Amazon.com Product Description

Early Adopters Pick: December 2002. First true tablet-format PC supporting the Tablet PC operating system.

ViewSonic's Tablet PC V1100 may be a portable computing solution, but its similarity to a conventional notebook ends there. Unlike a notebook, the Tablet PC V1100 dispenses with a traditional keyboard in favor of a stylus-activated tablet that allows users to enter data and run applications via handwritten input. And, at just 9.9 by 11.3 by 1.1 inches and a mere 3.4 lbs., the unit is substantially less cumbersome than a conventional mobile computer.

When compared to other portable computers in its price range, the Tablet PC V1100 is not particularly powerful. The system is equipped with an 866 MHz Mobile Intel Pentium III processor, 256 MB SDRAM, and an embedded 4X AGP video chip, which certainly won't be enough horsepower to drive high-end games or graphic design packages. It is, however, suitable for most day-to-day notebook purposes and business applications.

In fact, the Tablet PC V1100 is best used to enter, store, and share notes, ideas, and concepts that might otherwise be kept in a paper format. Sporting solid handwriting recognition capabilities and useful software such as Microsoft's Office XP Pack and Windows XP Tablet PC edition, the featherweight Tablet PC V1100 instantly improves coworker collaboration, from airport to boardroom.

The unit features a surprisingly large 20 GB hard drive, a high-luminance XGA 10.4-inch TFT LCD viewing screen, and dual display orientations (portrait and landscape). With integrated support for wireless and wired networking, connectivity to the Internet, LANs, and e-mail is ensured under any circumstance. Other features include a PC Card slot, a 56K modem, two USB ports, and a single FireWire connection for outboard peripherals such as CD drives and digital cameras and camcorders. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Awesome, Intuitive, and Indispensible
This thing ROCKS! I've had it 9 months and use it every day. It was easy to use right out of the box. The handwriting recognition is surprisingly accurate, the virtual notepad is incredibly useful, and the form factor is great. And it is robust. I've dropped it and carted everywhere without problems. (Onto carpet. But still.)

It's not good for high end games, but it runs turn-based strategy games. (Sims, CivIII.) I recommend an extra battery and a spare stylus for emergencies.

Awesome
I've experienced a demo of this very machine, and I must say that I'm impressed. I was skeptical, until I held it for myself. The handwriting function to create documents does take some getting used to, but a sneaky use of it is to put notes on standard documents for later review.

The best use at home is to remotely connect to my MP3s and MPEG videos across my wireless network. I do that with a laptop computer now, but the tablet form would be so much easier. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Marginally larger than the Portege 3500 Tablet PC it replaces, Toshiba's Portege M205-S810 Tablet PC is also more adaptable, more battery efficient and substantially more powerful. Though substantially costlier than comparable non-tablet portable computers, the unit nevertheless blends the speed of a midrange notebook with the convenience of stylus-based, handwritten input and subcompact portability. Few tablet PCs pack this much power into a profile this petite.

The Portege M205-S810 is most at home when used to enter, store and share notes and concepts that might otherwise be entered in handwritten format. In fact, measuring just 11.6 by 9.8 by 1.3/1.5 inches and tipping the scales at a scant 4.5 pounds, the system is not significantly more bulky than some conventional paper-based notepads. Users input data in one of two ways -- either by sketching directly on the swiveling, double-duty 12.1-inch poly-silicon SXGA+ TFT color LCD display screen (maximum resolution 1400x1050) or via the system's 84-key keyboard.

Sporting an Intel Centrino-based processor (1 MB Level 2 cache) running at 1.5 GHz, a whopping 512 MB RAM memory and an nVidia GeForce FX Go5200 graphics processor with 32 MB of dedicated DDR video memory, the Portege M205-S810 will easily handle most day-to-day mobile computing tasks and the majority of today's most popular 3-D apps, with the exception of ultra-complex 3-D games and graphic design packages.

The unit features today's most desirable connectivity options, including an integrated 56K modem for low-speed e-communications, a 10 Base-T//100 Base-TX Ethernet connection for fast LAN and Internet access, and Wi-Fi compliant wireless LAN technology for those times when you can't plug in. The system also sports a surprisingly large 60 GB hard disk and facilities for an external CD and/or DVD drive, a pair of ultra-fast USB 2.0 ports for plug and play peripherals such as scanners and digital cameras, an integrated TouchPad, a speaker and microphone and full 16-bit stereo sound. Battery life is estimated at an impressive 4.34 hours.

