To say that the tablet has been on a rollercoaster journey over its lifespan would be something of an understatement. This type of computer was written off by some quarters when it first hit the mainstream market, while some lauded it as one of the biggest advancements in computers.
Suffice to say, sales of the iPad have proven that tablets certainly made it and while some have suggested that mobile phones might make them obsolete for younger generations, this appears to be some time away.
For now, we can focus on how tablets have transformed day-to-day life. Whether it’s at home on the sofa, or devices using Aegex Technologies in a hazardous environment – they’ve made life a lot more convenient.
Now, we’ll take a look at some of the major milestones of this device to highlight its progress in-detail.
It (really) started with the iPad
If you were to delve into the history books, you might find that the first tablet was the Dynabook back in the late 60s.
While technicalities might suggest this is true, the tablet craze really began with the iPad launch in 2010. This was the game-changer, and while sceptics may have suggested otherwise upon its launch, it has created a platform for other brands to well and truly capitalize from the public’s new-found interest in tablet computers.
One year later…
Before other brands really jumped on board, Apple were quick to launch the iPad 2 in 2011. In short, this was a fine-tuned version of the above, with a faster and thinner device appealing even more to the scores of fans that had bought into tablets.
Samsung joined the race
We all know about the races between Apple and Samsung. In fact, on some occasions, they end up in the courts.
It wasn’t surprising in 2011 when Samsung decided to release a tablet of their own, with the Galaxy Tab 8.9 hitting the markets. Sure, some might point to 2010 when the Galaxy 7.0 was released – but the 8.9 was the first serious competition that made the Apple v Samsung tablet question linger over a lot of people’s minds.
And then came Google
Google has been trying for years to squeeze onto the tablet scene, and the Nexus 7 in 2012 was their first advance. This was a budget offering, on a 7-inch screen, and while it didn’t touch the iPad in terms of its technical abilities, it again provided another option to the user and opened up the tablet market some more.
The fact that Google beat Apple in the race to the 7-inch screen was quite a milestone as well. It prompted Apple to release its Mini offering a year later, which tells its own story.
Scratching the Surface…
We’ll conclude our milestones with Microsoft. Historically one of the pioneers of tech, it would be fair to say that it wasn’t until 2012 when they got serious about tablets with their Surface product.
The product was effectively 2-in-1, allowing a keyboard to also act as a cover. Many suggest that the first Surface was a complete flop – but at the same time, it has paved the way for the 2-in-1 market, which is now hugely popular.