I need a new Tablet PC

[DevilAlumna]

I love my old Toshiba M205, it's treated me well for the past three years. It's now old and tired, however, and can't upgrade to Vista. After using Vista at work, I can't go back to XP at home; it's just depressing. :(

I won't give up my ink, I won't give up my slate functionality; I need a keyboard and a decent sized (preferably larger than 12.1") screen. Docking is a must-have as well.

Any suggestions? Any favorite sites you peruse for Tablet/Mobility reviews and hardware info? Any thoughts on Lenovo's offerings (formerly IBM PC?)



And no, no Apple for me, thanks. (Do they even have a tablet version?) ;)

[billybreen]

And no, no Apple for me, thanks. (Do they even have a tablet version?) ;)

Not officially (http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ModBook), but I guess there's enough demand. I don't think I quite fit the user profile for a tablet, so I've not looked into it to have any useful information (but you can always count on me for an Apple link :)).

[Exiled_Devil]

alltp.com (http://alltp.com)

They specialize in selling tablets, and have a 48 hour demo program for select models.

My tablet is on its last legs and I am test driving 3 tablets from them over the next few weeks. I currently have an electrovaya slate tablet, which has been good, but it is having issues with the power cord and the hard drive. The great thing about the electrovaya was that I got 6 hours or more from the battery all the time. That was a huge decision point for me. It is a slate only, sop it may not be a good option for you.

Are you interested in only convertible, or are you wiling to give a slate a try? For slates, the Motion LS1700 and the Tabletkiosk i440 are the newest, coolest. (I have a thing for slates) For convertibles, the Fujitsu T4220, the Toshiba Portégé R400 , Lenovo x61, and the diminutive Flybook or Fujitsu P1610.

If you are int eh medical field, or just looking for something interesting, check out Motion Computing's C5 Mobile Clinical Assistant (http://www.motioncomputing.com/products/tablet_pc_c5.asp).


All this and more I find at:
tabletpcbuzz.com (http://tabletpcbuzz.com/)
gottabemobile.com (http://www.gottabemobile.com/)
tabletpc2.com (http://tabletpc2.com/)


I am testing the Fujitsu P11610, Lenovo x61 and the TabletKiosk i440d - I can pass along mini-reviews if you would like.

Exiled
I can't imagine going back to non-ink computing

[DevilAlumna]

Thanks, Exiled! I remembered that there was someone else on the board who was a Tablet lover and was hoping you'd chime in!

I am a hard-core convertible fan, no slate for me (tried one once, I was dead in the water.) My handwriting is atrocious, but I can type at about 85 wpm. I actually use the inking/pen capabilities more because I'm a very 'visual' person -- I whiteboard/sketch A LOT. I find myself typing while holding the pen in my hand, then I go up and highlight/annotate with the pen. (It's weird, I know, but it works for me.)

I also prefer the tablet for its elimination of a need for a mouse or using the trackpad/niblet. Pointing with a pen is more fun and easier ergonomically for me, particularly at home with no computer desk.

Ever since OneNote came out and I got a tablet, I've rarely used a paper notebook. I even sketched my landscaping plans in OneNote, then linked the URLs to various gardening sites. Yes, I'm a geek, I admit it. I even put my christmas shopping list in a pivot table.

I'd love to know what you think about the Lenovo -- I had a thinkpad prior to my toshiba, and it was a work-hoss; I miss it still. Plus, I can get a decent corporate discount with them. : )

Thanks again!

[Exiled_Devil]

I think the Lenovo is the least sexy of the options I am considering, but very likely to be the one I go with.

My two highest criteria are light weight and battery power. The x61 is about 3 1/2-4 lbs with the extended battery, which gives it around 5 hours of run time. I don't know how the others will last.

My slate has done well on both, and I honestly admit that I like having people look askew when I pull it out in a meeting. Onenote+digital ink is my normal businees mode, too.

He other thing that I am curious about is touch vs. active digitizer. One type of x61 has both, as does another slate I am looking at. The p1610 has only touch, and I am concerned I won't like it because of that.

The alltp.com demo is from 50-100$ - all you pay is shipping and insurance. I think it would be passing up a great opportunity to not use it, given that they have the Lenovo and you con give it a test spin.

Exiled