Kogan Technologies has long been about being at the forefront of new exciting consumer electronics, at affordable prices. I’ve seen various incarnations of tablet computers from various developers and manufacturers over the past twelve months, from both direct sources in China and on trade floors such as CES last month.
I’m sure no-one reading this missed last week’s announcement that Apple will soon be selling the iPad, a touchscreen tablet which sits between the iPhone and the MacBook. However, it’s not without its flaws. Google have also joined the fray by hinting at their tablet aspirations.
The possibility for a Kogan tablet device to hit the market in the coming months is also a very real one – and an option I’ve been seriously considering. As it stands, the market could go in any direction, particularly given the huge variety in form factors, applications, and cost. Not to mention the most basic of variations – the name! ‘Netbook’ quickly became a universal term, but it seems the industry and consumers are still jostling over what to call these new devices. Tablet, slate, pad, or something out of left-field?
There has been plenty of debate online since the iPad was announced. Does it really fill the niche that Apple has carved out? Or is it ready to hit the mainstream?
Does having a netbook or notebook and a smartphone fill all your needs, or do you see a tablet as a useful addition to them? If so, what would you like to see out of a Kogan tablet?
There’s a huge amount of variety when it comes to the future of tablet computing. Some of the things we have to consider before we release a Kogan tablet, and some of the things consumers should be thinking about are:
- What sort of display you’re looking for – do you prefer Amazon’s e-ink, a vibrant iPad like touchscreen, or would you wait for OLED?
- What you will use it for – netbook style web-based use, lots of video, or mostly to read e-books?
- Which operating system best fits your needs? Do you want to see Android, Windows 7, Linux, or even the upcoming Google Chrome OS on your tablet?
- Is 3G connectivity important for you, or is Wi-Fi enough?
I personally don't see the individual need for a tablet. Between my Google Nexus One and Kogan Agora netbook, I think I am fulfilling all my portable computing needs. That said, I still want to test one outside of a controlled environment and see how they perform in the real world. There may be a need for one that I am yet to discover. Though I still can't imagine 'flicking' through thousands of pages of Atlas Shrugged on a computer screen!
Keen to hear your thoughts on this one,
Ruslan
Comments
Hear what our customer's have to say.
Michael says...
I've been looking for an affordable tablet PC for a long time. But the iPad (and i suspect many of the others to come out soon) will not be what I'm after.
Rather than a content-consuming device linked to something like the apple stores, I'm after a net-book equivalent with both a real keyboard and a touchscreen which lets me draw. In that regard, multitouch and all the other fancyness, while nice, is secondary to having a generally useful portable computer.
I'd want a *nix based system capable of running any standard applications the Agora can. A standard or OLED screen as opposed to e-ink, and as much battery life as possible. Wi-Fi is enough without 3G.
Show me an Agora Pro with a flip-top touchscreen, and I'll definitely buy one.
Posted at 4:59 p.m. on February 4, 2010
Aaron says...
I would definatly go for an Android tablet. I wouldn't want a standard OS, it'd be too hard to adapt it to a full touchscreen. From what I see, Android scales well to ~10" 720p resolutions. For me WiFi is enough. If I really wanted to I'd just tether it to my phone. Untill color e-ink is good and cheap enough to run video, I'd want a LED backlit LCD screen. A nice one too!
Posted at 5:05 p.m. on February 4, 2010
Harry Buttle says...
My personal opinion is that the ipad will not go well, I'm of the opinion that tablets are useful for a very specialist area and will not go mass market.
If you decide to do it, approach it with the view that it must cut down on the crap you have to carry ie it must have a 3g phone, camera, mp3 player (with standard headphone 3.5mm jack), multiple usb ports, bluetooth, HDMI out, it also needs a robust cover for the screen, must meet the widescreen standard for video, have 10 hrs useful battery life, use a decent CPU, have a minimum of 160 GB storage and be able to multitask, I'd also look at charging from USB if possible. This won't be cheap, but what is the point of just adding one more device that you need to lug around in addition to all your other stuff and carry a charger for.
Even with all of the above, I still think it will fail in the market because unlike a smartphone, you can't pocket them, they are too big to be convenient to carry, a big unprotected screen will be an obvious point of failure and once you add enough features to make it reasonably attractive, the price will hit the point that a high end laptop is the better option.
That being said, I could be wrong, if you proceed, I wish you well.
Posted at 5:05 p.m. on February 4, 2010
Trent Petronaitis says...
I think tablet wise is you shouldn't try and do what Apple is doing, they are just copying in the end what the iphone is and making it bigger instead of trying to develop a medium device between a netbook and a smart phone, which is what the tablet is.
A tablet should be able to perform most tasks users want, infact it should just be like a netbook, affordable, fast, stylish and simple, a working plain with a touch screen (OLED would be good) and much features then what others are doing.
Wifi is great yes, but I want to see 3G- at least in a pro version. 3G is a must have these days for netbooks and tablets for the simple reason they are portable devices aimed at been with the user all the time to complete tasks, meaning the user would sometimes need 3G to access various things.
Heck even if you allow teffering with 3G phones for access, that would be great as well. Or you could offer 4G (I know no-one in Australia really supports 4G yet, but you can always be on step ahead)
If I had a tablet, which I'm seriously considering getting at one stage, it would be mostly for web use, ranging from internet to chat etc. Lying on the bed and using it, or been on the road and performing various tasks, writing down stuff, writing various notes, as well as reading ebooks if I had them.
Operating system wise I think Windows 7 will offer the most for a tablet experience at this stage, Android is very tacky for a tablet, and Linux well isn't really poished enough, I do however like what I see in the new Chrome OS in there demostration video, but I think you might not go with that option after what happend last time you wanted to develop something with a Google OS (*cough* Agora- which I would still like to see as well).
Posted at 5:13 p.m. on February 4, 2010
Chris Gray says...
I'm with you in the personal usefulness of tablets like the ipad, as they hold no valued use that my laptop and smartphone doesn't already cover.
I'm holding out for a colour e-ink reader, and luckily have a dead tree pile to get through in the meantime.
You might be better served making an ereader as the domesic market only has Kindles (which I've yet to see anybody reading) and imports. Access to content would be the issue though.
Oh and if you do ever make one, please skip the hardware keyboard. :)
Posted at 7:17 p.m. on February 4, 2010
Ara Garabedian says...
I've been waiting for a device such as the iPad to do away with my laptop for years and now they're finally starting to get it right.
My ideal 'tablet' type device would be a combination of the iPad and a netbook. The iPad appeals to me for 2 reasons. Its screen and weight/size.
Therein ends my interest in the iPad.
I am hopeful that in future they'd consider more enhancements to it such as larger storage, some type of removeable storage SD/Memory stick, multi-tasking o/s.
What I don't want is a device or experience which is the same as something else. For me, the iPad is pretty much a large iPhone. I already have an iPhone.
If Kogan can offer a device which can run an O/S that can multi-task with a decent multi-touch capacative touchscreen, like the iPad... I'm sold.
Features I would like to see on it are:
- larger storage 50GB or greater
- Wifi + 3G
- removeable storage and card reader SD/CF/Memstick... whatever.
Scenarios and functionality of my perfect tablet.
1. Have it beside my bed in a dock to act as an alarm/calendar in the morning.
2. Get up out of bed and pick up the device to read the morning paper and check my emails
3. General business functionality (word processing, sending emails, reviewing documents in various file formats PDF/excel/PPT etc...)
4. Drawing on the tablet for notes, ideas, designs etc...
5. Putting the device down and using it as a digital photo frame
6. Going to bed and night and curling up with the tablet to read a book or magazine.
The most important thing to me is a different experience than my PC or laptop and my smartphone.
