All Entries Tagged With: "Tablet PC 101"

Tablet Struggles To Find Mainstream Pt. 5: I’m Sold

After several weeks of full-time Tablet PC use, I have to confess that I’ve sold my Tablet PC.  I used my Tablet PC for all of my computing tasks at home and work throughout the past couple months, and I was very pleased with the features that a Tablet PC offers.  Truth be told, I sold my Tablet PC with the intention of upgrading to a newer model as multitouch capabilities continue to become more advanced and prevelant.  I am a strong believer that multitouch and alternative/pen input will one day be as commonplace as they keyboard.  Throughout my Tablet PC experience I realized a few things that set the Tablet PC apart from traditional laptops.

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Tablet PC 101: Reprogram Those Hardware Buttons

I’ve written before regarding my disappointment that Lenovo removed the Nav Dial from the X200. In fact, I was secretly hoping they would improve upon the Nav Dial by making it a scroll wheel and placing on the side of the screen. The scroll function is something I love to do when in portrait mode, and I just have not gotten comfortable using pen-based scroll gestures  - they don’t respond quick enough, can get laggy, and I sometimes accidentally select text. I prefer hardware-based buttons or wheel solutions.

While watching Monday Night Football last night and using the X200 to browse websites, I had an epiphany  – why not reprogram two of the hardware buttons with scroll up / scroll down functions? I reprogrammed two buttons that I hardly ever use ( button lock and Tablet Shortcut Menu )  and now I have my scroll navigation function back!

Here is how I did it. By the way, these steps don’t just apply to the X200 – you should be able to do them for any tablet pc that have available buttons. These steps apply to Vista, but are also supported in XP, too:

1. Go to Start, Control Panel, Tablet PC Settings
2. Go to Buttons
3. The default orientation is All Orientations, but you can customize each of the following choices for each orientation if you prefer ( ie, set a button to do something different in primary portrait vs primary landscape).
4. Select Button Lock and press Change
5. On the first drop down menu, select Scroll Up, and then press Ok
6. Select Tablet Shortcut Menu and press Change
7. On the first drop down menu, select Scroll Down, and then press Ok
8. That’s it – now when browsing a website or a document, you can scroll up and down using hardware buttons!

Tablet PC 101: Sync and OneNote

With my announcement about leaving Evernote for the wonderful world of inking in OneNote, several folks have asked about how syncing is done in OneNote, the issues with using folder type syncing, etc. We have several resources on this topic already that Josh Einstein produced for us.

• How to set up syncing for OneNote – InkShow
• OneNote notebooks and the problem with folder level syncing

The fact that we need tutorials and inkshows on how to setup syncing in OneNote clearly shows the problem here. I don’t recall ever needing a tutorial for syncing with Evernote. I’ll repeat my request here: OneNote Team: get busy with a drop-dead simple sync solution.

Tablet Struggles To Find Mainstream Pt. 4: InkShow

If you’re new to Tablet PCs or just want to learn a bit more, this series is for you.  I’ve been using a Tablet PC exclusively for the past two weeks, and in this GBM InkShow, I share my experiences.  Learn more by checking out our Tablet PC 101 series.

All GottaBeMobile.com InkShows are sponsored by TechSmith

Check out the other articles in this series:

Part 1: The plan to purchase a Tablet PC.

Part 2: Selecting a unit to purchase.

Part 3: Tablet PC arrives and first reactions.

Tablet PC 101: The Convertible Tablet PC

So you’ve been reading about Tablet PCs, but you’re not quite sure how they work or the major benefits.  A convertible tablet unites the power of a traditional laptop computer design with the benefits of a slate tablet.  The base of a convertible Tablet PC has a full keyboard, while the top of the unit has the ability to be turned 180 degrees, flipping over the keyboard to be used similar to a pad of paper.  The user relies on a stylus or pen to navigate, perform major functions, draw, or write on the tablet.  The convertible Tablet PC provides greater versatility and functionality than a slate tablet, but is often heavier or larger in size.

Convertible Tablet PCs typically run Windows XP Tablet edition or Windows Vista.  Windows XP Tablet is a flavor of XP designed specifically for the tablet platform, while all versions of Windows Vista except home basic and starter editions support tablet functionality.  Although there have been many rumors of a Tablet PC from Apple and some Linux distributions support tablet functionality, the Tablet PC platform relies mostly on the Microsoft Windows Operating System.

