What is a Tablet PC

Since the introduction of the Apple iPad the consumer has moved toward adopting the concept of Tablet computing. A PC is a Personal Computer. A Tablet is a particular form factor. This would lead us to conclude that a Tablet PC is a particular  type of personal computer, but in what form or what is a Tablet PC?
A tablet is typically used to refer to an object that you can hold in your hands. Other forms of computers normally require the user to sit at a desk like a 'Desktop' computer or sit in a chair like a 'Laptop' computer. However a 'Tablet' is more of a portable device unlike the portability of a laptop, a tablet can be used while it is mobile.

The size of a tablet is currently someplace from 7 inches to 10 inches measured diagonally. We my certainly see larger tablets and smaller tablets. The upper limit will probaby remain below 12 inches but you never know what someone may try to do with the technology. The lower limit will also be pressed but as they get below 5 inches it will begin to raise the question as to weather it is a tablet or not. Is an iPod Touch a tablet? You could call it a tablet and then you could also call an iPod or Zune a tablet but they are really not part of the form factor or function.

Tablet PC Function:
A Tablet PC typically uses the screen as the primary input with either a stylus or touchscreen. A Tablet PC is different from an eReader or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) because you can control the operating system and software on a Tablet PC. Tablet PC's bring with them the potential of limitless functionality with the addition of custom software unlike an eReader or PDA.
There are many additional features available on Tablet PC's from Cameras, Global Positioning Sensors (GPS) and Wifi or cellular connectivity. The market is only just beginning to accessorize Tablets. We are beginning to see add-on devices for blood pressure or blood sugar and other types of instruments.
You should now begin to see that a Tablet PC is a mobile use computer with a variety of uses and in a variety of sizes. A Tablet PC is above all a personal hand held computer intended to be used by an indivdual for any number of things from reading email to developing a web site.

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