Learn how Tablet PC differs from XP Home and Pro
“Most of the literature I see about the Tablet PC focuses on the hardware—convertible vs. slate, digitizer technology, battery life, and ergonomics. This article will focus on the software and its “extra” features, especially those that are critical to the enterprise user.”
Not a perfect article, but it does answer many questions I have. Tablets are cool but are they useful? If yes, how?
September 25th, 2004 at 10:00 am
I’ve used a Tablet for almost two years. I use a Toshiba M200 (had a Toshiba 3505 last year, it developed case cracks hence the new computer). I use it a my main computer, a desktop replacement. I also use the Tablet features, but not extensively. At meetings I may take notes with Journal. I don’t convert text, it’s not very fast and doesn’t read my writing well, and can’t handle diagrams, inserts, and so forth. I tried the Franklin Planner Tablet application but it didn’t really create extra value for me so I don’t use it anymore. I like surfing the web from the couch, in Tablet mode, using the pen to navigate.
Bottom line for me - - Tablet features are close but not good enough for routine daily use. I can see certain vertical markets and applications where the Tablet would be great, however.
September 25th, 2004 at 2:18 pm
Two killer apps for me:
1) Reading. The form factor and pen interaction, particularly with a Mozilla based browser and gestures, is way more fluent for daily reading or digging into a complex document.
2) Note taking: OneNote is a handy app. It makes it very easy to grab a partial screenshot and then annotate it within a notebook metaphor. Handwriting in OneNote is converted to text for searchability but left in your own scrawl.
Major drawback: Inferior screens and a slight mismatch between the position of the pen on the screen and the underlying pixels.