For my Ma', I'd recomend a tablet over a laptop, as all she does is email and very very basic web browsing (such as getting cinema times and the online banking and a tiny bit of googling).
I think a Chromebook is slightly _too_ simple, but something than can run Apps such as an iPad would be perfect, and she'll be able to do things so much easier.
( G/PP 💩💩💩💩💩&#128, Mon 10 Oct 2011, 9:05, archived)

Well I have several desktops and several old laptops.
I don't really need another "proper computer"
But I'd like a tablet for doing some light work when I'm not at my desk.
My dad got a tablet for like £60 it's very light, and works fine for him, I might get something similarly cheap.
( MONO!, Mon 10 Oct 2011, 9:07, archived)

Was it one of those generic asian android tablets? What are they like? I like the look of them, but am dubious.
That's the thing with a tablet, they fill a niche that a laptop and desktop can't do. I can use one easily on the tube or toilet, with it's instant boot-up, it means you can use it standing up or quickly switch it on if you want almost instant access to specific data.

It's proper scifi stuff, these tablets, I remember when Samsaug demonstrated against Apple's patents to say the idea has been around for ages such as in 2001: Space Oddisy, they're also featured quite hevely in Star Trek.
( G/PP 💩💩💩💩💩&#128, Mon 10 Oct 2011, 9:11, archived)

I haven't had a good play with it yet, but he seems to like it.
To be honest I was amazed at the weight of the thing mostly, it's like holding nothing.
( MONO!, Mon 10 Oct 2011, 9:13, archived)

b3ta.com/talk/7342688
( RocketSurgeon is pretending he's still young, Mon 10 Oct 2011, 9:13, archived)

I'll find out what it is from my dad and let you know if you like.

( MONO!, Mon 10 Oct 2011, 9:13, archived)

Sweet

( G/PP 💩💩💩💩💩&#128, Mon 10 Oct 2011, 9:16, archived)

yeah I'd worry about the ecosystem lock side of things
but a flash capable table for £200 is kinda getting to a "disposable" cost, for what they are, like the new kindle is at £89.

Maybe this is finally where a TOTALLY non-technical internet experience is coming from. It seems amazing that there is still no mass market cheap way to be online hassle free for literally everyone. Maybe this could be it.

Not an iPad "killer" by any means, but a 10" version might be. I think the way Amazon have built and moved their brand value is amazing, more so that Apple.
( RocketSurgeon is pretending he's still young, Mon 10 Oct 2011, 9:09, archived)

Yeah', totally agree.
The idea of making a loss (or evens) on hardware and making a fortune by locking down the consumed media on it, is an amazing buisnes model. Consoles have been doing that for years, as to release on one you need to pay dues to the manufacturer....but it's never to this level.

It's proven now, with many thanks to AppStore, that selling media so cheaply that people won't think much about paying a quid or soo for it, works well. That microtransitions are far better not only the ovbouse way, but also the fact that more people have the product equates to a really cheap methord or advertising too.
( G/PP 💩💩💩💩💩&#128, Mon 10 Oct 2011, 9:16, archived)

Also 7" is suddenly average-womens-handbag size, so that form factor does have an advantage.
Amazon want it to replicate where a book would go, and a 10" tablet is no longer smaller than a book (except in depth), but more magazine size.
( G/PP 💩💩💩💩💩&#128, Mon 10 Oct 2011, 9:17, archived)

I found it interesting that e-ink displays were deemed acceptable
I'd have thought that people would have just not been willing to deal with an etch-a-sketch for a screen, despite the benefits. Glad it wasn't the case. As and when that technology can be used on a real tablet, vast changes ahoy then.
( RocketSurgeon is pretending he's still young, Mon 10 Oct 2011, 9:19, archived)

As a cheap device to replicate just pure B&W paper, they're quite good, and the power concumption (no power used unless changing) is quite interesting.
The Kindle is an amazing device, I've never heard someone say they don't love their kindle. When the colour generations come up, then it'll be able to replicate magazines, which will be a big difference. Only thing is though, can they produce colour e-ink at a lower cost than LCD ? That'll be the big game-changer if they can.
( G/PP 💩💩💩💩💩&#128, Mon 10 Oct 2011, 9:22, archived)