Desperately clawing to the notion that more is less in the post-PC era (we never tire of saying that), Intel wants to kind of have its cake, eat it, and make you pay for it. Maybe someone can explain why I would want a hybrid tablet/laptop when maybe, just maybe, I need a tablet with a keyboard, or not.
Does anyone who comes up with this stuff actually stop to think before they go to market? We have yet to produce one computing product that is a hybrid anything. And here is the simplest reason for that: simplcity.
We want to get simplicity, that’s why we like our smartphones and our tablets. They are simple. They start-up. They do certain things really well. They have apps to do things in a very clear cut way.
Why would I want to have a laptop/tablet hybrid when I am desperately trying to get away from having a laptop or a desktop; I want to be freed of the hassle of bloated Windows systems and expensive Intel hardware.
You want to know what makes a great CPU ad? Try the one below for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon.
Don’t take my word for it. First, Forbes’ sober assessment of what went down with the Haswell launch.
“…the 15-watt, dual-core Core i5 and Core i7 destined for Ultrabook-class laptops and hybrids. These are enticing products, because they promise at least as much performance as existing Ivy Bridge Ultrabooks (or the latest MacBook Air), while drawing 5-watts less power and lasting 50 percent longer on a charge — potentially enough to last a full working day. But the Core i5 version costs $342, while the Core i7 soars to $454. And those are just the bulk prices offered to manufacturers who then need to cost out the rest of the PC.” Forbes, June 4, 2013.
Now, how they reported the launch while being spoonfed the party line:
“In addition to Haswell processors and Windows 8.1, another element that may boost demand for PCs is that Intel is raising the bar on the ultrabook specs. To qualify as an ultrabook, new hardware will have to include a touchscreen display, and wireless display capabilities. Intel also expects greater battery life for the next generation of ultrabooks, and requires ultrabooks to come equipped with a microphone so they’re ready to work with voice command tools.” Forbes, June 3, 2013
So, price, form factor, declining PC market, post-PC era (got that phrase in one last time)…. it all screams, “Bullcrap!” There is no hybrid market. There is only inertia holding the laptop business together according to Intel’s product roadmap.