... Read more

Reviews (3)

The standard in tablets, if you need a tablet Pc.
Toshiba has competition in Fujitsu on performance and features, Visoneer and Acer on price. Taken as a whole, the Toshiba Portege tablets have no equal.

Use of the 1.5Ghz Pentium 4M CPU makes this more powerful than other tablets in the field, putting it in the same class as most pure laptops. As with any laptop, you have limitations on hard drive size, memory, and add-on peripherals. As a laptop, this is average, as more feature-rich and economical options exist. I would *not* recommend this machine to anyone looking for a pure laptop solution.

However, I'm a firm believer in tablets as the future. I've seen how much suffering people endure with folios of printouts and papers, almost solely because they need to markup the paper and have access to multiple sheets as they work. While this doesn't purport to expand the screen size to 36"x48" (which would be AWESOME... someday), it does allow most people to finally start editing documents by hand, and cut down on the paper waste.

Also, as a forms tool, tablets are unmatched. The user experience in Windows XP for tablets is much closer to the long-enjoyed PDA functionality of Palm and PocketPC users everywhere... without the annoying syncronization problems. And One Note from Microsoft is probably the best utility going for tablet users.

As a tablet PC, this delivers. I can't speak to the MP3/DVD problems, but the tablet does have the necessary horsepower to do either or both, so I would tend to think the problem is configuration, not intrinsic problems.

If you have the cash, buy one for your group as an evaluation item. Once people start using it, your next problem will be to find the budget room to buy more.

Fred

painful for travel and hiccups playing DVDs
This is my first notebook computer with an external DVD/CD-writer drive. As it turns out whenever I travel I like to be able to burn a CD-ROM backup of my digital photos and watch DVDs in a hotel room. The DVD drive supplied by Toshiba cannot run from USB power so you end up carting around (1) the notebook, (2) the notebook power supply, (3) the notebook power supply's AC cord, (4) the DVD/CD drive, (5) the DVD/CD drive's external power supply, (6) the DVD/CD drive's external power supply's AC cord. In addition to being cumbersome the external drive was flimsy. The face plate jammed a few times and then fell off altogether. It was definitely not as well protected as the internal DVD/CD drive in my 4-year-old Thinkpad.

The speaker on this notebook can't play loud enough to listen to music or a movie soundtrack. So if you don't like headphones add a 1 lb. battery-powered travel speaker system to your list of stuff to lug around. It would be easier and maybe more compact to get one of those 7 lb. full-size notebooks.

Some combination of operating system and hardware is unequal to the task of playing MP3s or DVDs. Every 5 minutes or so there will be a brief pause in the music or the movie. This is kind of irritating. Anyway if you want to listen to background music budget cost and weight for a separate MP3 player.

Otherwise... no problems! The machine works fine as a notebook and the tablet features are sort of cool for impressing people who've never seen Tablet PC. On the other hand I've never actually managed to do anything useful with the stylus (this is my first Tablet PC).

I'll probably give this away or sell it on eBay as soon as I can get an IBM ThinkPad with a 160 GB hard drive. I prefer the IBM keyboard and the TrackPoint pointing device to the trackpad of the Toshiba.

The BEST Tablet PC!
This is my second Tablet PC. Since I wrote the book on Tablet PCs (Absolute Beginner's Guide to Tablet PCs), I was able to evaluate most of the ones available. This Toshiba M-200 has the processing speed and 1400x1050 screen to get some serious work done.

Paired with a second LCD display, you have some serious screen real estate. I do a lot of graphics, processing-intensive work, and wireless computing, and this is a terrific machine to do just about anything.

Add some software like OneNote, Corel Painter 8, and FranklinCovey TabletPlanner, and you have a great tool for meetings and ultimate portability.

My prior Tablet PC was the Toshiba Portege 3500, which is also a capable machine. The M200 is more powerful and has better video capabilities, allowing you to run 32-bit color on the built-in display.

The new cross-functional button (more like a joystick) and the four side launch pen buttons are a welcome addition. I do miss the CF Card reader, but it's not that big a deal.

Because this machine is a convertible, there's no learning curve for new Tablet PC users. The screen swivels and folds flat to create a slate that you can write on. I found that because of the faster processor, handwriting and speech recognition is faster.

