Sports Apps

I love the idea of tablet computers. I have since the announcement from Microsoft back in 2002 about Windows XP Tablet Edition. I've wanted a great full feature tablet computer ever since. Back then computer hardware wasn't up to speed with the form factor. A full feature tablet PC would still weigh several pounds and be rather thick.

Well one of my less favorite companies has released a tablet that makes me green with envy. Apple's iPad is a great "first" gen tablet computer. (quotes denote that this isn't the first computer of its type. But its the first computer that gets the form factor correct, and that form factor will be pushed in the right direction.) Hopefully other hardware and software developers can build on the idea that Apple has set forth for tablet computers. And while I don't agree with the closed system Apple has built, I can't deny the beauty of its system's simplicity. The software and hardware integrate seamlessly into one unified, easy to use package. Apple's competitors have one hell of a hill to climb.

But what can these tablet computers do? What are they good for? I would estimate that 90% of my computer use is dependent on being connected to the internet. I love living in the cloud, and the tablet computer is a great form factor for web surfing and productivity. Hopefully Telecoms will be able to create more robust wireless networks, which will have download speeds as fast as landline based boradband. This would allow for the tablet form factor to replace most laptop computing needs (well mine at least). They are also great for consuming media. Want an update on the baseball game? Take a look at this app for the iPad, it is amazing.



Cool, huh? You could be anywhere while watching the game, getting live stat updates, streaming video, etc. I hope the iPad sells like crazy and this new form factor is solidly rooted in consumer's minds.