I'm sure I'm not the only person who would love a device which can meet the needs I described above.
My 2 cents.
Posted at 12:48 a.m. on February 5, 2010
Ben says...
I read quite a bit of Atlas Shrugged on my Agora Netbook! I even read some of it on my iPhone. Saved me having to lug the weighty book around with me.
I'm really keen on the iPad. I probably wouldn't be interested in any other kind of tablet. I was considering the Kindle or another kind of e-reader, but now that the iPad's out, I don't have any use for a stand alone e-reader.
Posted at 9:33 a.m. on February 5, 2010
Joe Blow says...
When I finally have enough money to buy a portable computer it will probably be one of those convertible tablet\nettop things.
I am particularly keen on the Gigabyte T1028G, with integrated 3G, though ideally it would have the latest atom processor.
My main use for it would be web browsing and word processing on the go. The nice thing about it being convertible is that it is useful in more situations. For example, when one is standing on a train, a Tablet is the desired format but when one is sitting at a desk having the keyboard is highly desirable.
Windows 7 is definitely the OS of choice.
In terms of the screen, as long as it works I don't care what it is.
Posted at 9:38 a.m. on February 5, 2010
L.Lowit says...
I'd like it to be called a SLAB
Posted at 4 p.m. on February 5, 2010
Will says...
I wouldn't mind an opening book-shaped thing with one side touch screen for fancy interface, the other side e-ink for displaying documents/text.
That would rock, but woudn't be easy to build/write software for. I just thought I'd throw it out in the open.
Posted at 8:06 p.m. on February 5, 2010
Robert says...
I think multi-touch is important, a slate device is preferable rather than something with a keyboard. Ship it with chrome or android, but as you did with the agora netbook, have windows 7 support. hdmi would be really good to see.
An oled screen would be ideal, LCD needs to be IPS and that jacks the price up too much from what I hear. I would love an ebook reader with eink, but that should be a non touch screen device and as cheap as possible.
An accelerometer would be very nice to have, and they're quite inexpensive if you can get one in, it'd be great. I think the device needs to be powerful enough to decode 720p movies.
Hard drive could be a smallish SSD, less moving parts are better.
Look forward to seeing what you come up with, still waiting for that agora android phone though, now the nexus one is out you've got a prety good template for what your phone should be like it seems.
Posted at 9:34 p.m. on February 5, 2010
Hason says...
It is still a bit too early to decide on a "standard" design for a pad. But if Kogan wants to try something different, then maybe a 10-12" slider phone on steroid could be interesting. It still have the physical keyboard to type emails but slides away when just surfing the web on the touch screen. I know everyone is hyped up about the LED lit LCD screens, but to minimise size and weight and maximise battery life, an OLED screen will be needed. Any OS will be safe as long as it is not Windows. But most importantly, if Kogan can crack that $300 mark again (first done by Asus) it will be a very big hit.
Posted at 7:35 p.m. on February 6, 2010
Michael says...
looking through the comments, and including my own opinion as set out above, I wonder if there are really 2 devices wanted.
One is a touchscreen netbook, capable of running most software (anything the Agora pro will run) including office and productivity and drawing / notes. This could be set up as a fliptop or sliding (as mentioned) version of the Agora pro, or a new system with the same or (preferably) better capability (Ion chipset anyone?). A small, portable but relatively powerful touchscreen netbook. The Gigabyte mentioned above is an example of this (and very tempting, although it's twice the price of an Agora Pro). (relatively) big drive, runs win7 or *nix, converts between tablet and keyboarded netbook modes.
The second device is a light, purely tablet device. Made to run web based applications at most, as opposed to onboard higher load software. This would be a slightly more capable "pad", more inline with what I see google's concept design being than with the iPad's upscaling of the iPhone. Books, newspapers, webmail and web-based document management. Heavy use of google applications (like mail, docs, etc) or equivalent would make this a useful device. cheapness is much more goodness in this devices case.
Personally, I'd much prefer the former, but I believe both would have a place in the market.
Posted at 1:05 a.m. on February 8, 2010
Michael says...
incidentally... I'm now waiting for some outcome from this discussion / topic before I replace my Agora Pro.... poor thing suffered pretty badly in a drink related incident. there was spillage, there was attempts at rescue, but in the end there was hardware damage... many, in fact almost all, parts have been rescued however, so interoperability with a new device would be handy... hint hint.
Posted at 1:09 a.m. on February 8, 2010
Li says...
For me, reading an ebook and surfing the net are two very distinct functions. I would much prefer to stripped down kindle (same digital ink screen, no wifi or 3g) for reading all of the pdf books I have, and then a netbook with a swivel head and touchscreen (I am currently enjoying an Asus eeePC 701 that I installed a touchscreen on, cost me $170 all up!) for normal computer stuff.
From what I can see, the iPad (sounds like a tampon) might be able to replace the latter, but not the former.
Posted at 11:07 a.m. on February 9, 2010
James Worladge says...
Think about it this way. How many people use their computer for more than internet, email and entertainment. Not many do much more than this. So the pad device can be a way to do this comfortably. It is its ease or use and native finger use that will make it a success.
No mouse to have to carry, huge battery life etc means it will be a simpler way to do those simple online things. Rather then waiting for a netbook to boot etc, it is just there and ready.
Truly instant.
Posted at 11:28 a.m. on February 9, 2010
Matt Holt says...
I don't agree with all the talk about OLED, as I've heard those things aren't reliable and die.
A colour e-ink reader would be the bomb. Battery life, ease on eyeballs, not just for books, but comics would be great. I agree that accessing content could be an issue.
Posted at 1:58 p.m. on February 9, 2010
HeathG says...
Personally I don't have a place for a tablet and a netbook. In my household, the "secondary" computer is mostly just used for internet access when we are at home (facebook, chat, some video watching, some webcam use). However this "secondary" computer is also our travelling computer. That means I need to be able to upload photos from my camera to it and have enough storage for those photos as well as any music/videos I want to take away with me.
For me, something like an Asus T101MT but with multitouch would be ideal. I could enjoy the features of a netbook whilst travelling, but would probably use it in tablet mode when at home.
Re: your specific questions earlier
- don't care too much about the display, but colour is good since I'd use it to watch video and view photos.
- mostly netbook style web use (and for connecting to digital camera/card reader when travelling)
- OS doesn't matter too much for me as long as I cna hook up my card reader / camera. USB connectivity would be good I guess since it opens up the option of external DVD drive or HDD.
- 3G would be nice (especially if it supports Telstra as well as Optus and VHA) but I could live with a WiFi only version if I could use tethering or connect my existing wireless broadband dongle.
Posted at 4:19 p.m. on February 9, 2010
Greg says...
It should be a convertable tablet/laptop ala HTC Swift because a normal convertable laptop has that one weak hinge which has a tendancy to break and a slate isn't that versatile.
BTW have you seen this new Locus OS idea? If you could deliver a product running this you would smash the market.
Posted at 8:02 p.m. on February 9, 2010
wayne says...
a 3g slot/modem would be critical to its mobility.. no one likes the dongles they get knocked and ruin the usb port.
large SSD would be good, say 64 or 128 gb
12" is ideal.. 10" is ok but little too small to work with on your lap without squinting
Posted at 4:29 p.m. on February 10, 2010
David Wyatt says...
Needs to be:
a slim tablet only device rather than a traditional laptop with tablet folding screen. They are prone to having the hinges broken if used regularly in the tablet position.
projected capacitive touchscreen
the OS needs an ability to have say for example half of the screen turn into an on screen keyboard and the other half displaying the OS and apps so it would look like an on screen laptop
not too heavy and designed with aesthetics and ergonomics in mind. Don't forget it can't get too hot, no one wants a burnt arm!!
voice commands that actually work could be good
built in 3g, bluetooth and wifi
SD card slot
USB 3.0
SSD Hard Drive
Linux/Android and Windows compatible
User upradable ram and hard drive
Possible atom processor maybe dual core
multi gesture touch as used in the iphone.
