Term of the Moment
femtosecond
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, Android and BlackBerry
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. BlackBerry introduced a tablet for its customers, which was later discontinued (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
(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, Android and BlackBerry
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. BlackBerry introduced a tablet for its customers, which was later discontinued (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)."