Many people liken modern-day tablets to Star Trek PADDs because, well, they’re the same shape and both are used by touch, even if one is fictionally functional and the other literally functional.
PADDs in Star Trek are tools and rarely do you see them used for entertainment purposes. The major of the time they are used documentation and note-taking.
It’s very common in ‘Trek to have PADDs depicted as being generally annoying. Nobody really wants them around and in more than a few instances can be seen being thrown or knocked off table on purpose out of frustration.
It’s also common that nobody gives presentations using PADDs either. Whenever a presentation must be given – even for a small group of people – a large on-wall screen is used, similar to PowerPoint presentation shot on the wall via projector.
When real computer work needs to be done in ‘Trek, traditional terminals are used. Always.
When visual communications need to take place, terminals and laptop-like devices are used – but not PADDs.
In the world of Star Trek, the PADD is always third banana.
Food for thought.
(And for those wondering, the above photo is from this episode.)
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Third banana isn’t so bad as long it isn’t left to rot.
There has just been a readers survey at CNET re: buying the latest iPad. When I looked, 65% respondents had opted for “I do not need no bleeding tablet.”
No one *needs* a tablet. It’s a matter wanting one and there are analysts that predict tablet sales will actually continue to rise in the coming years. I think it will be interesting to view the tablet market in a year or so regardless to see if it’s just a fad.