Invasion of tablets

Remember how often do you argue with your friends just because it was impossible to get online and check out who's right. Have to say the usual formula: "When I'm at the computer and see." In these words there is something humiliating. They just show who belongs to whom, when little people will be able to fall at this altar of superhuman power and the torch of knowledge. Of course, not talking about the fact that this was a sacred object, where I prefer. I must come back to where it is located, and to do all befitting the occasion of the ceremonies. Now it's finally over. Brave new world. In the XXI century, major manufacturers have tried one way or another howl-Tu in a niche tablet - from HP was a series of Tablet PC with a swivel screen, HTC and Nokia were the model with 5-inch screens and finger control, Samsung has released the 2006 notebook Q1 c 7 - inch touch screen and an external keyboard in a leather case. However, none of these devices has revolutionized the market and did not continue. Something was missing. What changed in 2010? It seems that time. The notorious "marketing genius" Apple chief Steve Jobs is not only and not so much to convince the public that it necessarily need to buy a new product his company, how to accurately predict when it will it really necessary - and even a little earlier than she will understand. When January 27, 2010 was the official presentation of the tablet iPad, web filled with commentary in the spirit: "Who needs this iPhone-overgrown?". While techies relished the technical flaws and imperfections of the new device (design from Apple, as always, was flawless), and the theorist and promoter of free software Eben Moglin uttered fiery speech ("You know that the iPad decides for you, for what Websites you go? They want them to have everything well. It reminds me of the Soviet Union - there is too it was only proper, no pornography »), iPad made his triumphant on the planet, selling tens of thousands of copies, even in countries where He was not formally delivered - for example, in Russia. Six months later, when the Presidium of the General Council of "United Russia" decided to hold a meeting "without papers", only four of its members brought with them the usual laptops, and not iPad. The Internet is not out of the socket. What good is iPad? Even if we assume that its popularity is the trend of fashion, why it appeared now? The concept of a Tablet PC, submitted by Steve Jobs, "met" just three devices to flourish in recent years. First, there was a "broadening" the idea of ​​a smartphone - a minicomputer, which "is always with you." It should not be put on the table and wait for the boot: you can pull out of his pocket on the move, turn and push of a button, two or three times poking his finger into the screen to find the necessary information (email, text, map of the area) and thrust back into his pocket . Second, the "reader" for electronic books. Separate dedicated devices for this purpose is still not very popular in Russia because of high prices and lack of direct communication with the store. After all, the U.S. Amazon Kindle has revolutionized the industry book sales after its owners have the opportunity to download books directly to the device, but still do not pay with your Internet service provider (the cost of traffic included in the price of the book). Third, the tablet - a full-fledged laptop, from extremely popular netbooks featuring mainly input device - touch screen instead of keyboard and mouse. This is the next step after a netbook in the realization of the fact that the personal computer has become, in the first place, the device for connection to the Internet. All other basic functions: job with mail, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, images, music and video playback, even many of the games - today does not require special software. All this can be done through a browser. The concept of "Internet access" is also not associated with a seat in the telephone wall socket or - at the same time developing, overlapping, multiple mobile technologies. EDGE/3G network is almost everywhere, free WiFi is available in cafes, airports, and everywhere - in the center of a number of major European cities such as Paris, London and Barcelona. In the back they breathe and push each other's elbows WiMax network and LTE. Of course, familiar to us desktop computers and software applications will continue to exist - as tools for professionals. For most ordinary users, they will soon become an anachronism. Since everyone has a hammer and pliers at home, but few people in the head to keep the apartment the lathe. In the 70s of the XX century was a computer room, cluttered with metal cabinets. In the 90s - a metal box under the table. In the XXI century personal computer will look like a tablet with a touchscreen. He already looks so. Where to look. After the release of announcements of new iPad tablet fell one after the other. Reminiscent of the "parade of sovereignties" republics of the Soviet Union in 1990: every major manufacturer of computer equipment was simply obliged to announce the development of its own plate, not to look reactionary. In addition, in the next revolutionary change in the shape computer saw his chance dozens of little-known companies. As a result, the market is currently reigns delightful confusion, to understand that a person who chooses to purchase a tablet computer, it is very difficult. By and large there is a war between the two operating systems, which is trying to wedge a third party. First, iOS - the operating system on plates Apple iPad, continuing iPhone OS. Its disadvantages are associated with a large number of constraints (single task, lack of support for Flash), but in the framework established by the developers are done just fine. Second, Android - the operating system from Google. Conceived as a major competitor in the iPhone OS and its result was the complete opposite. This is a completely open and thriving with dozens of system modifications and thousands of free apps for all occasions. Its main drawback is that the system itself, and all its applications are constantly in the process of finalization. However, many people believe this and dignity. Thirdly, another desperate attempt by Microsoft to gain a foothold in the market for almost missed - Windows 7 for mobile devices. As far as she can be successful too early to say: tablet under its control very little. What other properties are important for Russian buyers: 1. Released if the tablet on the market. The Internet is full of descriptions of devices that have been announced, but for various reasons have not yet received even in production. Announcement to what the manufacturer does not bind: the development of a new device can be folded at any stage, even if it is fully ready for release. 2. Sales in Russia. In Russia officially sold until only one tablet - Archos PCTablet. Official sales of iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab should begin in October, but things are out there. However, the rapidly expanding supply of "gray" devices. Some of the plates (especially for small producers who do not have their own distribution networks) can be ordered by mail or through Internet auctions. However, in view of Russian realities, be prepared to wait up to six months. 3. Size. The plates are divided into two types: "the bag" (screen size 10.9 inches) and "a large pocket of his cloak" (7 inches). At first, the "best seen", the latter is more convenient to hold in one hand. The choice depends on which features are more commonly used, such as for electronic books diagonal 7 inches is the norm, but to complete the work, say, a spreadsheet that can be enough. 4. Types of wireless communications. There are many options. The only thing that unites all the plates, - the presence of the module WiFi. For Russian users are likely to be important as the presence of the module GSM/3G. Do not be over Bluetooth, to connect your wireless headset to talk (by mobile phone or Skype) or listening to music. Wimax and LTE modules in tablets so far rare. 5. Battery life. Here, apart from the competition until the iPad - ten hours. In practice, in a modern city can be enough, and five or six. Less is inappropriate and makes the life of the owner of such a device in a continuous search for free outlets. 6. USB-host. The main carrier of information - a flash drive with USB-connector. Inability to connect to a PC would be a serious drawback. It is strange that for many manufacturers it is not obvious. 7. Weight. This option - in fact the derivative of the screen size and battery capacity. Keep in mind that objects weighing about a kilogram for a long time to hold with one hand is tedious. However, for others it can become a pleasant substitute exercises with dumbbells. 8. The operating system. Another feature of the market tablet - not only the complete absence of explicit monopoly, but even the possibility of becoming. This is a happy property they inherited from their smartphones. There are currently three leading operating systems, but their number or composition may change at any time. 9. The manufacturer. Tablet PC - a very young market. The emergence of new forms and continued globalization of world economy has led to the quality of the product an unknown company can in no way different from the big brands. For example, the Russian company communicators Highscreen Vobis collected at the same factories in China, Foxconn, that and the iPhone. Of the existing reputations of current is only negative, if known company produces different laptops, it does not mean it as a tablet nothing. But if its production takes first place in the "black lists" of service centers (Acer and Rover), then to their new products should be approached with caution.