Term of the Moment
Calico
Redirected from: computer tablet
Definition: tablet
(1) See digitizer tablet.
(2) A general-purpose computer contained in a touchscreen panel. Although earlier tablets required a stylus, modern tablets are operated by fingers, and a stylus may be an option.
iPad and Android
In 2010, Apple's iPad created a tablet revolution as dramatic as it did with the iPhone. However, Android tablets have given the iPad a run for its money with numerous models from many vendors and have the lion's share worldwide. BlackBerry introduced a tablet for its customers in 2011 that did not last long (see BlackBerry PlayBook). See iPad and Android.
Windows Tablets
In 2000, Microsoft introduced a tablet version of Windows (see Tablet PC). However, Windows tablets were not widely used until Windows 8 changed the game in 2012. Most programs that run on a Windows PC can run on a Windows tablet, which provides the same functionality as a Windows desktop or laptop computer. See Windows tablet.
Thousands of Applications
Just like smartphones, tablets come with a Web browser and a variety of installed apps; however, a huge number of free and paid apps are available from the vendor's online store (see online app store). See mobile compatibility.
iPad, Android and Windows Tablets
State-Of-The-Art in 1999
The Tablet Newspaper Prototype
Linus Write-Top
(2) A general-purpose computer contained in a touchscreen panel. Although earlier tablets required a stylus, modern tablets are operated by fingers, and a stylus may be an option.
iPad and Android
In 2010, Apple's iPad created a tablet revolution as dramatic as it did with the iPhone. However, Android tablets have given the iPad a run for its money with numerous models from many vendors and have the lion's share worldwide. BlackBerry introduced a tablet for its customers in 2011 that did not last long (see BlackBerry PlayBook). See iPad and Android.
Windows Tablets
In 2000, Microsoft introduced a tablet version of Windows (see Tablet PC). However, Windows tablets were not widely used until Windows 8 changed the game in 2012. Most programs that run on a Windows PC can run on a Windows tablet, which provides the same functionality as a Windows desktop or laptop computer. See Windows tablet.
Thousands of Applications
Just like smartphones, tablets come with a Web browser and a variety of installed apps; however, a huge number of free and paid apps are available from the vendor's online store (see online app store). See mobile compatibility.
Tablets come in a variety of sizes. The 7" and 10" tablets are very popular for portability. However, tablets come as large as big-screen TVs for conference rooms.
Although seriously bulky by today's standards, the Qbe ("Cube") Windows tablet included voice recognition, camera, analog modem, Ethernet and a keyboard for desktop use. (Image courtesy of Aqcess Technologies Inc.)
In 1994, Knight-Ridder's Roger Fidler predicted newspapers would be viewed on tablets in the future. This image was extracted from the YouTube video "The Tablet Newspaper: A vision for the Future (1995)."
Launched in 1988 by Linus Technologies, this MS-DOS portable PC weighed nine pounds and used a NEC x86-compatible CPU. Supporting handwriting with any type of stylus, a keyboard port did accept an external keyboard. Two years later with approximately 1,500 units sold, the company went bankrupt, and its patents were sold to Grid Systems, a Tandy subsidiary. (Image courtesy of Linus Technologies.)