The only other machine I can recommend is the Panasonic Toughbook CF-18, which is a ruggedized Tablet PC. The Panasonic is not for mainstream users, but if you're contantly out in adverse conditions, the ToughBook has a double-bright screen, small size, sealed ports (Panasonic says to actually run the machine under warm water if you spill coffee on it), and great battery life. But the keyboard is small, so you really do need to have a burning desire for a ruggedized machine. ... Read more

Product Description

The Sony VGN-A140 Series, is a professional full sized business notebook with Pentium-M 1.8, DVD+/-RW Drive, 15.4" Wide XGA LCD, 1GB memory, 80GB HDD, XP PRO, AV Dock, MCA10 Multicard Adapter, integrated WLAN & Wi Mouse and M9+X 64MB Graphics.MODEL- VGN-A140P22 VENDOR- SONY VAIO ... Read more

Features

• FEATURES- VAIO A-series Notebook Computer
• Intel Pentium M 745 (1.8GHz), 1024MB RAM, 80GB HDD, DVD+/-RW Drive
• 15.4" WXGA Display, Wireless LAN 802.11b/g, A/V Dock and Microsoft
• Windows XP Professional Edition

Product Description

This HP Rugged Tablet PC tr3000 is the ultramobile PC that adapts to the way you work! This HP Rugged Tablet PC tr3000 is designed to provide true rugged features and wireless computing capabilities to highly mobile users in extreme conditions. Write, maneuver, and compute on-your-feet! This Rugged Tablet PC tr3000 is powered by an Intel Pentium III 933 MHz processorand 256 MB RAM. Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition is pre-installed on the shock mounted 40 GB hard drive. An 8.4-inch TFT SVGA Outdoor Transmissive Display with Digitizer Control Panel Touchscreen makes navigating the internet a snap! This light weight HP Rugged tablet PC tr3000 adapts to how you need to work! Order yours today! ... Read more

Features

• Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition pre-installed; Digitizer Control Panel Touchscreen pointing device
• Mobile Intel Pentium III 933 MHz Ultra Low Voltage processor
• Die-cast magnesium for all structural components; 801.11b Wireless LAN
• 256 MB SDRAM (640 MB max); High speed 56K fax/modem MDC module
• Shock mounted 40 GB (2.5") Ruggedized Hard Drive; 8.4" SVGA TFT Outdoor transmissive display

Product Description

Contains senna, anise seed, fennel seed, psyllium husks, psyllium seed, and frangula (buckthorn).2-4 tablets daily, 80 tablets per bottle ... Read more

Features

• Many people prefer this gentle, herbal compound which was advised by Cayce and recommended by Arnold Erhet for stimulating the eliminations and promoting internal cleansing.

Amazon.com Product Description

Use the innovative TravelMate C110 tablet PC like a clipboard by writing directly on the display with the included EMR pen or stylus. When you're ready to use the keyboard, just flip the display and you have a full-functioned notebook computer. The TravelMate C110 offers Intel Centrino mobile technology--with a 1.0 GHz Pentium M processor--which provides you 54g wireless connectivity and extended battery life. And it weighs just 3.2 pounds (without any external drives). Other features include a 40 GB hard drive, 512 MB of installed RAM, and wireless Bluetooth connectivity.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: The 40 GB Enhanced IDE hard drive is on the small side compared to other notebooks. However, it does offer a decent enough capacity for storing documents and productivity software for road warriors--but not enough for much multimedia storage.
• Processor: The 1.0 Ghz Pentium M processor is at the low end of speeds compared with other Centrino notebooks (with current speed topping out at 1.7 GHz). Because of itsdesign, the Intel Pentium M gets more done per clock tick than a Mobile Intel Pentium 4, thus providing the discrepency in GHz measurement (i.e., 1.7 versus 3.2). The Pentium M processor is designed specifically for low-power mobile usage, and it features the latest in power-saving technologies--ensuring you push your battery and productivity to the max. It has a front-side bus (FSB) of 400 MHz and a 1 MB L2 cache.
• Memory: The 512 MB of built-in memory (DDR SDRAM) is a good start for power users. It has two memory slots in total, with a maximum memory expansion up to 2 GB (2 x 1024 MB).
• CD/DVD Drive: This TravelMate C110 does not include an optical CD or DVD drive.
• Keyboard & Mouse: The TravelMate C110 comes with an Electromagnetic Resonance (EMR) stylus for input onto the tablet screen. The standard keyboard also includes 12 function keys, 4 cursor keys, and 5 easy launch buttons (Internet, email with LED, wireless on/off, and 2 user-programmable buttons). It also has a touchpad with 4-way Internet scroll key.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
This Travelmate C110 model has an integrated 802.11g (or 54g) wireless LAN, which is quickly becoming the most popular wireless standard and is compatible with 802.11b connections as well. You get a smallish range of external connections, including:

