- Rob Bushway

If you visit www.xThink.com, you’ll notice that xThink doesn’t have a publicly accessible trial download of MathJournal. However, through a special arrangement with GottaBeMobile.com, xThink is offering our readers a special 45 day evaluation trial of MathJournal 1.1.

MathJournal includes the functionality of Calculator (see our InkShow), plus it features plotting, symbolic math, integrals, derivations, ability to define constants and functions, output to MathML, and more.

Download instructions:

1. Go to  www.xthink.com/downloads/MathJournal11.msi and download the trial.

2. Save the file to your harddrive. Run the install. When promoted for a keycode, press cancel. You’ll have 45 days to evaluate MathJournal.

3. Visit xThink’s support site if you have any questions.

Watch xThink’s own videos on MathJournal

- Rob Bushway

Interested in the new insert image and search functionality within OneNote 2007? Checkout this InkShow

 

 

Watch Now! ( 5:27, 8.5mb)

Public beta registration

- Rob Bushway

I’m downloading Hugo’s podcast chat with Billy Hollis right now. Should be quite entertaining and informative. Listen here

Show notes:

• The Tablet Guru Group.
• The Medical Vertical, in relation to Tablet Sales!
• Tablet PC uptake: in School’s, the critical mass & more.
• “Code Addiction” (Codeheads Anonymous!)
• Test Driven Development.
• Coding for Tablet PC.
• Origami Project
• Message to Architect’s & Developers.
• Smart Client, and Tablet PC.
• Tablet Applications.
• Billy Hollis & Bill Gates.
• What does Australia mean to Billy?

- Rob Bushway

Dennis and I pinged our Toshbia contact about the 1400 x 1050 resolution disappearing from the Build To Order page for the M400 Tablet PC He told us that it was removed due to supply constraint issue. No word on when it will be listed again. I’ll post an update if I hear of a time frame. I’d expect about another week or two.

He also told us that the extended battery option will be appearing as a seperate accessory option purchase. I’ll post that link when I get it.

There will also be some Toshiba news coming at the end of the week…watch our site for details.

- Rob Bushway

Some more news on the medical front:

Are you a developer looking for an opportunity to get your product recognized? Then this contest sponsored by Microsoft might interest you. The award categories: Sales, Manufacturing / Supply, and Clinical Development. From Microsoft’s Press Release:

Microsoft Corp. today announced a call for entries for its Microsoft® Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Innovation Awards, recognizing breakthroughs in the use of technology in three award categories.

Implementations for award consideration must include the use of Microsoft technologies such as BizTalk® Server, Windows® XP Tablet PC Edition, SQL Server™ 2005, Office 2003 or other major Microsoft technologies. An online entry kit and full details are available on the Microsoft Life Sciences Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/lifesciences.

Source: WebWire

 

- Rob Bushway

Scoble is posting on his blog that he’s getting a good look at the Origami device this coming Monday – right before the team heads to CeBit. Could that be when the “official” announcement is made. My guess is yes…

The timing certainly fits. The three weeks appear to be spread out by 7 days: 2/23, 3/2, and maybe a 3/9 announcement at CeBit?

- Rob Bushway

For those in the medical industry, this looks very promising. From DLMag.com's Paul Baranowski:

On Monday Intel announced that they will be testing a new tablet pc they have been working on designed to help a medical facility communicate with each other. What I mean by this is doctors being able to quickly get in touch with other doctors or nurses, and visa versa.  ...

A prototype of the tablet shown by Louis Burns, vice president and general management of Intel’s digital health group, includes a slot with docking Bluetooth-enabled stethoscope, a touch screen, phone jacks, USB plugs, video conference capability, and other health related electronics.

Source: DLMag.com

- Dennis Rice

-

Chris Playing the "OneNote Sax" that plays.., you guessed it -- "One Note"

Chris Pratley of the Microsoft OneNote dev team wrote quite the "tongue in cheek" post in his blog tonight. Napkin Math? You gotta read it to understand it ...!

