[hparsons]

...I am a casual user of the computer. However, tablets aren't for everyone. But most casual users will end up adapting tablets instead of buying new laptops. Apple knows this as well, and I bet HP knows as well.

I buy high end laptops with docking stations, and plan on replacing them every three years.

I suspect I'll not replace my laptop this year, buy a tablet, and continue using the laptop as my "computer" for another two years.

If things run the way I think they will, I'd probablly end up buying a phone every year, a tablet every 2-3 years, and a high end workstation (probably still a laptop) every 5-6 years.

Yeah, I see the market for that, even for high-end computer users.

[Helidos]

They are not a gimmick. For most people, all they do is surf the web. Why spend 500-1000 dollars on a cheap laptop for that when you can spend 300-600 on a top of the line tablet that is more portable and better suited to do what you do: surf the web?

What do you think tablets cost these days $200.00?? The Ipad clocks in @ $499.99 with wifi only.

A decent home users laptop that will do everything an ipad will do and more clocks in @ 399.00??

Not to mention net books doing the same and more being as light etc and costing in the sub $300 range.

It may not be a gimmick device in your eyes but it is in mine when IT IS just an over sized iPHONE minus the PHONE.

gimmick
–noun
1.
an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, esp. one designed to attract attention or increase appeal.

[Reeves]

Nonsense for everybody? No. One of my bosses has an iPad, a Droid, a work-issued Blackberry, a new Lenovo work laptop, and a personal HP Pavillion laptop. I think it's excessive but it works for him, and he's not alone.

But as an idea with mass appeal, I don't think a tablet + tiny phone is going to cut it for most people. Right now, the market is oriented for larger-screen smartphones. To ask someone to buy a tiny smartphone by itself is a bit of a stretch given that 3.5-4-inch phones are now made with a minimum of bezel and are easily pocketable and easier to read overall. They also tend to have faster hardware, better quality displays, and let's face it - there is an aspect of "keepin' up with the Jones'" too.

[Reeves]

What do you think tablets cost these days $200.00?? The Ipad clocks in @ $499.99 with wifi only.

A decent home users laptop that will do everything an ipad will do and more clocks in @ 399.00??

Not to mention net books doing the same and more being as light etc and costing in the sub $300 range.

It may not be a gimmick device in your eyes but it is in mine when IT IS just an over sized iPHONE minus the PHONE.

gimmick
–noun
1.
an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, esp. one designed to attract attention or increase appeal.

I understand this perspective, but I think less and less people share it all of the time. Most people have computers to do common stuff like web browsing, media playing, videos, and social networking. While I would rather have a full desktop browser, a lot of people prefer the immediacy of touch browsing and have grown used to it through the popularity of iPhone/Android/etc. Same goes for playing media. Tablet and smartphone video players are more "fun" than mouse-scrolling through lists on Windows Media Player or desktop iTunes.

It's not a gimmick, but rather a paradigm shift in personal computing, just like the one where we're moving almost entirely away from physical media.

[astraith]

What do you think tablets cost these days $200.00?? The Ipad clocks in @ $499.99 with wifi only.

A decent home users laptop that will do everything an ipad will do and more clocks in @ 399.00??

Not to mention net books doing the same and more being as light etc and costing in the sub $300 range.

It may not be a gimmick device in your eyes but it is in mine when IT IS just an over sized iPHONE minus the PHONE.

gimmick
–noun
1.
an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, esp. one designed to attract attention or increase appeal.

I said 300-600, which last time i checked does not mean 200. Maybe my math is wrong. http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/gal...P100ZKASPR-buy Oh, man, 299.99 -- which basically means 300. W/o contract, 499.99 -- which is still under 600, last time i checked.

And latest rumors says you can talk on the Topaz, so don't minus the phone just yet. And the tablets are not designed to get attention but are seriously going to be the way you surf the web. Really, your iPhone is a tablet -- just a small one. Is that a gimmick to?

No, of course not. And yes, a laptop can do everything a tablet can. Yes, thats very true. But when your only surfing the web -- should you buy a cheap laptop or a tablet that can go anywhere and do everything you need -- at the same price -- and it not fall apart on you in 5 years? I mean, you get what you paid for.

