Tablet PCs: the marriage of handhelds and laptops.

New portable computers using Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC edition, with pen-based input capabilities, take off for mobile users who need note-taking and collaboration capabilities. We tested one model for use in a standard business setting.

More Than a Coloring Book

"It's a cool coloring book" said the IT staff person as he handed me the new Tablet PC I would be testing over the next month. It was not meant as a compliment. Not much respect was forthcoming for the latest in mobile computing, due to the slower processors currently installed in these models as compared to standard-issue notebook computers.

I was intrigued, however, by the potential for this tool to replace my current multiple-device dependency. If this unit performed well enough to function as my primary desktop computer, yet was portable enough to carry to meetings where I would not normally carry my laptop, I could eliminate the need to maintain and synch two devices with my laptop and handheld. In addition, I am in a position that requires attendance at many meetings that often involved significant note-taking. The potential to eliminate the transcription of notes into electronic documents and tasks would provide significant efficiencies for the way I work, which was my primary interest in the tablet PC format.

And They're Off!

Tablet PCs were first issued in November 2002, and are a new form of the traditional notebook computer that allows for data input using a stylus on the screen instead of having to use a keyboard. Initially marketed to industries relying upon forms and checklists (e.g., medical charts,) the tablet has exceeded early projections, with sales of more than 70,000 units in the fourth quarter of 2002 (IDC research firm). While this volume has not even begun to approach the 8.5 million in laptop sales, tablet PC sales are expected to increase fivefold in 2003. More than a collaboration and design tool, tablets are being implemented where real-time information is needed on the job--on shop floors and work sites. With wireless connectivity and handwriting recognition, tablets are saving hours in re-keying of data in standard business applications.

Our Test Model

I selected the HP Compaq Tablet PC TC1000 T for this test, as it was one of few early tablet PCs designed in the "slate" format, where the "guts" of the computer are in the monitor portion of the tablet, which is detachable from the keyboard. You carry the screen portion only of the computer in a portfolio which takes up no more space than a traditional paper tablet portfolio, and take notes and select menus using an electronic stylus. The "slate" form differs from the "convertible" form of the tablet PC, which is just like a traditional PC, except that the screen rotates and folds down to be on the outside of the notebook to use as an electronic tablet (it does not detach from the keyboard.) To meet my objective of replacing my handheld, the small size of this "slate" was crucial.

The Compaq Tablet is equipped with a 1 GHz Transmeta processor, which does not measure up in performance to the Pentium III's used in most of the convertible models. While using the tablet as my desktop, I could seize up the system just by opening two Adobe Acrobat fill-in forms at once, or by putting too much strain on the system with multitasking (e.g., trying to check e-mail while something else is loading.) Performance delays in typical Office applications or on the Internet were not noticeable. If a user makes use of applications requiring a higher level of performance, two convertible models receive much higher ratings: the Toshiba Portege Tablet 3505, and the Fujitsu PC Stylistic ST 4000, "great portables with or without the pen input" (ZDNET). Our IT staff preferred the feel and stylus functionality of the Toshiba in brief user testing.

The Compaq has a smaller screen than many of the tablet PCs, at 10.4 inches. For a larger screen on a slate model, you may want to look at the new Gateway tablet, with a screen of 12.1 inches. I prefer the size of the Compaq for its ability to easily slip into a regular briefcase with the included protective case. The screen can provide either a landscape or portrait view with one pen stroke. The stylus for this model received particularly high ratings for its feel and functionality. The Compaq comes with a small, detachable external keyboard for portable use. For in-office use, I connect an external monitor, keyboard, printer, and mouse, using the optional docking station, with multiple USB ports. In heavy usage, I found that our docking station does not like all of the peripherals to be in use at the same time. During heavy printing, I occasionally lose connectivity with the last USB port (my mouse) which has to be unplugged and reinserted to regain connectivity. If l reduce my peripheral devices by one, I don't encounter this problem.

Power Horse for the Meeting Jockey

Despite these weaknesses, however, the tablet has been of significant benefit to me for taking notes in meetings. I use the standard Microsoft Journal application that comes with the XP tablet edition, which looks just like a paper notepad, with many electronic tools. While the Journal application has received much criticism for its handwriting recognition capabilities, it seems to like my handwriting, and the messier, the better (the recognition is much better for slanted cursive writing than my block printing.) You can print files from other Microsoft applications, including Outlook, to the Journal application, then directly to a PowerPoint slide or an e-mailed agenda, for example. You can select from different pen types, highlighters, etc., circle and move text, insert text or pictures, and save everything as a graphic image if you don't require conversion to text. Other users of the document who don't have a tablet PC can download the Journal reader from Microsoft. As someone whose office used to contain dozens of manila file folders, holding multiple individual sheets of notebook paper from meetings past that could never be found again, the ability to store these notes and organize them electronically is a significant time saver.

Microsoft will be releasing its new OneNote software in late 2003 with the latest version of Office to expand note-taking capabilities, with advanced organization of notes and drawings, and the ability to mark up Office documents.

Wi-fi Ready

All of the tablet PC models are equipped with wireless connectivity, which is another plus as compared to my more limited handheld Pocket PC capability during meetings. Since you are always fully connected to network resources while in a building equipped for wireless, instead of transcribing tasks after a meeting, you can open Outlook and enter them during the meeting, or research a hotly-debated point on the Internet while the issue is still timely. The battery life of this model is very good, at approximately 3.5 hours.

Workstyle Benefits

Do I carry the tablet into meetings where I would not have carried my notebook? Yes, this is the tablet's primary benefit. In its portfolio, the tablet is no more obtrusive than my old Franklin planner or handheld case with notepaper. I find there is a significant difference in acceptance between jotting down notes with a pen, versus clicking on a notebook keyboard. I would not have taken the notebook into a vendor or member meeting, for example, where the typing may be perceived as rude, but in contrast, it does not appear disrespectful to jot notes on the tablet screen.

For me and the way I work on a daily basis, the flexibility and efficiencies provided by the slate version of the tablet outweigh its performance weaknesses. If my position required use of more intensive software applications, the performance of this model would not be acceptable.

Cool Toys

Bonuses from adopting the tablet PC model include voice recognition capabilities for dictation or verbal notes, cool "power toys" for downloading, such as art, music and charting tools, and the New York Times crossword.

The Future for the Tablet?

There is currently a price premium for the tablet PC as compared to the traditional PC, with an approximate $1,800-$2,500 base cost for most models. This differential is expected to erode over the next couple of years. What will be required for tablets to become more accepted for the business mainstream? A reduced price differential, faster start-up times, and longer battery lives are anticipated in future models, which will all be necessary for this product to truly compete. It is anticipated that the tablet PC will reach maturity in one to two years. If you require heavy note-taking, collaboration, or use of charting and drawing capabilities, however, you may want to investigate these early models for selected application.

For more reviews of tablet PCs see:

http://www.zdnet.com http://www.cnet.com http://www.extremetech.com http://www.eweek.com http://www.pcworld.com

To find the best price on a variety of technology products, see:

http://www.pricewatch.com http://www.pricegrabber.com http://www.streetprices.com

Laura Hay, CPA, is vice president, finance and technical support for The Ohio Society. She can be reached at [e-mail] or 800.686.2727, ext. 322.