Noteslate Tablet Display

Feb 15, 2011

Noteslate

New gadgets get tech nerds like me excited. Most designers love new technology too. So much so that there are devices sprouting up almost on a weekly/monthly basis that are aimed to help deliver simpler lives with new “techy” ways. When I first heard about the new Noteslate tablet device, I couldn’t help but shake my head though. Noteslate is a yet-to-be-released device meant to provide an intuitive way to interact with paper; it features a simple 13-inch matte monochrome display with three front-facing buttons. It’s primary use? I expect note taking.

Planned to be released during the Summer of 2011, the creators further explain that this device is for those who “don’t want to be overwhelmed with technology”. Now I’m usually not one to disparage new products without using them first, but does the world really need another tablet device? Not only that, a tablet device that is meant to only replicate a sheet of paper?

But Why Compare

One of the sections listed on Noteslate’s site is a comparison matrix of how Noteslate stacks up against other “competitors” with the Apple iPad and the Amazon Kindle. I see what they’re trying to do here, by highlighting the other devices “drawbacks” such as display size, overwhelming features and higher prices, they’re marketing Noteslate as a minimalist’s dream come true. But what I’m still trying to understand is how this device has any advantage over carrying your notebook, sketchbook or Moleskin. All of these are lighter in weight and don’t run on batteries. In my mind, what makes the iPad and Kindle different and more important are how they successfully make their “real-world” counterparts better and easier to use. For instance, with an iPad I can use it as a replacement to my laptop, newspaper subscription or TV. The same goes for the Kindle, the big advantage being I don’t have to carry multiple books around and also having a screen that can be read virtually anywhere (bright sun, big deal).

With the Noteslate though, I can only hope it writes any better than those signature displays at cash registers everywhere. Or let’s not forget the pre-iPad days when Pocket PC’s were still the hot item. I don’t know anyone who had a good experience writing with the stylus pen. Noteslate will probably behave better than what I’ve listed here (hopefully), but there’s no way imaginable it will function and look better than real, actual handwriting or sketching.

Aesthetics

I’ll admit, it looks pretty damn cool — but this screams novelty to me. I’m all for simplifying and blending “old-world” items with new technology, but can we please do it where it makes more sense? As harsh as it sounds, I can’t help but feel this is just a glorified Magna Doodle, except aimed for adults to play with.

Noteslate

Link: Noteslate Tablet →

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