Overview
A web pad (web tablet) is a wireless, portable, low-cost, easy
to use, tablet-shaped consumer-focussed information appliance with
a touch-screen and a browser-based interface to simplify and enhance
the Internet experience.
The web pad consists of two separate components: It is a portable
device with a built-in LCD, and is a base station with a physical
connection to the Internet via an analog or broadband connection.
The base station sends and receives wireless (RF) transmissions
from the tablet.
While these devices are quickly gaining popularity, the market
faces several hurdles. Issues include a high cost due to the use
of wireless technologies and an LCD display. Also web pad have a
unique value proposition of providing the mobile connection to the
Web and this does not seem enough to drive mass-market success of
the device. While the web pad faces stiff competetion from PCs,
there is also a lack of vendor support, including consumer electronics
and PC manufacturers.
Market Research
International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts web pad (web tablet)
sales of 7 million units in the year 2002.
Xilinx Solutions
The Xilinx Spartan-II programmable logic solutions offer the flexibility
to build products that can be reprogrammed in the field at costs
far below any programmable solution. Please view the presentation
to see how Xilinx solutions can help you build products for this
fast evolving market place.
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