Open Ballot: will you be buying a tablet in 2011?

Posted at 11:29am on Friday January 7th 2011

Happy new year! As we prepare to kick-off a new series of the TuxRadar Podcast, we want your musings for the Open Ballot section. For episode 1 we're asking: will you be buying one of those new-fangled tablet computers (or "media consumption devices") this year? Maybe the shiny videos of Android 3 have whetted your appetite, or perhaps you'd rather have a full-on Linux installation with all the Gnome/KDE bells and whistles. Alternatively, you could be getting tempted by Apple's famed Reality Distortion Field, or you just think that tablets are a silly fad that will go away soon.

Whatever the case, we want to know! Leave your comment here and we'll read out the best/funniest/most rhyming comments in the podcast. And please, for the love of Tux, give yourself a more interesting name than Anonymous Penguin...

You should follow us on Identi.ca or Twitter

Your comments

Yes, I'll be buying a tablet.

Anonymous Penguin (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 11:34am

iPad 2.

OMG! Ubuntu has run a couple

Dafydd (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 11:41am

OMG! Ubuntu has run a couple of posts about the TENQ P07, an Ubuntu-powered tablet being produced by some Chinese tech company or another. Before I'd read about this, I hadn't wanted a tablet at all. Now the thought of flashing it about in front of those idiot Apple fanboys makes my feel all warm and fuzzy. So, if I somehow manage to work my way out of the skint hole that I currently find myself in, I might consider getting one if something cheap, nice and Linuxy makes it on the market.

Yes ...Green Robot

madhukara phatak (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 11:48am

Will buy Android tablet :)

For my girlfriend

SkinOfStars (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 11:51am

Don't get me wrong, I love gadgetry as much as the next geek, but tablets just aren't for the discerning nerd. They look all nice and shiny and all, but they aren't going to have the power we'd want. Hell, I find my EeePC tiresome at times.

However... I would certainly get one for the girlfriend. She's happy enough with a bit of surfing and some Angry Birds. And once it's in the house, I'm sure I'd have a go :)

NO

Penguin hurt by x-ray (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 11:53am

The reason why is not that i dont want one but it is that tablets has just started to arrive. I want a tablet with the tegra 2 chipset, a big screen, android 3.x, hdmi out, 4 usb 3.0 ports. oled screen and of course an terminal.

Also a sugestion for you dare us:

How would your ultimate tablet look like?

Why?

Jono (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 11:55am

I don't see why I would want a tablet. I used a iPad for a week and it didn't have anything mindblowing that my netbook didn't have. I wouldn't use a desktop operating system on a tablet and Android isn't very tablet friendly yet.

I'd love to have a nice

towy71 - January 7, 2011 @ 11:57am

I'd love to have a nice shiny new gadget, however my pension will not stretch that far.

OTOH I was very impressed with the iPad that my nephew bought on the first day they were available and my friend has a Kindle which looks pretty good too but until they really are "as cheap as chips" I will just be looking at other people's :(

Perhaps

Neil Munro (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 11:57am

I like way the iPad works in that there are as many offline apps as there are online apps. I have tried both meego and jolicloud on my netbook and as great as they are it seems without a net connection there is little use to be had from them. Whereas with the iPad there are plenty of apps that can be used offline. Its not a hard problem to solve either but small net enabled devices seem to depend on the net instead of treating the net as a way to enhance the experience.

Maybe its just me, but I like the idea of being able to take all my programs and data with me and have the net connection, but without the need to rely on the connection. Anyone else been on a train watching their phone signal go crazy trying to find a transmitter? Tablets will suffer the same problem.

If they became reasonably affordable and not locked into 24 month data plans and were usable in the real world where connectivity may not always be available then I believe I would buy a tablet. The Samsung Galaxy tab and Dell streaks do look quite nice.

Yes

Anonymous Penguin (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 11:58am

Those of you who want the best out there today should go for Notion Ink ADAM tablet. It has almost everything the Ultimate Tablet should have.

Ubuntu Tablet

cortexuvula (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 12:01pm

Yes if it is the one that Dafydd is talking about. I want a tablet with ubuntu installed. Unity is perfect for tablets.

Yaarp

Bananaoomarang (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 12:03pm

Yes I will be getting a honeycomb tablet, but it won't replace my computer.

