you think about it... the interface we use can be quite unnatural. A mouse is very poor for art, a touchpad moreso. Tablets have the potential to be much more useful than PC's to those who are PC illiterate, and I recall one man posting a thank you to a certain mobile device provider for finally getting him on the internet, after 80 some odd years. His barrier to entry was the mouse and keyboard. And you would be amazed at how many people have to look at each key.
All I'm saying is... maybe the things us nerds love aren't the answer. Remember, the querty keyboard was designed to slow people down.

[Promotion Codes]

Tablets are great, but I still need the standard PC or laptop keyboard for writing articles...

[Ashley]

Tablets are definetly a fad. Pretty soon there will be mini computers that control everything!

[casino]

It all depends on tablets. Ecstasy tablets are for example a fad of the clubbing youth