I’ve often found the terminology used to describe portable computers as quite funny – laptops are more often used on desks (but the name ‘desktop’ has already been taken by hulking great devices that frequently sit underneath desks – go figure), notebooks don’t resemble ‘notes’ or ‘books’ at all, and netbooks similarly lack any ‘bookish’ quality.
For many people, the greatest hurdle to get over when using technology is that it just isn’t intuitive – turn on any device and many absolute beginners still don’t know where to start – no doubt why Microsoft in 1995 chose to label a button ’start’ to give people an idea of what to do next.
With multi-touch technologies, things have got slightly easier – if you’re not sure what to do, give something on the screen or surface a prod, and something invariably happens.
For most people, the transition to using technology happens because they are looking to do something they already do, but in a more productive way. For this reason, the post throughout the week on Gizmodo caught my eye, as I’m always interested in new devices/interfaces to help people get the most out of technology. It turns out Microsoft have been working in secret on a ‘booklet’, and for almost the first time ever, I’m looking at a device that actually warrants that term. It looks just like a book, but with all the advantages of digital connectivity.
What do you think? Is this something that learners or those fearful of embracing technology could easily make use of? I’ll await pricing/specifications with interest.
