They're killing the PC...

[commodorejohn]

That's exactly what they want. Computer-as-disposable-appliance is what this has been about from day one.

[Iggy]

And I'm supposed to learn ways to be more productive without my keyboard?
OK...

Maybe, I'M dumb (or that idea is making me dumber by pondering it).

[bloodline]

Before this discussion continues, I want to point out that I'm not here to sell anyone on the touchscreen or the tablet computer. I hold my hand up and freely admit I'm not about to give up my keyboard and mouse any time soon.

In the world of the tablet I was quite late to the party, I liked the iPad but it was too big for my needs... It was the iPad Mini that got me interested... Now I have found I can design websites, write computer programs, make music, build PowerPoint/Keynote presentations and even work on my spreadsheets with ease on my little iPad mini... It has cellular data, so it's always on, all my data is with me when I want it.

It was cheaper than a laptop, it's lighter an thinner than a laptop, the battery life is matched only by a MacBook Air... I really like this new form factor, it changes the way I can work in mobile situations.

If you don't have such a mobile lifestyle, I can understand why you aren't so interested... But for me, this is now an integral part of my life.

[commodorejohn]

Dude, you were just telling us that we're dinosaurs who can't adapt. You don't get to play the "I'm not evangelizing!" card now.

[koaftder]

In the month that I've had my MacBook Air, I have hardly touched my iPad. I can't imagine doing any of the things Bloodline says he does on an iPad. Even simple things, like typing in an essay are a complete pain in the ass on the iPad, bluetooth keyboard or not. The only things I found the iPad good for was as an e-book reader for PDFs, general web browsing, reading email, playing the occasional game, etc. Now that I have a notebook that gets 8 hours on a bad day, and 16 on a good day, I have no motivation to even mess with the tablet.

[Iggy]

And its not like I am not mobile.
Its just a matter of how mobile.

And right now that is a 14" iBook and a small 10" laptop.

In fact, the ARM device in my house isn't mobile, its hooked permanently to the television.

[bloodline]

Dude, you were just telling us that we're dinosaurs who can't adapt. You don't get to play the "I'm not evangelizing!" card now.

The people who refuse to accept that technology has moved on are dinosaurs... I'm actually one of those dinosaurs too! There are people now who find the mouse as archaic as I used to find the keyboard... Think about it

[commodorejohn]

The people who refuse to accept that technology has moved on are dinosaurs...

Why? Because some random yahoo says so? Who is this ultimate Arbiter of Technology? How did they come by their authority? What are their qualifications?

[ElPolloDiabl]

There is either an on screen keyboard or you can attach one. A little slower, but functional. Just a matter of preference.

[commodorejohn]

There is either an on screen keyboard or you can attach one. A little slower, but functional. Just a matter of preference.

Functional, yes. Convenient, no. Touchscreen keyboards are ass compared to real keyboards - even the good touchscreen keyboards. And plug-in/Bluetooth keyboards for tablets may work, but then you have to get a folding case to hold the tablet in a workable position, at which point it's basically a [strike]poor[/strike] foolish man's laptop.

[Iggy]

The people who refuse to accept that technology has moved on are dinosaurs... I'm actually one of those dinosaurs too! There are people now who find the mouse as archaic as I used to find the keyboard... Think about it

Actually, I was using touch screen hardware in the late '70s and am amazed it has made a come back.
I'm rather attached to my mouse.
Although, if I could still get one, I'd switch back to the thumb driven track ball I used to clip on the side of my first laptop.

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

Why? Because some random yahoo says so? Who is this ultimate Arbiter of Technology? How did they come by their authority? What are their qualifications?

Russian proverb:  New is first enemy of old.

[Marmes]

That's evolution.
You will only do what big industry names say you should do. Can't you see that you now have a lot of choices? People that use keyboards or mouses are not dinossaurs, nor people that use touchscreen devices are up to date. That's what marketing in big industries want you to think. Marketing is here to make you think if you don't have their products or use their latest technology, you are obsolete and you will get behind or disapear. Why do keyboards and mouses are still selling? You can choose whatever makes you happy or more productive. No one is making no one to move to touch devices or tablet things, you can use them if you want! If technology exhists, why shouldn't we use it? Is is mandatory that we use it? NO! I love my wired keyboard, my 24" display and my wired mouse! I also love my android phone, my laptop and my android tablet.
This discussion  has no sense.

[Kesa]

While we are talking about trackballs can someone tell me why they never took off? I have been using a logitech trackman for at least 6-7 years and think they are the best invention ever! How someone prefer a mouse over a trackball i just don't know.

[commodorejohn]

That's evolution.
You will only do what big industry names say you should do. Can't you see that you now have a lot of choices? People that use keyboards or mouses are not dinossaurs, nor people that use touchscreen devices are up to date. That's what marketing in big industries want you to think. Marketing is here to make you think if you don't have their products or use their latest technology, you are obsolete and you will get behind or disapear.

You said it, man.

While we are talking about trackballs can someone  tell me why they never took off? I have been using a logitech trackman  for at least 6-7 years and think they are the best invention ever! How  someone prefer a mouse over a trackball i just don't know.

I prefer a mouse for desktop use, but the trackball was far and away the best solution for a laptop pointing device. I think they lost out because everybody fetishizes thinness so much, but man, I'd totally buy a 3"-thick laptop if it just had a trackball in it.

[Delta]

Sorry for not believing but I have yet to see someone who design websites and code software with a tablet using only fingers.

If you say you take pre-made PHP templates and join them together like a puzzle and add pictures I believe you and if you use pre-made code and fit it to make some sort of app I also believe you.

But hard coding and design from scratch on a Ipad-like device?   Please show me because if this is real I am really a dinosaur.