Having a tablet is useful because first of all, their cool and fun to use, and secondly, they're a great developer platform, and thirdly, they're inbettween a netbook and a phone.

I won't buy an ipad (or an ipad 2) because, although a great device, it's just not a practicle thing to have as it's not flexible enough for me.

If I had a blank desk in front of me, I needed a computing device to write a document or browse the web or play a game, and I had an ipad and netbook in front of me, I'd go for the netbook.

But if I also had a honeycomb tablet infront of me, it's looking like I might go for that.

Yes

cwoollard - January 7, 2011 @ 12:14pm

Yes I will, but i don't know which one yet.

I am tempted by the iPad but it doesn't have an SD card slot or a usb port. Hopefully the iPad2 will be better?

I won't get a Samsung Galaxy tab. I want a 10" device.

Maybe the Dell streak 10 will be better. The Motorola Xoom looks good too. There is also the potential for the Asus Eee Pad. It is a difficult choice.

Once the iPad 2 comes out I will decide what to get, whether it is Android based or a Apple.

already have

gdev (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 12:15pm

already got an archos 70, apart from the half-arsed effort resulting is a bit of a laggy android performance, and some bad choices in the charging circuitry (resulting in a tablet that won't power on properly if you let it discharge all the way), it's pretty nice

the problem is there's no real niche for tablets, sitting on a sofa browsing the web or using it as a communicator type thing while workign on a full computer is nice, but there's nothing even the best tablets can do that something like a netbook/other computer wouldn't do better

No. For the love of Tux..

johnvile - January 7, 2011 @ 12:24pm

I will not be buying into this B******s.

If I want to send email I'll use a proper computer and if I need to know whats in the fridge
I'll open the door and have a look.

There will of course come a time when we all wondered how anything was done without App's.

But mainly I always wondered how anything was done without Tablets.

Nope, not useful enough

Anonymous TuxMaestro (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 12:30pm

No, I won't. Because right now, tablets ARE a silly fad. The problem is that it isn't going away any time soon....

On the contrary, if they get cheaper, more powerful and allows you to do more than play silly games and watch YouTube video, they could very well replace netbooks for many users (with the exception of avid writers, of course). Imagine making Inkscape vector graphics on a tablet. :)

Maybe, Maybe Not

aSheepie - January 7, 2011 @ 12:50pm

I tried the iPad and was very underwhelmed, I was expecting to be blown away and definitely wanting a Linux tablet when they came out but now I'm not so sure. If I got one, it would have to be one with a keyboard (wasn't impressed with the iPad's on-screen keyboard) - I was very impressed with the concept of the Dell "convertible" netbook/tablet device that was shown late last year. Also, the spec wasn't great (esp storage) considering that it's supposed to be a media device - put a few decent res films on and you will eat up 16/32Gb quite quickly. As an instant-on web device it's great, but it needs to be half the price to justify buying it for that. I suspect the tablet form factor may well fizzle out and be replaced with either a slide-out keyboard, convertible (a la Dell) or docking form factor, but still with the touch screen for when you want to use it in it's tablet format.
Looking at the iPad2 "previews" it seems to confirm my suspicion that the iPad was a cheap thrown together prototype that was released when it was, very unfinished (even for Apple), so they got their device out first, so I'm looking forward to when the serious devices come out to see what they are like (that includes the iPad2). I will then see if it's worth looking at them.
On the software, I would look for a dual boot, probably android for something lightweight and a full Linux distro for something with a bit more clout.

might, might not

oli (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 1:01pm

Depends on how things evolve. To me right now it looks like a glorified ebook reader. Considering that more and more books are available in that format I might. But they do feel sort of redundant when I have desire z and 12" laptop. It can't do much more for than KDE and the droid already does. Of course a tablet with KDE might do the trick ;)

Name Police

Anonymous Penguin (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 1:11pm

Hello Linux brothers and sisters

Just leaving a comment to say that this will be the last comment that I ever leave on this site. I see the Brain (aka Name) Police are out to put pressure on the readership.

There's nothing wrong with "Anonymous" or "Anon". In our great British poetic heritage, we have many examples of the creative "Anon", words of the unknowns which can still resonate to this day. In the decadent era of the celeb and style mediocrity, power to the people and and to all the anonymous wonderful souls that populate this tiny troubled planet.

