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Vista power profiles - Great for the Tablet PC

Today I was getting ready for a meeting and was wanting to get the most out of my battery because it was going to be a long meeting.  I was a little disappointed at the default settings in Vista RC1 – for one the screen was too bright.  I decided to look around and see what I could find – and guess what I found, power profiles you can customize.  And when I say customize, I mean customize.  Here’s how

First get to the power options – easy way is to right click on the power icon in the task bar and click power options. 

After you get to the power options, you will see the three options for setting your power/performance.  The three default settings are: Balanced, Power Saver and High Performance.

This is where the fun begins.  Hidden in the middle of the left column is something called “Create a Power Plan”.  This will allow you to set one of the existing power plans as the base of your custom plan you are about to create.  I picked the base plan of “Power Saver” because I wanted to create a plan for achieving the max battery life.  At the bottom of the screen it also allows you to name the new plan you are creating, I picked the name of Max Battery.

The next screen is the initial setup of the screen brightness, sleep time and when to turn off the screen.  Since I am only worried about when the computer is on battery, I didn’t worry about what the settings are for while plugged in to the power supply.

Now after you create the initial settings for your plan, you can really tweak the settings now!! You will click the ‘change power settings’ and you will be presented with the brightness, sleep and screen page again, but now it gives you another option ‘change advanced power settings’.  This is where you can really start tweaking!  I will hit the high points on all of them for those of you that can’t experience them first hand. (I only have Vista running on my M4, so I don’t know if all the options are showing, or if all of these will be available on all machines)

• Additional Settings – password on wakeup settings
• Hard disk – time until hard disk turns off
• Wireless Adapter Settings – power mode of wireless device
• Sleep settings – sleep time, hybrid sleep and hibernate settings
• Power buttons and lids – lid close action, power button actions and start menu power buttons
• PCI Express – link state power management
• Processor power management – minimum and maximum processor states
• Search and Indexing – power saving modes
• Display – turn off display time, adaptive display and display brightness
• Multimedia Settings – power modes
• Battery – critical battery action, low battery level, critic battery level, battery state notifications and low battery action.

Not bad for settings built into the OS…

Let us know if your Tablet PC has any additional settings!

Toshiba M4 Tablet PC Video card in Vista - shared memory??

I remember reading about this on a blog the other day (I think it was about an M200), but I had a different driver going on my M4 so I couldn’t check this out. (had to have my external monitor working with my Tablet PC that day so I had a different driver loaded up)  Now I have the WDDM drivers running for the eye candy, and today I was looking around and noticed this – see screen clip.  This is what my 6600 TE in my Toshiba Tecra M4 Tablet PC with 128 meg of video memory is telling me in Vista.  In case you don’t have a M4 – it didn’t share memory in Windows XP Tablet PC Edition…

Digitial Life 2006 coming soon to NY

DigitalLife 2006 (www.digitallife.com) - the largest consumer technology, gaming & entertainment event of the year - will be taking place October 12 – 15 2006 at the Javits Center, New York. If you are interested in going there are some free tickets available if you register online – the secret source code is “INSIDER”. I see HP and Toshiba are going to be there – maybe somebody who is there checking things out can send in some photos of the Tablet PC’s sitting around the booths!!>

Check out the Keynote Speakers> – Microsoft, Sony, Intel and EA represented

Vender List  – Lots of BIG names in there…

Looking for some deals, Check out the special offers section

Contemplating Ultra-Mobile PCs

Several interesting items recently leave me contemplating Ultra-Mobile PCs in my continuing quest to ultra-mobilize (is that a word/verb?) my work and play flow. After conducting a pretty thorough post-mortem of how my Tablet PC usage worked (very well, thank you) in my recent experience producing and directing Othello, I’m still, and further, convinced that a UMPC will, someday fit into my work and play. But, as I said, several other recent news items also add to the contemplation zone. Steve at Carrypad has published a very thorough review of the Raon Vega. In my mind this is an “almost” or “faux” UMPC that doesn’t quite fill the bill. Why? It only comes with XP Home as an OS. That said, Steve does an excellent job of pointing out the pros and cons of Vega and the fact that it could be a good companion computer. As Kevin Tofel points out, in some respects, that is the UMPC concept, but I’ll talk more about that later.

