People keep sending me video of the Microsoft table PC. It’s a computer that looks like a table. The demonstrations in the video show it doing amazing things like pulling pictures from a digital camera simply by placing the camera on the coffee table.
While the demonstration is impressive, the purpose for such a device is not clear. It would be great for an entertainment device but the dazzle would wear off quickly as soon as the user needed a keyboard with hard buttons so they could touch type.
I have a hard time visualizing the day when we HelpMeRick.com gets questions like, “Should I turn my coffee table off at night or leave it on all the time?” We will have to say stuff like, “Please do not install Norton or Vista on your coffee table.”
I think that the coffee table PC is essentially an iPod Touch without any of the practical applications, such as the ability to carry it in your pocket.
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This thing would probably be a great home entertainment control center/home server. It allegedly has wireless/bluetooth capability, so you could use a wireless keyboard.
One suggested use for this device is for hotel & bank lobbies. I remember Taco Bell trying a touch-screen ordering system 10-15 years ago. That didn’t seem to take hold for their customers. I still remember the sexy computer voice asking “Would you like to add sour cream?”