Posted at 6:24 p.m. on February 11, 2010
scb says...
Don't want e-ink, while it's great for text it's sloooooooow, I have a Sony 505 reader and anything but pure text is excruciating.
I'd want something that has decent battery life and decent screen for reading. Screen doesn't have to be huge, anything above 9 inch probably to big.
Performance just has to be good enough for decent PDF reading and ok'ish browsing and some video viewing, at least decode basic DivX/MPEG4 type videos, if I want to do Photoshop or watch HD 720P+ video I'll use a real computer, powerful CPU will just kill battery and increase expense and heat.
Android would be nice, Windows 7 would just boost expense again and limit CPU choice.
Above all it has to be durable, not talking bomb proof but should be able to handle a few knocks. The Sony 505 has a very solid feel.
Posted at 12:35 p.m. on February 12, 2010
JK says...
To be honest, I am not sure whom i-pad is aimed at.
If you have smart phone and laptop, what is the use for i-pad?
Perhaps, if you have a desktop, you could find use for the i-pad.
I have a smartphone but I would not mind having touchpad multimedia device which is very light, and is capable to play video and play games on. But my phone does most of this anyway.
Maybe I can find some use for it for kids. It might become the next Wii I guess...
Posted at 1:18 p.m. on February 12, 2010
JM:) says...
Needs:
-Just a touchscreen slate with a virtual keyboard that appears when you touch a text field, multi-touch, and HD (720p) would be great :)
-Probably a couple of USB ports, and maybe a ethernet port if Wifi unavailable.
-A hard drive about 60gb ++
-Definitely bluetooth.
-3.5 headphone jack
-Games ??
-A webcam camera with photo-booth-like effects
-A mic for skype calls
-A good battery life
- A good price :D
Posted at 6:45 p.m. on February 12, 2010
Darien says...
I have an older HP tablet laptop, I have to say it wasn't all that it's cracked up to be. I'm not sure how much touch-screen technology (not capacitive like the iPad/iPhone) has come in the last few years, but it would have to have improved a lot. One thing that they would have over my old one today is windows 7, mine came installed with vista - dear lord no. Windows 7 RC was like a dream.
Now, when it comes to these devices I see a lot of mention of reading ebooks - this does not strike me as a good use of these products. Sure, it can be done, but a full-featured tablet computer will have nowhere near the battery life necessary - amazon's kindle DX is fantastic because its battery will last up to 2 weeks if you don't use the online functions and 1 week if you do - between charges!
Speaking of which, a kogan ebook reader would be fantastic. The only thing that's stopped me from buying a kindle is the enormous pricetag, and I don't even care about the online functions.
Anyway, on tablet laptops, the main draw for me was being able to take notes in my own handwriting - allowing for drawing of diagrams and things - for educational purposes. However, I soon learnt that the model I bought at least was not quite sensitive enough. The iPhone/iPad's touchscreen interface is amazing but it's a completely different beast altogether and not suited for the same uses.
Not sure where I was really going with this. That's what I get for writing a rant at 3am.
Posted at 3:04 a.m. on February 13, 2010
mcr says...
ok... that's a really weird spam. [- feel free to delete me with the spam -]
Posted at 10:30 p.m. on February 14, 2010
Michael says...
I think it would be good to see a touch screen between 7-10 inch screen colour. 3g so could use on the go with the net. Any system as long as you can watch video and surf the net. Also a good batterie life. I think it would need a front facing camera for video conferencing or for just webcam.
Posted at 3:43 p.m. on February 15, 2010
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Posted at 10:17 p.m. on February 15, 2010
Kyle says...
I find myself thinking of how iPhone owners are constantly cleaning their little screens, then thinking of that scaled up to around A4 size... what a hassle.
To be useful, it'd have to have an onscreen keyboard you could switch on and off. Which means more smudging. Writing emails while having lunch? Garlic sauce-smeared bits of lettuce on the screen, awesome.
There's the problem of the sensitivity of the touch. Too sensitive, and a zillion keys are pressed and documents and webpages accidently closed or deleted. Too insensitive, and people are constantly making typos as they miss words, bashing their screen and swearing. Seems difficult to set a balance, just take a look around any office or netcafe and you'll see how people vary a lot, some really slam keys and others have a delicate touch. Of course you could have the sensitivity adjustable, but just as with mouse sensitivty on current machines, how many people adjust that?
As others have said, you'd need a protector so the screen doesn't get scratched. But then you'd have to take it off and put it on all the time. If you're doing that, you may as well just have a traditional laptop/netbook that folds up.
I see it as a professional or office-based thing, the way projectors are. I mean, the Mac geeks will buy it no matter what, but they buy whatever Apple puts out. But aside from those compulsive buyers, I don't see it being much outside the office.
Posted at 9:30 a.m. on February 16, 2010
Stephen says...
I have been waiting for this kind of device for a long time BUT it must support reading of all PDF's and support flash and Java with a decent browser. These are my two main things with a device like this. It is not meant to replace a laptop but rather give flexibility for browsing the internet, reading books, magazines etc. Of course it should also play movies, DIVX etc and be a touch screen with a simple interface. The one thing that would also help is for Kogan to offer support in the form of software upgrades as well for whatever OS they use as I assume some of the OS will have proprietry code?
So to sum up: Touch screen at least 10 inch, PDF support, Java support, flash support, good browser, wifi ONLY (3g costs too much anyway), all video format support, wide screen, ability to turn screen as per Apple iPad. If there was a device for around $400 that did all this in colour I would pounce straight away.
Posted at 10:04 a.m. on February 16, 2010
Arran says...
For me a tablet will have to be massive, at least A4 in size so it can display and entire page of text at 100% without endless scrolling.
It'll be almost as big as my laptop screen and about as thick. As well as an HDMI output there should be an HDMI input so I can use the tablet as an external monitor should I wish to. Would it be possible to then connect the tablet back to another pc and use it as a massive touchpad? What a great way to control a htpc.
My #1 desire is to use a tablet for reading, both web, pdfs and comics but the ultimate would be to include a directional key, something like that found on a psp and a couple of buttons on the other side...it would be like a massive PSP...wow, that's wet dream material that is. Of course then it would need heaps more power and that would drive the price up. Give me my LCD reader and 8 hours of battery life with USB and SD ports for $300 and I'll be first in line. Not too fussy about the OS, as long as it will network to my htpc.
Posted at 10:22 a.m. on February 16, 2010
rockman says...
I have owned several tablets over the last 15 years (they have been available for this long!), and use a laptop, netbook, desktop and large format WINCE machine everyday now.
Other than power usage (high end graphics) I really like the format of my WINCE machine (7", 800x480 GPS from dealextreme). My ideal machine for casual use would be based on the WinCE machine:
7" to 9" screen - needs to be big enough to read a book.
Resolution needs to be 800x 480 or 800 x 600
Solid state ,memory - maybe 20Gb
GPS
NextG capable
Wireless
Touchscreen
Long battery life
inbuilt speaker - but would use headpohones for quality sound
FM Transmitter (that works well) - so can transmit to car sound system
Bluetooth - to link to car or mobile phone
Operating system - WINCE is ok - there is plenty of software available - but this is less important
Memory Card slot
USB Slot
Webcam
Maybe a 5MPix Camera
Keyboard - not sure, happy with touch screen, but could use a compact USB/BT keyboard
I would then use this as my car GPS, take it inside, read my email, download movies and music to watch on the move, surf the net, talk on Skype
All this and would have to RRP for about $350.
