Tech Primer

Tablet PC

What is a Tablet PC?

A Tablet PC is a lightweight PC in the form of a flat panel. Users interact with it by tapping the screen and writing on it with a pen-like device that’s called a stylus. Tablet PCs let users wirelessly connect to the Internet and to other PCs. A Tablet PC combines the mobility of a handheld computer with the computing power of a notebook.

What are the characteristics of a Tablet PC?

Power. A Tablet PC can run most PC applications that run on Windows XP, plus applications created specially for this class of devices. On the connectivity side, besides the built-in wireless support, Tablet PCs can be placed in a docking station to support a large monitor, network connection, keyboard, mouse and other peripherals.

Mobility. The Tablet PC comes in two forms, the ‘convertible’ with an integrated keyboard, and the ultramobile ‘pure tablet.’ All Tablet PCs are light, ranging from two to three pounds. Combined with wireless network support, a Tablet PC gives you greater mobility and immediate access to the full power of your PC.

Natural interaction with computers. Using a digital pen and the input panel utility, you can write directly on the screen and save your notes in your own handwriting or convert them to typed text for input into other applications. Speech recognition is an integral component of every Tablet PC, allowing users to dictate content or control applications with their voice.

Are these gadgets only for CEOs?

Tablet PCs are ideally suited for people who have jobs that require them to be on the move, whether attending meetings in the office or conducting business on the road. That said, since they cost more than plain-vanilla notebooks, these devices are more likely to be used by upper management types. Whether used to enhance customer presentations, facilitate collaboration on documents, or improve meetings and training sessions, Tablet PCs provide users with the ability to record and share information and ideas. In addition to slate mode, the Tablet PC can be attached to a docking station and used as a PC.

What are the differences between the two types of Tablet PCs?

There are two versions of the Tablet PC, slate style and convertible style. A slate-style tablet appears similar to a large PDA. The approximate size of the device is 8.5 inches by 12 inches, with a colour screen measuring around 10 inches diagonally, with control buttons at the edge of the screen. The Tablet PC connects to a docking station and peripherals, including keyboard and mouse, but can be carried around as a mobile device, with a stylus for input. The slate design has the advantage of being simple and sleek without hinges or moving parts, but it has no keyboard or mouse when the device is mobile, away from the docking station.

The convertible is essentially a notebook that transforms into a tablet PC. The convertible tablet has a clamshell design similar to the notebook, but when opened the screen swivels 180 degrees and the back of the screen folds down on top of the keyboard with the screen facing up. The size of the convertible design is similar to that of the slate, although it is slightly thicker to accommodate the hinged keyboard. The main advantage of the convertible is its similarity to a notebook. The convertible also has the advantage of an attached keyboard, but the hinged clamshell design creates a bulkier device that may be susceptible to damage.

Is there a special operating system for the Tablet PC?

The Tablet PC runs Microsoft’s Windows XP Tablet PC Edition that adds to the capabilities of Windows XP Professional—handwriting support, ink notes and voice recognition. All existing Windows software applications run on Tablet PCs.

How does the handwriting recognition work?

The handwriting recognition on a Tablet PC accepts handwriting by storing it as a graphic, and the converted text in its notepad application. With this you can go back and forth between the handwriting and the converted text for nuances that the recogniser may miss. The handwriting recognition can even be done after you have entered your notes.

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