31st
I would actually call them computing appliances rather than computers. A computer is general purpose machine that can be instructed by the user to run a user defined workflow process (sometimes called a program). My dishwasher has a computer in it. The appliance wrapper removes me a layer away from the computer. The same is true with the iPad.
Cue dozens of people screaming bloody murder: “THE IPAD IS NOT A PC!!!!!!!”
Cue millions of the rest of us laughing at those people.
Just as with the move from desktops to laptops, the transition to tablets (or “pads” as Canalys humorously refers to them) is underway.
“But, but, but… it doesn’t have a keyboard!” Yes it does.
“But, but, but… it doesn’t have a physical keyboard!” How’s that argument working out for RIM?
“But, but, but… it doesn’t run PC software!” Who gives a shit? Clearly not the people buying millions of the devices each quarter.
All you need to know about the “is the iPad a PC?” argument: are people buying them instead of traditional PCs? Sure looks like it.
Update: Including two tweets (at Anthony Ha’s request):
Lot of response there (as expected). Main point: arguing over definition of “PC” is stupid and totally missing the actual point.
— MG Siegler (@parislemon) January 31, 2012“PC” is about how people use and interact with computers, not what it looks like. Who cares what it looks like?
— MG Siegler (@parislemon) January 31, 2012My $0.02: Of course iPads are computers. Those people who say otherwise probably have not spent more than an hour using an iPad.
But, what’s scary about this milestone is the rate at which people are buying computers that do not come with root access. And getting root will void your warranty (!). I’m certain in a couple years Apple won’t sell any computers that come with root, and then what will we all really own?