Netbooks are more of a fad because the whole idea is the same idea behind a tablet. So please, don't show your hatred towards tablets by pointing out facts that simply aren't true. And again, i did not mention everyone. You might need more then just a tablet. Most people don't. Its as simple as that.

[PrinceAlbert]

Tablets are imo gimmick devices until they can fully replace a laptop until then they are over sized smart phones minus the phone.

for our company, we're looking to adopt tablets to replace the bulkier/less portable laptops as main applications are cloud based. Now, how we implement will depend on how internet connection is achieved via tether (not optimal) or data plan.

[Helidos]

I said 300-600, which last time i checked does not mean 200. Maybe my math is wrong. http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/gal...P100ZKASPR-buy Oh, man, 299.99 -- which basically means 300. W/o contract, 499.99 -- which is still under 600, last time i checked.

Sorry I did miss the 300-600 my apoliges.

And latest rumors says you can talk on the Topaz, so don't minus the phone just yet. And the tablets are not designed to get attention but are seriously going to be the way you surf the web. Really, your iPhone is a tablet -- just a small one. Is that a gimmick to?

No, of course not. And yes, a laptop can do everything a tablet can. Yes, thats very true. But when your only surfing the web -- should you buy a cheap laptop or a tablet that can go anywhere and do everything you need -- at the same price -- and it not fall apart on you in 5 years? I mean, you get what you paid for.

Since when did laptops not go everywhere and I have laptops in a closet that are over 7 years old and still work. Because something is cheap does not mean it is cheaply made. Granted the old laptops cost way more that $400 back then. You do get what you pay for and a cheap laptop will not fall apart in 5 years unless you treat it poorly. You threat a tablet poorly and guess what it will fall apart too.

Netbooks are more of a fad because the whole idea is the same idea behind a tablet. So please, don't show your hatred towards tablets by pointing out facts that simply aren't true. And again, i did not mention everyone. You might need more then just a tablet. Most people don't. Its as simple as that.

I never said I hated tablets this was my first post.... And what fact did I point out that is not true? Prices?

Tablets are imo gimmick devices until they can fully replace a laptop until then they are over sized smart phones minus the phone.

When they can replace my laptop then I just might buy one.

[reidme]

I am currently using a pixi+ for my everyday phone (i switched from the pre+ recently) and i couldn't be happier with the form factor. It is light and small, the keyboard is great and it fits in my pocket no problem. To me, it's everything a smart phone should be, with the exception of horsepower. OCing is helping, but it would be nice to not have worry about doing that.

The idea of a large screen smart phone is for multimedia reasons mostly. Video and websites are clearer and larger (other advantages as well). The downside to these large screens is portability and toughness. So i have to wear cargo pants everywhere i go now or what? Portability is key for me.

Now, if hp sync system is what the rumors are suggesting, then why do you need a large screen phone if you can use your tablet for all the large content? Record a video with your phone and watch it on either device? Take photos of your trip, watch the slide show on the tablet? That is so money.

I have had an iphone, iphone 3g, and an iphone 3gs and i've never watched a full movie on any of them. Youtube is the extend of my video watching and the pixi does that fine, so what is the benefit to having a large screen phone other than the horsepower?

Let the debate begin!

P.S. I understand that the cost is a downside (owning both a tab and a phone), but i'm more interested in the long term effects. I guarantee that apple is going to offer the same type of sync service soon.

For me the answer is yes. I have a Pre and an iPad and I have no desire for a bigger phone. Smaller (or at least thinner and lighter) would be even better. The iPad fulfills all my big-screen needs and a webOS tablet that was always "in-sync" with my Pre might be better still.

[lougw]

I have sorta been having a similar conversation in my head. I have the Sprint Pre, and have been trying to figure out what to do if there is no new Sprint webOS on the horizon. One thought is to go back to a dumb phone and get a tablet with cellular service.