Posted at 10:43 a.m. on February 16, 2010
Paul Zagoridis says...
I'll probably be getting a iPad when it's released in Australia. Since getting my generation 1 iPhone, I almost never carry my 15" laptop anymore plus I got rid of my blackberry. I can email and web-surf directly from the iPhone. I take the laptop if I want to update a spreadsheet or write but I'm tethered in by battery life and the damn Compaq is too hot to sit on my lap.
An iPad fixes my only complaint about research on the iphone - it's too small a footprint. If I get a bluetooth keyboard I'll even be able to type normally.
So long as the iPad is near netbook price points I'll take one
Posted at 10:52 a.m. on February 16, 2010
Temjin says...
Definitely a great idea to launch a Tablet netbook in this coming year! Damn, should I even wait for you to release yours before I buy my??
Here are some of the must have features
- Capacitive touch screen. (resistive is just unacceptable now)
- Minimum 10 inch screen
- 3G connectively (or slot for cards embedded)
- Wireless/Bluetooth
- USB port (no need to support 3.0 for now)
- Solid State Drive ONLY with the ability to upgrade (they should become even cheaper by the time you have launched it, 40 gig will do well)
- Upgradeable ram/CPU.
- Options for Linux based OS or window based as per normal.
Can't wait. :) Keep up the good work.
Temjin
Posted at 10:54 a.m. on February 16, 2010
Peter says...
Love to see a touchscreen tablet device reasonably priced for field force automation with low power high efficiency. I have a IPhone so another glorified Iphone is not for me.
For organizations who have many field sales and service professionals on the road, tablets are powerful productivity tools to access, enter and transmit up-to-the-minute data; communicate constantly; close sales deals and contracts; and analyze, report and act on data findings while in the field.
Would need to have to have Window XP or Windows 7, Core 2 Duo for fast processing, 2gb Ram with minimum of 80GB HDD. Communicate via NextG, Wireless, WiFi with Long battery life. USB connection for PC as well as car charging required.
More and more Australian companies are moving toward mobile computing.
Posted at 11:34 a.m. on February 16, 2010
Tyrone Curwen says...
i can see no reason that i would ever use a tablet, Maybe, just maybe for reading books, but i think most people out there would rather read a physical book. something about reading off a screen strains my eyes when compared to a book. but still i think apple may find there iPad to be a bit of a flop. to me it just seems like a novelty giant ipod touch, but then again i may be wrong
Posted at 11:35 a.m. on February 16, 2010
Jason says...
I would really like one, It would need to be about A5 size or slightly larger. It does'nt have to be super slim, I actually want standard USB ports on it, I don't want to be carrying about dongle adapters etc.
I would prefer it to come with a free/cheap OS linux or google. but a Windows 7 driver CD (though it doesnt need a cd drive slot.)
WIFI would be good enough, Though 3G would be awesome.
Touch screen, (maybe slideout keyboard though not essential) Doesnt have to have super high resolution but it would be nice to fit in a standard web site without side scrolling.
Posted at 12:02 p.m. on February 16, 2010
Rob says...
For a slate/pad device to be effective it needs to have WiFi & 3G (3G particularly for the Aus market where WiFi hotspots are not ubiquitous). It needs to upgradable - both memory and disk/ssd, and plenty of connection options - ie. USB, HDMI, DVI, eSATA, etc... I'm not so concerned about the OS as long as it has support for office type tools - Open Office / MS Office etc..
Posted at 12:20 p.m. on February 16, 2010
Sebastiaan Scholtens says...
What I like about the iPad compared to all current tablet pc's and like devices is it's slim looks. Most comparable devices are a lot bulkier and as such become a tad cumbersome to lug around.
If Kogan can develop a device of comparable slim dimensions (within reason), running a less restrictive OS, and at a decent price point, I'm on board and will be buying one.
Posted at 12:33 p.m. on February 16, 2010
Alan Wheatley says...
I think it's important to focus on the function for which a tablet or pad would be used.
For me, and probably many in my age group (0ver 60) a primary function would be the ability to read material/send and receive messages/browse the internet/pay bills etc while hospitalized or in retirement or nursing home, or even in one's own home bedridden. Forget the stereotypes of old folks being computer illiterate: my experience with an online magazine for oldies tells me different. Many are computer savvy, but it's difficult to balance a laptop or read an iphone's tiny print in bed at our time of life.
I would like the facility to read books and not to have to buy them in paper or hardback. And I would like a tablet to be Mac as well as PC compatible.
Posted at 4:02 p.m. on February 16, 2010
Adam Kennedy says...
Given that Apple rarely shows their killer concept on the first release, and treats it as a sort of beta/trial using the faithful, I think the Apple tablet isn't the final form.
The iMac nailed the transition from the biege box to more interesting possibilities, and the iPod Nano picked the exact moment it became just barely affordable to jam in that much flash.
Given how cheap the iPad is to make and where the OLED economics are at atm, I strongly suspect that Apple is trialing the current version in anticipation of getting some scale so they can be the first major consumer device to switch over to OLED at that screen size.
That would bump the price up to something more typically Apple, and it would push out the battery life from 9-10 hours to something truly big.
Posted at 6:14 p.m. on February 16, 2010
enno says...
Its worth noting that the Apple device, which is lambasted with "iphone on steroids" tag is mainly aimed at the e-reader market. They specifically wanted something that did color and could do video, they didn't want a general purpose device (they knew it would be cheaper and don't want to cannibalize the low end macbook market... same reason they're not doing a netbook Mac), and they like the iphone OS as a thing even grandma can deal with (i.e. can be sold to non-computer folk). So, their plan is to sell books and magazines to folk on a device which does words on paper, along with video and other sorts of interaction not available to dead tree based media. That's why Wifi/3G, that's why they've spent 12 months getting content deals with publishers and that in turn is why all the me-too 10" tablet devices will have trouble getting traction (i.e. more of a replay of the ipod market than the iphone).
As has been noted I already have a surfeit of computing devices, both mobile, portable and fixed. The need for another one is modest at best. And yet, I will buy an e-reader at some point, something light enough to hold one handed at night, something that can support the free and commercial book formats, hopefully the commercial magazine formats as well as plain old text file, pdf files and whatever else I have that I need to refer to for technical info. For someone like me, it would be nice if I could 'do things" on it (I work in IT so that can be anything from web browsing to running a local apache/mysql install and compiling programs).
Its a big ask. The real problem for e-readers is that Amazon and now Apple have most of the content market sewn up. I don't doubt that in 12 months the ipad will be the success the iphone and ipod were, although I suspect a more modest sales ramp up more like the ipod than the iphone. Amazon I gather has sold 300k devices so far? Which is a lot less than I had imagined they would by now. And while the souped up iphone tag is a great way of putting the ipad down, the flipside is it has access to all those extras on the itunes and app stores. So more of a threat to PSP as well as portable movie and music players.
All in all, while I'd love to see a Kogan priced device in this space, I'm not sure that Kogan can make money here. In fact I'm not even sure an Asus or a Dell or a Sony can make money there. Netbooks had all that Windows or FOSS content to piggyback on. Not sure where a kPad will go get content and content is what will keep these things going.
Posted at 7:18 p.m. on February 16, 2010
Allan says...
My personal shopping list for a tablet -
- NO keyboard. I want this thing as light as possible
- 9" screen - feels like the sweet spot for me
- Multi-touch - the iphone/ipod touch/ipad has set the standard here
- Finger friendly but pen-compatible - for the bulk of use (browsers etc) finger should be fine but support for pen/stylus for certain tasks (eg. capturing handwriting) would be great
- Docking station - ability to dock it with a keyboard, mouse and (maybe) additional monitors
- 3G and WiFi - no network lockin
- USB port (pref multiple)
- Linux OS - can be Android or Chrome or even Ubuntu Netbook Remix. Apple has shown that the device does not have to replicate the functions of a desktop or even a netbook so application compatibility is less of an issue.
