As I See Tech

Once upon a time, there was the notebook. Then it merged with tablets to create the tablet hybrids. Then there were netbooks, which are basically small notebooks. And now, a whole new category of mobile computer is coming out for real and it's appropriately called the touchbook .

The computer has grown from replacing the typewriter into a productivity, entertainment and information powerhouse. Somehow, it is natural for the keyboard to be considered standard to come with a computer. Even when cellphones grew to becoming computer-like, it is almost expected for the keyboard (or QWERTY keypad) to find its way into those little devices. If we are so used to the idea that a computer should have a keyboard, how long would it take for the market to fully adopt a keyboard-less computer? Although touch screen devices are popular nowadays, the tablet and slate (and pad ) form factor of the computer is still suffering a slow adoption from customers. Besides being more expensive -- which I think should change -- it is almost unimaginable for most people to use a keyboard-less computer. It's possible, but most people believe it's impossible to live without. The tablet/slate/pad is perhaps the coolest form factor for a computer. It is mobile, flat and simple. ...

When iPhone was first launched in 2007, mobile phone manufacturers were already experimenting on various form factors including touch screens. The iPhone was not the first touchscreen phone. There had been many models from different manufacturers worldwide already offering touchscreen units. However, it was when Apple launched the iPhone that the touchscreen form factor truly kicked-off.