I am the exception, not the rule, though. I don't use foursquare or other check in products, and I work from home. My pre is on wifi 80% of the time, though I do like to have the ability to check email when visiting my daughter at school or going out to lunch. A phone is easier to carry for moments like that, but given the relatively small amount of times it is and the fact I could usually leave the device in the car it might be an option.

[astraith]

Sorry I did miss the 300-600 my apoliges.

After I posted my post, I figured you did miss type. And it's cool.

Since when did laptops not go everywhere and I have laptops in a closet that are over 7 years old and still work. Because something is cheap does not mean it is cheaply made. Granted the old laptops cost way more that $400 back then. You do get what you pay for and a cheap laptop will not fall apart in 5 years unless you treat it poorly. You threat a tablet poorly and guess what it will fall apart too.

Laptops do go everywhere, but lets look at it this way. What is easier to carry with you, a 17 inch MacBook Pro or a 13 inch macbook? Which one is more economical, a 17 inch MacBok Pro or a 13 inch macbook?

Now which one is easier to carry with you. A 7 inch tablet or a 13 inch macbook? If you say macbook, then I guess you and I are just two different people! And when the tablet can cost the same as a "cheap laptop" and not only does everything you need (or, "you" isn't nec. you buy anyone considering the two products) then why not go with the more convenient, more economical choice and get that tablet? Plus, if Sprint announces what I think they are going to, then buying a tablet just got so much easier and more affordable.

I never said I hated tablets this was my first post.... And what fact did I point out that is not true? Prices?

When they can replace my laptop then I just might buy one.

And thats my point, my friend. That statement proves my point. To MOST people the tablet all ready replaces what they need for a laptop. Most people surf the web and thats it. Maybe create a spreadsheet or two. Last time I checked, you can do that on the iPad ( PCMag.com review of iPad's iWork software) As you can see, right there that is more then what most people need. And with duel processors going into iPad 2 and probably the Topaz, it wont be long before Adobe ports a version of Photoshop to a tablet. Someday it might even have that killer app that you could only do on your laptop now.

But for most people, the iPad -- or any tablet -- can really do anything the average person needs. I was considering to save up and buy myself a Macbook Air or just a macbook, but then the iPad (and a slew of other tablets) came along and I think thats a better choice for me. Why? Because all i want a laptop for is so when I am watching TV I can be posting on this forum. A tablet is cheaper then the macbook. Right now I am probably going for the Playbook unless HP Topaz is awesome, which it does appear it will be.

And about the cheap laptop stab. I don't like Windows. I am a Mac fan at heart. I believe the Macbook will last you longer then a cheap laptop from Dell or some off brand. Sure, it wont fall apart but I believe you would be happier with the mac. And with the tablets, these things are beats. They are powerful. And the OS in the tablet (whether it be iOS, Android or QNX BlackBerry) are better and easier to use then Windows 7. So I guess if your fine with Windows and fine with buying a "cheap laptop" it would be an option for you. Although I still believe most people will choose the tablet.

[ghostjb]

hello , coming back to the original question, a little bigger screen would be a blessing, I my case, I would love the kin two screen, I mean that phone is crap, but the screen and form factor are just what I want on the next web os phone.

[realistdreamer]

I don't want a phone with form factor larger than my Pre. With a Pad, I hope it makes it easier for them to keep the phone small. I don't need it much thinner and didn't like the feel of Pixi. The curved stone idea works for me. Other than when I'm using it for data input (email/texting or brief Facebook excursions), the current form factor is perfect for me.

I don't do gaming or video watching (except in a real pinch) on a phone. I seldom even take a call directly with the phone ("Jawbone is ready"). I think Android phone are HUGE and I hope HP doesn't make all their phones that big, but I imagine they need at least 1 4.3" screen to compete.

I would except the larger device if it meant more battery life, but given the Android's sucky battery life, I'm not sure that makes a difference.

[spitfire11]

The smart thing for HP is to prepare for both crowds. Having two size pads implies they get that point. The variety of Android phones is great, but a little overwhelming really. I think they end up with a lot of great phones, but there is a lot of lessor phones that end up in the crowd that people have to sift through.

