Why tablet fails, again

Hi frens,

From time to time, we see people complaining about iPad doesn’t have macOS, productivity software, or doesn’t replace Mac. It doesn’t fit our expectations, or too slow.

Steve Jobs famously stated that PCs (including Mac) would be like trucks. A decade later, lots of people are still using PCs, i.e. driving trucks, which sounds unbelievable.

In a meeting or conference room, I often find myself the only person using a tablet, while others using a notebook.

Why iPad (or tablet) promised to be the next computing platform but fail?

In my retrospective opinion, it’s the form factor that wins and builds the ecosystem, not the other way around.

The tablet can’t win because we already have the notebook. The netbook (remember EeePC?) became a fad because everyone wanted it to be a notebook. Even the second note-taking software revolution driven by Notion assumed that people continue to use web browser on notebook.

Paradigm shifts are rare. Business is driven by revenue and profitability, so tablets are here to stay—not just iPads or Android tablets, but also Windows tablet mode. Although they may only be used by a minority, they continue to exist.

I initially viewed the notebook as a compromised form factor, with poor ergonomics and cost-effective specs, but it has become mainstream. Many hoped the iPad would replace the Mac, but Apple has no intention of making that shift. Instead, they focus on expanding the MacBook’s share in the notebook market because it’s performing well enough.

Love being the minority of using the iPad. Just like the Mac still is.

Your friend,

Denken