Happy new year to all.

Yes, a Nook Color

spiffytech (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 1:33pm

As soon as taxes are finished I'm going to buy a Nook Color and root it to make it a proper tablet. I need to replace my iPod Touch, and alternatives are few and far between.

The landscape for Android tablets is pretty sad right now: if you don't want to sign up for a data plan your choices are $650 devices, or <$200 garbage from No-Name Chinese Inc. I'd really like to see more companies produce non-cellular PDAs to compete the iPod Touch. Archos does, but they haven't realized that the days of resistive touch screens are in the past.

I like the 7" tablet size- big enough to pass for useful, yet small enough to fit in your back pocket. However, I don't see a future for that size in the mass market. The gap between 3.5" displays and 10" displays isn't wide enough to accommodate a middle size. 10" devices, like the iPad are certainly more useful, and will inevitably find widespread appeal as the true appliances the masses always wanted their computers to be.

Bought one

Jake Roberts (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 1:43pm

I bought the Velocity Micro Cruz Reader at Best Buy for $99 dollars this week. A custom ROM and some hacking aside, I have a $99 dollar Android 2.1 tablet running at 800mghz. It's not "Magical" but it's definitely "groovy." Android wins.

They're not really any good for proper computing, are they?

Tom Walker (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 2:13pm

The main use for tablets in this day and age is always going to be portable web browsing on a bigger-than-phone sized screen.

My Kindle is fine for that and only cost £150.

If ever they get to be as good as a laptop for actual work (and playing TF2) I'll think about buying one.

to all the numpties

towy71 - January 7, 2011 @ 2:31pm

"Just leaving a comment to say that this will be the last comment that I ever leave on this site. I see the Brain (aka Name) Police are out to put pressure on the readership."

Some people are better anonymous and you are one of the select many, nobody was asking your name address and telephone number just a specific handle that they could use to quote you, you numpty

(I'm just a fellow user, not management)

Already have one

uSlackr. (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 2:40pm

I sold out (well, my boss did) and have had an iPad since they came out. I'd love to play with the other devices as they mature.

\\uSlackr

No.

Bjørnar Berge (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 3:35pm

I won't be buying a tablet this year. Why? I have no idea what I would use it for. I have a netbook for mobile computing, a HTC Wildfire for ultra-mobile computing and a tv and console for watching films and playing games. Tablets look really cool, but right now they have no use which can't be done just as well or even better by other devices.

Do I think they'll flop? No. They have loads of hype and are marketed as The must-have gadget right now. I think Apple and all the other companies producing them right now will make a healthy profit, but they won't replace the netbook just yet.

Maybe

Fondue Boy (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 3:35pm

Yes maybe, I really like the idea and depending on price, hardware and OS I might get one.

Overrated

pengwin dienw (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 3:46pm

I bought an android tablet, and was mostly disappointed. I might buy another one if the chipsets ever become open enough that I can compile my own kernel and customize its inner workings. So far most of the SOC vendors are too closed to permit the kind of hacking that would make me happy.

Probably not...

Mike K. (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 4:10pm

I'm happy with my little netbook for portability. Between that and my Android phone, I have no need for a tablet.

tablet v1.0 no don't think so...

zingyyellow (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 4:11pm

I think its too early to buy 1, all too new. leave 'em settle down and get some decent specs and a well sorted OS. give it another 12 months and they'll be getting there...

Unlikely

DrH (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 4:18pm

As Bjørnar said, I can't find a case for one just now with an Android phone, a Kindle and a laptop (let alone the Netbook and desktops). OK, there is one possibility... a tablet would would make a kick-ass universal remote control device... just a tad expensive though!

Nope not yet

Steve_ (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 4:50pm

Still not interested,getting close. My laptop performs the functions that I would use a tablet for right now. It would seem silly to give up something with with better specs, a keyboard and I don't have to root to get back functionality for a tablet. The "convertibles" interest me, being able to have a keyboard or be detached as a tablet. This seems like it could add functionality instead of taking some away. A convertible with a full version of Linux, a keyboard and the right specs might be become an option.