"When I am sitting in a meeting or just at my desk trying to work my thoughts out it often happens that I need to do a little math. In these cases I am already in OneNote, either taking notes or capturing my thoughts in some way. Now I need to know what our install size is going to be if we remove a few components, or what % of our dev budget the napkin math feature will be. So I could reach for a calculator or try to find the one built in to Windows, or maybe launch Excel. If I did, it would take awhile, it's a context switch, and I might get "the answer" but I would have no record of the calculation or how I did it unless I typed it into OneNote. Hmm. What if I just type it in to OneNote right there in my notes?"

"Napkin math falls into the "art" category because it clearly isn't a top priority for our customers (zero people asked for it) or the vision for the product or any other budget category. But it is cool, it works just as I want when I need it, it is different, and it makes me love my software. We've already got a few smiles from our beta users about it".

It also gives a pretty good bit of insight into what is in Chris' head as he works on this dev team (a little scary there Chris)Head over and check this one out.....

- Dennis Rice

-

Well, being under NDA has it's advantages, and it's disadvantages. Getting to see new stuff even months ahead is great, but not being able to tell anyone about it is NOT fun. I am enjoying watching all the speculation out there though, so we will continue to report to you when we see a well written piece on the subject!

This article from Cnet News.com is one of the more in-depth looks at what information is surfacing.

Here is a sample of what they are saying:

"Microsoft's goal is to create a blueprint for devices that could sell for $600 or less, although the actual prices will depend greatly on what manufacturers decide to include. Origami is capable of supporting features like GPS, Bluetooth, 3G cellular technology and Wi-Fi, though each of these adds to the cost of the device.

Rumors have been swirling about the device over the past week. The Origami Project Web site, which is owned by Microsoft, pledges that more information will come Thursday. However, sources say this is likely to be more buzz, with actual details not expected until later in March, likely at the CeBit show that takes place March 9-15 in Hanover, Germany".

Go check out the entire article!

- Rob Bushway

I picked this quote from one of the many sites and blogs following the Origami buzz and how everyone is quite taken-aback by how successful Microsoft is being with this campaign.  What I really love, though, is this headline quote

OK, short straw gets to tell Bill he can't wear the black turtleneck at the launch

Classic….

- Rob Bushway

James Kendrick has produced a wonderful screencast featuring JumpingMinds Software InkGestures. Very creatively done. Watch it here.

There is nothing like seeing this tablet pc app in action to appreciate its power. Great job, James.

- Rob Bushway

Are you looking for more information on Vista versions, features, communities, etc? Check out Microsoft's new Vista website. It is very well designed, clean, and very informative.

 

- Rob Bushway

-Rob Bushway

With an apparent "oops" web posting the week before last on the Vista product line offerings, Microsoft has finally officially released its Vista line up via a press release. Media Center combined with Tablet PC on one computer in all editions except Home Basic - bring it on…. Table PC is now going mainstream

From their press release:

Microsoft Corp. today announced the product lineup of its upcoming Windows Vista operating system. Scheduled for release later this year, the Microsoft^® Windows Vista product lineup will bring clarity to customers' digital world by helping them easily accomplish everyday tasks, instantly find what they want, enjoy the latest in entertainment, improve the safety of their personal information, stay connected at home or on the go, and help ensure PCs are up-to-date, more secure and running smoothly.

The Windows Vista product lineup consists of six versions, two for businesses, three for consumers, and one for emerging markets: Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Enterprise, Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Ultimate and Windows Vista Starter. The number of offerings is the same as the number of offerings currently available for Windows^® XP. More important, the lineup is designed to deliver clear value to a broad range of customers, each product tailored to meet specific needs of various segments of customers -- home PC users, small and medium-sized businesses and the largest enterprises -- and is aimed at bringing 64-bit, Media Center and Tablet PC functionality into the mainstream.

