A new class of computers came out at the end of last year. The idea is not new but the device, The Tablet PC, is probably the first real practical Tablet that has ever hit the market.

There has been a lot written about the pluses and minuses of these devices. Some people love them; some people don’t think they are even necessary. This column is going to be one person’s thoughts on the Tablet PC and how he is using it.

Let’s talk about what the Tablet PC actually is; there are two types of Tablet PC’s, the convertible and slate designs. I personally own a Compaq Tablet PC, model TC1000 and it uses the slate design with a removable keyboard. To find out more information about the two types take the tour . There are quite a few models of the Tablet PC, here is a rundown of your choices. The TC1000 was not one of the fastest tablets, but it is small and well designed. It seemed to fit the specs that I needed and the price was on the low end of the tablets.

Once I bought it I had to figure out how it was going to fit into my day-to-day computing. I decided to convert it to my primary computer. My primary use for a computer is to surf the Internet, run Microsoft office applications and sync with my PDA’s. The Tablet PC I have has a detachable keyboard that allows me to work like a standard laptop and a docking station to use as my desktop computer with a full size monitor and keyboard. Here is a link to the equipment that I have and descriptions.

Since the Tablet has a detachable keyboard, (not all Tablet PC’s have this feature), I decided to mainly use the Tablet as a slate, without the keyboard when I am on the road or just in my day-to-day activities. I keep the keyboard in my bag; however, I hardly use it now that I have become more comfortable with using the Tablet.

Some of the best features of the Tablet are:

• WIFI built in (Wireless networking)
• Size 10.8 x 8.5 x .8 inches
• 3 lbs, 1.4 kg, 4 lbs, 1.8 kg w/Keyboard
• Compaq Flash Slot and PC card slots
• Overall Design is very sleek

What I don’t like:

• The Speed
• The Price
• All the software patches that need to be installed

The Tablet PC short comings.
In using the Tablet for almost a month now I have found it overall to be quite an incredible device. It has shortcomings and many can be overcome with a little practice and some software add-ons. I have to admit it is one of the most exciting devices I have used since the Palm Pilot came out. I basically have my office with me in my Tablet that I can get access to in about 10-15 seconds as long as I leave the Tablet in standby or suspend mode. The Tablet battery last about 3.5 –4 hrs if you have the power saving features set. I can go a full 8-9 hours using it on and off throughout the day.

Using the Tablet
What you really have to get used to with the Tablet PC is the input methods, handwriting and voice recognition. With the handwriting you use the stylus or a pen like device. You can also use a microphone for voice dictation into the Tablet PC. Note half this article was using voice dictation into the Tablet PC’ the other half was using handwriting recognition. I than edited it with a keyboard.

These input methods are not perfect but they are very good compared to past attempts that have been made with these methods.

When you look at some of the Tablet PC’s they almost look like big PDA’s but they are not, they run a special version of Microsoft XP Pro. The Tablet PC does not work like a PDA, in the sense that it’s not touch sensitive; you may rest your hand on the display so the only thing that causes movement or information to be entered is the pen. And unlike some handwriting recognition software for PDA’s you cannot train the Tablet PC. This has been a big complaint from many people. The voice recognition is fine but you have other software on the market that works even better.

The programs I use on the Tablet
One of my favorite programs that comes with all Tablet PC’s is named Journal. It is a program you write on like a pad of paper and it has the lines on the page just like a pad of paper. You can turn your handwriting into text if you choose to or leave it in your handwriting. It is great for taking notes and writing information of any type into the Tablet.

There is also a program for taking quick hand or voice notes call Sticky Notes. It also comes on most Tablet PC’s. It has come in real handy when just needing to jot down a phone number or address. I also use the Standard Office XP with some Tablet add-ons that are free from Microsoft’s Web site; they allow the Tablet to work better with Microsoft Office. The new version of Office that should be coming out soon will work even better with the Tablet.

I can say one thing for anyone looking for a device to help him or her increase their productivity, the Tablet PC is worth a serious look. Unfortunately you cannot find many of them in retail stores so I suggest you go online and read what people are saying about them and find out how people are using them. As a technology trainer I will constantly be pushing the Tablet to see what else it can do and I will write of my findings in the future.

The PDAStudy Group will not be meeting for the rest of 2003. We are going to reevaluate the SIG at the beginning of Next Year. Please send your comments.