Tablet Computers
Tablet PCs are, by far, the coolest toys on the computer market. You can take them anywhere and write on them with a specialized pen as if they were a regular paper notebook. Since they were released in 2002 prices have been gradually dropping, which makes them more affordable than ever, starting at around $1100.
There are currently three types of tablet PCs being manufactured: the slate, convertible, and rugged model.
- Slate Tablet PC: The slate is as the name suggests.
- It is lighter than the other two options because it lacks a full keyboard, but who cares since tablet screens are also LCD touchscreens! All you need is the pen to maneuver around your desktop as if it were a palm pilot or a PDA device. Plus there is no need to worry about leaning on the screen because it only reacts to the pen, and not your hand, elbow, or clothes.
- The only problem with this model is that it is not self-supporting unless you buy a dock,
which means that it is not practical as a stand alone PC for your office desk.
- Convertible and Rugged Tablets: These are multi-function laptops.
- The screen is supported by a rotating single hinge that allows the screen to twist around 180 degrees and then fold back back down to the compact position. What you get is a closed notebook, with the outer top as the actual screen. So it functions both as a standard laptop where the screen folds out on an angle from a full-sized keyboard and as a slate tablet.
- Some have detachable keyboards that can help reduce the weight and increase portability.
- Rugged models are simply a sturdier version of the convertible tablet, since the single-hinge can be somewhat flimsy.
Tablet PC Features
The truth of the matter is that a tablet PC is just like any other laptop when it comes down to hardware components and even the physical dimensions. So really, all of the features listed in the laptop article come into consideration, such as processor speed, RAM, hard drive, etc. The big difference is the versatility of the tablet that you should consider, especially some of the newer technological advances, and most importantly those things that will make a difference in performance on tablet PCs. Below you will see some things that you may want to think about.
- Optional landscape or portrait view ability is better to suit all needs, especially in tight spaces.
- As wide a viewing angle as possible to get the best range in even when forced to work in limited space.
- High screen responsiveness is important for easy use of the pen stick.
- Biometric fingerprint reader for enabling security features is especially important on slate models that lack a keyboard for entering passwords.
Manufacturers That Produce Tablet PCs
Software: Microsoft Windows Tablet PC XP Edition
Related Articles
External Links
You may want to see this informative FAQ page produced by Microsoft that answers any newbies questions on how tablet PCs work and more.