Ibuprofen

DaveS (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 4:55pm

Trust me.. at 62 years of age, Ibuprofen is my friend, so yes, I will be buying tablet(s)

No I am a content creator

stuart - January 7, 2011 @ 5:42pm

Tablets are fine for consuming content, reading text, viewing video, pictures. You need a keyboard in order to input text, a mouse to edit pictures or video, a camera to take pictures (yes you could take pictures with a tablet but!!!)

Not yet if ever

Just Me (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 5:43pm

I'll wait until tablets and smartphones are more mature or until i really need one.

Nah, bro.

William Judd (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 7:19pm

Tablets occupy that awkward middle ground between a smart phone and a laptop, and I just can't see the day where they have a feature set that could make them viable. Before smart phones were available and laptops were huge, they seemed a better deal, but nowadays we've got so much power in our pockets that it just isn't a worthwhile form factor.

I'd like to say no...

dazfuller - January 7, 2011 @ 7:39pm

... but after playing around with a couple I can kinda see a place for one in the household.

not yet

David USA (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 9:25pm

They are still very much the new toy on the block. Maybe in a two or three years if I have a need, like when my laptop dies. Still, its weird not having a 'real keyboard'.

To be honest, I don't know what I need one for. I do need to buy a new(er) car - some dealerships are offering cash, an iPod, or iTouch when you buy from them; perhaps I'll have one sooner than I think. (still wont know why I 'need' it).

Pointless devices

Padfoot (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 9:37pm

No, never, tablets are pointless devices. They are just grossly oversized mobile phones (without the phone call ability) and they are grossly under-specced netbooks.

iPod Touch / iPhone sized devices are perfect for true mobile media / communication. Netbooks / laptops are the ideal mobile "full" computing devices.

Why would I want to carry around something so large that does exactly the same thing as a smart phone?

I can even carry an entire OS, apps, docs, games & music, fully bootable on most any computing device with a USB port, on a USB stick. And that makes the tiny USB stick much more powerful than any tablet.

The only reason I can see anyone needing a tablet is because "all my friends have one so it must make me cool......bbbaaaaaaaa!". Apple have really worked out how to capture the sheeple market.

:) Cheers.

NO.

Thr Gaffer (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 10:27pm

End of story...

Bazza...

Yes

Rhakios - January 7, 2011 @ 10:47pm

Just waiting for the right one to come along. I like to think I'm learning not to jump too quickly onto the latest techno-bandwagon. My HTC Desire was worth waiting for, the right tablet will be too.

No

Anonymous Penguin (not verified) - January 7, 2011 @ 11:53pm

Pandora

Jon Pritchard (not verified) - January 8, 2011 @ 12:13am

I preordered my Pandora envisioning using it for a multitude of things, which netbooks, tablets and ebook readers, all seem to be coming out now, to try and fill that need.

I still want my Pandora.

I've had the misfortune of using an iPad and I'm not enamoured with Android either. I do want a touch-screen phone, running MeeGo though (whenever that comes out).

I already have a tablet!

Cyberdog (not verified) - January 8, 2011 @ 1:35am

I have a Dell Streak on contract from O2... it's a baby tablet, I know (or a massive smartphone) but I can safely say that nothing CES has put out has caught my intrigue since 2.2 arrived on my Streak. For me, a 10 inch tablet is just inconvenient. I'd rather carry a laptop in those manbags that ipad owners like to wear. My tablet fits in my pocket.

And it runs Flash.

Not Yet.

zygmunt (not verified) - January 8, 2011 @ 8:38am

When the price, running cost, functionality, battery life and size is right I may re-consider. Can't be bothered carrying anything about that's not essential to life. What can you do sitting on a mountain top, in cloud and heavy rain with no connection and a flat battery!

No. Not Ever

labinnsw - January 8, 2011 @ 11:05am

I detest touch screen and no tablet does keyboards like laptops. Laptops do every thing I want and I can occasionally pick up run-out models at very affordable prices.

I cannot think of a single reason why I would want a tablet and a laptop, and that is the only way that I would consider it.

What will it replace

labinnsw - January 8, 2011 @ 11:12am

It cannot replace my phone - too big
It cannot replace my laptop - too small
It cannot replace my desktop - It isn't a desktop

Now if...

Ray Woods (not verified) - January 8, 2011 @ 1:18pm

Now if a tablet came with a fully working voice interface, to replace the missing keyboard, the may be. Until then my VAIO laptop still works well and I just cannot see the point.