Also, this morning James Kendrick links to some Engadget info about the S-XGen mobile device that looks to debut next year. It runs Windows CE, and the fold out design certainly look more Origami-like than anything that has followed the Microsoft specs on the market so far. Intriguing, but also puzzling. Windows CE? Not for any of my ultra-mobile heavy lifting thank you.

And GBM’s own Dennis Rice in his explorations of the TabletKiosk eo i7210, talks about data entry for him on the eo being a “pain in the keester.” We’ve certainly seen other reports of this as well. And as I’m composing this post, Kevin Tofel has posted a very interesting think piece on the UMPC/Origami six months later that also focuses on data entry.

In my quest, as I’ve been following others vicariously, these and several other nagging points keep me from taking the plunge, (beyond the fact that I believe what we see on the market now will be drastically different next year after Vista’s release.)

I’ve stated before that I think a UMPC could very easily serve my needs in a rehearsal environment for note-taking and research, as well as for note-taking in meetings. I still think that is true. So, what’s a UMPC/Origami going to need for me to take that plunge?

First of all, none of the “faux” UMPCs for me. I’ve had my hands on the Sony UX180P, and it can’t fill the bill. While small hand-held mobile devices seem to pop up each week, I need a device that will run Vista with all of its Tablet PC goodness intact. That of course means a least a gig of memory, and of course it needs to be able to deal with digital ink in the same manner as a Tablet PC. That leads to:

Second, ink registration issues need to be resolved. Again, remember this is focused on my usage scenarios and yours may be vastly different. I am in a much loved and very much ingrained habit of taking notes in digital ink with a pen using OneNote 2007 in one of my primary work scenarios. Registration issues (ink spilling on the screen from a stray touch or palm brush) make this a problem. At the moment, this is a show-stopper for me. And then of course there is:

Third, Data Entry. No, I’m not looking for a UMPC with a keyboard. I can (and would) be happy with a third party solution as I anticipate using a UMPC as a companion device. In fact, I just don’t think that a UMPC or “faux” UMPC with a keyboard solution will be better than a third party solution simply because of the compromises that OEMs have to make for size. That and the fact that my hands really don’t work well with small keyboards. Solve the registration issues mentioned above and we are half way there. Solve data entry via touch and we get closer. I haven’t seen any real enthusiastic supporters of DialKeys, in fact I’ve seen more negative than positive commentary about that data entry method. Ilium Software’s Inscribe shows some promise. (Check out Dennis Rice’s InkShow about Inscribe), but again, a coherent, native solution for the UMPC should be fundamental and there out of the box. Speaking of out of the box, I should be able to boot up, enter data with the pen or stylus (these can be improved as well) or with a touch option without any difficulty whatsoever. I don’t think that exists now with that kind of transparency.

Fourth, rotation, rotation, rotation. I haven’t seen anyone completely happy with screen rotation on these devices. The UMPCs I’ve held in my hand beg to be rotated into portrait mode for note taking. While there is a URotate utility out there, I don’t need, nor want to load up a device with a utility to perform a function that should be native to the device. Even Samsung’s Q1, which comes with a rotation utility seems to offer some issues here.

I could add a few more items to the must-have list, (battery life, price point, etc…) but they’ve been chronicled well by myself and others, and I don’t see huge improvements in the near future in these areas, so I’m semi-resigned to accept what exists on those fronts, at the moment. That said, as a companion device, I’m not going to invest more than $1,000 and in fact, I’d like to keep that below $750. (I know, I’m dreaming.)

Media and playtime. One of the areas where I’ve seen good feedback on is media playback. This is also a crucial element in my decision process. I’ve had to discard my iPod, due to controlled obsolescence and its failure. And quite honestly I’m not that interested in biting the Apple again, or looking at a Zune device, when I can essentially get the same functionality out of a UMPC for music, and a larger screen to watch video. One less gadget (and accessories) to tote around. So, I think I’m safe with where we are heading on this front with UMPCs.

But perhaps the one sticking point that I doubt will change in the forseeable future is to be able to put my hands on these devices side by side in a retail outlet. Again, I know I’m dreaming here. But each UMPC, much like their older cousins, the Tablet PC, has a unique feature set, and from what little experience I have had hands on, getting a chance to actually go hands on with these devices is important to me. Intriguingly, though, I think in the days, weeks, and months ahead, it will probably be easier to lay hands on with the “faux” UMPCs than the real thing.

