What are you looking for in a tablet?

[Deeko]

Ever since the iPad was anonunced, there is a lot of discussion about what it can and can't do. So the question I'm posing now...what is it you want out of a tablet? A full desktop experience? A simple, "3rd device" experience? Something else?

Personally...I can get behind the ideas behind either the Entourage Edge or the Lenovo U1. I don't think either of these are really ready for prime time, but perhaps next year, a stronger device with similar ideas. They bring more functionality to the table than the iPad, without trying to be a desktop OS with a touch interface.

 

[rh71]

couch browsing, note-taking, and perhaps some good voice recognition software to replace typing.

I can see it being used in classrooms and mobile offices where it needs to be much more powerful but the above is all I need it for.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Current technology doesn't exist for what I want in a tablet.

Form Factor:

Think of an HD2 sized device (folded) that opens up to an 8" screen with no seam. And as long as I'm in fantasy land, a screen that functions when folded, so I can easily check email/texts on the go.

Connectivity:

4G/WiFi

OS:

Windows 7 with a Sense UI skin

Battery life:

10+ hours

Memory:

16GB or so internal memory

micro SD slot

Ports:

HDMI, USB, and a new standard for home docks that everyone implements so when I come home I can plug it into the dock and have a real keyboard, charger, massive storage, a big screen, printer, and a mouse.

Camera(s):

Front & or Rear facing camera(s)

 

[Fingolfin269]

I'm not sure Deeko. Maybe my mind just lacks creativity but I can't think of anything I would actually use a tablet for. Maybe web browsing in the living room but to be honest I would rather just see a much better integration between the web and television sets. Smartphone for browsing/music while traveling and a small 13" notebook for when I get to wherever I'm going. I prefer actual books for reading so that functionality is lost on me.

Now if a tablet could be made to fold up into the size of a cell phone, expand into an 8" touch screen as needed... maybe I could handle that.

 

[SunnyD]

The Mini 5.

 

[AstroManLuca]

Nothing. I have no need for a tablet device. I'd rather have a smartphone with a 3.5-4" screen for true mobility and a desktop at home. If I needed to travel more, maybe a laptop instead of a desktop.

I am not a huge fan of the iPad, but mostly because I don't see the appeal of something that only does a little more than a phone without being much more portable than a laptop.

 

[tdawg]

Courier.

I want something innovative and different. Something my laptop doesn't offer me. An HP tablet with WebOS intrigues me, but it's not necessarily something I'd end up buying. The Courier, on the other hand, would have been a 0-day purchase, if the price was right.

 

[Phobic9]

- Tabbed browser window (similar to Chrome, Firefox.. not like the iPad)
- Ability to run and open multiple apps at once (IM chat + web browsing for starters in separate windows
- Built-in USB/SD card/HDMI ports
- Built in kickstand (similar to what the HTC EVO has)
- Will probably need to run Flash until all of my favorite sites have converted to whatever else... then I couldn't care any less
- Ability to connect and share with all my networked devices, including my wireless printer.. just in case
- No need for proprietary syncing software

Yeah, looks like I won't be getting a tablet for a while though the Dell Android tablets do look interesting.

 

[aceO07]

Wacom + capactive screen.

Just add Wacom to iPad and install Windows 7. and I'll be happy.

 

[zerogear]

courier

 

[Brian Stirling]

I'd make the pad with a slightly smaller display in a package with a much smaller bezel to make the overall size noticeably smaller (length x width). But, make it a touch thicker with a flatter bottom to handle a decent sized battery for 8+ hours of actual use. Give me USB 3.0, eSata and HDMI connections. Make the resolution 1920x1280. Start with a model that has 64GB internal flash with an SDXC port for external flash and 4GB RAM. How about a 4 core uP optimized for low power consumption that switches to really low power when idle but is able to pump it out when needed. Give me wifi b/g/n, bluetooth and the option for 3G and 4G. Include a coil for connectorless charging. A couple of small stereo speakers and a decent microphone.

With a device like that I'd have it beside me at the TV and use it to control my HDTV system, lights, security etc. I could take it with me to read books, browse the internet, read my email, watch videos/movies and play music. At work I'd want to be able to output to an overhead projector for presentations etc and for that the HDMI port would/should be useful.

It must have PC like features for file management and the ability to use Windows and/or Mac apps such as Photoshop and AutoCAD as well as MS Office.

Brian

 

[rudeguy]

once again...