• 2 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) ports for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 VGA monitor port
• 1 fast infrared (FIR) port
• 1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type II)
• 1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack

Preloaded System and Software
The Travelmate C110 comes with the Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system. Other preloaded software includes Norton AntiVirus 2003 and Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Dimensions and Weight
Measuring 8.5 x 10.1 x 1.2 inches (L x W x D) and weighing just 3.2 pounds without any optional external drives, the Travelmate C110 is amazingly light and portable--just what you want out of a tablet PC.

Power
It's powered by a 26 WHr rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, which features a 3-hour battery life, 1.5-hour rapid charge, and 2.5-hour in-use charge time.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Acer Travelmate C110 tablet PC, EMR stylus, AC power adapter, and printed operating instructions. It's backed by a 1-year limited warranty for parts and labor as well as a 1-year International Traveller's warranty (ITW). ... Read more

Amazon Product Description

The Toshiba Satellite A75-S209 notebook PC is powerful enough to handle rich-media business presentations and offers perfect portability for rushing to college classes. It combines a host of multimedia features with a good varity of productivity applications to create a complete mobile computing center for PC digital media enthusiasts, young adults, and families. It features a 15.4-inch TruBrite screen, offering high brightness, high contrast, wide viewing angle. It also is loaded with hyper-threaded Intel Pentium 4 532 processor, 512 MB of installed RAM, 60 GB hard drive, DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, and integrated 54g wireless LAN.

The A75-S209 features a 15.4" Wide-screen XGA Display with TruBrite Technology.

The Basics Hard Drive: The spacious 60 GB hard drive (4200 RPM) offers more than enough storage for both your work and home files as well as a multimedia library. Processor: The Intel Pentium 4 532 processor, which features a clock speed of 3.06 GHz, also offers Hyper-Threading technology that allows a single CPU system to behave in some aspects like a dual-CPU system. This results in more efficient software performance (such as faster reaction times in gaming applications) and enhanced multitasking. It is well suited for professional-quality image, audio, and video editing. It also has A 1 MB L2 cache and an 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB). Memory: The 512 MB of built-in memory (1 DIMM, PC-2700 DDR333) is a good start for power users. It can be expanded to a toal of 1.5 GB. CD/DVD Drive: It comes equipped with a combo DVD/CD-RW drive, which enables you to play DVD-ROM discs and DVD movies as well as burn data and record music to CD discs. You can read and burn CD-Rs at 24x speed, rewrite at 12x, and read; it has 8x DVD-ROM and 4x DVD-R/RW read speeds. Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 85-key keyboard and electro-static two-button touchpad.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
The A75-S209 offers a basic set of expansion and connectivity options, including a PCMCIA slot for one Type II PC card and the following:

• 3 USB 1.1 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 parallel port for connecting older printers and scanners
• 1 RGB monitor port
• 1 TV-out (S-Video)
• 1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack

Preloaded System and Software
The A75-S229 comes with the Windows XP Home Edition operating system, and it also includes Microsoft Works (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents). Other preloaded software includes Norton Antivirus 2004 (with 90 days of complimentary live updates), Quicken New User Edition, Napster online digital service (30-day trial), Adobe Acrobat Reader, InterVideo WinDVD (for playing DVD movies), ArcSoft ShowBiz DVD, and Sonic Solutions RecordNow Basic.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Toshiba A75-S209 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It's backed by a 1-year warranty for parts and labor. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Acer TravelMate C104CTi tablet PC is a clever and easily portable blend of tablet and notebook that offers total input freedom. For users who favor traditional data entry, the unit features a standard 88-key keyboard with five one-touch buttons, a touchpad, and four-way Internet scroll key. Those who prefer "handwriting" via digital ink can simply use the enclosed stylus to freehand sketch their ideas on the system’s 10.4-inch XGA TFT LCD screen. And for those who’d rather speak than write, the C104CT1 also supports voice recognition.

But there’s far more to like about Acer’s most sophisticated tablet. For starters, at just 9.9 by 8.2 by 1.16 inches and a mere 3.1 pounds, the unit is small enough to be carried comfortably inside a briefcase. It’s relatively powerful too, for such a compact machine, sporting a 900 MHz Intel Pentium III processor-M, 256 MB of SDRAM, and an 8 MB SMI Lynx 3DM+ graphics chipset. Though not fast enough for the latest generation of 3-D games or drawing packages, it will handle most common light- to medium-duty portable computing tasks.

