How Windows 8 will shake up the laptop market

Starting October 26, laptop shoppers will be inundated with a flood of new PCs designed around Microsoft's new operating system. In fact, I've counted about 50 new laptops, tablets, hybrids, convertibles, and all-in-ones on my back-of-the-envelope list already.

A handful of these have already been announced, a healthy chunk will be announced early in October, and the rest will simply go on sale on October 26, alongside Windows 8.

Having seen a good number of these upcoming systems in person already, I can safely outline three big trendlines that will drive laptop and related device sales through the Windows 8 launch season and into 2013. If you're looking to buy a laptop anytime soon, keep these in mind as you dig through the dozens of upcoming new choices.

Here's what you need to know ahead of time.

Read more at source:
How Windows 8 will shake up the laptop market | Reviews - Laptops - CNET Reviews
 
Hi there
I'm not so sure if touch is really needed on a Laptop -- after all if you are just surfing the net etc then a decent smart phone will probably do just as well and is a lot more convenient.

I need a laptop for using things like EXCEL -- would be a TOTAL nightmare to have touch on this type of app anyway.
If I just want to watch a movie -- well for a couple of hours say between London and Brussels on a Eurostar train - again a decent smartphone works fine but I'd probably use a small laptop (not one of those 17 inch clunkers)..

The traditional laptop isn't going away any time soon -- and now you can get small form factors like 11.5 inch screen, very thin and lightweight cases and with a decent processor (Intel I3 fine for a smallish laptop) with 8GB memory (these laptops all have two memory slots available now You've got a really decent laptop - and even better replace the internal HDD with an SSD then you've got a nice SMALL LIGHT PORTABLE useful computer with decent battery life as well .

With a USB3 port, HDMI and VGA output and decent onboard sound modern sleek laptops are really useful again --you don't need those 17 inch monsters I see people struggling into planes with. !!

If you don't go for the high end ultrabooks the smaller ACER series with the les power hungry I3 processor works just fine for most people's normal work.

Tablets for me are going to be the odd devices I can't see a use for -- anytghing I would conceivable do on a tablet I use my Samsung Galaxy III s phone -screen is perfectly adequate for what I need it for -- and the rest I have the laptop.

(Also I really have to laugh when I see people strugglinh to read an E-Book on a tablet or Ipad in bright light - especially sunlight.

This is where the Sony / Kindle e-readers win hands down too -- as I said I can't see what possible use a tablet is in most cases if you've already got a decent computer / phone / e-reader set.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

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    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
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    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
I'm not so sure if touch is really needed on a Laptop...

You mean you have no interest in having touch on your laptop, you can't say if it's needed based on your use alone. A hybrid laptop with touch would be useful for any business traveller. It can be used as a regular laptop when needed and on those cramped flights you just grab the display and use it as a tablet to watch a movie, read a book whatever. There are uses for them even if you don't find a use for them.
 

My Computer

System One

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    Windows 7, Windows 8 RP
Convertibles and Hybrids are going to massively shake things up. It's going to change a lot of things. And we will see if Apple can even compete.

The only down side is the technology is still really new, Main stream is going to have to help work out a lot of bugs and redesigns.

:Tablets for me are going to be the odd devices I can't see a use for"

I have to wholly disagree. Why do you think the Ipad is so successful. In the business world a lot of companies are starting BYOD
The majority are bringing in Ipads. Windows 8 Pro devices are going to soon take that spot over in mass.
When you can start running full fledged desktop software on these things. ipad won't stand a chance.


I for one am highly excited about the next year.

Trust me, Kindal and Nook are in trouble with the mass of people who travel. They won't need but one device for e-reading.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
    Memory
    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX680 4GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
    PSU
    CORSAIR GS800
    Case
    CORSAIR 600T
    Cooling
    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
    Keyboard
    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
    Mouse
    RAZER DEATHADDER GAME MS BLK-ED
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    APC 1000VA -
    LGELECOEM LG 14X SATA BD BURNER -
    CORSAIR SP120 Fans x 3 -
    NZXT 5.25 USB3 BAY CARD READER -
    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
For me it all depends on how much it adds to the cost of said device. Touch would be a nice extra feature but I still want a keyboard. Having a laptop with a touch screen would be all right with me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
Still planning on a Surface Pro! It's small and portable, USB 3, 3rd Gen Intel processor (i3 or 5?) and can use a digital pen with left and right click buttons on it so I can use Excel, AutoCAD, and Photoshop along with the nifty red touch cover.

I've already planned on going to my local not so best buy on October 26 and the weekend and play with EVERY new PC!! :D
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
The Surface looks nice but I'm leaning more towards something I could use in my lap. What I mean is, use the keyboard like you do with a laptop. To actually use the keyboard on a Surface I would think you would have to put it on a table or desk. I'm liking the ASUS hybrids with the clamshell keyboard dock. That is if I could actually afford to buy one.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
I'm holding my reservations on the Surface Pro until I actually see the price. Sounds to me like prices will be in the ultrabook area and given a choice, I'm going to elect for the non tablet style device.

