Why I Ditched My Tablet PC

Several people have posted comments, asking why I ditched my Tablet PC a couple of months ago. They were particularly interested since last June I purchased a tablet and enthusiastically endorsed it. In addition to the comments, several people emailed me about my experience. So, I have decided to address the issue publicly and put it to rest.

First, I am never fully satisfied with my current tools, whatever they are. I have a high need for variety and thrive on change. Initially, I tend to be enthusiastic and hopeful. Then the gadget loses its fascination and I resume my quest for “the holy technology grail.” So, you have to keep this in mind when you read my blog. Consider yourself warned.

Second, the tablet technology was more conspicuous that I had hoped. I am basically an introvert. (I know, that is hard for some people to believe. However, I have the psych tests to prove it!) I don't like a lot of attention. Every time I pulled out my tablet in a meeting, the new people in the room would “oh and ah” and start pummeling me with questions. (Admitedly, this may not be your experience. As the President of my company, I sometimes think that people feel obligated to take an interest in me. Regardless, it was more attention that I wanted.)

Third, I didn’t feel the tablet features were an improvement over traditional note-taking. Yes, I realize you can search your notes with blinding speed using almost any of the major note-taking applications. I tried Microsoft Journal, OneNote, GoBinder, and EverNote. However, I found that I rarely refer back to my notes. Instead, I take notes to focus my attention and organize my thoughts. I derive most of the value of taking notes while I am in the meeting itself. If there are items that need further attention or follow-up, I flag them. After the meeting, I enter those in Entourage. For those few times when I need to refer back to my notes, I can flip through my notebook pretty quickly. Could I do it faster on a tablet? Probably. But, for me, I found the convenience was offset by the investment of time and energy. Your mileage may vary.

Fourth, I just got frustrated with the Windows operating system. This is the crux of the matter. Ditching my tablet was not so much about the tablet as it was the operating system. I just got tired of fighting with Windows. I switched to the Mac. Previously, I wrote:

The best part of the Mac experience so far is that the technology simply works. I have yet to experience software conflicts, viruses and spyware infections, and endless tinkering and tweaking. Installing a printer, an Apple Airport Express, or some other peripheral is easy and painless. The bottom line is that I am simply spending more time getting real work done. And that’s what I was hoping for by making the switch.

Now, six weeks later, this is still my experience.

My intention here is not to disrespect the tablet or start a debate. I realize, my situation is unique. Perhaps even my experience was unique. Certainly you can find plenty of tablet enthusiasts on the Web. Many of them I count as friends. The tablet works for them, and I'm not arguing that they switch.

Technology is a highly personal thing. You need to find what works for you. After months of use, I found the tablet did not meet my needs. I may feel the same way about the Mac in six months, but, for right now, the Mac is still a joy to use and continues to exceed my expectations.