Acer has fitted the C104CTi with a number of likable perks, including a surprisingly spacious 40 GB hard disk, handy rotating display/data entry screen (great for small informal presentations), and external DVD/CD-ROM drive through which you can record and play music, watch movies, and back up important information. Other amenities include a 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet connection, a low-speed 56K modem, two USB ports, a lightning-fast IEEE 1394 port for data transfer from peripherals such as digital camcorders, and a futuristic SmartCard slot. Pre-installed software includes Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, Norton AntiVirus, Orinoco Client Manager, and Microsoft Reader.

... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Blending the functionality of today's top notebooks with the convenience of pen-based input, Toshiba's Portégé 3500 Tablet PC delivers a possible glimpse into the future of mobile computers. Versatile and extremely compact but not particularly powerful when compared to standard portables, the Portégé 3500 is a great fit for those who are handier with a pen than a keyboard and value a truly petite profile.

The unit is most at home when used to enter, store and share notes and concepts that might otherwise be kept in handwritten format. In fact, measuring just 11.6 by 9.2 by 1.2 inches and tipping the scales at a scant 4.1 pounds, the Portégé 3500 is as comfortably portable as a conventional paper-based notepad. Users input data in one of two ways--either by sketching directly on the swiveling, double-duty 12.1-inch poly-silicon TFT color LCD (maximum resolution 1024x768) or via an 84-key keyboard.

Though the Portégé 3500 is not as powerful as a comparably priced notebook, it is faster than many competing tablets. Featuring a 1.33 GHz Intel Pentium III processor-M with enhanced SpeedStep technology for improved battery life, 256 MB SDRAM memory (expandable to a whopping 1024 MB), and a Trident CyberALLADIN-T graphics controller with 16 MB external memory, the unit will easily handle most day-to-day mobile computing tasks and many 3-D apps too. Serious gamers or 3-D artisans should look elsewhere.

Connectivity amenities include an RJ-45 LAN port for network and online access, an RJ-11 modem port for low-speed e-communication, and integrated Wi-Fi compliant wireless LAN support. The system also sports a surprisingly large 40 GB hard disk and facilities for an external CD and/or DVD drive, a pair of ultra-fast USB 2.0 ports for plug and play peripherals, an integrated TouchPad, 12 function keys, a speaker and microphone and full 16-bit stereo sound. Battery life is estimated at 3.5 hours under ideal conditions. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Everything I needed
I was honestly supprised that this wasn't noticeably more expensive than a conventional laptop. This is really a full-fledged conventional portable (not desktop-replacement) laptop, but the tablet functionality is very convenient for taking notes (diagrams and such), and for reading electronic documents.

As for the comments about tech support, I wouldn't know. I've never had to use it, unlike Dell's friendly but frequently used support. That's a good thing for Toshiba in my book. Only problem I've had with this is a few more dead pixles than I'd like (3 or so).

Terrible Tech Support
Toshiba may make good products, but their support is the worst i have ever come across. They have lost my laptop for over a month now and do not care a lick about it. They're tech support team is in Turkey and they dont care a thing about anybody. They kept hanging up on me and refused to help me saying it will take some time. When i called back- no one knew anything and had zero updates. DO NOT BUY TOSHIBA PRODUCTS! Get a Gateway or Dell instead...two companies that actually care about their customers.

Groovy couch companion, not a full PC replacement.
When my company decided to spring for new laptops for engineers, I jumped at the opportunity to try something a little different. I'm a huge fan of Toshiba laptops in general (more reliable than a Dell, less expensive/pretentious than an IBM) and the 'think in ink' feature set of this baby seemed like a great meeting accessory.

Now, with three months invested, I like it for a totally different set of reasons than why I bought it.

First: It's tiny. And light. One of my new favorite past times is putting it in "tablet" mode, hooking into my apartment WiFi, and browsing Amazon and web comics. It's no paperback novel, but for a few hours of web browsing, it's great. I also use it folded up with a USB bar code scanner for scanning serial numbers on my current project.

Second: It's got a real battery! I think I was unfairly trained to the 30-minute lifespan of my previous (first Clinton-term era) laptop, but this baby gets every minute of the 3.5 hours advertised. The power saving tools are infinitely customizable and never intrusive.

