[pguerin]

Yep, that's why I am buying an Exo PC Slate! http://www.exopc.com/en/exopc-slate.php

It works on Windows 7 with 3 USB ports. It's the same price as the ipad, but it's more geared as an netbook killer than a bigger iPod touch. They waited untile the iPad launch to commercialize the device. I think they already are using the device in some coffee shops in Rimouski, Québec.

[sjs]

You say it runs Windows 7 like that's a good thing. (I'm no Windows fan, but if it ran a regular desktop Linux distro I would feel the same way)

The UI and methods of interaction are what make the iPad different from almost every other tablet released to date. Without an OS tailored for it, a tablet is just a watered down notebook.

[stcredzero]

You say it runs Windows 7 like that's a good thing.

There's actually a lot of very good, very useful Windows software out there. Here's what I have on my tc1100 slate PC:

    - Skype
    - Chrome
    - Firefox
    - Kindle for PC
    - FBReader
    - VLC
    - Picasa
    - KeePass
    - Widcomm Bluetooth 
    - Dropbox
    - Google Earth
    - Pencil
    - Evernote
    - Squeak

Most of what I do, I do through Google Chrome and various web apps but I very much like the ability to install whatever Windows program I want.

I own a new Macbook and just sold a 24" iMac. Still have a PowerPC 15" Aluminum Powerbook. Mac vs. PC is what Noam Chomsky calls "irrational jingoism." It's a marketing manipulation ploy. If you are for Linux because of FOSS philosophy, then good for you. If you are part of marketdroid-created jingoism, then I think that's a waste of time.

Me, I just run useful software on good hardware.

Without an OS tailored for it, a tablet is just a watered down notebook.

Not true at all. Have you actually owned and really used a good slate PC? I can use this thing in situations I can't use a laptop or even a netbook. Just this afternoon I was talking with a coworker on Skype while lounging around and surfing on the couch and we were showing each other our projects with the webcam. The form factor is key, and Windows XP Tablet is brilliantly executed, even if it is designed for propeller-heads and not ordinary mortals. (Styluses are for propeller-heads like me.) It's not an OS tailored for a tablet so much as Windows XP with tablet support features bolted on. It still works well if you are savvy.

I can do everything that the iPad is supposed to be able to do now, with hardware and software from 3 or 4 years ago. Granted, the tc1100's industrial design is phenomenal, which is why this machine has basically attained cult status. But I can also see the cracks in the execution that would have alienated it from the general public. Also, the ecosystem has to be there for the platform to really work.

In the end, I'm bullish on the iPad, which I've preordered.

[sjs]

For me it's the same but the software I use is for Unix. By the way, most of the software you use is available on OS X and Linux as well. All of it that I can see, but I'm not familiar with Pencil, Widcomm BT, or FBReader.

I guess if the software you use works well with a touch screen then that's fine. I far prefer my iPhone to any Windows Mobile device I've owned. You can't just shoehorn a desktop UI into a touch-screen device without a keyboard or mouse without the experience being subpar.

I have not used a good tablet PC, maybe I should try one out but none have been that compelling to me. I'll probably get an iPad eventually, to develop for it if nothing else. It's too much like my iPhone and not enough like my notebook for me to jump at the 1st revision of a 1st gen product. In a year or two I'll get one when the kinks are worked out and the feature set has been fleshed out.

edit: While the exo pc and tc1100 look pretty nice I don't imagine many developers tailor anything for them. That will be the biggest strength of the iPad (at first anyway).

[stcredzero]

edit: While the exo pc and tc1100 look pretty nice I don't imagine many developers tailor anything for them. That will be the biggest strength of the iPad (at first anyway).

I think you hit it spot-on there! The way iPhone OS and its ecosystem is set up, developers must tailor their software to the device to succeed. This was the big weakness of the Tablet PC initiative: that such fine tuning was considered optional.

[psranga]

Windows 7 supports multitouch, so running it on an tablet computer is not outlandish as it seems.

[pguerin]

Well, one of the things I don't like about the iPad is that you are limited to the iPad OS, and that it's not a replacement for netbooks (no usb or flash). It's the platform of Apple and nothing else. But, I do agree with you that it's really different from a desktop PC and the iPad is really nice for end users. Like they say, it's the best experience for the stuff the iPad is made for.

However, Windows has multitouch with the newer versions of .NET. You can also run Flash / Flex. I think a Windows alternative would fit enterprises that mostly run on Windows software for paticular uses (which is what I intend to build apps for). However, I got no idea if it work on the exo pc tough.

[paulgb]

I wonder why they decided to go with Windows 7 rather than Android.

[pguerin]

I heard the device was in development for 10 years. It's probably a historical choice they didn't tought about afterwards.

[g0atbutt]

While the hardware is incredibly important, the software is what's going to shoot this form factor to the top. I'm sure there will be many imitators that get close to the form factor with lackluster software that brings the overall UX down.

On a hardware note, I bet Apple is extremely happy not to have to support x86 legacy cruft.

[jacquesm]

I wonder how long it will take before someone manages to slap linux on it.

X seems to be pretty dependent on its pointer though, there would be quite a bit of work in there to make a platform that you can develop applications for.

[psawaya]

As far as iPad alternatives go, I feel that the Notion Ink Adam deserves more attention than it's getting. 3G and Wifi, camera, and innovative back side trackpad in addition to a touchscreen. And it runs Android. Nothing on a price yet, but in my opinion, it's definitely worth keeping an eye on. http://www.notionink.in/adamoverview.php

[kevbin]

Can it run ColecoVision games?

[psawaya]

I don't think so, but there's an NES emulator for Android. It probably wouldn't be able to take much advantage of the larger screen, since classic games would look pretty awful stretched out to full tablet resolution.

[theBobMcCormick]

That does look cool.

I gotta say, I'm mighty disappointed that the iPad is just an overgrown iPhone. If it had been a MacPad and ran OSX I would have been all over it. :-(

[DannoHung]

Where's the software?

[pguerin]

Good point, I didn't tough of that! Thanks. I emailed them 2 days ago regarding their UI library / SDK (they only name it)... I wonder when I'll get an answer.