If HPalm takes the middle road, ie offers more variety than Apple, but keeps the playing field within a normal range for the non-tech industry watchers (people who look for a couple of days and then buy), it will be a good move to me, and I can't see them making that mistake with webos phones, then offering two pad, but not offering multiple phones.

For me personally, I do travel a LOT. I started with a 17 in laptop, then 15, then 13, now netbook and haven't regretted any move to smaller. I like my pre's form factor A LOT.... maybe just a bit bigger. I like to put a skin on the phone and just leave it in my pocket. So for me, considering my size trend above, a web os pad with a small phone would probably be just fine.


People ask me how I like my netbook, and the way I always describe it is really time of intended use. In other words, typing a long email is annoying on a phone, we'd all prefer a regular keyboard and theres a point where we all just say, I'll type that when I get home. Same with a netbook..... its keyboard is okay for about 45- 60 minutes at a time tops. So, it really matters how you'll use device timewise. If your intending to do something on device using keyboard or intricate regularly for more than 60 minutes or so (only exception may be video while travelling or just browsing), your going to want a laptop. To me, even watching videos while on road and wanting a bigger screen is trumped by having to lug said bigger screen. Watching a video on 10 in is just fine. I just keep screen closer to face and Im still in my own little world. I mean, take your 10 screen and hold it out about half arms length and line it up next to your big screen tv that is across the room. Compared view wise, since my bigscreen is about 8 feet away, the screens appear about the same (or close) to my eyes, so whats the difference? Unless your going to watch your 7 or 9 in pad further away than arms length, its not really "small" to me. Really, I hope they offer whatever sells, so it becomes popular and takes off, but then if I'm a little different that than most and like the pre's form factor, that they don't do away with it for that probably smaller crowd.

[rexalbel]

After I posted my post, I figured you did miss type. And it's cool.



Laptops do go everywhere, but lets look at it this way. What is easier to carry with you, a 17 inch MacBook Pro or a 13 inch macbook? Which one is more economical, a 17 inch MacBok Pro or a 13 inch macbook?

Now which one is easier to carry with you. A 7 inch tablet or a 13 inch macbook? If you say macbook, then I guess you and I are just two different people! And when the tablet can cost the same as a "cheap laptop" and not only does everything you need (or, "you" isn't nec. you buy anyone considering the two products) then why not go with the more convenient, more economical choice and get that tablet? Plus, if Sprint announces what I think they are going to, then buying a tablet just got so much easier and more affordable.





And thats my point, my friend. That statement proves my point. To MOST people the tablet all ready replaces what they need for a laptop. Most people surf the web and thats it. Maybe create a spreadsheet or two. Last time I checked, you can do that on the iPad ( PCMag.com review of iPad's iWork software) As you can see, right there that is more then what most people need. And with duel processors going into iPad 2 and probably the Topaz, it wont be long before Adobe ports a version of Photoshop to a tablet. Someday it might even have that killer app that you could only do on your laptop now.

But for most people, the iPad -- or any tablet -- can really do anything the average person needs. I was considering to save up and buy myself a Macbook Air or just a macbook, but then the iPad (and a slew of other tablets) came along and I think thats a better choice for me. Why? Because all i want a laptop for is so when I am watching TV I can be posting on this forum. A tablet is cheaper then the macbook. Right now I am probably going for the Playbook unless HP Topaz is awesome, which it does appear it will be.

And about the cheap laptop stab. I don't like Windows. I am a Mac fan at heart. I believe the Macbook will last you longer then a cheap laptop from Dell or some off brand. Sure, it wont fall apart but I believe you would be happier with the mac. And with the tablets, these things are beats. They are powerful. And the OS in the tablet (whether it be iOS, Android or QNX BlackBerry) are better and easier to use then Windows 7. So I guess if your fine with Windows and fine with buying a "cheap laptop" it would be an option for you. Although I still believe most people will choose the tablet.

What do you think sprint is going to announce that would benefit tablets??

[realistdreamer]

I will get a Pad and I'd love to keep my smaller form-factor phone. It's that or get a man-purse and that's not in my future.