Abstract
In the course of their development, tablet computers were supposed to become alternatives to notebooks and PCs. Their development was hindered by the deficiencies of software. The evolution of these technologies was revitalized in 2010 after several important changes in the design of these tools. At present, manufactures of these devices attempt to consider the diverse needs of clients who may differ in terms of income level and education.
Introduction
This paper is aimed at discussing the development of such a technology as the tablet computer. In particular, it is necessary to apply such a concept as social construction to the evolution of these products. This tool is helpful for describing the way in which information technologies can transform with time passing. This form of analysis is important because it throws light on the influence of users on the development of products. Moreover, this approach helps a person make predictions about the future of emerging technologies.
Overall, tablet computer can be described as a mobile computer which incorporates a battery, circuitry and a display. Moreover, they are nowadays equipped with touchscreens, microphones, cameras, and other accessories. The concept of a tablet computer has been introduced several decades ago, but it was implemented only in the late nineties. Such devices were supposed to provide an alternative to personal computers and notebooks.
Much emphasis was placed on the portability of these technologies. Yet, the early products did not enjoy significant demand in the market. These technologies became popular approximately less than five years ago. In particular, 2010 was a breakthrough year in the history of tablet computers because at that time the very concept was profoundly innovated. This background information is important for describing the evolution of tablet computers and their future development. These are the questions should be examined in greater detail.
The introduction of the technology
When this technology was first introduced, it did not attract much attention of the public. One should bear in mind that the early tablet computers were run by operating systems that were oriented toward the use of the mouse and keyboard (Griffey, 2012, p. 8). Therefore, they were not very convenient since buyers often needed to use a stylus, and this restriction resulted in many inconveniences. Furthermore, these devices were rather expensive, especially in comparison with conventional notebooks (Griffey, 2012, p. 8).
These limitations prevented the users from purchasing these technologies, and their development was hindered. In turn, the adoption of the touchscreen can be viewed as the main trademark in the development of these technologies since their benefits became much more noticeable to a variety of users. Overall, scholars argue that the introduction of new products can bring significant changes into the lifestyles of people (Baym, 2013, p. 36; Bijker 1997).
Nowadays, many users have an opportunity to manage multimedia content with greater ease. Moreover, they have many opportunities for the communication on the Internet. So, they do not have to be dependent on PCs or laptops. This is one of the impacts that can be distinguished. Nevertheless, one should remember that users can also shape the development of technologies can be driven by the users (Bijker, 1997). In particular, the manufacturers can make significant modification in the design of products in order to respond to the customers’ concerns.
For example, the adoption of touchscreens is critical for improving the usability of such devices. Similarly, the development of software also reflects the major needs of buyers. So, the community can shape the construction of various technologies and influence the design choices of manufacturers.
On the whole, consumers, who adopted this technology, could have various educational and professional backgrounds. Furthermore, they may represent different age groups. Overall, it is possible to argue that they are relatively young middle-class people aged between 16 and 35. These people believed that such devices could help them with a variety of needs such as entertainment, communication, education, search for information and so forth (Griffey, 2012). Moreover, they believed that such products could be an effective alternative to personal computers. Furthermore, such tools helped them improve their workplace performance (Anderson, Schwager, & Kerns, 2006, p. 429). They often improve time management in organizations. This is another detail that should be taken into account.
Nevertheless, there were people who did not adopt this technology. These people believed that personal computers or notebook were much more effective. Moreover, in some cases, they did not see the tangible benefits of applying tablet computers. In their turn, manufacturers attempt to improve the usability of such devices in effort to attract potential clients. These are the main details that should be considered. Additionally, it is vital to remember that some people did not adopt these technologies because they could not afford them.
This argument is particularly relevant if one speaks about people living in developing countries. Moreover, the residents of rural areas are less likely to adopt this technology (Pew Research Center, 2013). This trend can be observed in various countries. Secondly, some groups of people did not have much time to use tablet computers. For instance, one can mention single parents.
So, one argue that the failure to adopt this technology can be attributed to various factors which are related to people’s values, purchasing power, immediate social environment, education, and employment. These are the main factors that can be singled out. On the whole, producers attempt to create products that are perceived as the most optimal ratio of price and quality. This is the main goal that they try to attain.