The Tablet is a bit like the Cloud, a solution looking for a problem where there really isn't one.

I have a laptop, a desktop

nai (not verified) - January 8, 2011 @ 1:51pm

I have a laptop, a desktop and a smartphone I don't really see a need for a tablet on the list.

No

bobthebob1234 - January 8, 2011 @ 1:54pm

cos I have an awesome packard bell butterfly touch. Its much better than a tablet cos it is a tablet and laptop so is just awesome

They might not be around for long

Peter (not verified) - January 8, 2011 @ 4:01pm

Informed by my experience of trying to replace my broken 2 year old Ubuntu Dell Mini, I'm inclined to buy 2 Android devices quick before the entire market becomes full of Windows 8 ARM devices with a 30 day trial version of MS Office for ARM installed.

Already bought a tablet PC in 2010

Krister (not verified) - January 8, 2011 @ 4:33pm

I was intrigued when the iPad hype started - however in the end it just did not feel right so I ended up buying an HP TM2 tablet PC instead. Now I have a tablet as well as a good laptop in the same device.
One of the things I was considering when the iPad hype started was the reading aspect - i.e. having a device which I could use to read books a.s.o. Luckily I sobered up and bought a Kindle when the new version was launched and boy am I glad I did - super for reading books.
So instead of being locked into Apple I now have a laptop/tablet with full bells and whistles capable of playing HD movies, games and anything else I would like and if I want to read something I can pick up a linux powered beautiful device that feels even better to read from than a real book. So probably no gadget for me in 2011 - however should never say never as gadgets do have a certain charm. The Motorola Xoom seems interesting...

Nope!

Mohan Ram (not verified) - January 8, 2011 @ 6:16pm

I just bought one in November of 2010, so I won't be needing one this year. :)

No

Frostbite (not verified) - January 8, 2011 @ 6:26pm

I will NOT be buying any tablets. I have a laptop and a netbook and between the two all my computing needs are met. Tablets are definitely sexy, but right now it's an unnecessary expense for me. However, I do look forward to the improvements and advancements made in each new iteration of tablets!

@labinnsw

bananaoomarang (not verified) - January 8, 2011 @ 7:55pm

So it doesn't replace anything, making it a new addition to the family!

there are other options

jan (not verified) - January 8, 2011 @ 10:43pm

If ever I buy something this way it has to be like the smartbook from AlwaysInnovating.
Just a tablet is not enough.

YES!

Mr_Spock (not verified) - January 8, 2011 @ 11:10pm

I'm debating on a Samsung Galaxy or an iPad.

I normally hate Apple products, however I buy the Retro Gamer magazine, and a lot of retro remakes are out for the iPad like Spectrum emulators etc.

Tough call....

Active Camouflage

Anonymous Penguin (not verified) - January 9, 2011 @ 2:01am

I'm going to buy about 20 and attach them all to webcams, which I will attach to my body and make an active camouflage suit, with the webcams filming the scenery around me and displaying it on the tablets.

That is the only possible use I could have for them.

I just don't know

Huw - January 9, 2011 @ 9:12am

It's a tough one. I kind of want one, but if I buy one it will inevitably lead to me having to buy even more socks than I already do. I buy about twelve pairs a week and it's increasing. :(

Added to the family?

labinnsw - January 9, 2011 @ 9:19am

@bananaoomarang

It will be added to the family to do what exactly?

NO. Of course if I come

Lostados (not verified) - January 9, 2011 @ 12:58pm

NO. Of course if I come acroso one with Ubuntu installed, the I may consider...cc

nope

Alephcat (not verified) - January 9, 2011 @ 4:46pm

I will not be buying a tablet because I have several real computers 2 laptops an android smartphone and no spare money.

yes - notion ink adam

bird (not verified) - January 9, 2011 @ 9:42pm

excited about pixel xi screen and new start-up doing something interesting.

Darren

Anonymous Penguin (not verified) - January 10, 2011 @ 5:38am

No way only like Free Operating systems and companies that respect your Freedom. Apple doesn't.

only if you consider the dual screen acer a tablet.

ron johnson (not verified) - January 10, 2011 @ 7:59am

If the touch screen is better than the troubled windowz 7 touch ui then I will buy one. But the software keyboard has to function well. Touch typing has come a long way. I have yet to use a touch screen that could ever rival a simple keyboard. What is out in the world of linux with a software keyboard? I have an android phone and the touch is ok. I still prefer a slide out keyboard for typing. The ability of having a second screen for viewing and holding like a book to read as a "novel" idea.
,ron

It looks all nice and shiny...

