Building My Slate Computer Feature Matrix-- Sorry iPad, no USB, no Jim Bucks

I’m serious about my next computer-- which will be a slate device.

I’ve committed my “fun money”-- actually a small savings account I have at an offshore credit union (it’s on the other side of the Colorado and Mississippi Rivers and on the far shore of Long Island Sound) to its acquisition in the coming nine months and I’ve prepared a feature matrix I feel this illusory device must support.

How serious am I about my next computer?

Well, This is the first time I’ve ever built a feature matrix to help me make a purchase decision.

The importance of those features are a sign of the times and show how different my computing needs today than they were just two years ago.

First off, my slate computer will be used largely for one purpose-- collecting field information (i.e reporting) for a book. My research will take me to the edges of river courses in northern and southern California so screen brightness and physical screen real estate are important points. “Durability” is also very high on my list and I can’t imagine not buying a rubber or hard plastic case for my slate computer.

Connectivity capabilities are first-tier “must haves” on my feature support matrix. Wi-FI and access to Cell-based connectivity are givens.

Whether or not I’ll sign a new contract with my current cell-provider to gain access to a discounted tablet device with cell-based network connectivity is one of the gray boxes in my matrix. I still have difficulty convincing myself true persistent connectivity is worth the several hundred dollars it will add to my yearly cell phone budget. But the idea of using a tablet as a communications and content plus note taking platform is so compelling, it’s shaping my purchase decision.

And one of the branches in my decision tree is the availability of pay as you go daily wireless connectivity and it just so happens that Verizon has a day- pass option for access to its cell network and has good wireless signal saturation in the area of Northern California where my book will be researched).

I’ve thought a lot about buying an Apple iPad, however I’ve balked because the peripherals I think I need add more than $100 to its “just-buy-it and-start using it approach to technology.” the really good news about iPad is Apple’s establishment of a basic price point. But the reason It’s not going to buy one is because it lacks the basic USB connectivity I need to use it as a tool to write my book. Also, it’s base station and keyboard left me disappointed.

There’s little doubt in my mind Asian PC makers will start selling equivalent Android-based hardware for several hundred dollars less than Apple’s basic iPad, and that such devices will have better basic feature sets (more memory, top-line Wifi, and access to less expensive peripherals via basic USB connectivity).

So until those devices appear early next year, I’ll just keeping on never saving my days-end lose change in my super secret off-shore savings account in Manhasset, Long Island, and keep refining my purchase decision feature matrix

But, next year, in case you‘re one of several hundred thousand people a year who visit the California Gold Country. I’ll be the guy in a loud patriotically tie-dyed shirt, sitting in front of a flat river worn boulder interviewing rugged looking contemporary natural resource explorers using a slate computer and a digital recorder to record their stories of successes, failures and adventures, streamside, in the alluvial fields adjacent to the Yuba, American, Consumnes, and Bear Rivers.

I stilll haven’t disclosed what my book will be about, but if you know just a smidgen about California history. I just telegraphed its subject.

Trick or Treat!--Jim Forbes on 10/31/2010.