"Apple Tablet is a Train Wreck"

[GeneL]

Thanks for your thoughts, guitarist.

I had imagined my friend using a tablet on-site, kind of like a “magic slate,” which would give him the capacity to create more complex designs for potential customers and to get their reaction to his ideas with more immediacy. This. I thought, would save him time and effort producing something that didn't hit the client's target, cut down on “do overs” and give him a quicker way to gauge his client's hot buttons.

Also, I felt that a tablet would be more like a ”new toy“ and enable my friend to see a computer in a different light, allowing him to get past his computer “phobia.”

Oh well! It doesn't seem likely that a reasonably priced Apple tablet is in the cards for now.

[guitarist]

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!

[GeneL]

guitarist, I know that it takes patience and hands on involvement to get many folks off and running on computer, but based on my experience, it is possible at almost any age.

Of course, using a Mac makes the process easier.

I guess that my mental picture about skilled sketcher being able to easily pick up using a tablet was wishful thinking.

I'd still like to give it a try with the seldom used Wacom tablet that I have attached to my MacPro. I bought it because I like toys, but I'm afraid that I just don't have the drawing skills that my friend does. I did get a drawing app called Scribbles to use with the tablet and it seemed to be pretty easy to master for someone with good sketching ability.

We'll see what happens if my friend ever comes out for a visit.

Thanks again for your thoughts, guitarist.

GeneL

[Speedy]

I'm hoping for an iLiver.