- Ability to install OS of choice after purchase.
- App Store - this is Apple's killer feature.
- Flash compatibility
- 720p resolution
- Ability to output to tv at 720p
- Front-facing webcam
- In-built mic
- 3.5mm Headphone port
- All-day battery (6 hours+)
- Decent speed solid-state drive - the one in my first-gen Aspire One sucks badly
- Under $400
Allan
Posted at 7:30 p.m. on February 16, 2010
Matt says...
A company called Notion Ink has demonstrated what looks to be a superior design to the Apple on some of the tech sites.
I think the ideal tablet would be something along the lines of a cross between the wacom cintiq, which allows for precise drawing from a stylus and the tablet from "Always Innovating" which has a detachable keyboard so that it can be used as a normal netbook.
The other thing to look at is the Pixel Qi screens which were used in the OLPC project, where it is a normal LED screen but could be switched to high contrast black and white in bright sunlight.
Posted at 9:14 p.m. on February 16, 2010
Peter says...
To me it seems like the current benchmark is the Notion Ink Adam. What appeals to me is the ability to use it as a proper e-reader with an "ink" screen similar to the Amazon Kindle but also as a tablet. I much prefer matt then seeing the window behind me on the screen or worse the sun. Battery life is also very important otherwise what is the point of a mobile device if you have to be tied to a cord. 3G and wi-fi (unlocked) are a must, 10" touchscreen would be perfect - the ipad is probably the benchmark here especially with its pinch zoom which I understand is patented but another hardware zoom would be a good alternative . Speed, refresh rate, start up time are all important as is to some degree the capacity of a solid state drive. Oh yeah and external storage to an SD card or even compact flash (I use a Canon digital SLR camera and like to look over photos at the end of the day sitting on the couch - if I could just stick a CF card in and go that would be great but I realise I am probably on my own here. 2 or 3 USB ports and an HDMI port would be a nice alternative. Whether it runs Android, Chrome or Win 7 I'd like to choose that myself but a range of apps, ebooks and magazines is important which is what is most appealing about the ipad - pitty this is just a large ipod, which can't be even used to surf the web (unless you intend to bypass any page with flash), A swivel camera and mic & headphone jacks of course would be handy. Mobility is obviously key so weight and thickness is important but so is how hot the device gets. What I hate about my laptop is that I can't have it sitting on my lap on a hot evening for more than a few minutes. A good idea would be to have a stand at the back so that it could stand on a desk on its own that way you could plug in a keyboard and you have a laptop replacement to some degree not to mention a photo frame. I like to monitor a chart of the US stock market while I watch TV at night so if I could stand the thing by itself on the coffee table that would be perfect. As far as price is concerned I don't mind paying up if I am getting value and if I can replace a laptop. I reckon with my PC, and iPhone all I need is a capable tablet and I can chuck the laptop. The only time this trio would break down is if the devices can't talk to each other (in real time preferably - that's what it good about the iPhone) - I can't stand having to input a new telephone number in to each device seperately.
Posted at 9:40 p.m. on February 16, 2010
Adrian says...
We bought my daughter the Agora netbook with gOS. Was really impressed with the hardware but not with the OS, we now run Win7 on it and everything is much, much easier. Therefore I wouldn't buy a unit with a *nix operating system. Just too hard to get the same functionality.
Instant on function, (maybe a standby similar to a hibernate so that when I open the screen cover to use it at work like a note pad (I am a lover of OneNote) It functions quickly and easily.
What do I want? An Agora note book (with all
the ancilliary hardware), don't need a DVD player external will do if necessary. A big touch screen (almost A4) that I can write on with a stylus. And
a nice strong cover so it looks like a notebook.
I could even cope with the ds form.
Posted at 11:26 p.m. on February 16, 2010
Andrew Forbes says...
Love the idea of the Pad/Slate. Yes you can take it anywhere you take a laptop, But with the 3G you can use it more places than a laptop. If there are reasonable 3G plans I will be buying one. I think a good name is 'Clean Slate'..... lol
Posted at 12:06 a.m. on February 17, 2010
udi says...
Way back, sitting down at a green monochrome terminal connected to a vax mainframe, I imagined a computer that you could carry around and write on with a pen and talk to (unimaginable folly) About a decade ago, I remember Bill Gates showing off a prototype/concept tablet computer and and deciding to get one as soon as they were available. I still haven't got one. most were too limited or too expensive or both. i own a room full of non portable computers as well as a diminutive dell lattitude laptop that has a netbook form factor with full laptop capabilities. I have also recently bought an iphone and although I make few phone calls, I find I am using it a lot. the device is always to hand and I have over 150 apps installed.
netbooks have shown that devices with limited capabilities but with good connectivity have a plenty of potential and a thriving market. in the evenings, my wife sits in the lounge room browsing the net and finishing off her work on my old lenovo laptop, sometimes for hours at a stretch. my 9 yr old's computer activity comprises mostly interacting with school or playing games through the web and much of what I do is likewise done through a web interface or even remotely controlling my fixed machines. much of this interaction requires little keyboard use. a tablet device would be eminently suitable for any/all these activities and my experience of using the jailbroken iphone is generally positive except for the small screen.
apple's overgrown ipod touch (ipad), though dissapointing, has what would make my iphone even more central to my online life, a bigger screen. I will not be buying one due to apples ridiculous restrictions (my iphone is jailbroken of course) and the lack of certain features. a tablet pc of similar form factor with 3g/wifi/usb connectivity, long battery life and chrome/android would definitely be my next purchase.
I think OLED is the way to go with capacitative multitouch. e-ink is no good for moving pictures despite its obvious virtues.
Some other features i would like:
a replaceable battery
a flip over lid to protect the screen (no need for carry case).
inductive charging (as well as usb).
I believe that there will be several low cost competitors for the ipad appearing this year and I am sure to buy at least one of them just don't know which yet.
Posted at 4:04 p.m. on February 17, 2010
Karina says...
I am completely addicted to my Amazon Kindle with the e-ink screen as it is soo easy to read for extended periods of time without eye strain and glare, however if I were to buy a touch pad I would prefer one that could play full colour video. I love the idea of having a smaller more portable device and the 3G is a godsend on the Kindle so having both 3G and Wifi would be fantastic, but I have concerns over how long a touchscreen would last with the typing I would want to do on it.
Posted at 8:10 p.m. on February 17, 2010
Andrew S says...
What seems to be missing in the above is discussion of accessories. If a slate/tablet/pad was to come with a dock as standard that allowed you to charge the batterdies, connect to a kboard, mose and monitor et as soon as you place it in the dock...similar to the ipod 3rd party devices, I can see a significant selling point.
There are many apps on the market that are jut waiting for a cheap tablet....ranging from ebooks to CRM to POS and stock control etc... I can think of one particulary company that has deployed over 400 of the older tablets at this point in time to a their on-the-road-staff. It would revolutionise stats collection at sporting games.....
Posted at 1:28 p.m. on February 19, 2010
Carlo Silipo says...
Hi,
I would consider buying a Kogan Ipad/Islate for sure. Unfortunately it has to be with Win 7 Starter edition on the first partition. But, I would prefer either a dual boot with Unbuntu/Fedora linux. OR Android OS, OR Moblin is doing a great job too, OR Jolicloud, or something like that - as a dual boot.
