tablets aren't the 'third device' I'd hoped for... from a productivity standpoint, anyway

Editorial: tablets aren't the 'third device' I'd hoped for... from a productivity standpoint, anyway By Darren Murph posted Aug 21st 2011 12:06PM Editorial Hang tight just a second -- let me preface all of this with a quick reminder that I'm speaking on a personal level, and I'm absolutely certain that slates have a place in this world somewhere. We could go back and forth for hours with use-case scenarios (and the same could be done with cars, time machines or your luxury good of choice), but this isn't about proving that a tablet can do one or two things; it's about the limitations and awkwardness of using one that no one seems to talk about.

After years of watching the masses fawn over the iPad (and every other PC maker scramble to come out with something that serves a similar purpose), I still can't ever imagine myself investing in one, let alone actually using one in place of a smartphone or laptop. I've met quite a few folks in my line of work that all ask me the same thing: "Should I buy an iPad?" It's worth noting that no one actually asks if "they should buy a tablet," but that's speaking more about Apple's absurdly enviable mind (and in turn, market) share than anything else. My response is always the same: "If you can't think of a reason you'd need it, you don't need it."

Tablets, for whatever reason, seem to defy logic when it comes to purchase rationalization in the consumer electronics realm. I've yet to meet a bloke who purchased an ultraportable without knowing full-well that they would take advantage of enhanced battery life and a highly mobile chassis. Everyone I've know that invested in a high-end gaming rig knew why they were shelling out on that $500 GPU (read: frames-per-second). And all of my movie cuttin' pals knew precisely why they just had to have a Thunderbolt RAID setup. But tablets? People are just buying these things in a fit of hysteria -- does anyone actually know why this "third device" is such a necessity? Let's dive a little deeper, shall we?

The obvious answers (and the not-so-obvious question) Look, I'm not disputing that tablets serve a purpose. I would've leaped for ever-loving joy if my middle school classes were delivered on one, and my photographing wife uses hers to show example poses to nervous brides and grooms who want to look good in their wedding album. But when it comes to using one as a tool for myself -- a device which should make me more productive -- slates have failed to provide me with a compelling reason to drop $500+ on yet another computing instrument.

And here's why. With qHD displays becoming the norm, most modern smartphones can nearly match even the highest-resolution tablet display. Pixel-for-pixel, I can see almost as much information in the palm of my hand as I can with an unwieldy screen that requires two hands to use with any precision whatsoever. And then, there's typing. Let's say I'm in class, or at a conference, or in a boardroom meeting, and I'm attempting to jot a few notes down for later. If needed, I can peck away with a shocking amount of accuracy using SwiftKey's magical prediction keyboard on insert-your-Android-phone-here... with one hand. Is it really worth the pocketbook hit to bring something else in there to do the same thing?

If you're asking what the big deal is with using both of your arms to operate a handheld computing apparatus, you're asking the wrong question. What you should be asking is this: "Why did I just spend $500 on a device that's just marginally easier to get work done on than the smartphone I already own, while being entirely more limiting than even a netbook from an OS standpoint?" If anything, it's just a testament to how immensely useful, longevous and mobile the modern day laptop truly is.

Look, tablets are weird to use C'mon, admit it. Slates are silly to hold and silly to operate. Ever tried taking a photo with a tablet? You're guaranteed to get perfect facial expressions for tomorrow's highlight image on Awkward Family Photos, but that's about it. Without a case, it's even awkward to type on a tablet. You're usually left with two options: propping it up against your leg, or laying it flat on a table and forcing yourself to hover directly over it, neither of which strike me as "natural." You might say that using one is no less strange than pecking away on a laptop, but if I have to sit down with it I might as well use something with a keyboard.

I'll confess that using one as an in-flight entertainment device looks pretty practical, but my 4.3-inch smartphone screen would accomplish the same task with a lot less fuss (and without taking up another square millimeter of precious space within my carry-on bag -- something only hardcore minimalist travelers like myself will appreciate).

I also can't seem to grok the value in spending half a grand on something with a souped-up mobile OS. Marketers have stated from the start that a tablet is a "third device" -- something that's worth owning even if you already posses a smartphone and a laptop. I'm guessing it's because they know tablets aren't capable of replacing either. It's too big to fit into any pair of pants I own (MC Hammer digs from Halloween 2008 notwithstanding), and it's downright frustrating to use as a netbook replacement.

