Tablet Computing in Portrait Mode

Last week I wrote about my two must have iPad accessories. In that list I included the Logitech Ultra-thin Keyboard Cover. Among the many reasons I like this case over similarly good ones like the Zagg Folio or the Adonit is because it allows me to do computing on my iPad in portrait mode. It is very interesting to me that so many companies who make keyboard accessories assume that when you want to use the keyboard you want to use it with the screen sideways or in landscape mode. Even the Logitech Ultra-thin case has the smart cover magnet in the dock groove assuming you want to prop it up with the screen horizontal. Notice most tablet manufacturers orient their buttons and ports in a way that assumes mostly a landscape over a portrait mode of use. The iPad is the exception where the buttons and ports seem to by oriented for more portrait mode–at least in my opinion.

Interestingly, I have found that my preferred use for docking the iPad and using the keyboard is in portrait mode. I am convinced that computing in portrait mode is far superior to landscape mode for many different tasks. This hit me the hardest when I used the iPad for the first time for browsing the web. Browsing the web in portrait mode is by far the best way to browse the web. This should be obvious since many websites are designed with up and down scrolling rather than left to right. Browsing the web in portrait mode allows you to see more of the website at one time. Beyond browsing the web there is another use case that I believe computing in portrait mode is far superior for and that is writing.

Better In Portrait Mode

I do quite a bit of writing whether it be reports, columns, or even responding to clients with lengthy emails. This is one of the reasons that using a keyboard accessory with my iPad is a must. Writing while using the iPad in portrait mode is a powerful experience. The primary reason for this is because you can see more words on the page when writing in portrait mode. Throughout human history, whether penned by hand, or while using a typewriter with a paper stand in the back, producing the written word on a medium that is longer than it is wide has been the norm. When you see people using pen and paper today you don’t normally see them turning the pad of paper sideways. Yet if you think about it, writing, working, and being productive while looking at a medium that is longer than it is wide is something that is foreign to the world of computers.

Computing in portrait mode is relatively unexplored territory. Since the beginning computers have had square monitors which eventually evolved into the norm for today which is 16:9 landscape. Due to the standard landscape orientation of computers to date, software has mostly been written with this screen orientation in mind. What happens, given the massive growth of tablets, and the fact that they are also computers, if software developers start thinking of writing software for use while in portrait mode? Most apps today, with the exception of things like games, support different screen orientations. What is missing is that the user experience with the software does not change much based on my screen orientation. Apple’s Mail app actually does change the UI when in portrait or landscape mode. However, when I am in portrait mode I can focus on the email because the side bar containing my inbox goes away. But when in landscape, the inbox sidebar is present and stays in sight.

This is a good example of a software interface being designed to make the application useful whether it is in portrait or landscape mode. Different screen orientations will present different looks and ways to use screen real estate. I believe that as software developers re-imagine their software for tablets they will also consider dual screen orientation experiences with the same software.

Portrait vs. Landscape

With this in mind I have been thinking a lot about the types of things I prefer to do while in portrait versus landscape modes with the iPad. Nearly all tasks that would qualify as productive I prefer to do in portrait mode. While the other tasks, with the exception of web browsing, like playing games, watching video, etc., I prefer to do in landscape mode. Reading is sometimes productive and sometimes for entertainment but either way reading is far better in portrait mode over landscape. This of course makes sense for things like video since they are produced in widescreen not portrait. For games it depends on the game since there are many great games that use both screen orientations. What has stood out for me though was how many tasks that were considered working or productive tasks that I preferred using the iPad in portrait mode.

This is something that is only possible with tablet computers since laptops and desktops are not designed to allow you to change your screen orientation based on the software experience you desire to have. This also makes a very compelling case for a keyboard accessory for a tablet.

One of my biggest complaints with the iPad’s virtual keyboard is not that I can’t type fast on it because I actually can. My biggest complaint is that I can’t use it for any real productive input while in portrait mode. And when I use it in landscape mode it takes up nearly half the screen leaving me with very little of the software application to see while typing. This completely defeats the profound experience I have while writing in portrait mode due to how much of the screen and words I can see at one time.

These are the kinds of experiences that are only available on the tablet form factor. I hope that as keyboard accessories continue to get refined and perfected, so will the software that will change not only our computing paradigm from mouse and keyboard to touch but to also break away from landscape computing as the only mode for working on a tablet.

Published by

Ben Bajarin

Ben Bajarin is a Principal Analyst and the head of primary research at Creative Strategies, Inc - An industry analysis, market intelligence and research firm located in Silicon Valley. His primary focus is consumer technology and market trend research and he is responsible for studying over 30 countries. Full Bio

1,266 thoughts on “Tablet Computing in Portrait Mode”

  1. This is why I like the ZAGGkeys Flex. It doesn’t do double-duty as a case, but it lets me use the iPad in either orientation. Also, by providing a stand separate from the keyboard, it lets me position the two however I like.