Third: Limited peripherals will set you free. I don't think it's really designed to be your ONLY PC. No floppy. No CD. No DVD. No serial (I got an external USB-to-DB9 adapter since serial consoles are a big part of my job). No parallel. No big freaky docking station jack. Instead, when I'm on the road, I have a Kensington wireless/optical/travel mouse. When I'm at the office, I plug into power and a USB hub that connects me to my iPaq cradle, scanner, external CD drive, and a wired optical mouse. When I'm at home, I'm wireless to my home PC-- that does all my DVD playing, CD writing, and floppy reading for me.

Do I use the writable screen? Heck yeah. There are a lot of times it's easier to email a hand-sketch than do ASCII art or a five paragraph description. A picture's worth a thousand words, etc. Plus, when your lap's just not available, the tablet form factor is a touch of genius. I've passed it around in a meeting when I wanted to be able to update a worksheet on the fly. I'll flip the monitor around backward to show the person opposite me what I'm working on. Have I eliminated the tree-killing scourge of paper from my life? I'd recommend "The Myth of the Paperless Office" if you think it could.

So, if I had to have just one computer... this couldn't be it. But if you're a geek like me, and you're looking for a laptop to be king among your gadgets, toys, and existing computer menagerie, this is your baby.

Make sure its really what youn want
This computer brings many writing/typing fantasies to mind when you read all of the adds and publicity of the tablet pc in general. However, if writing on a computer screen will make you more productive than only typing start shopping. the 3500 did not meet my whimsical fantastic dream, but it has made me more productive and eliminate legal pads of note paper for the rest of my life. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Not sure WHAT this is...
Not sure WHAT this is...the picture I saw looks like either a monitor stand or a docking station. I see no keyboard, and no tablet, so it's hard to believe this could really be the Compaq TC1000T Tablet PC 470045-149 (1.0 GHz Transmeta Crusoe, 256MB RAM, 30GB hard drive). Is it the picture that's wrong, or the description?

The Best Tablet by far
Pros: Stylish, long battery-life,good pen, good networking. I have hammered my unit to now for two months and that includes dropping it nearly two feet on concrete. t am very happy with it. A brilliant entry into Tablet computing.

Cons: It is a little slow but then I run an Access database, outlook, blue tooth connection with my mobile phone, and multi-megabyte PDF files simultaneously on the supplied RAM. This I will upgrade but not urgently. The keyboard is not the greatest but then I don't use it; but lets face it, there isn't the room for a bigger one, so whats the point in marking it down for it?

Good News Bad News
I am an Apple freak, I have about 4 different Macintosh systems and swore off anything Windows related. Since Apple hasnt made a Tablet Computer, I bought the Compaq TC1000 after much research. It is, without a doubt, one of the most clever computing platforms i have ever used. Heres the good:
1) Speech recognition: Its unreal, like magic. I was able to talk into my AOL instant messenger and *viola*! Not perfect, but neither is my typing!
2) Handwriting recognition: My handwriting is nearly illegible, no problem with the TC1000. Really impressive.
3) Lightweight and portable. So I get it home and start to play with it, when i realize that the keyboard detaches and it is literally half as bulky as i thought! It is way too cool, youve got to try it.
4) Powerful. Yeah, its fast and fun.
5) 802.11 included. And it works, even with my macintosh Airport setup...

Which brings me to the bad:
Though I can network with the Tablet, it keeps dropping the network like every 3 minutes. We are trying to figure it out with Compaq and Apple, I am not sure yet about how to fix it, im confident we will soon.

So thats that. I love it, and hope you will too...

Drew ... Read more

Amazon Product Description

The Basics:
Overwhelming power is definitely not the strong suit of Electrovaya's SC800 Scribbler Tablet PC, so if you regularly challenge your notebook with high-end business software, the latest 3D games or demanding graphic design suites, you should look elsewhere. However, if you require extraordinary battery life and the freedom to input your data like you would with a pen and paper, the SC800 Scribbler may be just what you need. Incredibly compact, remarkably power efficient and equipped with both a detachable USB keyboard and a display screen that doubles as a writing/drawing pad, Electrovaya's midlevel tablet is an affordable and adaptable mobile solution for those who believe the pen is mightier than the keyboard.