As far as whether a surface or an Ipad will rule, I think cost will be a huge factor. I think many might buy an rt to only be saddened after the fact to see that third party software won't run on it. But many may not see the value in the additional cost of the Pro.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I do think there will be the sucky realization that RT won't run any software ever developed for Windows unless if the Windows RT is properly explained by the sales person. To me, the best I see it as a home and student type niche. If you're a casual user, Windows RT can suit you. If you're a student, you have the Office Home and Student RT equivalent. Heck, I bet a student would buy an RT tablet if you can install a bittorrent client for ARM on it. If you can do college work and research, Office and presentations, literally not a single malware or virus can affect it, and you can illegally download music and videos for about 3-400 dollars and all powered by touch? That might actually be a selling point unfortunately enough. ios won't have a bittorent client, and android is kind of close to having one. Windows RT might have one a bit later after android.

Then there will be the developers that jump into the ARM boat as time progresses.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
I'm looking forward to the Surface Pro, it has the same screen size and specs as my current Dell Adamo XPS but a faster Proc and more portable. Portability is top of my list since I travel for work quite a bit. As for price, I doubt it will be as expensive as my XPS was when it came out. For personal use I'll be getting the Surface RT, just want something to consume content on since I have my laptop's for anything beyond that. I have a feeling my wife will be hogging it though to play all her card games.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7, Windows 8 RP
Convertibles and Hybrids are going to massively shake things up. It's going to change a lot of things. And we will see if Apple can even compete.

The only down side is the technology is still really new, Main stream is going to have to help work out a lot of bugs and redesigns.

:Tablets for me are going to be the odd devices I can't see a use for"

I have to wholly disagree. Why do you think the Ipad is so successful. In the business world a lot of companies are starting BYOD
The majority are bringing in Ipads. Windows 8 Pro devices are going to soon take that spot over in mass.
When you can start running full fledged desktop software on these things. ipad won't stand a chance.


I for one am highly excited about the next year.

Trust me, Kindal and Nook are in trouble with the mass of people who travel. They won't need but one device for e-reading.

Hi there
BYOD is fine -- I use my own LAPTOP in a large corporate environment without any problems whatsoever.

But Please tell me how you with one of these wretched tablets enter a complex spread sheet formula or try to create a Power point demo.

Touch is totally 100% irrelevant for these types of applications -- also I don't see many (if any) users using an Ipad for logging on to a corporate SAP backend system using say SAPGUI.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
Most BYOD is also going the way of Terminal Services as well.
So, with one of these convertibles, you can sit at your desk and use it as a laptop, then take it to a boardroom as a tablet and hook into projector and present whatever
I mean, this isn't rocket science. no offense

People now are doing this stuff with iPads, (yeah, they are), Win8's are only going to reset and change these dynamics for the better.

I'm sorry that you and many others can not see the advantages of Win8 over all, the system is not that bad. The start screen is actually even more useful than gadgets in Vista/7, I mean they are the replacement for gadgets. But they are out of the way and it is very simple to switch between them when you want to see something.

As for corps moving away from 7 to 8,, no, this will not happen. Many are only just now upgrading to 7 or trying to complete a full conversion to 7.
However, on the personal use level and BYOD, Win8 and convertables are going to put ipad to shame in a heartbeat.

I said this before though, getting rid of the full desktop would be a very bad idea, but for how well 8 does work over all, even on a laptop/desktop, it will change things considerably.

That next step will perfecting Voice Recog, or trying out Dragon Speaking on a Win8 Pro Tablet. Imagine that for dictation, etc.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
    Memory
    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX680 4GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
    PSU
    CORSAIR GS800
    Case
    CORSAIR 600T
    Cooling
    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
    Keyboard
    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
    Mouse
    RAZER DEATHADDER GAME MS BLK-ED
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    APC 1000VA -
    LGELECOEM LG 14X SATA BD BURNER -
    CORSAIR SP120 Fans x 3 -
    NZXT 5.25 USB3 BAY CARD READER -
    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
Well, I won't be in the market for a new lappy for about 2-3 years, as this one (Acer AS8951 - i7
Sandy Bridge, 8GB RAM, 1.5TB HDD and 2GB GeForce GT555M) has BAGS of grunt for now, and
into the future.

And it's only six months old.

No, it doesn't have a touch-screen, but that's fine, as I don't want one.

And no, it isn't very portable, but I have the smaller AS5735 and an Android smart-phone for that.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G 'Super-Laptop'.
    CPU
    Intel Sandy-Bridge i7-2670QM quad-core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
    Sound Card
    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" full-HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1024
    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.
And that is great, but think about all the devices you potentially carry now.

Most people should see the advantage in a win8 tablet as only having to carry maybe 2 devices (Tablet Convertible/Hybrid Win8 Pro and a Phone), will give you everything you need for travel, work and play.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
    Memory
    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX680 4GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
    PSU
    CORSAIR GS800
    Case
    CORSAIR 600T
    Cooling
    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
    Keyboard
    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
    Mouse
    RAZER DEATHADDER GAME MS BLK-ED
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    APC 1000VA -
    LGELECOEM LG 14X SATA BD BURNER -
    CORSAIR SP120 Fans x 3 -
    NZXT 5.25 USB3 BAY CARD READER -
    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
Hi there

People - especially those who swear by using Ipads / tablets still can't seem to understand the basic premise that at work even if you can use these devices on the work network -- how in the world do you do complex spread sheets, power point demos, photoshop type applications, logon to backend systems like SAP (which DO require a myriad of concurrent Windows open maybe on several monitors or certainly at least two), or do any sort of I.T development using tools like visual studio.