Even something as basic as chewing through unread emails proves to be a gigantic pain on a tablet. I typically get through eight or nine messages before I need to a) add an attachment from a file system that doesn't exist or b) open up a new browser to complete an inbox search whilst keeping the existing message open in a nearby window. Foiled again. This also brings up the point of multitasking; even with webOS' absolutely laudatory "Cards" system on the now-defunct TouchPad, there's no actual multi-window, multi-app multitasking. I can grab a 10-inch netbook -- priced at $300 or less, usually -- and multitask in ways that iOS could only dream of. Again, I'm looking at this strictly from a productivity standpoint, and if you're still trying to convince me that I need a "third device," you're barking up the wrong tree. I also won't argue that the "experience" of using iOS on a tablet is exemplary, but at most, it's a novelty in my world.

The "third device" requirement is manufactured Apple, and everyone else trying their best to hawk tablets, would have you believe that there's a huge hole in your technophile lifestyle that can only be filled by hauling around yet another contraption. I beg to differ. For consumers who don't consider themselves power users, you might be able to get away with using a tablet in place of a laptop. If that's you, fantastic. You just figured out a way to stick with only two devices, and you made the second one a good bit more compact. But if use things like Photoshop and Windows Movie Maker (real esoteric stuff, I tell ya), or you like to actually add attachments to your email from a file system, you'll probably find yourself in a place like myself: wondering what the heck the fuss is all about.

My dear friend and confidant Chris Ziegler said this of the iPad in January of 2010: "This is simply Cupertino's answer to the smartbook executed with typical Apple spit and polish, and whether anyone really needs the world's slickest smartbook remains to be seen." For me, it has been seen, and I'm no worse off without another computing apparatus forced between my already-capable phone and laptop. Another of my peers -- Mr. Michael Gartenberg -- confessed this about the iPad just over a year ago: "So what's missing? The required accessories. In order to make the iPad a real productivity tool capable of replacing your laptop, you're going to want a Bluetooth keyboard, the VGA adapter for presenting, and a copy of iWork (or another compatible office suite). Even then, you're still going to be missing some of the functionality that you're only going to get on a full computer."

I'm not disputing the fact that the iPad is a runaway hit; Apple has sold millions, and it'll continue to dominate this landscape for the foreseeable future. Its shareholders are obviously thrilled with the demand. But here's a genuine question: how many of you actually use your tablet (of any brand) for productivity tasks as much as you thought you would when you lined up around the block to buy it? And after you invest a couple hundred in accessories to make it halfway useful, aren't you better off (financially and otherwise) with a bona fide laptop? For me, that answer is "yes."

Don’t get me wrong, ct, I applaud anyone who wants to go about their life with a device attached to them. Call me old fashioned, but when I’m away from home, I don’t expect to have the comforts therein. I have a very basic cell phone that I use for emergencies or calling the little lady about dinner. Otherwise, I don’t use the phone much and prefer a home phone for audible fidelity.

And that always on feature out in the world requires cellular tower connectivity or a wi-fi hotspot, two things that would go tango-uniform in the event of a catastrophe (not that my home rig would be doing any good in that situation).

I’m in the IT world and pay very close attention to security, and I would prefer to have a smaller security footprint overall than to have a device that can entertain me when I’m out. I have a Kindle for reading on long trips and an iPod Classic for my music. Far as I’m concerned, that’s all I ever see myself needing, but then again everyone used to say, “We’ll never need more than 512K(yes, Kb) of RAM!”

I scored 100+ as an “uber-geek” but apparently have fallen behind the times. Ah well, different strokes for different folks, as they say. I am retired, the last time I flew anywhere was 1992 and I cheerfully leave that to the young bloods as I find a more relaxed lifestyle much to my liking.

Looking at the voluminous list of things that a tablet can do it has become obvious (even to an old fossil like me) that it has something for everyone. Although I still wonder if some of the newer laptops wouldn't do as well (I sincerely miss a keyboard on my Nook).

Speaking of Nooks, I am a voracious reader and bought the Nook solely for that purpose. As I said B&W (E-ink) display is fine for a reader plus I really like the battery which lasts nearly ten days w/o recharging. If there is one thing that has started to become a pain it's the file manager (or lack thereof).

When first purchased I added a 16gig micro SD card to give maximum storage (I do read a lot!) and it seems that the "on board" memory is treated as "my library" whereas any additional memory is "my documents". The downloaded files include some "comment files" which contain notes on author and such plus a synopsis of the ebook itself. The problems arise when you download a book and it always winds up in the library. If you want to move it to the axillary memory chip you need to attach to a computer thru a USB cable. Then the computer see the Nook as two outboard drives and you can moves epub files as you please, however the "comment" files are completely invisible and stay put in the library. Frankly, I'd settle for DOS right about know.

