One of this year’s big stories remains the commencement of a huge number of tablet computers hoping to compete with the Apple iPad. One recent announcement looks very attractive: Hewlett-Packard will soon be announcing or showing the much awaited webOS tablet based on Palm Pre phone technology.
The Palm Pre and its innovative operating system or OS were huge hits when announced but quickly withered away due to various delays and missteps by the now defunct Palm. Many believe that the webOS operating system is perfect for tablets, and it does look attractive.
The main problem to address will be price. I believe that any real competition for the iPad has to combine excellent features with a low price point to succeed. For example the excellent Samsung Galaxy Tab reviewed here recently could be a sensation if priced around $200 or lower, but remains too expensive at its current various price points. The first company to combine power, portability and low price will win this fight. Until then the iPad will dominate.
n Near-field communication is a term that you will be hearing much more about this year. Generally it refers to a wireless system that works up close, around 4 inches currently.
Its main attraction is the possibility of using cell phones and other devices to make payments wirelessly at retailers. As you might imagine, this offers a large incentive for merchants as it would make paying for any item with a cell phone very simple.