Why Are iPads and HP Slates Called ‘Tablets’?

The term 'tablets' has a rich history, spanning centuries and across multiple industries. The evolution of devices known as 'tablets' has much to do with their design, ease of use, and how they have been marketed over time. Let's delve into the etymology and the reasons why devices like the iPad and HP Slate are referred to as 'tablets' today.

Form Factor: Flat and Portable

Often, tablets are described as having a 'form factor' reminiscent of traditional writing tablets or slates. This flat and rectangular design makes the devices highly portable, allowing users to carry them easily. Whether you are using the device at home, in the office, or on the go, the tablet's lightweight and compact nature offers a flexible and convenient user experience. This ease of handling and portability aligns with the traditional concept of a writing tablet, making the term 'tablet' a fitting description for these modern devices.

Touch Interface: Direct Interaction

Tablets primarily use a touchscreen interface, allowing users to interact directly with the display. This direct touch interaction is similar to the way one might write or draw on a physical writing tablet. Unlike traditional keyboards or mice, the touchscreen feature enables a more intuitive and natural way of interacting with content, much like how ancient scribes would write on wax tablets or modern artists would sketch on paper.

Functionality: A Mix of Laptops and Smartphones

Tablets have evolved to combine the best features of both laptops and smartphones. They offer the computing capabilities and browsing experiences of a laptop, but with greater portability and user-friendly designs. Unlike traditional laptops, which can be cumbersome and heavy, tablets are lightweight and can be used in various settings without the need for a separate table or desk. Additionally, tablets offer advanced features such as gaming, productivity tools, and multimedia functions, making them versatile devices for a wide range of users.

The Evolution of Tablet Devices

The historical roots of the term 'tablet' can be traced back to ancient times. In antiquity, a tablet was essentially a flat slab, similar to modern tablets like iPads. However, the term was later co-opted by the pharmaceutical industry, which used it for different purposes, adding yet another layer of complexity to the term's usage.

The first actual electronic tablet, the Apple Newton MessagePad, was released in 1993. Although Apple used the term 'pad' in their naming, the media began to use the term 'tablet,' drawing inspiration from the concept of ancient clay tablets and paper pads. The media's usage of 'tablet' to describe the Apple Newton MessagePad was initially different from how other manufacturers referred to their devices. For instance, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) like the Palm Pilot used different terminology, and the media distinguished them as 'Palm-sized computers' rather than 'tablets.'

The term 'tablet' became more mainstream when Apple released the iPad. Before the iPad's release, it was rumored to be called the 'iTablet,' evoking the previous 'Tablet PC' from Microsoft. The worry was that even Steve Jobs couldn't avoid the humor associated with 'Pad' jokes. Yet, the term 'tablet' stuck, not just for non-iPad devices but also for the iPad itself. The media and consumers embraced the term, making it a part of the collective subconscious.

Conclusion

In summary, the term 'tablet' for devices like the iPad and HP Slate reflects their historical and evolutionary connections to writing tablets and slates. The convenience, portability, and touch interface of these devices make the term 'tablet' a fitting and meaningful description. From ancient times to the present, the term has evolved and adapted, capturing the spirit of these versatile and innovative devices.