7 reasons why a tabloid computer is on the market

In 2002, Bill Gates predicted that most computers shipped in 2007 would be tablet PCs. But this type of product currently accounts for only 2% of all notebooks shipped worldwide.

Lenovo ThinkPad X41 - one of the popular Tablet PC today.Photo: eDigital

Under these circumstances, manufacturers are preparing to introduce second- and third-generation products equipped with Windows Vista operating system with a rotating screen or thin blade design.

" This is an important technology, but it claims to be too slow, " said Leslie Fiering, an analyst with research firm Gartner, and has followed every step of the tablet PC's development since its inception. here 5 years, comment.

Microsoft Chairman once expected tablet sales to reach one million units in 2003, but it was not until 2006 that the "target" was reached. Some analysts must also change their judgment. 18 months ago, IDC predicts 7 million tablet PCs will be shipped in 2010 but only revised to 5 million.

Technology experts have listed at least 7 reasons why tablets "cannot achieve better sales":

1. Price is too high

Tablet PCs cost more than $ 200 - $ 300 compared to regular laptops, meaning that each tablet ranges from $ 1,200 to $ 1,800, depending on the capabilities of the manufacturer. Gartner predicts that product prices will not fall for 2 years.

2. Touch technology is not yet popular

Although there have been many improvements in the field of touch screens, interactive technology with fingertips or electronic pens has not been widely accepted because users are accustomed to entering data from the keyboard.

3. Handwriting recognition software lacks intelligence

" If the scribble is like chicken, the software can't understand or will" think "very slowly, " said Gartner expert Fiering. " Doctors and businessmen want to write notes and save them on computers, but if they have to shape each word so the software can convert, soon they will be frustrated ."

4. Tablet PC works on its own operating system

Tabular devices are now installed with Windows XP Tablet PC Edition and cause many problems for users, for example they have to type characters and cannot enter their passwords in handwriting. Products equipped with Windows Vista in late 2007 will overcome this drawback.

5. Designed tablet PC has been improved but not enough

The tablet size must be small enough to not be too heavy for the user to hold. But they also want to own a screen big enough for more information writing space. Most tablet PCs now have 12-inch screens and some do not include optical drives. Dell plans to launch a rotating screen device in the middle of this year. Although not disclosed specifically, IDC said that the arrival of Dell will improve the position of the tablet PC in the market because the computer maker is famous for launching products with lower prices than the average. .

6. Many software are not compatible with touch pen

Most of the enterprise management solution (ERP) applications currently support tablet PCs, but some typical programs like Photoshop of Adobe Systems do not work with electronic pens.

7. Providers are too focused on business users

" If manufacturers are targeting both markets for consumers and businesses, they will certainly achieve much better sales ," IDC analyst said.