- Dennis Rice

-

Speculation is running wild about Origami, which is of course exactly what Microsoft wants to happen. Now before anyone starts screaming "Evil Empire" vaporware spew, understand that this is what is called, uhhh, successful marketing. I know that lots of people are expecting to have rumors confirmed or denied, or at least to get some good details on March 2nd, but I just want to encourage people to not expect too much that quickly. Todd Bishop in his Microsoft Blog is following this story closely, and offerred this comment direct from Frank Shaw at Microsoft in his article today:

"And one final note: A spokesman for Microsoft, Frank Shaw, said Sunday that the company doesn't plan an Origami announcement on Thursday, as might have been expected. The March 2 date on OrigamiProject.com instead refers to plans to offer more details on the site. In that context, the references to three weeks at the bottom of the site start to make more sense".

Be patient folks. There is a planned date, and like I said before -- You're gonna LIKE. Then you are gonna WANT. I know I already do ....

- Dennis Rice

-

(image courtesy of TabletPCReviewSpot.com)

One of the things we expect to do really well on this site is to review hardware and software. However, when we come across a really good review done elsewhere, we certainly want to help pass the word!

Barry Doyle of TabletPCReviewSpot.com has done a great review of the Acer C200. He reviewed the Celeron version, including benchmarks. I applaud that as reviewers all too often want to go for the powerhouse in reviewing these machines (which is what OEM's usually send us), and that leaves the budget minded consumer out of information as to whether this thing will really do the job. Here is an excerpt of the conclusions, but the full article with lots of good images, etc., is worth the read! Kudos to Barry! Go over and check out their other reviews as well.

"The Acer TravelMate C200 Tablet PC is not the lightest 12.1" model of the bunch. As a matter of fact the design is a bit bulkier than what we would have expected. On the upside this Celeron M-based version of the C200 is an outstanding value. We would highly recommend this Tablet PC for students, consumers or business users who want to get a solid and dependable Tablet PC without breaking the bank."

Pros

• Beautiful display
• Screen locks steady in notebook and tablet mode
• Built-in, removable optical drive
• Good value for the price

Cons:

• Limited input options
• "Exposed" screen vulnerable to damage
• Debatable design issues

- Rob Bushway

Interested in learning more about xThink Calculator for the Tablet PC? Then you've got to watch this InkShow!

 

 

• Watch it now
• Download the trial of Calculator
• Download MathJournal 45 day evaluation (includes all the features of Calculator, plus plotting, symbolic math, integrals, derivations, ability to define constants and functions, output to MathML, and more
• Visit xThink's website

- Rob Bushway

You’ve got to love this newsbite from Microsoft Watch’s Mary Jo Foley. I won’t address the Origami aspect due to NDA restrictions, but I definitely want to address the Tablet Edition piece. She talks about Origami being a "slimmed-down Tablet PC" and then goes on to say this:

With Microsoft expected to kill the separate Tablet edition of Windows, as of Vista, it's an odd time for Redmond to be touting the Tablet, yet again. Maybe Microsoft will christen the new device the "UnTablet"?

First of all, you have to understand that Mary Jo is very anti-tablet. If you have read any of her columns the past several years in terms of tablet pcs, you’ll know what I’m talking about. She relishes any opportunity to declare the tablet pc dead. I’m writing about this so folks don’t get mislead by her statement.

Second, Microsoft isn’t killing the tablet functionality in Vista. Tablet functionality is alive and well and soooo much better in Vista than it ever was in XP. It just isn’t a seperate sku any longer. It is built in with Vista. With a proper understanding of where Microsoft is going mobile wise, she wouldn’t make such a statement in that way. That statement is so misleading, it isn’t even funny. It makes me wonder if Mary Jo has even seen a tablet pc running Vista. By saying “an odd time for Redmond to be touting the Tablet, yet again”, she infers that tablet functionality is dead in Vista and dead in the marketplace,  and that just isn’t so.

Post a clarification, Mary Jo. Your readers deserve it.

- Dennis Rice

Are you a mobile devices / tablet pc developer looking for a great speaking engagement? You might want to check out the Mobility Connections Fall 2006 conference (Mobility Connections will be held on November 6-10^th 2006.) They are featuring two tracks: one on Tablet PC and the other on Mobile devices.

Want some more info? Check out the DevConnections blog.