    Reply

  2. I will settle the portrait vs landscape debate by saying that having access to both is better than having either one! I have two pivoting monitors attached to my Mac mini, and I use them in every orientation combination possible.

    I always wondered why the iMac display does not pivot – rather, why Apple designed the iMac with that large “chin” that precludes pivoting. The inability to pivot is the main reason I bought a mini instead of an iMac.

    I use the iPad in both orientations. Several of the apps I have tried only work in one orientation. I consider that to be a design flaw in most cases.

    Reply

    1. I’ve been communicating with family and friends using voice and gestures all my life and find it very efficient.

      I use keyboard and mouse for computers when they are too stupid to understand voice and gesture.

      Reply

  6. Very interesting perspective on portrait. I found I prefer it on the iPad on the Internet unless there are advertisements. Text size must decrease to accomadate them. Sad.

    Reply

  7. My programmer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on a number of websites for about a year and am anxious about switching to another platform. I have heard good things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress content into it? Any kind of help would be really appreciated!

    Reply

  8. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site? My blog is in the very same area of interest as yours and my users would genuinely benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Cheers!

    Reply

  9. It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this outstanding blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will share this website with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

    Reply

  14. Hello there I am so delighted I found your blog, I really found you by accident, while
    I was browsing on Digg for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just
    like to say kudos for a fantastic post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all
    at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so
    when I have time I will be back to read
    a lot more, Please do keep up the excellent b.

    Reply

  23. I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this kind of
    area . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this website.
    Reading this info So i’m glad to exhibit that I have a very excellent uncanny feeling I came upon just what I
    needed. I so much for sure will make certain to do not disregard this site and give it a glance on a constant basis.

    Reply

  28. Excellent article. Keep writing such kind of information on your page.
    Im really impressed by your site.
    Hello there, You have performed a great job. I’ll certainly digg it and in my
    view suggest to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this web site.

    Reply

  33. I don’t know if it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else encountering problems with your website.

    It appears as if some of the text within your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if
    this is happening to them as well? This might be a problem with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen before.

    Appreciate it

    Reply

  54. I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one nowadays.

    Reply

  55. Can I simply just say what a comfort to discover a person that truly understands what they’re discussing online.
    You actually know how to bring an issue to light and make it
    important. More people must check this out and
    understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you’re not more
    popular because you most certainly possess the gift.

    Reply

  86. Thanks for your post. One other thing is that individual states in the United states of america have their own laws which affect people, which makes it quite difficult for the the legislature to come up with a new set of rules concerning foreclosures on house owners. The problem is that every state possesses own regulations which may have interaction in an unwanted manner on the subject of foreclosure plans.

    Reply

  177. Good post. I study one thing more difficult on different blogs everyday. It will at all times be stimulating to learn content material from different writers and observe a bit something from their store. I?d prefer to use some with the content on my weblog whether you don?t mind. Natually I?ll provide you with a hyperlink on your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  202. Great blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol

    Reply

  286. I couldn’t agree more with the insightful points you’ve articulated in this article. Your profound knowledge on the subject is evident, and your unique perspective adds an invaluable dimension to the discourse. This is a must-read for anyone interested in this topic. Life Experience Degrees

    Reply

  360. I have realized some new things from your internet site about personal computers. Another thing I’ve always thought is that computer systems have become an item that each family must have for several reasons. They provide convenient ways to organize households, pay bills, shop, study, pay attention to music and perhaps watch tv shows. An innovative way to complete most of these tasks is with a notebook computer. These computers are mobile ones, small, strong and portable.

    Reply

  406. An impressive share! I have just forwarded this
    onto a co-worker who had been doing a little research on this.
    And he in fact bought me lunch simply because I discovered it for him…
    lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanks for spending time to discuss this subject here on your internet site.

    Reply

  605. Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic takes pride in its manufacturing process, ensuring that every batch is produced in FDA-approved and GMP-certified facilities. This means that each and every bottle of Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic meets the highest standards of quality and safety. You can trust that you are getting a product that has undergone strict quality control measures and is backed by scientific research.