I’ve mentioned the phrase companion device several times. That is how I envision a UMPC fitting into how I work and play. I’ll still have a Tablet PC on my desk and still use it in some mobile circumstances, but I’m looking for the UMPC to be an adjunct to that usage and allow me to travel, or go to rehearsal, or attend a meeting, with a lighter gadget bag. But I will still need that same functionality that I can get with a Tablet PC. Again, that rules out the “faux” UMPCs in my case, and it rules out any full-fledged UMPC that can’t live up to what I’ve outlined above. Perhaps I’m too picky. Something tells me I’m still a ways off.

In the days to come, I plan on writing a similar post about what I’m going to need to see in my next Tablet PC, as it is almost time to send my trusty Toshiba M200 out to pasture. 

Price Cut For UMPC

Looks like there is some price competition brewing on the UMPC front. Agopc has announced that it is selling the ago7 UMPC for $799 configured with 1Ghz processor, 512mb Ram, and a 40GB Hard drive. This is essentially the same UMPC as TabletKiosk’s first entry into the UMPC market, the eo v7110. The $799 price tag is $200 less than TabletKiosk’s model.  Here’s a comment from agopc’s CEO, David Caroll:

“At agopc our mission is to broaden the UMPC’s appeal,” says President and CEO David Carroll. “At this price point, those new to the platform will find a high quality UMPC like ago7 very attractive.” Mr. Carroll noted that ago7 now costs nearly $200 less than an identically configured model from their competition.

It will be interesting to see if this has any effect on prices anywhere else. Here’s a link to the press release from agopc and here’s a link to the product page.

Webinar Featuring Mnidjet MindManager Capability to Edit Mindmaps In Word

A few days ago we posted about an interesting new capability with Mindjet’s MindManager software that allows users to edit mindmaps in Word 2007. Michael Scherotter, Solution Platform Product Manager at Mindjet,  now informs us, that due to popular demand, he will be conducting a free Webinar on Using Word 2007 to Edit MindManager Maps on Tuesday, September 26, at 10:00am PST. You can sign up for the webinar here. 

UPDATE: GBM reader Tom McGee signed up for the free webinar but shortly thereafter received an email saying it has been postponed to a later unspecified date. We’ll update when we know the date.

Panasonic Toughbook Tablet PC: A First Look

Barry Doyle of TabletPCReviewSpot.com has posted a first look at the Panasonic Toughbook CF-18 Tablet PC. As usual he’s got specs and quite a few pictures. Check it out here. I’m curious. Do we have any readers using ruggedized Tablet PCs here at GBM? If so, leave a comment and tell us your experiences.

Hugo Gets Naked With His UMPC

I sense a trend. First, Kevin Tofel on jkOnTheRun got naked with his UMPC in order to upgrade memory, now DownUnder blogger Hugo Ortega similarly undresses a couple of UMPCs and provides some adult-rated pics. Keep the children away and don’t try this at home. Intriguing that Hugo confused jk and Kevin in his post. I guess looking at naked pics of UMPC internals lends credence to the theory that jk and Kevin are really only one person.

Panasonic May Take Over Where Boeing Connexion Failed

A while back we posted about the demise of Boeing’s Connexion service that offered WiFi in the friendly skies. It looks like Panasonic might be getting ready to run with that ball, although they are taking a cautious approach and trying to build up enough of a client base before launching.

“We have a complete system designed, developed and ready to go,” strategic marketing director David Bruner told Inflight Online at the WAEA show in Miami Beach last week. “But we’re determined to avoid one of the things that brought Connexion down – lack of an initial fleet big enough to assure acceptable pricing for the airlines.”

Panasonic has set about securing agreements covering a minimum of 500 aircraft in the next 60 days. That schedule is being driven by the need to be ready to serve ex-Connexion airlines within a tolerable time after the discontinuation of that service by the end of the year. “We can’t drag our launch decision on until, say, February,” Bruner said. “There will inevitably be a dark period between the end of Connexion and the start of our service, and we want to keep that as short as possible. We already have 150 aircraft committed and feel confident we’ll make the 500. But if we’re falling badly short in 60 days’ time we will not go.”

With three airlines already restricting Dell and Apple laptops due to Sony battery issues, I wonder if that will have any effect on Panasonic’s decisons.

