Tablet Heaven :)

Years back at 'Live 95' I saw my first tablet PC and thought, "this is the way it should be done".
Over Easter weekend I finally acquired one - an HP/Compaq TC1100 running Window XP Tablet edition. After just a few days of use I can say it's the best computer/software combo I've yet owned.

THE COMPUTER...

The size is perfect for mobility and the detachable keyboard is a bonus. Hard drive is only 30GB 4200RPM but I may eventually install my 100GB/5400. Last night I installed another Gig of RAM, which gave immediate improvements in speed. It has bluetooth, WiFi, IRDA, PCMCIA and USB2 and the only thing missing is an optical drive. I think I can live without this though.

Why use a keyboard, buttons and mouse/touch-pad when a one handed pen will suffice? I know some people prefer a keyboard, which is undoubtedly quicker for writing text, but I'll happily take the hit for all the other benefits of a pen-based PC.

I would never go back to a desktop machine and if I can help it, never use a laptop again. All depends on the next generation of tablets though. For video and audio editing work I still need a powerhouse of a PC and the TC1100 while plenty good enough for web and office work will not cope with hardcore processing.

THE SOFTWARE...

I've been pondering moving to an Apple Mac for years. Mainly because the Mac OS user interface looks so much friendlier, cleaner and fresher than windows. The usual reasons held me back, but now in one fell swoop MS have won me back to their OS fair and square with this superb piece of programming.

Handwriting recognition is magical, and soon I hope to get to grips with the voice recognition. I didn't realise that a computer could be so different to a laptop in so many respects. Sure you can have streaming radio, TV, magazine, newspaper, crosswords, email and diary on a laptop, but it all works so much better on a tablet.

I had concerns about entering web addresses but once I realised I didn't need to tap away on a virtual on-screen keyboard I found it pretty easy with the handwritten options. Also I tend to use a handful of keyboard shortcuts, some of which I have yet to find actions for in pen-mode.

Good 3rd party support adds to the good experience. Some well-supported tablet-specific websites have yielded some good software links.

Calculator now becomes a sheet of intelligent paper. Write the sums and let the computer fill in the answers. Desk notes - just write on the screen as the thoughts appear.
Journal - plain and simple diary app. Calendar - Tap on the date and add notes. Search notes for text - all in handwritten form. Works a treat.

Next up is a GPS interface coupled to MS Autoroute.

I challenge users of other operating systems to find serious and unbiased fault with Microsoft’s efforts and commitment in the field tablet PCs. Well I like what they've done, that's all I'm saying :)