Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 9:47 am Post subject: what happened to the slate form factor ?
All I want in the world is a very thin, very light slate PC.
No keys, just wireless connectivity and perhaps a scroll wheel on the side.
These kinds of computers used to exist, but now I see only two things in the world:
- very thick and heavy "mids" and "umpcs" with 4-7" screens. Honestly - some of these things are almost 2 inches thick! And terrible battery life, which is very surprising.
- very very expensive full featured (battery sucking) computers from manufacturers like motion computing. Oh, and these are nice and super thick too (1+ inches or more)
Now, pick up a normal macbook (not pro) and look at _just the screen_. That's what I want. Just that. maybe .5 or .6 centimeters thick, maybe 7-9" screen size (honestly 7 would be fine).
Why doesn't this exist ? Why are there no new entries in the slate category ? Why is motion computing with their monster 1.5" thick, 2 hour lasting slates my only choice ?
To be perfectly honest, I think the second generation kimble, from amazon, rumored to be significantly thinner than gen1, may be my only hope.
Joined: 01 Dec 2002 Posts: 4101 Location: Los Angeles
Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 3:15 pm Post subject:
Hi,
If an OEM made a device like you described, it would be very expensive. NEC tried one and it did not sell well.
Also, the market has decided that convertible devices are more desireable. Just look at the Asus EEE PC 900 as an example. It is very small and has a touch screen.
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