The Tablet PC platform has received mixed reviews from consumers, although a recent trend towards multi-touch computing and the success of devices like Apple’s iPhone have helped renew interest in the tablet approach.  Many students and teaching professionals are beginning to realize the note taking and instructional advantages of convertible Tablet PCs as software and technology improves.

Learning about the convertible Tablet PC can be confusing.  Let’s define a few terms.

• Inking: Using the stylus or pen to write or draw on the tablet.  There are many applications available to capture and organize what is written on a Tablet PC.  Perhaps the most popular is Microsoft Office OneNote, a program that allows you to create virtual notebooks.
• Swivel:  Generally, convertible Tablet PCs have a heavy-duty hinge that allows the screen to pivot into tablet mode.
• Active Digitizer:  An active digitizer is often preferred but usually more expensive than a passive digitizer.  The active digitizer allows the cursor to follow the stylus without having to physically touch the tablet’s screen.  They are considered to be more accurate when writing or drawing. 

Benefits of using a convertible tablet:

• Provides traditional laptop computer functionality.
• The screen has the ability to rotate into tablet mode for Inking capabilities.
• The tablet screen can be used in Portrait or Landscape (widescreen) modes for easier Inking and reading.
• Convertible Tablet PCs are lightweight.
• They are more powerful than Netbooks or entry-level laptop computers.
• Many Tablet PCs feature anti-glare LED screens that are bright and able to be read easily outdoors or in sunny conditions.
• There is strong community support and many resources are available online.
• The Tablet PC allows individuals that might have difficulties interacting with a keyboard an alternative way to compute.

Individual’s that commonly rely on Tablet PCs are:

• Educators
• Students
• Salespeople
• Realtors
• Website developers/designers
• Interior Designers
• Programmers
• Architects
• Artists
• Many other professions rely on Inking capabilities as well as traditional keyboard input. 

Popular Convertible Tablet PC manufacturers:

One of the criticisms of the convertible Tablet PC form-factor is the higher price.  Because the device provides two major input methods and relies on advanced technology such as an active digitizer, Tablet PCs can tend to be more expensive than conventional laptops.  Major manufacturers such as Lenovo, Dell, HP, Toshiba, Fujitsu, and Gateway, produce at least one convertible Tablet PC as part of their business or consumer lineup.  It is possible to purchased factory refurbished Tablet PCs from most manufacturers at significantly lower prices.  More affordable and portable convertible tablets have recently started appearing as preproduction models.  The 3rd generation Classmate PC from Intel and the Gigabyte M912V feature touch enabled, convertible screens.

As technology advances and the Tablet PC continues to gain interest, prices should fall and more options should be available to consumers.  To learn more about where to buy, different brands, or user experiences, check out our popular forums. 

You can learn more about the Tablet PC in our series, Tablet PC 101.  How has the Tablet PC improved your productivity or overall computing experience?  Share your insight in the comments.

Tablet Struggles To Find Mainstream Pt. 3: It Arrives!

After detailing my plan to purchase a Tablet PC and select the right unit, my HP 2710p has finally arrived.  I’ve been using it exclusively as my primary note taking device for a few days, and I’ve encountered a few differences between using a Tablet PC, traditional paper, and a conventional laptop computer.

The first difference I’ve noticed about using a Tablet PC in the work setting is the reaction others give.  Younger colleagues regard the Tablet PC as cool, asking what it is, how it’s used, and where they can purchase one.  Seasoned coworkers regard it as complicated and advanced, while students surprisingly pay little attention to it.  Despite the reactions it receives, the Tablet PC still struggles to find a spot in mainstream, daily computing for the average user.

One of the reasons why I believe Mac OS X and the popularity of Apple’s laptops has skyrocketed in recent years is largely due to the fact that their computers are like a refrigerator.  When you’re hungry and want something to eat, the frig always has a big sandwich waiting for you.  The frig is always running, set at the perfect temperature, and satisfies your hunger; it just works.  Apple’s line of computers provide a powerful computing experience with little work on the user’s part.  Open it up, and it works.  Close the lid, and it sleeps.  For the Tablet PC to reach the mainstream, it must continue to adopt the “appliance approach” to computing.  It must be as easy to use as a refrigerator.  Instant on, quicker sleep functionality, and better integration of Inking must be implemented by OEMs to attract new tablet users.  There must be a shift away from the business model to a more consumer oriented model.  While many of these needed changes are software related, there is plenty of room for hardware related improvements as well.