Processor:
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The SC800 Scribbler features an Ultra Low Voltage Mobile Intel Pentium III Processor–M operating at 866 MHz. In the world of modern notebooks, this is not a particularly potent processor. But for most common mobile tasks -- such as word processing, contact management, light 2D graphics, photo organization, email and Internet surfing, it is certainly sufficient. Moreover, it's incredibly easy on the batteries. More on that later.

Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The SC800 Scribbler incorporates 512 MB of RAM. This is the standard allotment for high-end notebooks, and a surprisingly generous amount in a unit of this size.

Video:
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output, particularly that of 3D graphics, to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). When shopping for a computer, it's good to remember that a video controller with "dedicated" built-in video memory is preferable to one with "shared" video memory wherein the graphics controller borrows a portion of the all-important main system memory. This system's graphics controller is an Intel 830MG with a maximum of 48 MB of shared video memory. Thusly, the unit shouldn't be counted upon for 3D games or complex 3D animations, though it will efficiently display 2D and midlevel 3D applications and graphics.

Display:
Being a subcompact computer, the SC800 Scribbler features an understandably smallish 10.6-inch XGA TFT display. But it's more than just a display -- it's also the screen you'll use to enter data with the enclosed stylus. Merely grab the stylus as you would a pen and write or draw as you would on traditional notepaper. Built-in handwriting recognition software takes care of the rest.

Hard Disk:
In a time when some notebooks offer hard drives of 100 GB and more, the 30 GB hard drive inside the SC800 Scribbler may not seem overly spacious. However, in the miniscule world of ultra-compact tablets, 30 GB is a common size. Though you won't have enough room for a library of space-gobbling multimedia files, you will have space for a typical number of mobile apps and user-created files.

Optical Drive:
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system does not feature an optical drive in its stock configuration, though you can connect external CD and DVD drives via its two USB ports. It should be noted that the unit supports older USB 1.1 technology rather than the much faster new standard of USB 2.0.

Audio:
The Scribbler SC800 is equipped with two miniature stereo speakers, a mini microphone jack and stereo mini headphone jack.

Keyboard and Controls:
Most users will control the SC800 Scribbler by touching "virtual" controls displayed on the screen and utilizing the built-in scroll button, though a USB-connected keyboard is also enclosed.

Connectivity and Expansion:
The SC800 Scribbler offers an assortment of ways to keep in touch, including a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, a 10/100 Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and an integrated 802.11b Wi-Fi wireless connection for cord-free e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via a local public hotspot. Other key amenities include two USB 1.1 ports (substantially slower than today's USB 2.0 standard) for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), and a PC Card Slot.

Operating System and Software:
Electrovaya will pre-install a copy of Microsoft's Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system. Other applications include the pen-based business graphics software solution Corel Grafigo, and trial versions of Alias Sketchbook and FranklinCovey's Tablet Planner.

Dimensions and Weight:
Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two or three lbs. and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The SC800 Scribbler is exceptionally small and comfortable at a mere 3.9 lbs and just 10.8 by 8.9 by 1.0 - 1.1 inches.

Power:
The unit is powered by a 4-cell Super Polymer Li-Ion Battery Pack that delivers a stunning 12 to 16 hours of run time between charges. Electrovaya says its entry-level Scribbler tablets are the only tablets on the market to offer an entire day's worth of mobility. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

While certainly not the most powerful portable computer on the market, Acer's TMC110Ti Tablet PC nevertheless may be one of the most convenient. Small and lightweight for maximum portability, the unit also offers total input freedom. Users who prefer traditional data entry may take advantage of the integrated 84-key keyboard with scroll feature and programmable touchpad. Those who prefer "handwriting" via digital ink can simply use the enclosed stylus to freehand sketch their ideas on the system's swiveling flip-open 10.4-inch LCD screen. And for those who'd rather speak than write, the TMC110Ti also supports voice recognition.

But there's far more to like about Acer's most sophisticated tablet to date. For starters, at just 10.1 by 8.5 by 1.0 inches and 3.2 pounds (without external drives), the unit is small enough to be carried inside some briefcases. It's also quite a bit more sophisticated than Acer's first-generation tablet, the C104CTi. Driving the system is a 900 MHz ultra-Low-Voltage Intel Pentium M processor with a stunning 1024 KB Level 2 cache, 512 MB SDRAM memory (double that of last year's model) and an Intel 855GM graphics chipset with Intel Extreme Graphics 2 technology and 64 MB shared memory. The system features two ultra-fast USB 2.0 ports for connection of plug and play peripherals, a single FireWire port for attaching external devices such as digital video cameras, and an adequate 30 GB hard disk for storage of your important files and apps. CD and DVD playing and burning are not supported in this stock configuration, but external CD-RW/DVD-ROM or CD-ROM drives are available separately.

