Apple changed the way we use our cell phones with its iPhone. While none of its features were themselves new, its ease-of-use and stylish appearance set the iPhone apart from its competition. It was not until manufacturers began releasing Android smart phones that Apple had any competition. But the smart device revolution was not over yet. Apple later released its highly successful iPad, which reintroduced the concept of a tablet the world.
The iPad has always featured a 9.7-inch screen; it was not until Android tablets were released that consumers had the option to choose tablets with differing screen sizes. A new question arose in the minds of users: What is the right size tablet for me?
Apple's 9.7-inch screen, while smaller than the screens found on laptops and notebooks, has been deemed to be amply-sized for media consumption and work-related tasks. Featuring a high screen resolution now common to all tablets, Apple showed that hand-held devices do not require the large screens typical of laptops.
Android tablet manufacturers have countered with several devices featuring 7-inch screens such as the Nook Color, the Amazon Kindle and the Samsung Galaxy Tab. The manufacturers of these devices claim that the 7-inch size is sufficient to replicate the so-called "iPad experience" while remaining more portable. Several Apple converts have argued that they use their new, smaller tablets more often and in more places than when they owned iPads. But it cannot be denied that the drop in screen dimensions is noticeable. Many have claimed that the added portability does not make up for the smaller size.
Recently, Samsung has introduced a new footprint for tablet devices. At 5.3 inches, the Galaxy Note straddles the size of smart phones and the size of tablets. While it is bigger than most think is appropriate for smart phones and smaller than most think is appropriate for tablets, many reviewers have stated that the size is an acceptable compromise that successfully captures both the portability of smart phones and the striking visual impact of tablets. While it remains to be seen if the Note will catch on, many experts have speculated that it may be indicative of future development.
The tablet market has been an unexpected development that has changed how we interact with media and the Internet. While it remains to be seen if one size will ultimately dominate, expect several new options to emerge.
