Review:

 Tablet PC—what’s there not to like?

Compaq Tablet PC TC1000

Review: Tablet PC—what’s there not to like?

Compaq Tablet PC TC1000

If you get nothing else out of this review, remember this: The Tablet PC is currently the best functionality hybrid of Desktop PCs, Laptop/Notebook PCs, PDAs, and—get this: yes:  even—Paper! The Tabletop PC has combined the best of these devices without necessarily inheriting their deficiencies.

And, it is truly functional! When the spouse “steals” it from right under your nose and curls up in one end of the couch and starts surfing and shopping effortlessly— and right out of the box at that—we got trouble: good trouble! The Kids? They want theirs now because this “new” homework they just got from their English teacher requires the use of a Tablet PC specifically.

The fun does not stop at home either: At work, this tablet-thing is unbelievable. They will call you Mr. or Ms. Paperless. At meetings. At your workstation. In your office. Then, they will also call you Mr. or Ms. Productive. Why?

I jot down notes using my regular handwriting, even while I am walking down the hallway, with the option to convert to text—real time, or later.  (Do, believe me; I have cut down on the use of paper by at least 80-90%).  Giving a Power Point Presentation with the opportunity to annotate my slides showing on the screen was an epiphany. I can mark up any document in any of several ink colors in any nib-point, or use a real marker in many colors to produce meaningful shared documents. Speaking of sharing, inbuilt wireless connectivity makes you a “cheerful sharer.”  When you just want to “share” your own documents from other regular applications on your Tablet PC, all you have to do is “PRINT” them to your Tablet PC-specific applications where you can then apply the magic of Tablet PC functionality to them.

I have not tried the Speech Recognition function because of my general bias against that technology. I use the detachable, cute and portable keyboard as little as possible because I long to return to my own handwriting; and when I need to, I can summon the electronic version with ease. Battery life (4 hours advertised) is pretty reasonable for a first generation device, but even here, an intelligent option allows you to maximize on power-saving strategies, or to leave the device on for the duration (came in handy for my Power Point Presentation.)

By now, I realize that you are eager to find out which Tablet PC I am using. It is Compaq TC1000. This baby has a solid, slick design. It gets warm sometimes during use, but this is not uncomfortable. In fact, since you have to hold the device, the warmth is soothing to the hands especially on cold / cool mornings and days.  This is also one of the reasons I chose TC1000--initial reviews note that other Tablet PCs get toasty hot.  (The other reason is cost. For viewing comfort, you have the choice of either portrait or landscape mode, the change is easily effected by a pen tap or through menu function.  The weight of this device is 3.0 lbs, but because of the way it feels when one holds it, you may not notice the pounds.

The pen is a wonder, writing with such roll-smoothness that you could swear it is a regular ballpoint. At the same time, it duplicates the functions of a regular mouse. Its tight functional integration with the application menu structure affords other interesting functions, while invoking handedness; they did not forget handedness customization.  Nor did they forget islets on the pen to tether it to similar islets on the unit itself with a string (you have to get your own). This is NOT a touch-screen device; makes sense, since you don’t want routine handling of the device to trigger actions.

In the dongles department, it comes with 2 USB ports, 1 VGA port, 1 network and 1 telephone port. There are audio (in/out/microphone) jacks. The inbuilt wireless standard is 802.11b. There is a type II slot for PCMCIA cards and another slot for CompactFlash  cards. There are 5 well tucked-in buttons which can be configured for one-touch functions.

Docking and undocking the keyboard is a cinch, and function does not require any additional action. Also provided are little holes on the device to thread through a securing band or cable to fasten the unit to a fixture of choice.

Most of the magic of the COMPAQ Tablet PC TC1000 was performed with basic software coupled with fun free downloads. Sticky Notes will let you take notes or diddle anytime any place (though not exportable, nor text-convertible). Windows Journal is a hand-writer and note-taker’s delight which offers handwriting/text combinations and conversion options, and a number of templates simulating different writing pads. Word Pad comes with the Win XP OS.  When you add Windows Office XP, then you are in orbit; you can double your fun, with the ability to pen-mark up any Office document. If you are a Franklin Planner fan, then you will really be in a heavenly orb if you can afford the steep price (over $169) from where to savor all the functions of the Planner specifically designed for the Tablet PC.

Typically, I hold the Tablet on my lap and write with the pen. I may place it on a table top; otherwise, I cradle it in my non-writing arm, much the same way as you would hold a clipboard or chart while writing on it. Occasionally, I have it docked to the keyboard but still use the pen to do my writing. While docked to the keyboard, TC1000 looks and could function like a miniature (cute!) notebook. The only time I use the keyboard (mostly the electronic one) is when I have to enter a password. Written numbers magically and uncannily appear accurate more than 95% of the time: all this without handwriting training! In fact, my experience is that the faster I write, the better the recognition—which I can only interpret as: the more naturally you write (your own nature), the better the recognition.  Hmm… I wonder if it senses anxiety levels and reacts accordingly? Oh, if you must know, I wrote all this by hand; it probably took a little more time than if I had used the keyboard (I am not the ‘hood’s fastest typist, you know)—perhaps 10 to 20% more time. But, heck, I have only had this approximately 3 weeks now.

I leave out other technical details because you can easily find those on GOOGLE. And, I will not recommend how or where to use the Tablet PC and specifically Compaq TC1000 because that’s a matter left up to your imagination. In another year or so, the second generation devices should be out. I expect lighter and cooler (but not cold) devices, improved battery life; and more Tablet PC-specific software where the paradigm should be: “productivity equals fun and vice versa.” So, watch out for Microsoft’s OneNote if it ends up keeping that name!

In another year or so, one would have to find a good reason to opt for a Desktop or a Notebook, or even a PDA when one could have a Tablet PC! And, Paper finally has serious competition!

Review by:

Oguchi Nkwocha, MD
Family Practice / Medical Informatics
oguchi@mbay.net

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