Tablet computer

A tablet computer, or a tablet, is a mobile computer, larger than a mobile phone or personal digital assistant, integrated into a flat touch screen and primarily operated by touching the screen rather than using a physical keyboard. It often uses an onscreen virtual keyboard, a passive stylus pen, or a digital pen.^[1][2][3] The term may also apply to a variety of form factors that differ in position of the screen with respect to a keyboard. The standard form of tablet does not have an integrated keyboard but may be connected to one with a wireless link or a USB port. Convertible notebook computers have an integrated keyboard that can be hidden by a swivel joint or slide joint, exposing only the screen for touch operation. Hybrids have a detachable keyboard so that the touch screen can be used as a stand-alone tablet. Booklets include dual-touchscreens, and can be used as a notebook by displaying a virtual keyboard in one of them.
Early examples of the information tablet concept originated in the 19th and 20th centuries mainly as prototypes and concept ideas; prominently, Alan Kay's Dynabook of 1968. The first commercial portable electronic devices based on the concept appeared at the end of the 20th century. During the 2000s Microsoft attempted a relatively unsuccessful product line with Microsoft Tablet PC, which carved a niche market at hospitals and outdoor businesses.

In 2010, Apple released the iPad, which used the operating system and touch screen technology similar to that used in their iPhone and became the first mobile computer tablet to achieve worldwide commercial success. This has sparked a new market for tablet computers and a variety of other manufacturers have produced versions of their own including Samsung, HTC, Motorola, RIM, Sony, Amazon, HP, Microsoft, Archos and many others. Competing tablets use a variety of operating systems, although the main contenders are iOS (Apple), Android (Google), Windows (Microsoft) and QNX (RIM).
In 2012 31% of U.S. Internet users were reported to have a tablet, which was used mainly for consuming published content such as video and news. ^[4]
Typical functions of tablet computers in 2012 are:

• Wireless mobile browser functions (using 2G,3G,4G or WiFi)
• E-mail and social media devices (typically with integration apps to bring all feeds into the same view)
• Potential cell phone functions (Messaging, video calling, speakerphone or headset cellphone uses)
• GPS satellite navigation
• Stills and video camera functions, photo and video viewing and editing
• E-book reading (including electronic versions of periodicals)
• Downloadable apps (games, education, utilities)
• Portable media player function
• Weigh around one or two pounds (0.5 - 1 kilogram)
• Battery life of three to twelve hours depending on usage pattern.

source: www.wikipedia.com