The Prescription Tablet?

John Gruber offers a compelling framework for understanding the “Tablet” – a mythical device that, if rumors are accurate, Apple will soon unveil. Gruber’s framework does not paint an exact vision of the Tablet interface. Instead, it focuses readers on the central question: “If you already have an iPhone and a MacBook; why would you want [the Tablet]?” He speculates (somewhat boldly) that consumers would ultimately purchase the Tablet instead of a MacBook.

Following along Gruber’s framework, what I find most exciting about the Tablet is its potential: more than an e-reader, or movie player, or web browser. Not just a multifunction device, but rather a sandbox in which several creative ideas can flourish.

So, it comes as no surprise that Apple may be interested in deploying “tablet” devices in Hospitals, according to a report by Venture Beat. The mobile healthcare computing market is not new. As I learned from the report, at least one company has already made great strides. I’m also reminded of Microsoft’s vision in this area:

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My one bit of speculation: whenever Apple decides to announce an SDK for the Tablet, we should expect a showcase of healthcare-related apps designed to give doctors easy mobile access to their patient’s data. Note that Cedars-Sinai (the hospital referenced in Venture Beat’s report) deploys Epic software – a company whose desire for secrecy seems to match Apple’s.