From first hand experience, it takes up two years to ship a new product that is of a decent quality.
Assuming a lot of the hardware OEM started working on a tablet device around second half of 2009 when the iPad rumors started, then the later half of 2011 is when the tablets will start shipping.
It just not that simple as slaping few components together, put some software on top and you are done.
My guess on the age of engaget, or "i build an web app in two weeks" posts, people expect that manufactures can come with great new devices overnight.
Also when you are working with hardware you have to consider supply chain capacity, component quality, etc.
Hardware is just a lot harder to build and harder to scale(and maybe thats why PG advocates startups to steer away from it as much as they can).
That's fine and dandy, but quit showing mock-ups and talking about how great they are going to be and how they're going to change your life and all the other heavy breathing. Wait until it ships.
Also when you are working with hardware you have to consider supply chain capacity, component quality, etc.
You have to wonder how component supplies will be affected by Apple's orders. I hear they're responsible for 60% of all display orders right now [0], and they also have the famously secretive "component agreement" they announced during their last earnings call. It's possible that non-Apple product shipments will be delayed out to 2012 as a result.
It just not that simple as slaping few components together, put some software on top and you are done.
My guess on the age of engaget, or "i build an web app in two weeks" posts, people expect that manufactures can come with great new devices overnight.
Also when you are working with hardware you have to consider supply chain capacity, component quality, etc.
Hardware is just a lot harder to build and harder to scale(and maybe thats why PG advocates startups to steer away from it as much as they can).