    Reply

  663. Mobile casino free spins bonuses come in two types. Welcome bonus spins are received when you sign up and make the first deposit bonus. You get free spins and casinos’ no deposit bonus when you sign up for an online mobile casino. Feature buys let you gamble free spins you have landed or bought.  With the rising popularity of mobile devices, it is critical for online casinos to continually update their software and web pages to satisfy the needs of their customers. The only difference between paying by phone bill and the other deposit options at Cashmo casino, is that there is a deposit limit of £30 per day. Due to our responsibilities to your network operator, you may be asked to show that your phone bill has been paid off, before any winnings made from your deposit can be withdrawn. This is to ensure you avoid adding too much to your bill, and to keep your gambling under control.
    http://toji.kiukura.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=301681
    So go ahead, sign up today, and see what all the fuss is about! Take advantage of Highway Casino’s amazing gaming selection and generous bonus codes with your easy highway casino login. We have you covered when it comes to quality gaming experiences. See you out on the virtual highway! Highway Casino No Deposit Bonus (77 Free Chips) Online Casino USA If you have some comp points, the points you get for playing casino games, a Bonus Shop will be a surefire solution. It offers numerous exclusive bonuses for Highway Casino players. …the rankings go as follows: Welcome M8, Cool 4U, HMM Good, Awe5ome, Wow Damn, 2 Xtreme, Deadly Cool, and U Rule Yay. It’s interesting to mention that these points can be converted into real cash or redeemed in the Highway casino’s special shop. Those who want to convert it to real cash should know that they bear no wagering requirements, and don’t have max payout limits.

    Reply

  671. Red Boost comes with a 180-day, 100% money-back guarantee, which means that customers have 180 days from the date of purchase to try the product and see if it works for them. Within this time frame, they can ask for a full refund if they are not happy with the results.

    Reply

  705. I appreciate how well-researched and detailed your posts are It’s evident that you put a lot of time and effort into providing valuable information to your readers

    Reply

  765. Thank you a lot for sharing this with all of us you really recognise what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally talk over with my site =). We can have a hyperlink trade agreement between us!

    Reply

  780. I抦 impressed, I need to say. Really rarely do I encounter a blog that抯 each educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you could have hit the nail on the head. Your thought is outstanding; the issue is something that not enough individuals are talking intelligently about. I’m very comfortable that I stumbled across this in my seek for one thing regarding this.

    Reply

  802. Thanks for your blog post. What I would like to bring about is that computer system memory is required to be purchased should your computer cannot cope with whatever you do along with it. One can add two random access memory boards containing 1GB each, for example, but not certainly one of 1GB and one of 2GB. One should always check the company’s documentation for one’s PC to be certain what type of storage it can take.

    Reply

  808. Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept

    Reply

  813. I must thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this blog.

    I am hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts from you in the
    future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities
    has motivated me to get my very own website now 😉

    Reply

  814. I would like to show some appreciation to you for rescuing me from this type of situation. Right after searching throughout the world-wide-web and getting methods which were not powerful, I thought my entire life was over. Existing devoid of the solutions to the issues you’ve sorted out by way of this write-up is a serious case, as well as the kind that would have adversely damaged my entire career if I had not noticed your site. Your personal natural talent and kindness in maneuvering every item was useful. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t come upon such a thing like this. I can also now look ahead to my future. Thanks a lot so much for your professional and amazing help. I won’t think twice to suggest your web site to anyone who would need direction about this topic.

    Reply

  826. you’re in point of fact a just right webmaster. The website loading speed is amazing.
    It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Moreover,
    The contents are masterwork. you’ve done a excellent process in this topic!

    Reply

  837. I have observed that online degree is getting common because accomplishing your degree online has turned into a popular method for many people. Numerous people have certainly not had an opportunity to attend an established college or university nonetheless seek the increased earning potential and career advancement that a Bachelors Degree grants. Still people might have a college degree in one course but want to pursue anything they already have an interest in.

    Reply

  846. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.
    I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your
    useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly return.

    Reply

  866. Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your site is so cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this blog. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched everywhere and simply couldn’t come across. What a perfect web-site.

    Reply

  871. Just want to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness for your put up is just excellent and that i could assume you are an expert in this subject. Fine together with your permission allow me to seize your feed to stay up to date with coming near near post. Thank you one million and please carry on the enjoyable work.

    Reply

  884. One other thing I would like to state is that instead of trying to suit all your online degree training on days that you finish off work (since most people are worn out when they get home), try to receive most of your lessons on the weekends and only a couple courses on weekdays, even if it means taking some time off your end of the week. This pays off because on the week-ends, you will be far more rested and concentrated upon school work. Thanks alot : ) for the different tips I have learned from your blog site.

    Reply

  972. I have learned some new things out of your blog post. One other thing to I have discovered is that generally, FSBO sellers are going to reject you. Remember, they will prefer to not use your companies. But if anyone maintain a steady, professional romance, offering guide and being in contact for about four to five weeks, you will usually have the capacity to win a business interview. From there, a listing follows. Thanks

    Reply

  1004. Can I simply say what a comfort to discover someone
    that genuinely knows what they’re discussing on the internet.
    You certainly understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
    More and more people ought to read this and understand this side of
    the story. I can’t believe you aren’t more popular given that you most
    certainly possess the gift.

    Reply

  1250. Качественное написание рефератов https://referatnovy.ru/, курсовых и дипломных работ от лучших авторов. Уникальные работы под ключ. Заказать студенческую работу за 2 дня.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *