Can Tablets outperform Netbooks in 2010?

In the last two years, netbooks had made substantial growth in the PC market and begun to take market share away from laptops possibly due to their featherweight designs and low prices. But, the devices lack key features like optical drive, have reduced specification and computing power.

In contrast, Tablet PCs offer an edge over netbooks with its touchscreen and use of digital pen or a fingertip, instead of a keyboard or mouse. Recently, Apple had ignited the tablet market by announcing its entry in the segment. It is reported that ASUS, Dell, Samsung are also planning to introduce their tablet PC by the next year. Therefore, consumers can soon expect small touch-screen tablets from all major PC vendors.

But, the question is will tablets kill netbooks and e-readers in 2010?

At present, Tablet PCs have a bad reputation. It is due to Microsoft's unclear vision for the devices, which resulted in higher cost, slower input speed, unpleasant pen-based tablets, and risk for screen and hinge damage to users. The Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system lacks power.

But, after the introduction of several new mobile operating systems and cheaper components, the next generation of tablet PCs can outshine Netbooks in near future. The new Tablet PCs will have following new features that will make the devices to intersect other markets.

Now, use finger instead of pen

After the success of iPhone and other touchscreen mobiles, it is understood that actually touching the screen is far more appealing than using stylus, which requires different UI and software up gradation that Microsoft unwilling to do till Windows 7.

Due to the introduction of Swype technology and new mobile operating systems, the touch technology will make all the difference in the next generation Tablets.

Mobile phone operating systems

The new Tablet PCs will be powered by various mobile OSs like iPhone OS, Android etc, instead of Microsoft’s Windows. These operating systems will provide adequate software compatibility to the Tablet devices for accepting human touch and will make them cheaper, faster and more ultraportable than before.
Tablets or Big mobile phones

It is assumed that the next generation Tablets will be touch phones with large screen, therefore cheaper to build. Further, due to lesser-powered processors, small RAM, free operating system and smaller screens, the cost for manufacturing them will be similar to the netbooks i.e., cheap.

Applications and connectivity

Similar to the cell phone apps stores, Apple will certainly pour large number of applications to its touch tablets. Further, various other vendors will also join the race to encash the growing opportunity of apps platform.
Meanwhile, when tablets will be sold like Smartphones, then the connectivity feature will come in-built. Hence, consumers can carry the tablets like their mobile phones.

HD video and e-book concept

At present, people are watching internet TV rather than using the conventional one. Therefore, they require a cheap, high-quality tablet which will provide High Definition video on the move. Further, the Tablet PCs can be used as e-Book reader; hence, it will be a good option against Amazon Kindle or Sony PRS range.