More slate tablets coming this year

There are so many rumors circulating on the Internet about upcoming slate tablets. Right now, the Apple iPad is leading the pack. Over 1 million sold!

A few companies are making tablets running Google Android. Not sure which one will be the most popular Android Pad at this point. Will it be made by Dell? It probably won't be HP.

How about the Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid? That could be the "idea" tablet for those who're looking to use a keyboard. Skip the netbook and go right for the hybrid.

I think it's fair to say that we can expect HP to release a webOS tablet. I'm wondering if they'll allow other manufacturers (like Sony) to run webOS.

5 reasons why Apple didn't name the iPad the iTalbet or iSlate

I think I may know why Apple didn't name the iPad the iTablet or the iSlate.  Let me share 5 reasons (these are just my opinion):

1. To dedicated tablet PC users, the term "tablet" implies that you should have the ability to use a stylus pen to write on the screen. This is also commonly called "inking" and we often rely on a Wacom-based active digitizer to write, draw, scribble, and erase. Unlike typical tablet computers, the iPad does not have an active digitizer and there is no stylus pen. 
2. The term "slate" is often used to refer to a tablet PC that lacks a physical keyboard. Hence, the term "slate" could be misleading since people will automatically associate it with a Tablet PC, and this leads to point #1 above (even though HP will be releasing a slate that lacks an active digitizer).
3. The word "tablet" has too many syllables. Notice how Apple likes to use simple words? We have the iPod. Not the iMP3player. Not the iMultimediaplayer. It's simply the iPod. Hence, the term iPad is short and simple. It fits the Apple culture.
4. The term "slate" is already being used by HP to describe a small, handheld tablet multimedia computer. Apple wouldn't want to confuse its new iPad with a new produce released by HP, would it? My guess is that they were planning on naming it the iSlate until they discovered that HP was coming out with the "Slate." 
5. The term "iPad" will subliminally also cross-promote the iPod because the two words are so similar.  In fact, when people talk about the iPad, everyone naturally thinks about the iPod. If Apple had used either iTablet or iSlate, people would not think about the iPod when they hear those terms. When consumers hear "iPad," they immediately think about the iPod. This type of cross-promotion is ingenious!

So, there you have it. What do you think? Agree or disagree?  I still think iNewton would have brought back many loyal users.

Rumors about the Google Tablet

Now that Apple has officially released its iPad, the rumors surrounding the first generation Apple tablet will get replaced by new rumors regarding the Google tablet. It appears that HTC is working with Google to create a tablet that will likely run Chrome OS (or maybe it will dual-boot into Android as well). In any case, I suspect that we'll see a real winner since HTC has a long history of making excellent smartphones and other mobile devices. The current Google Nexus One Android smartphone is made by HTC and branded as a Google smartphone. How will the Google tablet compare to the iPad?

More thoughs about the Apple iPad

OK, I've had some more time to think about the recent announcements about the Apple iPad. I admit that my earlier post was mixed with emotions of frustration and disappointment. Why didn't Apple use the name iSlate? Why didn't they include a camera? I'm sure the iSlate will eventually come with a camera, so why release a first generation model that lacks that feature? I've given up on the user-replaceable battery issue, but that still bothers me because I'm frequently swapping out batteries on my mobile devices.

I had really high hopes for the Apple tablet. Compared to devices like the Amazon Kindle and the Nook, the iPad is a clear winner. Let's hope that the second generation iPad comes out really soon.

Why I won't buy a first generation iPad

Frankly, I was very disappointed by the name iPad. It sounds like iPod. I was really hoping that Apple would choose something like iSlate. After all, if you're a foreigner and you happen to have an accent, then people may have a difficult time understanding you if you say iPod or iPad.

Here are the reasons why I don't plan to purchase a first generation iPad:

• Apple has a history of "fixing" problems and releasing 2nd and 3rd generation mobile devices
• No multi-tasking? You've got to be kidding me. Does this mean that I can't listen to my music while I'm reading an e-book or browsing the web? 
• Pay extra to get an iPad that has built-in 3G and GPS? Why make it an option?
  
• No camera? How will I Skype?
• Still can't easily change the battery.
• Dock only in portrait mode? (I think the 2nd generation iPad will allow you to dock in both portrait and landscape modes)
  
• Where's the Corning Gorilla Glass option?
  

Sorry, but I had much higher hopes for this device. I was quite disappointed and I don't think this first generation iPad will have any significant impact on the health care industry. Then again, the iPad is really geared for the consumer and not for the professional market. I just hope Apple won't punish the early adopters by dropping the price 3 months after the iPad gets released.

iSlate or iTablet?

Today's the day. Let's see what Apple announces. Will it be the iSlate or the iTablet? I'm guessing the iSlate (because www.islate.com comes up dead right now). Will the Apple tablet be a hit or a flop? I hope it will be a hit and I also hope that health care professionals will see how this device can be used to revolutionize the way medicine is practiced in the 21st century.