Source:What Is New

- Rob Bushway

I can’t remember the last time that Microsoft has launched such a successful campaign as this Origami Project. They are doing all of the right things. Buzz is building and it is now gaining national attention.

For those of you who have followed me over the past several years, I don’t shy away from telling Microsoft, OEMs, and ISVs where they mess up. In the same vein, I heap praise where it is due. And in this case, it is due. They have executed this brilliantly.

I don’t anticipate the hype to be more than what is finally announced in a couple of weeks, but I do hope that people keep their expectations in check. Going back to the mobile brief that I blogged about earlier (which has picked up a great deal of press and links), Microsoft’s Bill Mitchell did say that the combined list of specs were all “ideal”. I hope that people don’t expect these “devices” to be the end-all for $500 right out of the gate. That said, whatever these devices end up looking like and featuring, I can tell you that I can’t wait to get my hands on one – whatever it ends up being.

NDA requirements are keeping Dennis and I from talking too much about Origami except for what we see leaked, but this will be a story that Dennis and I continue to watch closely and report on. Whatever we can share with you , we will.

- Rob Bushway

James Kendrick and Marc Orchant have posted the latest version of On The Run With Tablet PCs podcast. Featured on this podcast is the launch of our website, TEO 3.0, Ink Gestures 1.1, OneNote 2007. Thanks for wonderful mentions guys. You were way too kind.

Keep up the good work.

- Rob Bushway

Watch this TEO 3.0 InkShow on the Research Assistant.

• Watch it now
• Watch the other TEO 3.0 InkShows
• Visit the website
• Download the beta

Not all features will function as intended as this is a pre-beta preview.

 

- Rob Bushway

Craig Pringle continues his Toshiba M400 Tablet PC chronicles by taking a look at the M400 battery performance.

I've noticed in the past several weeks that Toshiba has removed the extended battery from the list of available accessories. It disappeared when the 1400 x 1050 resolution was removed. I'm not sure why, but I bet it has something to do with demand.

- Rob Bushway

The Origami Project is catching the attention of the "main stream" press. The New York Times is running a report on it now, mentioning a lot of the blogger activity that has surfaced this week concerning Origami.

A cryptic Web site that was set up by Microsoft but does not bear its name appears to hint that the company will reveal information about a new consumer product on Thursday. The site caused a flurry of speculation on Internet gadget gossip sites over the weekend.

The Web site, www.origamiproject.com, suggests that the introduction of a personalized mobile device that "will change your life" is in the offing, but gives no details. It promises an update on Thursday.

Source: New York Times

- Rob Bushway

If you found your way here from RobBushway.blogspot.com or CutMeLoose.com, rest assured, you are at the right place.

Dennis Rice and I are pleased to announce the launch of our new site: GottaBeMobile.com . Check out our new InkShows, news articles by ISV and OEM categories, our software list, and of course our editorials. Coming soon is an interactive hardware comparision matrix - something that is badly needed in the tablet pc space.

So, enjoy your visit, check out all the new stuff, and come back often.

-Rob Bushway and Dennis Rice

- Rob Bushway

Check out the new features of Microsoft's OneNote 2007 beta 1 in this special InkShow as we look at hyperlinking, printing, notebooks, importing, tables, and drawing tools.

 

In this follow up, we take a look at the Import and Seach functions

Public beta registration

- Rob Bushway

If you are are following this whole Origami thing, check out this link from Kevin Tofel - a video featuring Origami devices.

I'll take one of those for each person in my family….

Thanks for the link, Warner

- Dennis Rice

Tablet Guy and I are having fun watching all the speculation going on about the Microsoft Origami Project. There are so many ideas floating around. If Microsoft is indeed trying to stir the pot a bit, it is working. MVP NDA requirements, but suffice it to say that of all the wild stories out there right now, there is only one I have seen that is anywhere near the mark, and even that one is not right on! Be patient folks, it will be here soon.

Here is a good wrapup done by the SeattlePI.com writer Todd Bishop on Todd Bishop's Microsoft Blog.

You're gonna LIKE.