Do you run into similar problems when reading epub files on your tablet? If things work smoother that might be enough to get me to try one...

I look forward to you comments,
Regards,
Gandalf

PS Any comments regarding the non-Apple tablets?

“The tablets, to be useful, need a good handwriting recognition program.”

That’s something I don’t understand. On my iPAQ, several years ago, I could jot notes with the stylus and it converted them very well to text. But I can’t find a similar capability for my Toshiba Thrive.

I found one that will record my handwritten note, but it records it as handwriting - a picture, not text.

Doesn’t make sense.

To each their own.

For those who want to walk away from technology with little more than “just a phone”, or are concerned about security footprints etc., go for it. No tablet for you.

For those who want connectivity and functionality anytime anywhere always-on always-connected, get an iPad - it’s a lot of capability in a very slim & light game-changing format.

And I’m from the era of “a gen 1 IBM PC! awesome! let’s see what I can do with 16KB RAM and cassette tape storage!”. I’m thinking of having my iPad surgically implanted.

If it works for you, use it.

Nook? There’s an app for that.
Web browser? You’re posting on FR, so that’s useful too. Anywhere anytime (3G is awesome).
File management? iOS is moving past that.
Battery life? 10+ hours covers even heavy use, just plug it in each night as habit.
Straight B&W text? e-ink wins, except that page-flip flicker drives me crazy. I’d rather a instant-change no-weirdness full-color glowing screen and sacrifice the bright-daylight issue.

I haven’t done much with epub yet; iBooks & Nook & Kindle readers are working fine. There’s a lifetime of reading loaded on my iPad now; just trying to snap that sentimental attachment to paper (and at 26 bookcases, that’s hard).

“PS Any comments regarding the non-Apple tablets? “

I have the Toshiba Thrive. My eldest has just gotten the iPad.

I can put an SD card in my Thrive, she cannot. iPad has no card slots so I have unlimited storage limited only by the number of cards I have. Also, everything she does has to be synced through iTunes. I don’t like iTunes for my iPod, let alone everything! Mine is viewed by the computer the same as a USB thumbdrive. Easy. Further comparisons will have to wait until she’s had it longer.

I have 4 ereader programs on it. My kindle has, well, Kindle ereader. Nook has free books that aren’t available on kindle.

I love the orientation changes with the tablet.

I can play double-deck solitaire games on the tablet, cannot on the phone.

I have access to two email accts on the tablet, same as my phone. Can open pics or slideshows on the tablet, cannot easily/reliably on the phone.

Can easily read Free Republic on the tablet ;) not so much on the phone.

Will find more as time goes by!

I’m a big Mac fan from wayyyyy back. Love my iPhone 4. Mail, text, little web surfing, read a ton of books on it via iBooks and Kindle aps. Play a few games. Also have a Mac Pro quad for real work, and a Macbook pro for light work.

Spent some time playing with the iPad and the Apple store and I immediately had the distinct feeling I was using a device with an oversized interface. Like the touch tone phones with the really big numbers on it for granny.

My first PC was a 286 with 64K of RAM. I’m an engineer now working with server-class hardware and every bit the hardware geek. However, despite my ability to put together a ridiculous gaming rig, I spend less time on it gaming and more time on it upgrading.

I suppose I took a path that diverted from the software side of things, and I prefer Linux to Windows any day. Anyone who wants to use these devices, I say more power to them.

Just not for me.

It could have something to do with the amount of writing you would do in a medium.

With an Ipaq, you’re only going to write short notes, so fixing a word or two because the software couldn’t read it properly is hardly going to be noticeable, compared with a tablet where you have written a paragraph and have to correct 20 or 30 words, than it’s an inconvenience. :)

You’d probably be interested in knowing that www.phatware.com has released Writepad for both Android and Ipad. It’s fourth generation handwriting recognition, so it’s more advanced than what your Ipaq could do.

Hand writing recognition is a very difficult thing for computers to do, just because there are an infinite ways anybody can write down a paritcular letter or number and computers aren’t very good at accounting for individual differences.

That's why the simplified Graffiti alphabet was a must-have on the Newton and was built into the first several generations of Palm devices. It has a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty reliable and reasonably fast, but I think I can thumb type faster than I could write in graffiti back in the day.

Handwriting recognition hasn't really caught on on any device because even if it could be made perfectly accurate, it's just not faster than typing, and rarely faster than one-hand typing. The Swype keyboard on Android is an innovative answer to one-handed text entry, and I think we'll see more clever ideas along those lines, but I don't think that retrofitting a 15th century text entry technology to modern devices has much of a future. A lot of kids don't even learn cursive in school any more.

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