It is possible to argue that different social groups could have interpreted these technologies in different ways. For example, teenagers and young adults regard table computers as an inseparable part of their daily experiences. These devices are important for these people because they enable users to manage and share multimedia. In many cases, they are a vital means of communication. So, these individuals may prefer to tablet computers to other information technologies such as laptops.
In contrast, some people use tablet computers only at the time they do not have access to personal computers or notebook. To some degree, this difference can be explained by the fact some people are more accustomed to the use of technologies that preceded tablet computers. In contrast, modern children are prompted to apply tablet computers during their studies (Couse & Chen 2010). So, this difference in attitudes should not be disregarded by researchers as well as business administrators who examine the evolution of technologies.
At present, the manufacturers of table computers lay stress on such criteria as display size, weight, storage capacity, battery life, and so forth. So, they try to improve the technological characteristics of such devices. Moreover, they concentrate on the development of software for these devices because the existing applications should reflect the diverse needs of clients and their lifestyles.
In this way, companies can better gain the loyalty of customers and gain competitive edge over the major rivals. On the whole, it is possible to say that tablet computers occupy an important niche in the information technologies market. Many people own both tablet computers and notebooks. These are some of the main trends that should not be overlooked by the manufacturers of these devices or similar products.
Future patterns
Currently, it is rather difficult to make predictions about the future development of tablet computers. Nevertheless, there are several frameworks can be useful for analyzing the development of various technologies. For example, one can speak about Rogers’ theory of innovation. According to this model, consumers can be divided into several groups such as “innovators, early adopters, early majority, later majority and laggards” (Diffusion of Innovation Theory, 2013). Innovators are the individuals who are willing to experiment with new technologies (Diffusion of Innovation Theory, 2013).
In contrast, laggards are people who are reluctant to accept innovations. This theory implies that people do not adopt technologies simultaneously. Some of consumers can do it only at the time when they see that a certain product has already been fully tested and proven to be useful (Diffusion of Innovation Theory, 2013). Therefore, this theory implies that in the future, tablet computers can become even more widespread. Nevertheless, one should keep in mind that the development of technologies is not fully predictable because a new product or an invention can profoundly change this industry and influence the demand for tablet computers.
Currently, table computers have very high-rates of adoption. For example, in the United States, 34 percent of adults aged above 18 own tablet computers in 2013 (Pew Research Center, 2013, p. 2). In contrast, in 2010, only two percent owned such a device (Pew Research Center, 2013, p. 2). The demand for these products is even higher among adolescents or even children.
So, these statistical data suggests that tablet computers are not likely to fall out of use during the next two or three decades. Nonetheless, one should remember that this market can be changed profoundly by a single innovation that will change performance standards that manufacturers will need to reach in the future. Thus, tablet computers may also become obsolete.
Thus, one can argue that the market for tablet computers will grow. It seems that this technology can be adopted even more widely in the future. It should be kept in mind that the software that runs tablet computes becomes more elaborate and it can better suit the needs of learners. Moreover, these devices are closely linked with social media which also become more popular. These are the main projections that can be made.
Conclusion
On the whole, this discussion indicates that the development of a technology can be shaped by the expectations that people set. These expectations are related to such aspects as pricing, usability, and design. In turn, businesses have to consider that their customers may have a different set of attitudes toward technologies. In their turn, the introduction of new technologies can profoundly change the lifestyles of many people. Currently, the adoption of tablet computers increases, and this trend is likely to persist in the future because a greater number of people will see the benefits of using these technologies. Nonetheless, the development of this industry may be shaped by a breakthrough product, and such events cannot be disregarded. These are the main arguments that can be put forward.
Reference List
Anderson, J., Schwager, P., & Kerns, R. L. (2006). The drivers for acceptance of tablet PCs by faculty in a college of business. Journal of Information Systems Education, 17(4), 429-440.
Baym, N. (2013). Making new media make sense. Web.
Bijker, W. (1997). Of Bicycles, Bakelites, and Bulbs. Boston, MA:MIT Press.
Couse, L., & Chen, D. (2010). A Tablet Computer for Young Children? Exploring Its Viability for Early Childhood Education. Journal Of Research On Technology In Education (International Society For Technology In Education), 43(1), 75-98.
Diffusion of Innovation Theory. (2013). Web.
Griffey, J. (2012). The rise of the tablet. Library Technology Reports, 48(3), 7-13.
Pew Research Center. (2013). Tablet Ownership 2013. Web.