3 Oct
2010
3 Oct
'10
9:15 a.m.
On 2 October 2010 19:59, Tony Duell <ard at p850ug1.demon.co.uk> wrote:
Well, yes, in 1983 they quite definitely weren't viable yet. :?)
The iPad is the defining device of this technology, at least so far.
It isn't a desktop computer and doesn't try to be. It's not a Mac,
it's not Mac-compatible. It has no windows, no desktop, no menu bar,
no Dock or trashcan. No keyboard, no screen, no system unit, no
removable media, no hard disk or floppy drive.
It is a *device*, not a "computer". (Even though it runs Unix.) It
sits in cradled in your lap or held in your hands as you operate it
with your thumbs. The screen /is/ the computer. It weighs under a kilo
and the battery lasts a day of use.
And despite it being nothing like anything anyone is used to, it sold
about three million devices in its first month or so.
--
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For the
existing apps that are mouse-centric, I see touchscreens
replacing them, but for things that are text-centric I don't see that
as a good transition.
TOuchscreens have been tried in the past (the most obviosu example is the
HP150 'Touchscreen PC') and I think they were always found to be less
convenient to use than a mouse or trackball. You have to move your hand
further (keyboard to screen rather than keyboard to mouse on desk near
keybaord), and you arm/hand is not supported (e.g. by resting it on the
desk) when you are doing the pointing.