Tarnus (not verified) - January 10, 2011 @ 8:00am

but no. Why? I don't see any reason to, but a lot of reasons against buying a tablet. I need a real keyboard to type and I'm perfectly capable of surfing the web comfortably with my Netbook which btw. is probably already more powerful then most upcoming tablets in the next 2-3 years will be. I don't intend to go back to a webbrowsingexperience from 10 years ago(and without a proper way of add-blocking, many websites are a pain to use).

Sometimes I just need a q&d bash-script for a certain purpose and I really don't want to wait till someone get's around to code an app that does something similar(and I really don't have the time to learn another programming language now, not considering all the problems that come from that).

It looks cool, may be nice to use, but it's just not capable of doing what I need it to do.

More Apple-inspired bleating

BobTheLinuxHacker (not verified) - January 10, 2011 @ 9:35am

Do I want/need a tablet? Definitely not.

I can't see any task that can't be achieved with either the cheap netbook or 'droid phone I already have.

No sir, Jobsco will get none of my hard-earned cash for their glorified eBook reader. On the other hand if someone was to do a cheap version of the Dell Inspiron Duo, then I'd be interested. Heck, the DID is cheaper than the iPad and I'd be willing to accept the shorter (?) battery life and increased weight, given that it's a far more capable device than the iPad for what I want. Oh, and the DID will happily dual boot Linux - can't do that with the locked-down iPad. :p

BTW Neil Munro - I too have Meego on my netbook (dual-boots with Ubuntu UNR) and I disagree - it's fine without a net connection. Okay you can't email or web-browse, (but that's common sense), but it's fine to do a bit of word processing etc.

What are they FOR!

UberPenguin (not verified) - January 10, 2011 @ 4:08pm

No - what are they for, what purpose do they meet?

They are certainly shiny, but they are portable devices that are too big to carry about without a bag.

They need an additional case to protect the lovely shiny screens, when a netbook comes with protection built in, and a keyboard for the the discerning command-line warrior to bash out keyboard shortcuts with.

Perhaps you could put the tablet face down on your lap as a tray so the netbook doesn't wobble?

Shiny toy for birthday = expensive coaster within a month.

Glen

But Why?

Bicko (not verified) - January 10, 2011 @ 5:52pm

I just don't see the need for me personally to buy one. I have a decent phone (running Android) which does everything I want and more, plus a netbook (running Mint) for when I need more LCD to look at.

Simples :)

Bicko.

No, in 17 syllables ...

UberPenguin (not verified) - January 10, 2011 @ 7:16pm

Android pad, pricy,
And with unknown purposes.
But very shiny.

MeeGo or Android yes!

Simon (not verified) - January 10, 2011 @ 10:20pm

I already own an iPad and use it for web browsing all the time but it's too locked down to use it for anything else. I want to be able to stream movies off my linux NAS, plug in USB mass storage devices, plug in a more open micro usb charger which I have tons of around the house.

Android Honeycomb looked really nice at CES but I also will give MeeGo a shot as it's more linux based with package managers, while Android uses its own Market and java based .apk packages even though they both use the linux kernel.

tablets

avoura - January 10, 2011 @ 10:48pm

I do buy tablets, usually for things like vitamins and other health supplements. Oh, you mean computer tablets. Well, I only just bought an HTC Desire Z with Android, and it works great, but I see no use currently for a tablet computer. I love my smartphone running Linux, and my netbook running Linux, at the moment a tablet computer is unnecessary.

I would consider buying one if it had a killer app or OS, based on Linux of course. Maybe a future version of Android or Ubuntu will make a tablet computer the ideal device to compete with the iPad (which seems too limited to be of any real use).

No, right now they're toys.

Hugh G. Rection (not verified) - January 11, 2011 @ 1:33am

No, right now they're toys. The big size isn't warranted over something smartphones already do better, and netbooks or laptops with their outdated keyboards are actually useful. I already have a kindle to read books.

