Thursday, June 11, 2009

The need for an Apple Tablet / Media Pad based on iPhone OS

A few months ago my girlfriend's mom bought a new iMac.  She has never used a computer in her life before, so my girlfriend and I had to teach everything - starting from how to use a mouse.  Perhaps the most difficult part was explaining the concept of multiple windows.  On top of that, modern OS and programs are often very complicated.  I re-configured and simplified a lot of tool bars in programs like Mail.  


Though the OS and interfaces we use on computers have evolved for computer users, I don't think it does a very good job of catering to the elderly and others that don't truly need all the functions and power.  

The iPhone OS, on the contrary, would do a very good job.  The concept of windows is not there; instead, one app at a time.  And only the most critical features are truly revealed to the user.  Now if we can just make a device based on this OS that's bigger.  

That would be perfect from someone like my girlfriend's mom.  She doesn't need a mouse and she doesn't need a keyboard.  

So what would be on this tablet / media pad device:
  • multi-touch screen with a home button
  • built in speakers
  • no keyboard - virtual keyboard will just slide up when you are in an area that requires text entry, just like the iPhone
  • wi-fi 
  • built-in-camera on the front and mic for video chatting
  • memory card slots to import photos from cameras

And to satisfy power users
  • Bluetooth and ability to connect with external Bluetooth keyboard
  • display output for presentations
That's all I can think of for now.  I'll add more when I think of them.

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