Robert on Software Development

I am the proud owner of a new HP Pavilion tz2500 tablet PC. When I first got it, I had mixed feelings. I had wanted a tablet PC for a long time, mainly because I felt it could enable some positive behaviors toward notetaking and managing the plethora of ideas and projects I have. But when I first started using it, I couldn’t figure out how it was supposed to benefit me. I knew it was good, I knew it had possibility, but I had no idea what I should be doing with it. I saw the value of the possibilities but did not have an approach to the follow-through.

Most ideas and plans work out that way, don’t they? Something swims around in your head and you know it’s awesome, but when it comes time to make it happen, it’s just not there. This happens to me all the time. In fact, that very issue is what led me to the tablet PC in the first place.

Today I felt pretty frustrated with my decision. I began to find reasons to dislike my new tablet PC. It’s too heavy. The screen is glossy. There’s too much silver. I wanted to lay the blame for returning the computer on something that was wrong with it and not me.

I relayed these concerns to a good friend and colleague, who happens to be a tablet PC owner (a different model). He showed me how to use my tablet PC. He relayed its strengths, situations where it could prove valuable, things I hadn’t thought of. He helped me understand its value and reinforced my original reasons for getting the tablet PC. He told me about some great software. His opinions and assistance allowed me to accept the computer’s shortcomings (which I admittedly knew about before I bought it) and embrace its real potential.

Every innovator needs a validator, someone who can tell you when you’re wrong and when you’re right. Someone who can help you mold an idea into something real. Someone who is honest and forthcoming with opinions. If you look back on some of history’s great innovations, you’ll see a lot of partnerships (Brin and Page, Gates and Allen) and a lot of adversarial relationships (Edison and Tesla, Microsoft and Google). That’s the balance that allows us to trumpet our accomplishments, defend our decisions, and change our approaches. It forces innovation while celebrating it.

I’m writing this post on my tablet and after finding some really good applications for it, I am in love. I look forward to taking advantage of its full potential and using it to unleash some of my most persistent and longstanding ideas.