I think “slates” are sneaking back into the market in full swing, although they’re coming in the form not of desktop replacements, but as phones and secondary devices–like the iPhone.

And I agree that the OS has to make sense for me and the device. I too am leary of Linux variants. I will say though that if the implementation is really good, I might try it out.

However, we tableteers tend to be a dedicated lot. In my case, I’m using two tablets and planning to purchase a third – and there are quite a few folks like myself who enjoy the fantastic flexibility such tools offer. I’m closer to mainstream thought in terms of continued existence of slate and convertible tablets – I believe they will remain as a niche market.

An interesting development is the new Lenovo Thinkpad workstation laptop – it has a Wacom “patch” to the right of the trackpad – might be a sign of things to come.

I use my tablets for both business and pleasure and therefore, the idea of a “shrunken” offbeat OS doesn’t work for me. No Linux for me, thanks, I must have maximum compatibility and for now that means full XP or Vista. Naturally, because of that, I’m at a steeper price point than I’d like to be . . . But that’s where I’m staying.

Keep up the good work on your blog, very enjoyable !