Rob Bushway asks: Which Tablet would you buy now and why?
Me? I'm waiting for one of two Tablets to hit the online stores: The Toshiba M400 with 1400x1050 resolution or the new Lenovo ThinkPad. Both are Core Duo systems. Either will do.
On the slate side, I've flirted with the idea of getting a Motion LS800. I've almost purchased one a couple times in the last couple months. But it's a tad expensive--or at least I'm a tad poor.
Back to the convertibles though. I'm a developer and I know I can use the snappier dual core performance of either the M400 or the yet to be released and updated ThinkPad. In terms of features, I love the higher-res display on my current Toshiba M200. So I'm favoring the new M400 over the Lenovo right now. If the ThinkPad had a higher-res option I'd go with it instead. In fact, I like the direction Lenovo is going. The Toshibas all seem to be getting bigger and bulkier. I don't want that. Give me smaller, lighter, more powerful.
Actually, beyond all the specs, I'd go with either manufacturer that can get me a unit first. I expect I'll have to wait a bit though. In the Tablet world you have to get used to this. For us I-want-it-now early adopters it's a horrific fate. But one we have to learn to deal with.
To be completely honest though, I'm kind of getting tired of waiting. In fact, if I knew right now that Apple's MacBook Pro could run Vista, I'd get in the car right this minute, drive to the local Apple store, and get one. No online how-long-do-I-have-to-wait-for-the-FedEx-truck anxiety for me.
I know--there would go my Tablet budget. But you know what? Here's the real truth in the Tablet world: Tablet technology lags. And I know that in four to five months there will be better Tablet options and better prices. The MacBooks are good right now.
What about my Tablet development then? I'd have to make due with my M200 (running XP) and Gateway CX200 (running a Vista beta). I can more than survive with this.
Now here's my dream Tablet purchase: if Apple would come out with an iMacTablet today (that could run Vista) I'd pick that one over all other machines. Of all the manufacturers, Apple seems to understand my technological desires the best. I'd fall prey to them. I know.
Posted by Loren at March 15, 2006 07:33 AMYou are hitting my thoughts exactly, Loren. Tablet technology lags behind, and like you, the waiting game is getting very tiring. I'm quite happy with my x41 - the speed is decent and I couldn't be happier with the flexability that this machine offers me.
I see Apple all over your post and you know what? you are absolutely correct. I'd give up these machines in a heart beat for iMacTablet that will run Vista...
Posted by: Rob Bushway on March 15, 2006 09:56 AMI wonder how many other people there are like us? Could Apple become the number one Tablet manufacturer? Within the early-adopter/tech crowd, I'm beginning to think so.
Posted by: Loren on March 15, 2006 10:08 AMI am waiting for a good tablet for personal use. We have the 800, 1600 and couple of other models at work but none of which I can afford at this point.
I have a cute Dell X300 I am dying to replace. HP is making a big mistake with TC1100. Not sure what their marketing is telling them but wish they talk to me.
Posted by: Arni on March 15, 2006 03:08 PMArni, an updated TC1100 would be welcome by many I bet.
Posted by: Loren on March 15, 2006 09:48 PM