I do not like sweet apple apps

Steve Jobs OpenSource Clone (not verified) - January 11, 2011 @ 4:37am

I do not like sweet apple apps

I do not like them Steve Job ads
I do not like glass keyboard pads

I would not like typing on a plane
I would not like typing on a train
I would not like typing once and twice
just because iWork won't place nice

I do not like phones that drop calls
I do not like laptops that can't take falls

I would not like it monogrammed
I would not like it manufactured in Japan
I would not like it in pink or blue
I would not like it even if Microsoft sued

I do not like sweet apple apps

I do not need a compass, a bowling game, or a $499 dollar yellow sticky pad
I do not need another fade
I do not need a docking clock, an air-port, or a mobile home
I just want them to make working phone

I do not like to power-book, or grab some air
I do not like closed software
I do not like my music touched or shuffled
I don't like the way Mp3 sounds muffled

No, I do not like sweet apple apps,

No, not on ipod, iphone, or ipad,

No, I'll just wait with my circle of friends
On another Mark Shuttleworth LTS gem

12 Reasons iPad Would Look Great in Your Hands!

The Real Steve Jobs (not verified) - January 11, 2011 @ 5:24am

1. It's expensive as hell.
2. It already has your name on the back, so we can't legally sell it to anyone but you - FRED! WILMA! OBAMA! GLEN BECK!
3. If you drop it you can always buy another at the same price!
4. It comes with an itune app, where you can continue to purchase tunes.
5. It comes with a apple store app, where you can continue to purchase movies.
6. It comes without accessories, so you can visit our online store and order them.
7. It comes without an extended warranty, which you will want since this is expensive as hell, so you can click on the store app and purchase.
8. It comes with 3G and Wifi, so you can subscribe to ATT's monthly data plan and pay every month while saving paper using your apple credit card and earn apple rewards which you can use to purchase your next ipad.
9. It comes with an irreplaceable battery. When it dies there is no need to replace it. Send us your old ipad when you purchase a new one and for a fee we will make sure it's not put in a landfill. In fact, we will use it to build a new one just for you and resell it as an ipad2 for the same low price of $499.
10. It comes with only apple parts and software. So, if you attempt to remove the cover it voids the warranty and you can ship it to our factory at your expense where we will restore your system for a fee and sell you a refurbished ipad with a new 2 year agreement with att.
11.Ipads are made by Apple to be beautiful. And we know windows products are ugly because they are built by the evil empire by a greedy monopoly called microsoft... its your duty to purchase from us so we can continue the good fight against Bill Vader.
12. Ipad's just work! - Making money - we have an app for that!

Re: I do not like sweet apple apps

BobTheLinuxHacker (not verified) - January 11, 2011 @ 9:58am

Hey Dr. Seuss is alive and well - and reads TuxRadar! :D

That posting gets my nomination for "forum posting of the week" award - it's just class.

One small criticism though, shouldn't "just because iWork won't place nice" be "just because iWork won't play nice"? (And "Steve Job" should be "Steve Jobs" in line 2)

Forgive me

Biff Barf (not verified) - January 11, 2011 @ 4:06pm

I just got an Ipod touch for Christmas. Sorry that I've joined the other dark side. But it is useful and fits in a shirt pocket easily. Kind of like having a dinky laptop.

Clerk

Anonymous Penguin (not verified) - January 11, 2011 @ 7:37pm

Only if it has no Mac or Windows OS and is not x86.

Only If...

Anonymous Penguin (not verified) - January 12, 2011 @ 11:35am

I love my Asus Eee 10somethingorother, which cost me £150 on ebay, runs Crunchbang and AuroraOS, rarely gives me problems, and looks quite as flashy as any shackled Apple product. The one disadvantage is that I can't safely put it on a music stand. When it dies I will see what the best available linux / android tablet is at the time...

I just don't see the point

Kevie (not verified) - January 12, 2011 @ 9:27pm

I think that the tablet format has been tried and failed a variety of times due to one major problem; we do not have a practical use for it other than a new gadget to show off.

It is not a replacement for a desktop computer or laptop, however a good netbook is smaller, costs half the price and does a lot more functions. With a netbook you are free to choose from an abundance of Linux distros or even build your own if that is your pleasure.

