Tablet PCs: Finally getting traction?

Dell says on its Direct2Dell blog that it will launch a Tablet PC after a few years of what could be called a no confidence vote by not entering the market. Ken Fisher at ArsTechnica sings the praises of his Tablet PC. And increasingly mainstream techies out of the healthcare industry and other verticals can be seen using Tablet PCs.

What's next long lines and midnight store openings for the latest UMPC?

For those of us, who have watched the Tablet PC develop for a while this newfound momentum is a bit surprising. When the Tablet PC launched it was another device without a market. Once Microsoft and PC makers got it right--and it took a few years--things are looking up.

Go figure.

The big problem is price. Tablet PCs aren't cheap by any stretch. Fisher hopes that Dell's entry will bring down prices a bit. Let's hope.

Meanwhile, it's still debatable whether there's enough of a wow factor for mainstream Tablet PC adoption.

What remains to be seen is whether the UMPC follows a similar trajectory. The UMPC launched as a device without a market and for the most part these gadgets are the equivalent of a pricey doorstop. But as the Tablet PC shows that situation can change over time.

For more Tablet PC information see our reviews and Marc Orchant's coverage.