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Tablet computers

By Wayland Hancock
Network World Technology Executive Newsletter, 11/25/02

" Pen computing " has been around a long time. In the past, the main issue has been that it took a lot of work to make them productive. Since there was not much third-party software available, you usually had to write your own applications, or assemble the pieces you needed yourself.

Tablet PCs are a new type of pen computer. In this newsletter, we'll give you some basic information about tablet PCs, their advantages, and tell you what's new about them.

Tablet PCs are complete computer systems in a slate format. There are several varieties on the market now, available in two form factors: a slate design without a keyboard and a traditional laptop that converts to a slate. Some users make notes on the tablet while out of the office, then put the computer in a docking station and use the keyboard at their desk.

All tablets have touch sensitive displays that allows you to input data by writing directly on the screen with a stylus or your finger. Most have a full feature set with an 8- or 10-inch screen

Some models have optional displays that can be read in bright sunlight. There are many processor and memory options. For data storage there are models that use compact flash cards, others with hard disk drives, and most have wireless communications built in for accessing your network for data storage and retrieval - and for connecting to the Internet. Rugged models that meet military specifications for durability are also available.

Tablet PCs offer many potential benefits and advantages. They can help improve customer service by allowing the update of information from a remote location, and they can also help increase productivity by eliminating paperwork. Tablets can also easily provide full access to the Internet and business applications.

Tablets have been available for some time with various operating systems. Those running Windows CE and CE.net or other pocket PC software are used primarily for Internet access, to run a specific application, or to act as a thin client. Tablets running versions of Windows 2000 and Linux have also been around for a while.

So, what's new? The new Microsoft Tablet PC platform was launched in November. Handwriting recognition, speech recognition, and many of the elements featured are not new. But this operating system puts all the elements together in a way in which they can be easily used. For example, it's just as easy to write on the screen as it is to write on scratch pad, and translation from handwriting and speech to text is easy, too. But you don't have to translate it if you don't want to - you can still use it " as is. " We'll have more details on this new operating system next week.

Wayland Hancock is business technology editor at Currid & Company, a Houston IT assessment company. You can reach him by e-mail (hancock@currid.com). Learn more about Currid & Company at www.currid.com