Does your enterprise need the Tablet PC in its arsenal?
November 7, 2002, Microsoft renewed its commitment to the pen-based computing model with the launch of the Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system. Pen-based Tablet PCs are new to Microsoft. It's had pen-based versions of its OS dating back to Windows 3.11. However, despite the long history, pen-based computing has not yet taken off.
Acer TravelMate C102T Tablet PC
Toshiba Portege 350U-002GF4 Tablet PC
The major differences between the Windows Powered devices we write about in this magazine and the new Tablet PC are screen size and operating system. The Pocket PCs and most of the Handheld PCs have screens that are smaller than those found on traditional notebook PCs. Additionally, the PPC/HPC operating system, Windows CE, is significantly different from other versions of Windows. Software applications written for the PPC/HPC won't run on desktop PC versions of Windows, and, perhaps more importantly, applications written for desktop versions of Windows won't run on the PPC/HPC platform.
The software issue has limited the ability of PPCs and HPCs to penetrate widely into the mobile market. The HPC has made some significant entrées to the healthcare market and the PPC has started penetrating the PDA market as well as its own vertical markets. However, neither has become the mass-market device that a notebook running a desktop PC version of Windows might be considered.
That's where Microsoft is clearly heading with their Tablet PC strategy. The Microsoft Tablet PC will run Windows XP Tablet Edition, a version of XP that has all of the benefits and features of Windows XP Professional edition, but also has pen-based enhancements and new applications. The notebook is the undisputed mobile device leader, and it's pretty clear that Microsoft is taking a shot at that market.
What is a Tablet PC?
Simply stated, the Tablet PC is a laptop computer with a pen-based user interface. "Convertible" Tablet PCs include an integrated keyboard as well as a pen-based interface. "Slate" Tablet PCs do not have an integrated keyboard but like Pocket PCs, allow you to attach an external keyboard for heavy-duty data entry.
Compaq TC1000 is a "convertible" Tablet PC with an integrated, fold-away keyboard.
The fact that the Tablet PC runs a version of Windows XP is very important to developers. For one thing, if you've already been developing applications for desktop PC systems, the learning curve for developing applications for a Windows XP-based device is less than for Pocket and Handheld PC applications. Also, since the operating system and graphical user interface are similar to the ones used on current laptops, and since Tablets have a keyboard option, it will require less user training to replace laptops with Tablet PCs than with other handhelds.
What about input?
Microsoft included the Transcriber handwriting-recognition engine from the Pocket PC in the Tablet PC. It may be easier to use Transcriber on the Tablet PC because of the much larger screen. But if you just want to save hand written notes without transcription you can use the new Microsoft Journal application. Journal has some decidedly cool tools to help you manage the "electronic ink" that you're creating. The application shows you what appears to be a ruled pad of paper such as you might carry with you in a portfolio. You can create hand written notes, insert information in existing notes, draw maps and floor plans, highlight parts of your notes, and more. These features and many others make the Microsoft Journal applet a great tool for working with the electronic ink that the Tablet PC is capable of creating.
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