It would have to be touch screen & the size has to be the size to fit into a ladies bag, or guys shoulder/backpack for work i.e 7 - 10 screen size & OLED of course ( not too heavy), otherwise it won't sell. Another feature is 3G & Wifi, and Atom chip with 2Gb Ram, and with a Stylus ( good feel stylus) for writing notes in a meeting ( I know linux has this feature already).
Also, include a Leather case in the box, and maybe offer other colours besides black ( ladies), hence it must connect to an Ms Exchange for emails & outlook.
Also, take a SD card as well for travellers to take with them for photos ( or include a usb sd reader in the box) . Also, to camera 1) on the front for skype video calls, 2) and one on the back of the ipad for pics/video.
At least 3 X USB's please.
Maybe some sort of ebook reader software? And maybe have a deal with News Corp to read online newspapapers.
just some thoughts _ I hope it helps.
Cheers Carlo Silipo
Posted at 5:08 p.m. on February 19, 2010
carlo silipo says...
Carlo Silipo cont'd:
Also Bluetooth, and small power supply- like Apple has with its range of laptops. So it is easy to carry in a bag.
A 3 cell battery, which make the whole unit less than 1kg for portability. After all you making a large phone with this device - so incorporate many phone features.
Have a look at the Archos 9 unit, JooJoo, NetBook navigator units for comparison. Easy access to ram & SSD HD units on the back. Lastly, use hardware that is linux friendly & maybe you'll sell it overseas.
that's it.. Carlo
Posted at 9:31 p.m. on February 19, 2010
Dish Network Questions says...
Ah, This is awesome! Clears up
several misnomers I've been hearing.
Posted at 6:35 a.m. on February 20, 2010
anonymous says...
OMG! I love this idea, I would like to see the TABLE PC thing. I would buy one with no doubt. I would like it to be like a HP PAVILION TX2500Z but thinner and a lot cheaper. The OP would not bother me as long as it was windows XP to Windows 7. I would to have an all touchscreen (including keyboard touch). Overall I think this a great idea.
Please email me and tell me when it is available to buy.
Posted at 8:24 p.m. on February 20, 2010
W says...
These devices have been around or promised for ages. I used to communicate with a guy that was trying to do one of the first, a web book, from memory the name escapes me based on a forth processor. I don't think it ever came out after years, but it had a few nice features (like keypad buttons split to the side of the screen that you occasionally see these days).
The following is more considerations for somebody making a new reference platform for people to order machines based on, but is also some of the things to keep in mind when shopping for platforms. Feel, charm, functionality, ease of use and appeal (look at the iphone products, this is the basic recipe they also use). You are unlikely to win people over from the momentum of iphone without something truly remarkable or lots of money. So price plays a factor along these items. For a PC based item, priced against the low end net books (PC has PC software compatibility appeal against the tens of thousands of Iphone apps, but chunky and low battery life). For non PC, long battery life, a price of up to $200, or $300 for something spectacular, Java+multimedia+3D. For lower sales add hundreds of dollars.
The truth is you could sell one for $100, or $200 (like some mips based net books from china). The mistake commonly made is to go to a PC processor, which consumes too much resources and as a knock on effect too much cost and little battery life. With the latest PC processors you can reduce this (nortec? in Thailand is pat of a group that makes a very low powered PC processor, that should now be getting to the multimedia age). They have a pad design, but pricey (but volume speaks). Via does PC processors and reference designs, that you would already know. The Chinese dragon processors are other ones. But in the end the arm platform offers low cost to performance ratio with 3D (as used in 3Gs, apparently Playstation portable 2, and most ones and media players).
Posted at 2:55 a.m. on February 24, 2010
W says...
In essence a tablet computer can be a media player (you know $30 things), DVD players, or $50 Java phone platform (sun was doing something) with added os and program functionality, and some more hardware, but it would be slow. Imagine a slim lien tablet DVD player (too chunky for a reader). So anything below 200Mhz in the embedded world (embedded stuff with embedded firmware and os tends to be lower power/higher performance then PC over raw mhz) is a dog for this application. Around 500mhz is preferable, 1Ghz great, provided it gets twice the performance of 500mhz, and not a fraction more (as you might see between one arm design compared to a chip with an arm processor design from arm itself. Imagination technologies graphics circuits are the best (as used in iphone) in dx10/11 level gpu (providing you have software to tackle advantage of it ;), opencl based applications for one (I think apple has some license on the Iphone one, or upcoming design). Hitachi or Toshiba, I forget which, also announced a revolutionary 3D processor a few years ago integrated with arm.
Posted at 2:57 a.m. on February 24, 2010
W says...
Looks like it is rejecting my posts with links to various products that Kogan might like to consider, so i will delete them (sorry google time):
Mips based processor market still struggles on.
A made to order design based on a reference design is the cheapest way, so ones based on the above processors and specs are worth looking out for.
Now display, low powered high quality OLED please, but are any available at a low cost. Bang per buck is a fast refresh Led backlit LCD (not necessarily a led array, but a side mounted led back light offers some of led's advantages.
Colour eink, capable of video frame rates (25-50fps total refresh). yes please bit are any available, yet (promises last I saw).
many other display technologies I still have not heard on the market in budget application (like cholested? displays existed over the years.
Keyboard is important, either on screen or slide out, or side of screen (in some case it might look appealing and could have game controls). I guess you might like an ipad style product, but it is always going to be too uphill. Many competitors have been too..... and have not taken advantage of this market, but apple has, and often come out with similar designs to my private designs ideas, and innovations, whoever they are paying to do these innovations, I hope they are paying him well (or her). Pity i was not in a position to do a Iphone like device ten years earlier.
However, there is a via PC processor based 3D tablet game computer platform been shown year before last. I think I have the links here. It also has 3D camera option. The only thing to look out for is processor power and 3D power. For PC applications their is advanced ati and nvidia technologies for ultra portable PC's. Imagination technologies based design as exist. I forget wherever Intel still used the imagination technologies designs in it's latest low powered portable processors, but at what price? What does this give you, power for extra multimedia/dtv/pvr/games functionality.
deleted links:
engadget
telson-umpc-prototype-does-3d-without-the-goggles
digital-cube-telson-umpc-reappears-could-break-into-reality-soo
pocketables digital-cube-to
umpcportal telson-3d-umpc
masterimage
kr
i-station
kr
There are ways to add 3D to standard displays:
tuaw wazabee-brings-glass-free-3d-to-the-iphone
Opera is best browser on all platforms for portable.
Thanks
W.
Posted at 3:13 a.m. on February 24, 2010
Black Ugg Boots says...
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Posted at 3:20 p.m. on February 24, 2010
Clueful says...
Oh, to look dumb by trying to be smart.
Posted at 6:58 p.m. on February 25, 2010
quiet boy says...
like your phone ruslan? will go nowhere except in the bin.
Posted at 8:56 a.m. on February 28, 2010
Colin says...
I like the look of the kindle and value its long battery life. I would appreciate not being tied to amazon and would like a no fuss e book reader.
Posted at 12:20 p.m. on February 28, 2010
MarK says...
And now my 10 cents worth.
I own a Cybook 1st gen ebook reader, a Compaq TC1000, a HP TX1100, and a Ipod touch. I've used them all for reading ebooks, magazines etc and general computing.
The cybook was under powered and bad battery life and no good outdoors .
TC1000 is an excellent device especialy when the keyboard is removed, but is heavy, not a long battery life, cant be read out doors in glare and relatively underpowered.
The HP tx1100 is too heavy, no good in glare and when in pad mode has to be titled slighty to the left because for some reason you cant read the screen when held "flat".
gets hot and is noisy when the fan kicks in.
The ipod touch is has good battery life, can be used in sunlight with the right screen cover overlay, but is a closed system you cant add what you want only what is approved, plus you cant read magazines etc.