Ipads / tablets are totally unsuitable for these types of applications as is any sort of touch.

For surfing, simple one off apps, and simple email then OK an Ipad is OK --but so is a smart phone. Maybe for movie playing too --but you must be in a fairly understanding workplace if you can watch movies or gossip on "farcebook" all day long .

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
iPad users typically aren't hardcore PC users building complex spreadsheets, power points, etc. I think a great many people never actually needed a computer, but rather a social media toy. Now they are getting them and they are popular. Doesn't bother me, not my cup of tea.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
People - especially those who swear by using Ipads / tablets still can't seem to understand the basic premise that at work even if you can use these devices on the work network -- how in the world do you do complex spread sheets, power point demos, photoshop type applications, logon to backend systems like SAP (which DO require a myriad of concurrent Windows open maybe on several monitors or certainly at least two), or do any sort of I.T development using tools like visual studio.

Ipads / tablets are totally unsuitable for these types of applications as is any sort of touch.

You're right, iPads are not suitable for this but Windows 8 Pro Tablets will be because they can do it all and run on the desktop with multiple windows.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7, Windows 8 RP
Speaking of ipads, I was at the not so best buy today and overheard a lady who I guess was with her daughter PC shopping, and she said,"Could you use this instead of a computer?" She was playing around with an ipad. NO. You cannot use an ipad as a computer no more than you can use an ipod touch as a computer. So I was walking out and was outside and scoffed and laughed at that at how preposterous that was. You can't properly type a five paged essay or more, can't print it out of course, can't make a cool PowerPoint that is unless if you want it to look like one from the year 1992, you can't even copy files onto a USB drive, and you obviously cannot properly do extensive internet research with one.



It'd be like using a bowling pin to shave with.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
I doubt hybrids have much of a future, really.

Think of what a Tablet can do for you and then what it can't do for you.

What it can do

-Relieve you of a few hundred bucks.
-Look pretty.
-Tell you where you are and how to get where you want.
-Let you surf the net, read email, check the weather in case you are walking in the park and are not sure if it's raining or not.
-Lets you play the most stupid games ever invented, because there is only so much Touch can offer for gaming.

What it can't do

-Let you do real work. Touch is not exactly the best way to work with spreadsheets and documents, or anything else serious.


Really, people's passion for tablets will eventually die out in 2 or 3 more years, because smartphones can do more, weigh less, and are smaller. Since a phone is already a dedicated communication device, adding some "smart" functionality, which already expands on its initial design and purpose, like reading and answering email, checking some websites, GPS, etc makes much more sense for both users and manufacturers to massively use them for everyday activities.

Tablets could eventually fill a very specific niche, targeting people who are on the go often, letting them watch movies, and with an appropriate real keyboard equipped with the proper controls, serve as portable game consoles, maybe, although laptops have filled this niche quite well already and for frequent travelers they make more sense because they can also be used for serious work and give you more for your money in the long run.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    i7 920
    Motherboard
    DX58SO
    Memory
    Kingston 8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gainward GTX580 Phantom
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG D2342P-PN
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB
    Seagate Barracuda 500GB - eSATA
    PSU
    Corsair 850W
    Keyboard
    Razer Anansi
    Mouse
    Razer Naga Epic
    Internet Speed
    50Mbps/50Mbps
Convertibles and Hybrids are going to massively shake things up. It's going to change a lot of things. And we will see if Apple can even compete.

The only down side is the technology is still really new, Main stream is going to have to help work out a lot of bugs and redesigns.

:Tablets for me are going to be the odd devices I can't see a use for"

I have to wholly disagree. Why do you think the Ipad is so successful. In the business world a lot of companies are starting BYOD
The majority are bringing in Ipads. Windows 8 Pro devices are going to soon take that spot over in mass.
When you can start running full fledged desktop software on these things. ipad won't stand a chance.


I for one am highly excited about the next year.

Trust me, Kindal and Nook are in trouble with the mass of people who travel. They won't need but one device for e-reading.

Hi there
BYOD is fine -- I use my own LAPTOP in a large corporate environment without any problems whatsoever.

But Please tell me how you with one of these wretched tablets enter a complex spread sheet formula or try to create a Power point demo.

Touch is totally 100% irrelevant for these types of applications -- also I don't see many (if any) users using an Ipad for logging on to a corporate SAP backend system using say SAPGUI.

Cheers
jimbo

Do you not understand the concept f the hybrid? You can use it just like your laptop, then disconnect the screen and use it as a tablet to display your presentation you just created which is way easier than turning your whole laptop towards them and angling your screen so they can see. Then again they already have external keyboards for touch pads so who knows.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
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