Tablet Computers: Now and in the Future

As a consumer, I am very caught up with tablet computers. My personal opinion is that they are a waste of money, I simply don't understand the appeal when laptops and even cell phones are available to perform the same and more functions. Yet, they are very popular and selling like crazy. Apple alone has sold more than 3 million units since the iPad's release in June and other companies, such as RIM and Samsung, are developing their brands' tablet. The first commercial tablet was released in 1989 and called the GRiDPad; sales were not incredibly impressive. After years of technological advancements and innovations came the sensation of the iPad. Ipads are cool, they have a sleek design and run on an operating system similar to that of the iPhone, instead of that available on laptop computers. Iphones are obviously very popular and intriguing, but I am still not convinced that the iPad is necessary. I wonder if tablet computers are simply a trend or if they will have a significant impact on our lives.

IPads are being purchased and utilized by professionals in various industries. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, iPads are proving to be very helpful. The size is very nice because it can be taken by field reps into physician's offices and hospitals when laptops are obtrusive or prohibited. The large screen is also ideal for utilizing the interactive qualities. The large screen is an aspect that other companies are changing which brings up the question if there will even be a purpose for these other tablets in the industry since Apple is currently satisfying both the commercial and the professional sector.

Although I will not be going and purchasing an iPad any time soon, I can't deny my interest in the appeal. The entire personal computer industry is very new and very difficult to predict. It will be very interesting to see if these tablet computers will be a trend that will soon end or if they will transform the way we use personal technology. Also, the innovations and changes that each developer will have to make in order to make their product more distinguishable than they many other tablets that will soon be available.