Awhile back, I posted my thoughts on tablets, and mentioned the Microsoft Courier, link at bottom. This device seemed like an amazing idea, but was sadly cancelled by Microsoft while still in prototyping. Yesterday, I visited the all new Microsoft Store at MOA and was surprised to find a Toshiba Libretto, link at bottom. Similar to the Courier, it has two screens and seems like a book often. Unfortunately, it tried to be a Windows 7 computer, and simply was not able to do so well.
So I've been thinking about what a true student tablet would have, and both of these devices factor in. Two screens is a must in my mind, along with a good operating system and pen functionality. Taking notes, sketching, and in general find control are incredibly vital. Second, manufacturers must avoid the biggest mistake being made: making tablets use platforms not meant for a tablet.
Windows 7, iOS, and Android have all been criticized for the fact that they do not work well on tablets. Instead of trying to adapt them for a tablet, companies should be looking for purely tablet operating systems. Built on Linux possibly, but handcrafted for a tablet. The Courier OS was an example of such an idea, using a classic, clean, and stylish aesthetic to great effect. With the right execution, this could make it great.
And last of all, size. The Kno tablet is awesome, but ridiculously large (link at bottom.) At 14 inches PER SCREEN, the thing has ridiculous heft. It's features like taking notes and electronic textbooks are brilliant, but would work far better in screens sized around 8-11 inches each.
Overall, if a major manufacturer is smart, they'll do this. If Microsoft decides to act soon, showing off something at CES 11 or another event, they could take the computing world by storm, while impressing students and professionals.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/microsofts-courier-digital-journal-exclusive-pictures-and-de/
http://us.toshiba.com/computers/laptops/libretto
