Truth be told, even in it's new consumer-friendly guise I have a feeling I'll find a WinMo-based device more useful than the iPad for my work use if it comes in a similar 8-10 inch screen form factor.
For my media uses, it's more debatable with Zune functionality bringing such a device to a par with the iPad, but the likelihood is that for actually portable media consumption use, I'll stick with a separate iPhone-sized PMP/Phone.
I know MS is committed to Tablets in full Windows format, but what about the iPad-style device? Unless there are Microsofties hanging out here with inside knowledge I guess it's all speculation, but I thought I'd invite speculation.
Discussion about
What's the likelihood of an iPad form factor machine?
I think I may have mentioned this as a possibility on the latest podcast (which goes up soon). I don't think we'll see anything right away -- MSFT is being very strict about the specs for devices running Win Phone 7 -- but I wouldn't be surprised if we see tablet-sized devices running this OS at some point.
I think its quite possible given MS has (actually) given a lot of thought to there new mobile OS. I'm sure the flexibility is there, and the Zune and dare I say XBOX experience could be fantastic. Time will tell, but I bet if the iPad takes off with a bang, we could see some 5+ inch Windows Tablet 7 Series devices shortly after.
Let's hope they're not fatally crippled by each maker's determination to personalise them at all costs.
I don't think we'll see tablet sized Windows Phone 7 Series devices at any point in the future, for the simple reason that Microsoft will not want to fragment the developer base. Microsoft has very compelling developer programs, through Silverlight and .NET, and it's becoming increasingly clear that they are working hard to attract third party programmers. One of the ways they are doing this is with carefully crafted specifications, common features that all Windows 7 Phone Series devices will possess. Microsoft is limiting the form factors and variety of features their partners can use because they do not want to compromise cross hardware program compatibility, a problem that has begun to consume Android's fragmented ecosystem. If Microsoft allows the production of tablets, it will shatter it's developer base and fragment it's market. As awesome as a tablet would be, I don't think it would happen.
Engadget has more or less states that the long rumored MS Courier will be that device. "we're told the Courier is built on Tegra 2 and runs on the same OS as the Zune HD, Pink, and Windows Mobile 7 Series, which we're taking to mean Windows CE 6."
www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/microsofts-courier-dig...
www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/microsofts-courier-dig...
