Originally Posted by JayOnThaBeat

That's how the jesus got so big.......

Originally Posted by n9ots

Seems to me that any sort of technology can be used as a tool if you try hard enough.

Originally Posted by bergie

Opinions? They talk about Apple's tablet, but I guess the same criticism applies to NITs too

Originally Posted by lma

The criticism is valid for laptop/netbook-sized tablets - if you're going to carry something of that size and weight it might as well have a keyboard. There's a reason this device class failed universally the first time around.

Portability. Consider today’s ubiquitous information device—the book. We have the technology to manufacture 5000-page desk-sized tomes, but despite the high information content, such books are rare. The reason is simply that they can’t be carried around. As people increasingly expect information on demand, portability will become ever more critical. Today, people can talk to anyone on the planet by reaching into a pocket; tomorrow’s information device must be just as accessible. Like a wallet and keys, the computer will be dropped into the pocket or purse before leaving the house.** Ideally, it will even supplant both wallet and keys. This implies light weight and small volume.

Readability. Consider again the book. We have the technology to produce books smaller than a business card, but despite the improved portability, such books are also rare. The supremely-portable postage-stamp-sized book is non-existent. The catch: Although technology miniaturizes, the human eyespan remains a fundamental constant. In order to compete with the book, tomorrow’s information device must provide a book-sized surface area. Anything less cannot be read and skimmed comfortably, and cannot support spatially-distributed information graphics.

Originally Posted by tso

i find the "pocket or purse" bit somewhat interesting.

while its not stated, the gender difference is very much implied...