There was a time when we wanted everything to be smaller. We seem to be going in the other direction lately of wanting bigger. I am seeing a convergence of technologies occurring. It all comes down to convenience. Desktop computing is converging with portability.
Desktops evolved to laptops, and many laptops shrunk to netbooks. Mobile devices got smart and now we want bigger displays (iPhone 6 Plus / Galaxy S6). There is a convergence occurring with wanting the convenience of quickly accessing a touch screen tablet, yet enough horsepower and versatility to run common desktop applications.
Several manufacturers have jumped into the game and attempted to solve this demand. Intel has managed to do it well with their 2-in-1’s that already exist in the marketplace. As described in a prior article, these “convertible” devices can be used as laptop/notebooks, propped up like a tent for everyone to see, used as a tablet/pad, or as a display.
These also support the much anticipated Windows 10 operating system. Windows 10 allows you to run traditional desktop programs and also easily switch between tablet and laptop modes. Cortana virtual assistant is available, much like Apple’s Siri, bringing yet another mobile convenience to this versatile device. It is familiar, clean, and easy to understand with many new features that support portable computing.
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Back in 2008 we rolled out 120 HP notebooks that also twist and fold up to create a tablet.
You had to use the supplied stylus with them for touch control.
The big draw back was the nipple mouse available on the keyboard that easily detached, no touch pad.
Everyone was losing the little nipple so losing mouse control.
It felt like this hybrid device was trying to be two things but wasn’t brilliant at either.
Fingers crossed the tech has improved since then
2 in 1’s are definitely a good idea for this portable computing “issue”, but I think there’s a sweet spot that needs to be hit when it comes to dimensions and horsepower. It’s pointless to have a powerful phone if you can’t see anything on it, I think 5″ – 5.5″ is perfect for phones and phablets.