Microsoft is “Looking for Mobile Device Users”

Any readers in Seattle??  If so, take a look at this…

Microsoft regularly conducts research to learn how we can improve our products for end-users. We are currently seeking cell phone and smartphone enthusiasts from the Seattle area to evaluate mobile devices that are still under development. This is an exciting opportunity to see some of our upcoming products, and help determine the direction we take with future mobile devices!

Plus you get free stuff, can’t beat that!!

Unfortunately you probably won’t be able to share with us what you see, but this might be really cool!!

Usability Participant Recruiting

Ilium Software’s “InScribe” InkShow

I’m having fun with eo.  We have gotten quite close in the last two weeks or so since he arrived at the GottaBeMobile.com SE regional office.  I am slowly adopting him (yes, it’s a him) into my lifestyle, and “adapting” me to his abilities bit by bit.  I have played music, watched movies, etc. quite a bit, so am having a lot of fun using this as a consumer electronics device.  Web surfing, checking email, a few games here and there have been a blast. eo has made lots of new friends as I carry him with me throughout my day.
 
However …. (you knew that was coming didn’t you?  :-)), entering text in this thing is a major pain in the keester.  In my day to day life, I simply must have good text input capability.  I’m sorry, but even using the Tablet Input Panel itself still has issues (especially with touchscreens), so I have been experimenting a lot with alternate text input methods and tools.  In all honesty, the inking experience on a touchscreen device is poor compared to a tablet PC.  So to make up for this, I have played with EverNote’s RitePen, ActiveWords, etc., all in an attempt to make things bit easier.  The jury is still out on those apps and how they can help me, but this week I did try a very cool tool that I think will work well.
Yes, we are talking about Ilium Software’s, InScribe on screen keyboard.  Warner posted about this last week and I was interested enough to go and get the (FREE) download and load it up.  It was easy to learn, seemed to function well, and with but one exception (you’ll see in the InkShow) was all positive for me.

Like any new tool, you need to spend some time with it to get proficient, but all in all I liked it a lot.  Check out the show to see the features, pluses and minuses of this little app!

• Watch the InkShow (18:21 minutes, 99mb, .wmv streaming or direct download.).
• Visit the Ilium website for more on the InScribe tool
• Download InScribe and try it yourself (it’s free!)

  Enjoy the show.

All GottaBeMobile.com InkShows are sponsored by:

Kevin Tofel And A Hands On Review of the Think Outside Sierra Bluetooth Keyboard

Kevin Tofel has picked up Sierra’s Think Outside Bluetooth Keyboard and published a hands on review of this mobile accessory. For all of those bemoaning the fact that UMPCs don’t have keyboards, this looks like a very reasonable solution, especially given that it is a full keyboard. Kevin’s review is chock full of pictures that show some good size comparisons for this foldable mobile keyboard. I have to admit, I’m thinking about adding this to my Christmas wish list.

Note that the product page lists the price at $129.99 but Amazon.com is carrying it at the moment for $98.58.

Nice job, Kevin. Check out his thoughts here.

UMPC Concepts

UltraMobileLife.com has started a new series that seeks to outline some new concepts for the UMCP/Orgiami.

What we’ve got in mind, however, is a new breed of specialized UMPCs. We want to take the general concept of the UMPC and push it further. We want to give these little tablets a direction, rather than let them languish in the realms of general computing like their much larger laptop brethren.

The first of the series takes a look at The Executive UMPC with some interesting artwork and ideas about how the UMPC can fit into the Executive lifestyle. This looks like a series worth following, if nothign else for the intriguing artwork displaying their ideas.

Sony Announces Release Date For New UX Edition

Sony is adding another entry to its Vaio UX lineup. Joining the UX180P will be Vaio UX280P. It ups the ante with a 1.2Ghz Pentium M and 1Gig of memory. Availablity looks like October 18 and price will be $1999.99. For a look at the UX180P check out GBM’s InkShow review of the Sony UX180P here.

Hat tip to jkOnTheRun

The Heinys Are Looking For Tablet PC Improvements

Two members of the First Family of Tablet PCs are looking for future improvements in Tablet PCs, focusing on adding inking in more areas of the OS. First Lady, Lora Heiny, and brother Loren both have interested posts with their ideas. These conversations come around every few months in the Tabletscape and as you look at Lora and Loren’s posts things can be summed up simply by saying, make Inking native to the OS and throughout the OS. I still think we’ve got a ways to go. What are your thoughts on how to improve the Tablet PC?