What i want in a slate/pad is this.
light weight under 1.8 Kg
a 12' screen 10" is good but you cant read magazine easily or other similar media.
Quiet the last thing you want is when you reading is a fan buzzing away. Maybe a SSD.
to be able to use a stylus or finger to access things on the screen.
Wifi and bluetooth. I dont care about making phone calls on it though GPS functionality would be cool (no idea what I'd use it for though)
Web cam and microphone built in..
About 30gigs of storage enough for books, music movies.
Be able to install windows or linux on it so I can install whatever i want and not be tied to an app store or something similar.
It doesnt need a DVD drive as the Wifi could stream stuff off a home server.
I hard shell cover that could be clipped onto the front to protect the screen but could double as a stand and keyboard. (ala motion computing slate).
be able to use it outdoors in glare.
at least 6 hrs of battery life maybe more if I turn off wifi etc and just use it to read books.
So to summarize:
under 1.8kg, 12" screen full colour, a capacitive touch screen, stylus, detachable keyboard, wifi, bluetooth, a button that allows quick switching between landscape or portrait modes, a 30gig SSD, A HDMI/ display port, 2 usb ports, a stereo jack, hot swap battery, be able to be read out doors or in glare. Runs cool and quiet. Runs windows or linux, minimum 6hrs battery life and a SD CF card reader.
It's a big ask I know but one day it'll turn up
Posted at 3:13 a.m. on March 1, 2010
Ysl shoes says...
Shoes have so many decorated material, stuff in the three-dimensional flowers, metal studs, bow ties, and a variety of precious crystal, YSL shoes were decorated with the metal materials, even the classic bamboo with a small increase or heel-catcher at the top.
Posted at 2:32 p.m. on March 1, 2010
Andrew says...
I would like Windows 7, 3G and WiFi, USB ports and sd card reader.
Posted at 3:57 p.m. on March 1, 2010
Richard Clement says...
Android and a $200 price point and Im sold. I may even buy a few at that price so the family can get in on the action.
Posted at 7:28 p.m. on March 1, 2010
Tom Worthington says...
In 1996 I wrote a future history with a hypothetical PADD computer (named after the devices in Star Trek). My device was to be 176 × 250 x 10 mm. The Apple iPad comes close at 190 x 243 x 13 mm and the Kogan would be closer.
More seriously I have doubts about tablet computers being mainstream products. But a smaller device with a 7 inch screen makes more sense than Apple's larger iPad.
One feature I would like is a VGA socket, so I could plug in a full size screen. The device could then be docked to be used as a web terminal, with a full size screen, keyboard and mouse.
There might be a model which omits the built in screen and battery, to make a $99 desktop web terminal. Many people want a computer on their desk just to they can surf the web and do not want to install software.
One very good feature of the Kogan Agora I bought is easy upgrade via a large panel held on by one screw at the back.
I suggest naming the computer after an ancient wax tablet: "deltos". These look remarkably like modern tablet computers. This seems apt as the "Agora" is an ancient "place of assembly", where such tablets would be used. ;-)
Posted at 9:26 a.m. on March 2, 2010
Darren Murphy says...
For me it is simple, if you market a tablet with all or some of the following:
7" to 9" screen - needs to be big enough to read a book.
Resolution needs to be 800x 480 or 800 x 600
Solid state ,memory - maybe 20Gb
GPS
NextG capable
Wireless
Touchscreen
Long battery life
inbuilt speaker - but would use headpohones for quality sound
FM Transmitter (that works well) - so can transmit to car sound system
Bluetooth - to link to car or mobile phone
Operating system - WINCE is ok - there is plenty of software available - but this is less important
Memory Card slot
USB Slot
Webcam
Maybe a 5MPix Camera
Keyboard - not sure, happy with touch screen, but could use a compact USB/BT keyboard
I would then use this as my car GPS, take it inside, read my email, download movies and music to watch on the move, surf the net, talk on Skype
for about $200, then I WILL BUY ONE.
I see the tablet as a companion device able to go with you around the home to do what ever you like so long as the table has the capabilities, talk on the phone (skype), surf net, read newspapers, read books, check email, connect a camera and send digital photos. The other thing it needs is access to a HUGE apps store. Al of this done, you have a winner.
Posted at 12:07 p.m. on March 2, 2010
tristyn says...
hell yes.
Make it $200 - make it so that l can check my mail, movie times, local what's on (what l do most sat/sunday mornings) whilst in bed
Make it so that l can keep it on my coffee table or next to my bed. Wifi is fine, screen doesn't matter so much - focus on the web browsing UI.
Sit on the couch, browse in bed. Cheap & OS = simple.
If it is $200 and ticks these simple boxes (my iphone does ATM but screen size is not quite there) l'm in.
Posted at 2:15 p.m. on March 2, 2010
mike says...
Simple,
Provide pdf support, long battery life, and software that lets you mark up a page and add bookmarks.
As long the product meets these 3 simple commandments, anything else you add should accentuate these functions.
Posted at 3:27 p.m. on March 2, 2010
Will says...
This would be a nice device for photography. Being able to download images at a location an viewing them on a [slightly] larger screen would sell it for me. Providing sound with a headphone jack only will save space and keep costs lower than if you add some crappy tinny speakers. Perhaps support for a stylus as well as touch?
In a commercial environment (which isn't Mac oriented) it would also be much more cost-effective to develop applications for than for an iPad.
As long as the K-Pad doesn't restrict the same way the iPad does (no Flash?!) and it'll be good.
Posted at 4:02 p.m. on March 2, 2010
sam says...
i've been using the smartq7 for over 6 months now. i personally think its the bee's knee's as far as an oversized PDA goes-however for my uses, ebooks/light web browsing/video on the go its fine-i dont expect a "full web experience" nor a shiny ass O/S... i'm happy with some kludges from the terminal, i'm happy that i paid minimal dollars for yumcha hardware, but also
given the improvements the low cost ODM hardware & the vendor's firmware releases have slowly and continually been improving this device, kogan will have to try mighty hard to best this device for lower cost.
e.g, Smart V7, has 2gb onboard memory, armA8(600-800mhz) CPU, resistive 7" touchscreen, 256mb DDR2 ram, WiFi/BT, USB OTG/ HDMI output, 720p/1080p output and comes installed with WinCE, Ubuntu and Android for $~290aud delivered to your door.
if kogan can improve these specs and lower the cost whilst including newer software i'll eat my hat.
please don't take this the wrong way, i'd buy the same device again, with the newer specs/shiner case for less money, i just don't see it happening this quarter/year.
Posted at 8:41 p.m. on March 2, 2010
alex says...
Something that would make this device very interesting to me is the option of unlocking the bootloader in a similar manner to the Nexus One. This allows third party firmware to be developed and to me is one of the biggest strength of the Nexus One and HTC Dream.
Also, a faster processor than the ARM11 shown in the prototype would be needed.
Posted at 10:42 p.m. on March 2, 2010
tempril says...
how about doing a "dell-like" build - have a fixed chasis and allow a person to build what they like - oled or led backlight, 32, 64 or 128gb SSD, wireless and/or 3G - etc etc...
Posted at 9:47 a.m. on March 3, 2010
Arnoldthepotter says...
Yes, $200 is alright!
WiFi tick, 2X USB tick, 3G maybe, hope its got SSD and a crisp LED. Android is the way to go.
I've still got my HTC Touch. Little phones are nifty; the slate is more useful and then the phone is still easy to carry.
