Tablet PC Inquiry

[FOBSIDE]

I was considering getting a tablet PC, because I do a couple of pages of documentation writing a day on site for work and I end up having to retype it for a digital copy. Sometimes I do crude sketches of sites as well. I was considering a tablet PC for this type of work. I would want one that doubles as a normal laptop as well so I can email and browse the web. All the tablet PCs that I have seen out there run on XP Tablet Edition. What are the restrictions of this? Also, does anyone have any experience with this hardware? Is 10 inches enough to write on, or would I want 12 inches? Any information at all would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[Dark54555]

you'll want a 12 or 14 inch model.

I have a Portege 3500, and it's been nothing but trouble (all hardware. overheating, HD died). However, it's been discontinued. The writing function is useful if you need to br writing/sketching a lot, and the accuracy with the pen is pretty darn good. Tablet XP will be getting a free upgrade soon, just so you know.

 

[FOBSIDE]

What does this free upgrade entail?

 

[Dark54555]

improved everything. Check out microsoft.com, look for Tablet XP 2004 Edition.

 

[UltraWide]

Check out the HP Compaq TC1100

 

[jschuk]

I like using the stylus on the Acer TM100 and TM110 better than the Toshiba 3500 because it is lighter and easier to manage. It is kind of like trying to write on a notepad compared to writing in a thick dictionary. It will be easier to hold the lighter one still as opposed to trying to keep the heavier one from falling out of your hands. The screens themselves differ as well. The Acer's use a thicker more scratch resistant plastic that is glued to the LCD whereas Toshiba uses a thinner plastic that sits on top of the LCD. The Acer screens feel/seem more responsive. I have not had a chance to use the new 14" TM300 series from Acer to see how their screens fare.
I haven't seen a TC1100, but I did see/use one of the TC1000. They felt heavy for their size and didn't seem to be as easy to write on as the Acer. I also don't like their detachable keyboard. the unit feels like it is going to fall over when it is attached to the kybd and used in notebook mode.