- Rob Bushway

Watch our exclusive preview InkShow of Einstein Technologies TEO 3.0, the much anticipated upgrade from TEO 2.0 We take a video look at new notetaking features, map integration, new input controls, and more in this private beta release! Josh is telling us that the beta will be released to the public in a couple of weeks.

Update: TEO 3.0 Beta is now available

Please keep in mind that this is a pre-beta preview, so not all features were demoed and some of the functions may not have behaved as intended.

Watch it Now!

• Introduction & Contacts
• Appointments
• Tasks
• Journal
• Research Assistant
• Download the beta

Tablet Enhancements for Outlook Homepage

Pricing information

• Current Customers:
  • free upgrade if 2.0 was purchased after 10/1/2005
  • $25 upgrade if 2.0 was purchased prior to 10/1/2005
• $50 for new customers

- Rob Bushway

Watch our InkShow of Agilix GoBinder 2006

We cover new UI improvements, categories, tabs, folders, the improved ink interface, and much more in the beta version of GoBinder 2006.

 

• Watch the InkShow
• Download GoBinder 2006 beta
• Visit the Beta support site

- Rob Bushway

Loren and the developers at Jumping Minds software have just released an update to InkGestures – version 1.1

If you have not given InkGestures a test run on your tablet pc, download it and see what you think.

- Rob Bushway

Not sure if these are current, real, or what but Engadget is standing by their sources and posted pictures of the Origami devices might or do look like. Thanks for the link, Warner.

Source: Engadget

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Rob Bushway

There seems to be a lot of speculation floating about around a new website that Microsoft just launched: http://www.origamiproject.com/. Not much detail at all on the site (quite a tease), but it tells folks to check back on 3/2 and then there is a 3rd week option, probably 3/9….will be interesting to watch. Meanwhile,

Scoble is saying that it is a “device”…. Speculation is running the gamut – read below for a list:

I do know that Origami is the code-name for a new kind of device. Oh, heck, here come the NDA police, gotta go! … – Scoble

Network World is running this article on it as well with supposedly with some info from a “source”: From Network World (where they link to Engadget who links to my article blogging the mobile brief). Network World also links to my article from here

Fortunately, we know someone who knows for certain. According to an industry source who has seen the thing and calls it "very cool," Origami is one and the same with this ultraportable "lifestyle PC" we were talking about here earlier today. This source is under NDA, an honest fellow and unwilling to share more than his help connecting the dots. Earlier this month, the author of a blog called Engadget described the device this way: "According to at least one report, Bill Mitchell, Corporate Vice President of the Mobile Platform Division, showed a slide that outlined specs for the new PC category, including that it be wearable, always on, no larger than 10-inches, connected through 3G networks, pen-based, and have a suggested retail price of $500 or less. … One notable spec that could differentiate this one: Microsoft is apparently insisting that this run the full version of Windows." - Network World

Another commenter on Scoble’s blog claims that it a mobile phone.

Another commenter on Scoble’s blog says:

The buzz around is that this could be a specialised communicator device based on a National Semiconductor’s design originally presented during the COMDEX

Guess we’ll all find out soon. Meanwhile there are a lot of links coming in to my blog...

- Rob Bushway

Craig Pringle has posted the first “Hands On” review of the Toshiba M400 Tablet PC I’ve seen yet. He also posts some really good pictures. Great job, Craig.

Considering the M400? Check it out….

- Rob Bushway

New Age offers up this nice little review of Tablet Kiosk's Sahara i215. Note the prices in the article are Australian dollars.

Notebooks with fold-away keyboards seem to be the most popular tablet PC form, but slate-style tablets with the keyboard removed seem to offer more innovation.

The size of an A4 notepad and only 25 millimetres thick, TabletKiosk's Sahara Slate PC i215 pen is getting closer to our futurist vision of a tablet PC. Weighing 1.5 kilograms, the Sahara packs a 1.5 GHz Pentium-M, 512 MB of RAM and a 60 GB HDD. It sports a 12.1-inch XGA display and a Wacom electro-magnetic pen that slots into the unit, but a touch-screen version is available.

Source: New Age

- Rob Bushway