How the iPad (Apple Tablet) could revolutionize health care

Some iPhone fanatics would argue that the Apple iPhone has revolutionized the health care system. I think there's some truth to that if you look at how physicians have used the iPhone in the outpatient (clinic, office) setting as well as in the inpatient (hospital, surgical) setting. There are so many health care professionals who have gotten familiar with the iPhone interface and many medical students are going through their clinical rotations using the iPhone.

So, how could the upcoming Apple tablet (iPad, iSlate, iTablet, etc.) revolutionize health care? I think it could do so in two major ways:

First: Consumers will become more empowered to manage their health. They will have the ability to use something like the iPad (or even their iPhone) to enter information into an electronic personal health record (PHR). They may use the iSlate as they're waiting in the doctor's office (forget clip boards) and once they fill out the vital patient forms, they may sit and view a few educational videos about health and wellness. Overall, the iPad could be a powerful consumer tool that can improve health, wellness, and disease management.

Second: Physicians and other health care professionals who are already familiar with the iPhone will have the ability to leverage a tablet in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. The iPad will become ubiquitous in the health care industry. You'll see them in hospitals, physician offices, etc. Doctors who are "on call" will use their iPad do access electronic health records (EHRs) and to place orders using computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems. Some of this can be done with an iPhone, but the small screen size really limits your ability to work on such a device. The iSlate will overcome the screen size limitation and allow health care professionals to be much more productive when they're mobile.

So, do you believe that the iPad will revolutionize health care? I suppose it will ultimately depend on what this thing looks like.

What will the Apple iSlate look like?

Will it look like this? I hope we'll all find out in a few days.

People are ready for the Apple tablet

According to this story on PC World, ChangeWave Research polled more than 3,300 U.S. consumers and discovered that one-in-five American consumers are saying that they're likely to buy the Apple tablet. Wow!

Are you ready for the iSlate? 

My favorite mobile computer (Newton MessagePad)

I think my favorite mobile computer will always be the Apple Newton MessagePad. It really is a shame that Apple killed this wonderful product line many years ago. Just think of what could have happened with the Newton!

Maybe the iSlate will make up for it. Let's wait and see as January 26 rolls around. Will the rumors come true? Will the Apple tablet be a top seller in 2010?

Apple's iPad will be aimed at hospitals

We all know that Apple will be announcing a tablet pretty soon. It's rumored to be called the iPad (and by now, I think we can depend on all the circulating rumors).

According to FierceMobileHealthcare, there are rumors of the Apple tablet circulating among doctors at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Maybe this is not the consumer prototype and maybe Apple will launch a professional version of the iSlate for health care professionals. We really don't know and I'm not about to start rumors.

We all know that many physicians (and medical students) carry iPhone. Many nurses (and nursing students) also use the iPhone. The same can be said of pharmacists and all other healthcare professionals. So, if people are comfortable with the iPhone interface, then the iPad should be a piece of cake. We will definitely see more mobile devices used in the hospital setting. The iPad may even replace the use of some Mobile Clinical Assistants (maybe the iPad will clip to a mobile base that incorporates things like a barcode scanner, RFID reader, etc.).

HP Windows 7 Slate at CES

Steve Ballmer revealed the HP Windows 7 Slate at CES the other day. Now here is a device that could be very applicable for the health care industry.You can view additional photos and videos at Gizmodo.

It looks like the Apple Tablet (iSlate) may be facing some competition when it gets released. Let's see when HP ends up releasing the Windows 7 Slate.

UPMC vs. UMPC

UPMC = The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
UMPC = Ultra-Mobile PC

The two acronyms have the same letters, but in different arrangements. Can you see why people may get them confused?

Who came up with UMPC anyways? It's hardly used these days because the UMPC movement really never took off the ground and netbooks have swept the nation. Now, if a tiny tablet or other form of miniature PC appears, people are more inclined to call them "netbooks."

To add to the confusion, we're now seeing a major movement in digital book readers like the Amazon Kindle and the Barnes and Noble Nook. As these devices evolve and incorporate color screens and Internet capabilities, how will they get classified? What will people call Apple's new iSlate tablet? Will they refer to it as a tablet PC? (I doubt that) or a giant iPod touch? (I doubt that too). They certainly won't call it a UMPC or a digital book reader (even though I'm sure it will be capable of displaying e-books).

We're causing mass confusion by adding more acronyms and names for these small gadgets that don't really fall into the category of "laptop" or "smartphone." Let's hope that 2010 is a year when we'll develop some type of standardization on this whole topic.

Happy New Year!

Wishing all my readers a wonderful Happy New Year! As we start 2010, think about all the computing advances that we'll see this year in the area of mobile computing. We're going to see smaller computers that are more power-efficient. We're going to see an increased uptake in mobile technology, ranging from smartphones to really small computers. We may even see Apple come out with a slate tablet (the iSlate) and digital book readers will gain more popularity.

Will the Apple tablet get announced on January 26?

The rumors about the Apple tablet seem to go up and down like a roller coaster. Will Steve Jobs announce the Apple tablet (iSlate maybe?) on January 26 when they address the public? I'm very eager to see the Apple tablet because I want to know if it will have a role in the health care industry. I'm sure the Apple tablet will be geared for the average consumer, but health care professionals are consumers as well and if the right types of apps are installed on a tablet, then it can improve work-flow efficiencies in the clinical setting.