I want an Android based tablet that I can use as a universal remote. HEAR THAT BIG STUPID COMPANIES?? WE ARE GOING TO USE THEM ON OUR CHOUCHES/BEDS....TAKE AWAY THE REMOTE MESS AND HOOK ME UP!!!!!!!

ok..I'm done.

 

[Pliablemoose]

once again...

I want an Android based tablet that I can use as a universal remote. HEAR THAT BIG STUPID COMPANIES?? WE ARE GOING TO USE THEM ON OUR CHOUCHES/BEDS....TAKE AWAY THE REMOTE MESS AND HOOK ME UP!!!!!!!

ok..I'm done.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmo...2679552&sr=1-1

Best remote I've had yet...

 

[foghorn67]

Something about the size of T400s/T410S, with the same horsepower, an upgraded screen with great resolution, and friggin stylus.
Give the artists and other creative guys a friggin break. Current tablet pc's are a joke.

 

[rudeguy]

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmo...2679552&sr=1-1

Best remote I've had yet...

Its just the point that I always have either my cell or my lappy in front of me. Why do I need to have remotes if they are more than capable?

That and it would be flippin sweet to have again. My old nokia did that and it was awesome.

 

[Rottie]

tablet might not be ready for me because it is for both hands to hold it and it is not a touch typing and also it doesnt have any angle viewing screen it is more like e book to me anyway

 

[rudeguy]

tablet might not be ready for me because it is for both hands to hold it and it is not a touch typing and also it doesnt have any angle viewing screen it is more like e book to me anyway

You have vision problems, right?

 

[randomlinh]

slightly smaller and lighter (same iPad build, it's great), 3:2 ratio (or 16:10, tho, I'm realizing I'd rather have 3:2). A really really good photo app. A good browser, streaming media player, and universal remote. All at under $250 =)

It's purpose would solely be a coffee table computer. and most likely a bathroom computer, heh. 3rd device type thing.

The rare times I travel, I'd want to have a keyboard anyway, so might as well have a notebook/netbook. I don't understand why no one mimic's apple in the large touchpad arena.

 

[rudeguy]

slightly smaller and lighter (same iPad build, it's great), 3:2 ratio (or 16:10, tho, I'm realizing I'd rather have 3:2). A really really good photo app. A good browser, streaming media player, and universal remote. All at under $250 =)

It's purpose would solely be a coffee table computer. and most likely a bathroom computer, heh. 3rd device type thing.

The rare times I travel, I'd want to have a keyboard anyway, so might as well have a notebook/netbook. I don't understand why no one mimic's apple in the large touchpad arena.

They have. I was just looking at an Asus at Newegg that had the large touchpad.

Those lil guys are almost down to a price where I can justify it

 

[Mr. Pedantic]

Resolution: at least 1366x768, preferably 1920x1080 in an 8-12-inch display.

Battery life: 10-12 hours use, 2 or 3 months standby.

OS: Windows 7, Moblin, or some similar Linux distro. Has to have full OS features - programs, file compatibilities, the whole shebang.

Matte screen.

USB, Firewire, Micro SD, all the usual. I suppose HDMI would be good, but I'd like to see more DisplayPort things entering the market and having a tablet with DP might help.

Hard drive as well as NAND flash, preferably an SSD or always-on RAM. HDD should be about 120-200GB, good for Blu-ray, music, movies, documents, everything you would reasonably want in a portable device. Room for porn as well (that was a joke...)

 

[gorcorps]

everything a laptop can do, with a touchscreen

it's simple

 

[Rottie]

You have vision problems, right?

*SIGH* you always seem to know alot about me. Yes I do have vision problem....what else?oh yes English is not my primary language that is why you never understand my English and I am deaf (hearing impaired)

 

[Pliablemoose]

*SIGH* you always seem to know alot about me. Yes I do have vision problem....what else?oh yes English is not my primary language that is why you never understand my English and I am deaf (hearing impaired)

Forgive rudeguy, he's a stalker

You live in the LA area, right? I'm in Culver City, fairly new to LA.

 

[Rottie]

Yes he is....anyway get back to subject shall we?

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Using the iPad as a starting point:

1. front and rear cameras - front cameras for video chatting, rear camera for snapping pics and video

2. SSD HDD

3. MUST MUST MUST have IPS screen. All these tablet and convertible manufacturers who use non-IPS screens are making their final products worthless. You have to wonder if these guys even use the products they make. You simply cannot have a good rotatable device without an IPS screen.

4. Open OS with proper file system

5. Fully web capable browser

6. Ability to connect to peripherals (bluetooth headset, printers, etc)

7. Lighter weight than iPad.