Tablet Fever
Tablet can be defined in simple terms as a one piece mobile computer. It is a touchscreen device which can be operated using a finger or a touch pen called stylus. It has a virtual keyboard. Tablets come in various sizes.
In 1972 came a proposal by the name of DYNA BOOK. This Dyna book was an educational device meant for children of different ages. This device was similar to laptop which could also be used by adults but the main targets were children. Dyna book was the start of the Tablet.
Tablet computing device has two different types of operating systems:
- Traditional Tablet PC
- Post PC Tablet
Traditional Tablet PC:
Tablet PC is a portable personal computer with touch screen, primary input device & a modified desktop. As compared to modern Tablet PC’s it has a physical keyboard. Traditional Tablet PC’s are based on X86 PC architecture. They generally need a stylus to operate.
Post PC Tablets:
Post PC Tablets are a mobile device which can be detached from the desktop & taken anywhere for use. It is quite different from a PC in terms of interface, operating system processor & application. Post PC Tablets represent the new type of computing systems. Post PC tablets are normally finger driven devices which are used frequently for capacitive touch screen or multi touch. Most Tablets were released in mid-2010 & use ARM architecture version. They have longer battery life. This version is also used in other portable equipment’s like MP3 Player & smart phones especially with the introduction of the ARM cortex family. This architecture is powerful enough for tasks such as internet browsing, light production work & mobile games.
Touch Screen interface:
One of the key components of a tablet is the touch screen. It has a virtual keyboard which allows the device to be operated by touching the finger on the screen. Tablet computer can also be used through a device called STYLUS. It is a pen shaped device through which we can also write on the screen. Its operating system can only be operated by touching the screen.
Touch Screen Hardware:
Touch screen are of two types –
- Resistive Touch screen: Resistive touch screens are passive and can handle high level of pressure. They allow high level of precision. Stylus or fingernail is used for high resolution detection in resistive touch screen.
- Capacitive Touch Screen: Capacitive touch screens tend to be less accurate. They are more responsive in comparison to resistive screen because they need conductive material like- fingertip to operate. A stylus cannot be used in capacitive touch screen.
Form Factor: Tablet computers come in various sizes. The size of a traditional tablet pc is similar to that of a laptop. While new generation tablet computers have a smaller size. New generation tablets use RISC (ARM. OR MIPS) CPU.
Booklet: Booklet computer is a double touch screen device foldable like a book. It is designed for use as digital day planner, project planner, displaying video line TV – recording, internet surfing and playing music.
Tablet computers come in different forms and have different features .Because of its easy to carry and use functionality it is a hit amongst youngsters and businessmen.
