Interesting comments from Scoble about the Tablet PC market. One of my predictions for 04 is how the Tablet market will break out. Robert’s suggestions are all great verticals for OEMs to go after.

Loren Heiny: "How would you explain the business opportunities of Tablet PCs to VCs?"

I'd start by dragging them out of their offices on Sand Hill Road and into my mother-in-law's hospital room at Stanford University (it, too, is on Sand Hill Road, so they won't have to go far). Every single computer there is Windows. But, it's locked down. Tied down. And there is still very little data interchange going between the various machines. The hospital room needs a rethink. The Tablet PC could be revolutionary here.

How big is the hospital market? Oh, I don't know. A few billion or so. A billion here and a billion there and soon you have real money.

Then, take them to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory in Palo Alto. VCs can never turn down free food. Then, show them how the menus could be updated to be virtually updated and much more useful.

How big is the restaurant market? Another few billion?

Then take them over to the Apple store. Show them the lines of people buying digital cameras and other digital gadgets. What's better for showing off your digital photos than a Tablet PC?

Then, take them for a walk down University Ave. Hand them the Tablet PC. Point out that the entire downtown area is a WiFi hotspot. What good is all that wireless unless you can use a computer while standing up? Now, think about all the workers who work while standing up. The teachers. The lawyers. The journalists. The newsbabes on TV.

On second thought, just give up, save your $100 that you'll spend on food and drinks, and come and have fun touring the US's largest pistachio factory next Tuesday. That's run with a Tablet PC already. At least you'll be among friends and with people who get the opportunities.

[The Scobleizer Weblog]