It may play video, music and display ebooks well but it is too big and costly to replace our day to day portable media devices, this is not an ideal fit in your pocket, unless you wear parachute pants. I think we need a defining use and selling point otherwise the ipad and all the others will die off and go down as an expensive gadget gathering dust in most peoples drawers and cupboards.

Even the some of my more privileged kids who have got their hands on one via wealthy parents are admitting that it seems a bit of a pointless toy, after the initial excitement it is now sitting on their bedside tables gathering dust. I personally don’t see where they fit in, not a PC replacement, netbooks are more cost effective and have more uses. Too big for media devices, I think they will vanish into obscurity within the next couple of years.

Keep up the great work on the show, it truly is a great podcast with entertainment for both the geek and non-geek alike.

ps if this gets read please pronounce my username kev-ee not kee-vee as before.

Tablet response/ love the show

Dscore - January 13, 2011 @ 3:09am

First off, i love the show. As soon as I get my own laptop I'm going to definitely put Linux on it. This show has sparked my interest in coding and operating systems. I'm planning on majoring in computer science now. This played a big role in that.

In regards to a tablet they seem a little awkward to me if you tried to type on it or any thing because it is flat. With a laptop you can adjust the screen but with a tablet you have to try and angle it the right way. Since I haven't actually used one I don't know for sure. It seems like it may be an issue though. Also android on tablets is good and I think that will help Linux spread even more :)

Keep up the good work!

Categorically not

Miko - January 13, 2011 @ 11:49am

No no no no no
Non Nyet Nine Nde Nee Mah nguh Yelem Lay Ez Nann Mhai Nahin
get the picture?

Maybe

haakin - January 13, 2011 @ 12:32pm

Hello,

It's very likely that I buy a table in the next two years if the number of electronic magazines increases. I do imagine myself reading an electronic version of SFX, Wired or Linux Format. And the iPad is a very good device to play old 2D adventures like Broken Sword or Monkey Island, which are my favourite games.

Javier

no

Anonymous Penguin (not verified) - January 14, 2011 @ 12:11am

i will wait for a good arm based laptop, from a serious vendor, and maybe an inproved debian/ubuntu/linux mint on arm chips.

One more thing

labinnsw - January 14, 2011 @ 12:33pm

Please bring back one more thing. The show cannot end properly without it.

Absolutely not

Barbara (not verified) - January 14, 2011 @ 12:41pm

This is the year I buy another laptop. With the increased workloads, I'm finding that 3 screens aren't enough sometimes, so 2 laptops + 2 external screens should fit the bill in terms of work flow while also being nice and quiet.

I already look at computer screens enough ... I don't feel that I *need* to be tethered to one 24/7.

Unlikely, but I'll look

JimG (not verified) - January 16, 2011 @ 8:10am

Unlikely, but I'll look again when ones with Meego start showing up. I have been spoiled by the freedom of Linux and don't care to deal with the business models of either Google or Apple's app stores.

I really have no need for

Pastor Jack Howell (not verified) - January 17, 2011 @ 12:14am

I really have no need for one.

I'll be buying a larger one.

Lennyg2006 (not verified) - January 19, 2011 @ 12:29pm

I have to admit that I already own a Dell Streak 5" and love it. However I would like to get a model with a larger screen. Since getting an MID/Tablet I rarely use either my PC or netbook. Android is pretty awesome too and just keeps getting better.

Not for me

Frustrated (not verified) - January 19, 2011 @ 2:22pm

I might have to resort to buying a new laptop if only to be able to dual book owing to the inability so far of being able to listen to audio books on an iPod.

My priority is audio books so until that is resolved then any spare cash will be reserved for now to meet that need

negative

asf_73 (not verified) - January 21, 2011 @ 2:46am

The closest I'll get to a tablet is the color Nook i just purchased. Great show fellas. You have a fan in NYC

Depends on the features (and price)

avoura - January 21, 2011 @ 12:41pm

If I ever buy a tablet depends on its features. It should have:
A linux-based OS, perhaps Ubuntu or Android 3.0+
Ethernet socket as well as wifi
Mobile internet (3G)
USB ports
Memory card socket
Good battery life
Screen not too glossy/reflective
Good on-screen keyboard
Ability to plug in a USB keyboard and mouse on the USB ports
HDMI output
Bluetooth
AMOLED or similar display