Tablet PCs reach for the masses

Iria · Oct 16, 2005, 02:28 PM

Tablet PCs, the portable computers with pen-based abilities, have been around since November 2002, but so far have not been widely embraced by consumers or businesses.

The devices made up fewer than 2 percent of the notebook computers sold worldwide in 2004, according to analysts who track PC shipments.

The tablet PC has been slow to take off for a number of reasons, including being priced higher than notebook computers with similar specifications. The platform has also been a factor: Many predicted that the pen-based abilities would be more tightly integrated with the Windows operating system by now, and that more tablet-specific software would become available.

Still, tablet PCs have taken hold in some segments like education and health care, and computer makers continue to introduce models with features for broader markets. Many of the new units are aimed at general consumers, professionals and management-level business users, and they include features like ultraportability and wide-screen displays. Soon some will have touch screens. In addition, prices of tablet PCs have been declining along with computer prices in general, and the price gap with notebooks has begun to narrow.
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Read More / Source: News.com

Oct 16, 2005, 02:28 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	Tablet PCs reach for the masses Tablet PCs, the portable computers with pen-based abilities, have been around since November 2002, but so far have not been widely embraced by consumers or businesses. The devices made up fewer than 2 percent of the notebook computers sold worldwide in 2004, according to analysts who track PC shipments. The tablet PC has been slow to take off for a number of reasons, including being priced higher than notebook computers with similar specifications. The platform has also been a factor: Many predicted that the pen-based abilities would be more tightly integrated with the Windows operating system by now, and that more tablet-specific software would become available. Still, tablet PCs have taken hold in some segments like education and health care, and computer makers continue to introduce models with features for broader markets. Many of the new units are aimed at general consumers, professionals and management-level business users, and they include features like ultraportability and wide-screen displays. Soon some will have touch screens. In addition, prices of tablet PCs have been declining along with computer prices in general, and the price gap with notebooks has begun to narrow. __________ Read More / Source: News.com