The second dilemma I’m facing as a full-time tablet user is trusting that all of my digital notes are safe and secure.  I love being able to physically hold my notes in my hand, pack them away in my bag, and know that they will remain intact unless a random fire decides to ignite.  There’s something scary about trusting a computer with important documents that could have major consequences if permanently lost.  However, the question to ask in today’s modern, technological society is who doesn’t use a computer to store important documents?  As we continue to experience technological advances, the Tablet PC will develop a secure spot in our daily lives.

Stay tuned for a full Inkshow where I’ll share reactions and full feedback from two weeks of paperless inking.  If you’re new to the Tablet PC scene, follow our Tablet PC 101 series to learn more.

Tablet PC 101: Slate Tablet PCs

Many of our readers are looking to get in to a tablet pc for the very first time. As one might expect, the terrain can be a little difficult to navigate. Tablet PC 101 will be a periodic primer series focused on the basics of Tablet PCs. While this is just a primer series, I’d encourage all readers to dig in to our forums for more in depth information on tablet pcs.

There are two basic types of Tablet PCs: convertibles and slates. Convertible Tablet PCs are full computers and look just like a notebook pc, only the screen swivels around so it can also be operated in “slate” mode. Slate Tablet PCs are also full computers, but they typically lack a notebook style keyboard, with some even offering a slide-up or built-in keyboard to the face of the screen.  Both convertibles and slates can be operated by a digitizer pen, a finger, a keyboard, or a portable keyboard. Input using the pen is done by handwriting a note, writing in to a input window which then converts your handwriting to text, or is pecked out using an onscreen keyboard. Input can also be accomplished by using the keyboard or speech recognition.

Let’s dig in a little deeper to slate Tablet PCs:

Slate Tablet PCs come in various sizes, ranging from 5” to 12.1”, with most of them being in the 12.1” size range. The digitizer is normally either active ( works only with a pen ) or is dual mode (switches between active and touch). Most slate tablet pcs also have docking stations, so they can be used with a full keyboard, mouse, and monitor while deskbound or needing to dock in a vehicle. There are a range of non-rugged, semi-rugged, and rugged slate tablet pcs. Though not always the case, slate tablet pcs are often lighter than their convertible cousins. Slate Tablet PCs also lack a built-in cd drive, relying instead on a portable drive. However, slates, like Motion Computing’s F5, are now including rear-facing web cams to capture pictures like a traditional camera would.

People interested in slate tablet pcs will typically fit one or more of the following scenarios:

• they use their computer while walking or standing around
• when away from the office, they don’t typically need a keyboard. If the need to type comes up, a portable keyboard will usually suffice
• taking notes with a pen is a primary input need over a keyboard
• their job involves a lot of touch input
• collection of form data in an office or kiosk environment
• graphic artist
• delivery personnel
• field force workers
• medical worker
• Salesperson
• might need a secondary computer to compliment a more powerful desktop / laptop

Checkout some of the following companies and their line of slate Tablet PCs:

• Axiotron – ModBook (Apple based slate tablet pc)
• Electrovaya
• Fujitsu
• MobileDemand
• Motion Computing
• OQO
• Panasonic
• TabletKiosk
• xPlore
• Also, checkout valued added resellers, like Allegiance Technology Partners, which offers free 48-hour demos of most of the tablet pcs listed above

Tablet Struggles To Find Mainstream Pt. 2: Selecting A Unit

In a previous post, I detailed my plan to purchase and use a Tablet PC exclusively, blogging about my observations and experiences over the course of two weeks.  I discussed reasons why the tablet has struggled to reach the mainstream, my lack of interaction with the tablet platform, and shared the areas that I would be using a tablet in my daily computing tasks.  My goal was not only finding a tablet that would bring greater mobility and productivity but also finding a tablet that wouldn’t break the bank.  As a strong supporter of buying refurbished computers, I decided to search the outlets and eBay for the right machine.