On a similar topic, I'm surprised that Apple hasn't developed a mobile clinical assistant (MCA) for the healthcare industry. I realize that most hospitals and physician offices operate with PCs instead of Macs. However, as Apple's popularity rises among physicians and medical students, I won't be surprised if more doctors choose to equip their medical offices with Macs instead of PCs.

Apple iSlate

It looks like Apple has purchased the domain name iSlate.com

I thought Apple would call their upcoming tablet the iTablet, the MacTablet, the iPad, or the MacPad. I suppose the word "tablet" is too broad - it could refer to pills and drugs. The word "pad" sounds too much like "pod" so that could cause a ton of confusion. The word "slate" is safe. After all, tablet computers are generally classified as a slate or a convertible tablet.

I like the sound of iSlate. Let's see if that's what Apple ends up choosing when they make their announcement. The big question in my mind is: will the Apple Tablet run the iPhone OS or Mac OS X? (I think I already know the answer, but I'm hoping that I Apple will prove me wrong)

It's really a shame that Apple won't be reviving the Newton MessagePad brand. The Newton MessagePad will always be my favorite gadget. It's such a shame that Apple killed the Newton.

More rumors about the Apple Tablet emerge

Rumors about the upcoming Apple Tablet seem to never end.

Here are some of the latest rumors circulating on the Internet:

• 10.1" multi-touch screen
• Release around March/April 2010
• Roughly $1,000 (yikes!)
• It will compete against other e-readers like the Nook and Kindle with a 30/70 revenue split (30% to Apple and 70% to publishers)
  

If this thing is really going to sell for $1k, then I'd have to think that this tablet will run OS X. If it's just an oversized iPod touch, then $1k seems way too ridiculous to me. $1k also is way too high for an e-reader that has a color screen, Internet, and some multi-media functionality.

So what's it going to be Apple? When will we see the real deal instead of all these fake images?

Nook vs. Kindle

I don't plan to buy an e-reader for myself this holiday season, but I think it would make a great holiday gift for a gadget lover. I'm not trying to hint at anything. I have too many gadgets. However, maybe you'd like to get something for your loved one. If you're considering an e-reader, you may be thinking about the Barnes and Noble Nook vs. the Amazon Kindle. So which should you get?

I think the answer really depends on a single factor: Does the user spend time at Barnes and Noble? If so, then go with the Nook. Otherwise, you're fine with the Kindle or the Nook. If you want something really BIG, then get the Kindle DX. The best feature of the Nook is that you can take it into a Barnes and Noble and you can read books on the device while you're sitting in the lounge or coffee shop.

If I were buying an e-reader, I'd get the Nook. I like to browse book covers in color. Plus, the closest Barnes and Noble is only a few minutes away and I'm frequently there with my kids.

Now keep in mind that Apple may be coming out with some type of e-reader/tablet sometime in 2010. Of course, earlier rumors indicated that the Apple Tablet would be released in 2009 but we know that's not going to happen. We can't wait forever because technology changes so rapidly, doesn't it? The minute you buy a gadget, it's on its way to becoming obsolete.

Archos 5 Internet Tablet

I'm excited about the upcoming Archos 9, but the Archos 5 appears to be a great little mobile device that you can easily slip in your pocket. Unlike the OQO model 02, the Archos 5 is very thin.

Archos has confused consumers by using the name "Archos 5" to refer to two different products:

• an Internet Media Tablet (I'll call this the media tablet)
  
• an Internet Tablet (I'll call this the Internet tablet)
  

Confused? They both have the word "Internet" and "tablet" in their names, so I agree that it's a bit confusing. The media tablet is a fancy media player that also includes a web browser. The Internet tablet includes some of the features found on the media tablet but it also runs Google Android and it has an internal GPS. So, the Internet Tablet is more like a mini computer. Would it be more clear to use the common phrase Mobile Internet Device (MID)? Archos likes to be different.

Now, some may argue that it doesn't make sense to purchase an Internet Tablet if you already use a smartphone. That's a reasonable argument. However, I have a smartphone and I also have an iPod touch. Some may say that the iPod touch is a media tablet. Others may call it an Internet tablet. I suppose if Apple releases a tablet some day, then things could start to get really interesting. However, until we see that happen, we're really talking about devices that are being defined by their screen sizes and storage capacities. Do you have a smartphone that has a 5" screen? Would you want to use a smartphone if it had a 5" screen?

We're never going to see the Apple Tablet

More rumors are emerging about the Apple Tablet. This time, the rumors indicate further delays in the Apple Tablet. Why Apple? Why?

Will it be worth the delay just for an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screen? Not to me. I'm so disappointed. I was really looking forward to playing with this new device from Apple. I frequent the Apple Store (not a surprise, is it?) and I wanted to have something new to play with the next time I went to the store. Now, I'm stuck playing with the same old gadgets. MacBooks and iPods are getting old.