5 ideas of what to call the iPad and its competitors

The iPad is an interesting device that has undoubtedly created a domino effect among competitors

. Apple's main competitors are rushing to strike while the iron is hot during this "iPad era" to give Apple a run for its money in the tablet category.

Devices similar to the iPad from competitors such as the HP Slate or the group of 5 Archos internet tablets that will soon be released are popping up all over the place. The iPad will be in good company.

A recent dilemma has come up in the computing world with what exactly to refer to the iPad as. It's true that an iPod is an mp3 player, an iPhone is a smartphone, but what is the proper terminology for an iPad? These devices aren't tablet computers due to the fact that they are underpowered. They certainly aren't what one would refer to as a netbook they neither look nor operate like a netbook. They are larger and more functional than PDAs. Finally, they are simultaneously better and worse than smartphones.

This article suggests five new possible ways of referring to the iPad and similar devices.

Is it appropriate to call it an internet tablet? Perhaps. The devices come in a tablet-like shape. Also, they do indeed access the internet. However, it's possible that this name is too restrictive because the device does more than just access the internet and the name internet tablet makes one assume that it is an internet only product.

What about calling it a touch screen tablet? Most tablets have touch screens, so this name could be acceptable. Once again, the devices come in a tablet-like shape. Overall, the touch screen tablet name seems to fit. One thing to consider is that referring to them as a touch screen tablet makes them sound like some sort of virtual notebook that is written in like a paper notebook rather than a computing device.

Does Android tablet seem like a good name? Sure, if the tablet is based on the Android operating system. Many tablets run on Android, so this name suits them. But what if they run Windows or PalmOS or iOS? That is why the name Android tablet isn't quite what we're looking for.

Okay, so is it a web tablet? The same reasons for and against this name come up like with internet tablet. Web tablet describes the shape the device comes in and it recognizes the main function of it, but it is too restrictive in nature.

So shall we simply call it a tablet? It is indeed a tablet (the shape) so why not simply call it that? This name can cover a wide range of devices with that general shape and doesn't leave anything out within the category. On the flip side, it is possible that this name is far too generalized and includes too many remotely related tech gadgets.

Back to square one!

5 ideas of what to call the iPad and its competitors

By: Wayne Hemrick

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