An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

For me the ability to put the tablet in my pocket is what differentiates it from the netbooks. Once you move to the clamshell size, I feel that limits it's use.

Each person's needs will be different. I just got back in town having left my laptop at home taking just the tablet. For me the tablet form factor is different enough I don't feel burdened taking it anywhere.

Frank

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

If they somehow manage to make a "clam shell swivel tablet" pc thin enough to fit in ones pocket, I will buy it. Until then, neither the N810 or a netbook is the ideal choice, because there are so many sacrifices.

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

I personally like using my 810 to print, play games with joystick, burn DVD's.

It's not just a niche device, It is a computer, if you use it as one.

Is that a penguin in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

Yeah.. I may get a netbook someday for fun but... with the USB tricks.. a USB keyboard, mouse, and a 4 port hub.. this little device is my computer at home. Not quite perfect.. but pretty darn close.

The main thing a netbook is useful for (for me) is the VGA out for a real monitor. Once we can get the USB2VGA to work flawless on this tablet then an entire PC docking station is 1 cable away. But looking at the small screen while typing on a keyboard is sometimes quite a pain...

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

I prefer a full blown, dual 24" screen computer, at least 8GB RAM, 5TB hard drive. But carrying it around is tedious.

I learned at IBM in the late 60's to carry a thinkpad, (see sig) and eventually moved to a small pocket notebook. When the RS 100 came on the scene I was lucky enough to get one from work. I liked it and subsequent notebooks, but they were all to big to replace my paper solution.

I've got the HP95LX, 100LX, and 200LX they all replaced paper in my pocket.

Normal PDA screens (Palm, Compaq,...) are all to small.

The Nokia N810 is the ideal form factor for me, fits easily in a shirt pocket, and with just a couple of small adapters connects me to everything I need. Thank God for OTG.

To me it's my Linux computer, my penguin in my pocket. It does internet well, but also a lot of other things.

It's my "Swiss Army Knife" computer. Now if they could just get the teleportation chip working :)

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

World's first portable computer weighs 60 pounds, is built like a tank, and runs only on AC power.

http://www.computercloset.org/ibm_5100.jpg

http://www.computercloset.org/ibm5100.htm

Key Dates: Announced September 9, 1975

Original Price: $8975 to $19,975 depending on memory (16K, 32K, 48K or 64K) and language (APL, BASIC, or both) options


CPU: IBM circuit module

Operating System: BASIC and/or APL

Input/Output: Built-in 5" monochrome monitor with 16-line by 64-character display; built-in tape drive with 204KB capacity; proprietary printer connection for 5103 printer and 5106 auxiliary tape drive



Its a computer and a pretty darn awesome one compared to the first portable computer. I'd say the price is pretty good also :D

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

;-))

OK.
Back to the topic...

I for myself have both a NIT as well as a netbook.

I bought the netbook recently - why?
- I tried to use the NIT as stationary devive as well. You need a bigger keyboard, a mouse and an VGA output for that.

All these things are included in a netbook and are not yet fullfilled with a NIT (connected via usb2vga toa monitor, keyboard/mouse connected to usb host).

So afterall both devices have pros and cons and can't (yet) replace themselves:

Netbook:
+ Office Keyboard (wind)
+ Mouse/Touchpad (Touchscreen additionally would improve)
+ 1024x600 display, even connectable to VGA

- doesn't fit in a pocket
- boot time

NIT:
+ small
+ "always on"

-/+ internal keyboard not for office use, but available (N810)

- mouse not (really) supported
- Display not realtime connectable to external VGA

My vision is to carry my NIT around, do everything with it and connect it to large VGA, keyboard, mouse at the office and continue working.

Hope that next device enables this...

asys3

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

asys3,

sounds like a nice way to work.
I currently carry liqbase around on the drive and do all compilation directly from it onboard, or connect via ssh for a full editing session from a big computer.

What upsets me most about this device are programs written for the desktop running on the tablet.
The form factor is wrong and an interface which "works" with a mouse falls down horribly on the device.
the inverse is also true and when we start to plug touch specific applications onto a big screen you will see for yourself.

(liqbase on a 17inch monitor is awful to use with a mouse and the size of the buttons makes the pointer tremble!)

I wonder how this problem will be resolved in newer more touch friendly devices come around offering tv out capabilities?

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

lcuk,
absolutely right.

Running desktop heavy apps ported to the NIT are from a academic point of view nice, cool and impressive.

But mostly slow and not optimized for a tablet.

But the other way round is not so bad, I think.
You can use most of the apps on the tablet as well on a desktop.

And if you could switch between stylus and mouse or use them both most things would work well.
Scaling of applications should work also (oh yes -that's not yet fulfilled).

asys3