Posted at 10:28 p.m. on March 3, 2010
Kerry Gray says...
as an artist I really enjoy and seek out time away from my computer. It's important to have that. I don't mean socially - obviously that's a given - but being the artist-observer touching the environment and being amongst it all. I still enjoy and value sketch pad and pencil, ink, paint, charcoal... for that all-important sensory dynamic of working with those tools. You cannot compare the experience of sketching by hand, outdoors, to drawing on a computer indoors. Nor is capturing the moment in a sketch anything like taking a photo. A camera is a camera, a photo a photo and the progression of an in situ pencil sketch into digital form is a process, without denying that creativity plays its part.
Portable wireless tablets that can be used with fingers or a stylus are an exciting development for artists-on-the-street - drawing from life. As an artist's tool the digital dynamic has been confined unwittingly like an 18th century pregnant woman. It has been bound by the walls of digital stigma and encumbered with dependency upon process. No more. The dog will be let of its leash. It will be impetus for very interesting advances in software design as developers take up the challenge to provide intuitive and spontaneous interface for dynamic artists. Digital sketch-pad is a very welcome beginning.
Humans are simple creatures really. We like eating while we listen to a story - and we go to great lengths to tell a good story. We paint lavish pictures and make up wild music and dance routines to add effect. We've been doing it since the beginning of time. I often wonder if the all procreating and warring that we seem preoccupied with are not just subplots to give the story substance. So if you make something to help along that creative pursuit we'll be lining up round the corner to use it. How else do you explain the 2 billion-odd pages of blog phenomena on the internet?
Posted at 1:39 a.m. on March 4, 2010
Macca says...
Android, with 3G (incl 850Mhz) as an option for me.
Android gives access to a growing app base.
Posted at 7:45 a.m. on March 4, 2010
Mark says...
Nothing bigger than a 10" screen.
A good quality GPS.
3G to take advantage of all the location based services.
Car mount kit.
Location based Contact Management Software to encourage the "road warriors" to adopt.
Posted at 9:36 a.m. on March 4, 2010
Martin says...
I really think the biggest issue you need to consider with a device like this is screen resolution. Even 800 x 600 I think is fairly useless. For it to be really useful for multiple web applications etc it needs to have at least 1024 x 768 or 800. This is the same as the iPad. Look at the eventual demise of the netbook 800 x 600 resolution. People found it too hard to use, thus the companies had to provide more screen space. Plus have at least 2 to 3 USB port and a built in Camera. The other specs are fine. Memory expansion is a def. And make sure it will run xp if people choose to install it at there own cost. Perhaps $200 for a base model and $250 for a camera and 3G card port etc. Plus build in a option to turn off the back light when ready books etc... I think if you treat this as if its going to be used a 'replacement' for the netbook. You will do awesome business with it. I suspect apple will be somewhat disappointed that people really dont want a giant iPod touch. If mac put OSX on the iPad I think it would be a really market killer!!
Posted at 10:31 a.m. on March 4, 2010
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Posted at 9:08 p.m. on March 4, 2010
Dan says...
Yes, i want wifi 802.11b/g/n and usb, compatibility with Windows Seven or Windows Mobile and Linux too. A battery with high capacity would be apreciated (6-8 hour).
Posted at 5:43 p.m. on March 5, 2010
Adam says...
Kogan,
Please do your tablet with a webcam so I can Skype, also give it a fold out stand so I can use it for displays, or even as a photo frame when not in use. WiFi is enough. Windows XP so my olds can use it. Or at least compatible so I can install it.
SSD but not too big, to keep the price down but give it sufficient expandable storage so I can put some tv shows or movies on for the train.
Give it slick styling, no pudgy rounded Leap Star styling, make it sharp.
Posted at 7:15 p.m. on March 5, 2010
Chris says...
If you want it to run linux, can you put the kubuntu netbook remix on? The plasma widgets give it that extra polish a device of this class needs and it shares the ubuntu repository so finding apps will be a breeze.
Posted at 8:59 p.m. on March 5, 2010
Dave says...
I reckon a Netbook style tablet PC would be fricken Awesome!
Posted at 1:10 p.m. on March 6, 2010
gip says...
think in terms of how many screens one needs, uses not how may devices, a screen for reading long texts, preferably colour for textbooks, a screen for consuming internet media, and a screen for producing content,
don't think windows on one screen, think screens for different viewings, 1) reading, 2)watching, 3)making
one may have a need for several reading screens open at theteh same time (comparing textbooks for study) while listening to a podcast, youtube version, and a keyboard somewhere, via bluetooth, which can input to any of the screens active connections when needed (for 3).
A mobile phone is the minimum screen one carries around, a reading screen for couch and study (one might have 2-3 of these) and one screen for production (has keyboard/input)(could be any of those 2-3 carried around or projected)
Posted at 6:21 p.m. on March 6, 2010
Scott M says...
What about something like the old HP TC1100 ?
If you remember those it was a slate style Tablet PC with a detachable keyboard (which doubled as a display stand).
Specs: (keeping in mind this was back in 2005)
* Intel 1/1.1 or 1.2ghz pentium M ULV processor
* 10.2" Waicom pen tablet display
* 512mb ram upgradable to 2GB
* 2-3 hours battery life
* 30/40/60/80 gb IDE laptop drive (easily upgradable)
* Ran Win XP tablet edition
* 32MB Nvidia Geforece 4 G0 video card
* Monitor out, 2x USB 2.0 ports, PCMCIA slot, headphone, mic etc, 10/100 lan and .11b/g wireless card.
* auto rotation orientation between landscape and portrait.
Whole deal was about 1.5kg or less with the keyboard detached, an inch or so thick.
Something like that would definitely get my interest especially if it was brought upto more modern netbook type processor and OS specs, RAM specs and had an extra couple of USB ports with expresscard slot for connecting your 3G wireless card. Add windows 7 with multitouch and its a winner.
Adding GPS and built in 3G doesn't really do much since carriers like Telstra won't connect a non telstra 3G card to their bigpond service.... sure you could always buy prepaid cards and browsing packs and hope it works.
IMO builtin GPS and 3G is just fluff on a machine that size, handy on phones yet - laptop class machines no.
Posted at 9:16 p.m. on March 6, 2010
Jona says...
I'm dreaming of a 11.6inch convertible with...
- full size keyboard
- good inking support
- palm rejection
- 10hr battery (ie. dont need to take my powerpack to work)
- sleek (something like the viliv s10)
- preferably a windows based OS so i dont need a second machine. It would be good if it came preloaded with a browser more responsive than IE though. (a webkit browser with multitouch support would be great). Not ready to leave behind Microsoft Office nor iTunes.
The big hope for me is that I can research in tablet mode, draft documents in laptop mode, and review back in tablet mode.
Posted at 1:26 p.m. on March 7, 2010
Jona says...
If you could get it under $AU1000 with 3G hardware built in I'd be stoked.
Posted at 1:28 p.m. on March 7, 2010
Tablet PC games says...
Slate Table PC is now a days used more and all its features are fine include three USB ports, a 1.3MP webcam, Wi-Fi (b/g), Bluetooth, VGA and Ethernet all this is very useful.Also the small display will support multi-touch input and have a four hour battery life.
Posted at 6:10 p.m. on March 9, 2010
Alex S says...
I'd be keen to see something like the Viliv X70. I see my main use in the car, and travelling when lumping the laptop about isn't great.
Features:
128G or bigger
3G and Wifi
bluetooth
digital tv receiver?
SD card slot that can take the larger capacity cards
sun-visible screen
windows is fine for me
in-built gps - but free to choose own software
car-mount that copes with bumps, and charger
2 or more usb ports
and a long battery life ( 6 hours or more)
an option to use a stylus might be good for the pudgy-fingered amongst us
So, really an on-the-road kit for me.
Cheers
Posted at 10:28 p.m. on March 9, 2010
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