Siemens SIMpad SL

Recently a number of companies have introduced tablet-sized devices specifically targeted for Web browsing (a.k.a., "Web pads"). They are generally minimalist machines with the exception of a large display (often 640x480 or 800x640 pixel resolution.) To save hardware and licensing costs, these machines typically do not include Outlook and provide only 16 or 32 megabytes of memory. Such limitations are not a problem if they are used primarily for Web browsing. My chief complaint with most of these systems is that they are large and "clunky" looking. Considering that comparable hardware (with the exception of the large display) fits in a Pocket PC, I don't understand why the designers make tablets so thick and heavy. Certainly the larger glass display requires a stiff and sturdy housing, but can't someone make a tablet that doesn't look and feel like a brick?

As it turns out, someone can—and did. While not well known in the USA, Siemens is one of the largest technology companies in Europe. If their first Windows Powered device is any indication, I think we will be see more of them on this side of the Atlantic.

Beauty that's not just skin deep

The first thing you notice about the Siemens SIMpad SL4 is its sleek, well-designed, polished look. Unlike other tablet devices, it looks more like an Art Deco prop from a science fiction movie. Looks are an important factor for companies that may use tablets as part of their contact with the public or their customers, and the SIMpad SL4 looks nice.

The SIMpad is not just a pretty face. Inside, it has the hardware and software power needed to make it much more than a Web browser. With a 206MHz StrongARM processor and 64 megabytes of memory, the SIMpad can certainly be considered for almost any demanding handheld application. SIMpad is a full Handheld PC 2000 device, with the Windows CE 3.0 core operating system and the complete suite of Microsoft Handheld PC applications. This includes the Pocket Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access) and version 3.1 of the Pocket Outlook applications (Inbox, Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks). Also included is version 4.01 of Pocket Internet Explorer, and a Java Virtual Machine provided by Siemens. For text input, the SL4 comes with the JOT character recognizer and an on-screen keyboard that pops up when you select an icon on the tool bar or press a button located below the navigation disk. Unlike the on-screen keyboard for the Pocket PC, you can resize this one, as well as move it around the screen.

I was pleased to see that Web sites that would not work with the Pocket PC—such as Bank of America's online banking site—worked flawlessly with the SIMpad. This is due to the Javascript implementation in the SIMpad.

Siemens assumes that most SIMpads will be used with wireless networking PC Cards. This is evident from the number of drivers that come pre-installed on the device. Unfortunately for me, while they included the Proxim Home RF driver, they did not include Proxim's RangeLAN2, which I happen to use. However, I was able to download the driver easily from Proxim's Web site and then connect quickly to my wireless network.

Unlike most other tablet-sized machines, the SIMpad includes a "navigation disk" control on the front of the unit, similar to the navigation pad found on many Pocket PCs. In addition to the navigation disk, there are two other buttons that bring up the Windows Start menu and the on-screen keyboard.