The following factors were strongly considered when searching for a tablet:

• Battery life: I wanted something with 4.5+ hours of battery life.
• Weight: 4lbs or under.
• Active digitizer.
• 12″ screen

After doing a little research and talking with a few Tablet MVPs, I narrowed my choice to four tablets:

• The Lenovo X61 is an excellent machine that exceeded all criteria, but it was ultimately priced higher than I was willing to pay.  The cheapest refurbished models were just over a thousand dollars.
• The Dell Latitude XT is another fantastic tablet that exceeded my criteria.  There are fantastic deals at the Dell Outlet, especially with promotional codes that you can find via Twitter for even greater savings.  Had I not won the eBay option for the HP2710p, I would’ve most likely purchased a Dell XT.
• The Fujitsu T2010 was also very appealing.  I began eyeing it largely because of GBM’s Truc Bui and his admiration of his own T2010.  Unfortunately the prices were too high yet again.  Fujitsu sells their refurbished machines via eBay, and while the actions start out attractively low, two weeks of auction watching showed that they sell easily over $1,000.
• HP 2710p:  I settled for the HP 2710p because it met my basic criteria, had earned respected reviews, and was in my price rage.  Although the 2710p is listed as $1,5000 on the HP site, it is possible to snag one much cheaper through the HP Business Outlet.  I purchased my 2710p on eBay from a private seller.  The grand total was $580 for a refurbished unit and two extra batteries.  The model I purchased will be running Windows XP Tablet addition when it arrives, and I am anxious for the inking to begin.

This little experiment is not without a few attached strings.  I convinced my wife that purchasing a tablet would make my daily computing and work tasks easier.  She’s not sold yet.  The terms of our agreement are that if I don’t use the tablet daily it will go back to eBay.  Time will tell if the tablet stays or goes.

Tablet PC Struggles To Find Mainstream: My Plan

It’s no secret that I don’t currently own a Tablet PC.  As a contributing writer for GottaBeMobile, a site that is deeply rooted in the Tablet PC community, you’d think that I would own a tablet and preach the gospel of its benefits.  I love mobile technology, but does the fact that I’m not a tablet owner indicate they’re not all they’re cracked up to be?  Here are two reasons why some people have yet to investigate the Tablet PC’s potential:

Bad Marketing
From an educator’s standpoint, I see huge potential for the Tablet PC to prosper in the classroom.  A recent post by GBM’s Matt Faulkner highlights a school in Tuscaloosa, Alabama that has foregone textbooks for Tablet PCs.  An interesting note about the article’s headline is that it reads, “Private Tuscaloosa School Trades Textbooks For Laptops.”  The article and associated video does comment on the ability to write on the laptops and occasionally refers to them as tablets, but promotes the program as a laptop driven endeavor.  The general public struggles to distinguish the advantages between a tablet and a regular, old-fashioned laptop.  Poor marketing has led to a lack of familiarity and understanding of the Tablet PC’s true functionality and benefits.

James Kendrick of jkOnTheRun points out that the new Microsoft web site doesn’t mention the Tablet PC.  His post about this topic has created a stir among the Tablet PC community regarding the future of Tablets.  This is yet another example of poor marketing and lack of exposure.

Cost
One of the biggest threats to the Tablet PC becoming a popular device is the price.  Many tablet’s run five hundred to one thousand dollars more than a traditional laptop.  Factor in the netbook, an ultraportable, low-cost, notebook computer, and tablets looks less appealing.  Most folks would rather shell out 350 bucks for something that they are familiar with and works.  However, the netbook craze could end up being a blessing to the Tablet PC.  Glimpses of Intel’s third generation Classmate PC show a low-cost machine that sports a touch-enabled, convertible screen.  The introduction of lower cost, Atom powered Tablets and better marketing would open the door to a new crowd of potential tablet users.

I have a plan to investigate the tablet’s future.  Over the next few weeks I will be ditching my MacBook for a Tablet PC.  I will be blogging about my experiences using inking features, carrying the tablet with me at work and home.  Here are a few ways I will be using the tablet:

• At school as a high school guidance counselor
  • Creating schedules for students via ink
  • Keeping ink notes on students regarding various issues
  • Note taking during staff and inservice meetings
  • Presentations in classrooms to students
• At home
  • All of my everyday computing tasks: e-mail, IM, etc.
  • Keeping track of to-do lists, grocery lists
  • Note taking during a weekly Bible study
  • Daily news reading and blogging

One of my goals during the next few weeks will be exposing the tablet to students, parents, colleagues and friends.  I will gauge their thoughts regarding the tablet and try to determine if they think it has a place in the world of mobile tech.  I’m skeptical that I will replace my pad of paper, real ink pen, and MacBook, but the next few weeks will tell.  If the tablet provides greater options it will find a permanent place in my house.  If not, it will find a new home through eBay.

Why do you feel the Tablet PC has struggled to become mainstream?

Photo credit: trip.mckay (flickr cc)