08-01-2009, 02:50 PM
Gene, it is a magical sort of idea. I agree. I sometimes daydream of a sort of Disney version of this magic slate, a functioning tablet that could provide this fantasy experience. I think it's a long way from reality.
I read somewhere that if you are under 50, and being introduced to computers, you still have a shot at adapting and enjoying the benefits of the new technology. If you're over 60, forget it, most likely it's too late. Many people past 60 won't even use an ATM, much less a laptop or desktop computer.
There are lots of exceptions, of course. My father-in-law is about 79 (he's Japanese) and he uses his Sony laptop to browse news sites and stay informed. It's cool to watch a guy that age operate a computer.
Unfortunately, even the most advanced drawing software, and image editing software, or the most elegant, it far, far more complicated and potentially frustrating than simply sketching and revising using traditional media. It would make the "do-over" process far more time consuming. The learning curve, figuring out how to 'save', where to store which revised version, none of it works as well as simple tracing paper, erasers, and pencils. This is one area that portable computers aren't magical enough yet. I hope they will be someday!
I read somewhere that if you are under 50, and being introduced to computers, you still have a shot at adapting and enjoying the benefits of the new technology. If you're over 60, forget it, most likely it's too late. Many people past 60 won't even use an ATM, much less a laptop or desktop computer.
There are lots of exceptions, of course. My father-in-law is about 79 (he's Japanese) and he uses his Sony laptop to browse news sites and stay informed. It's cool to watch a guy that age operate a computer.
Unfortunately, even the most advanced drawing software, and image editing software, or the most elegant, it far, far more complicated and potentially frustrating than simply sketching and revising using traditional media. It would make the "do-over" process far more time consuming. The learning curve, figuring out how to 'save', where to store which revised version, none of it works as well as simple tracing paper, erasers, and pencils. This is one area that portable computers aren't magical enough yet. I hope they will be someday!