Other critical amenities include an RJ-45 LAN port for fast network access and Internet interaction, a low-speed 56K modem, and an internal 802.11b wireless LAN with internal antenna. The unit is also Bluetooth capable. The rather lean bundled software package includes Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition and Microsoft Office XP Pack for Tablet PC. Battery life is estimated at 3.0 hours in ideal conditions. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

2nd Generation Tablet! Im Hooked!
I've been computing since 1979 and I haven't been this excited about a computer since the Pentinum Chip first came out. The Acer Centrino Tablet is the right blend of size, speed, and connectivity for just about every computing task. The Centrino bus coupled with the Intel Extreme Graphics card propels this tiny tablet, allowing me to "give" the 2.4 Hyperthreaded Intel chip with ATI 9600 on a Canterwood motherboard to the kids.

This little guy goes from taking notes in Grad School, to running financials, to the internet, to email, to web design, and playing MMOLGs in its spare time. I hesitated to purchase it when I saw the 900-MHZ. But dont let that fool you. As mentioned above, Acer balanced the cpu speed with the bus speed and the graphics card. It can run wirelessly in secure and open networks without having to reset the tcp/ip properties. The built in wireless b works far better (signal strength) than my wireless g card on the PC mentioned in the previous paragraph.

Accesorries you may need: A second battery [$$$] Some form of external drive (or network drive) for backup. Thats it. I purchased, thru Amazon.com, an HP DVD writer [$$$]. The carrying case is sized to fit easily in a briefcase or backpack so no worries. I also purchased a second battery for days when Im accessing the internet completely wirelessly (without a power cord)

Sure - Id like a longer battery life, a wider view screen angle, and a bigger hard drive in ACER C110. But its not a must have and in no way detracts from the present models. In fact, a wider view screen angle would reduce your "privacy" while taking notes.

So how do you justify twice as much on Tablet PC vs similarly equipped laptop? Check out the Windows Journal functionality. Especially the Windows Journal "printer". It provides folks who have to do considerable notetaking a fantastic way to take charge of their business lives and finally get to the paperless office. Instead of hiding behind a screen at a meeting in front of a customer, you can share personal "space" while accessing information. Just like a notepad. In addition you bring net access to every meeting.

So why write such a glowing report without compensation? Because Acer and their vendors deserve it for building such a fantastic computer. S!

(Note: all Centrino busses had a wireless issue that needed an update to operate at full connectivity... ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

NEC claims its Versa LitePad Tablet PC is the industry's thinnest and lightest tablet PC solution, and one would have a hard time arguing otherwise. Indeed, at just 11.68 by 8.82 by .59 inches and a mere 2.24 pounds (with external drive detached), the Versa LitePad is as comfortably portable as a conventional paper-based notepad. It's also exceptionally convenient, because it accepts two distinct forms of input. Users who favor traditional data entry may utilize the unit's compact QWERTY keyboard and function keys. The Tablet PC also lets users input data through "handwriting" with the included stylus, which they can use freehand sketch their ideas on the system's 10.4-inch XGA TFT LCD screen (1024 by 768 resolution).

As is the case with most ultra-lightweight tablets, the LitePad Tablet PC is not as powerful as a comparably priced notebook. However, featuring a 933 MHz Mobile Intel Pentium III processor and 256 MB RAM (expandable to 512 MB), the unit will easily handle most day-to-day mobile computing tasks. In fact, its 16 MB video controller is more powerful than that of most tablets, thus allowing you to better work with graphic-based applications. The system also sports a 20 GB hard drive for application and file storage and an external 24x-speed CD-ROM drive.

NEC has fitted the LitePad Tablet PC with a variety of useful amenities, including a mini 3-button USB optical wheel mouse, an internal mono speaker and microphone, three USB 1.1 ports for plug and play peripherals, a VGA-out for external monitors, and a Compact Flash card slot for Type I or Type II Compact Flash Cards. To help you keep you connected wherever you go, NEC has also included wireless LAN 802.11a and 802.11b connections. Pre-installed software includes Microsoft's Windows XP Tablet PC edition, Alias/Wavefront SketchBook Pro, Colligo Networks Personal Edition, and Corel Grafigo. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent for scholarly research
As a PhD student, I spend a lot of time in the library and I need a light computer like this to carry with me while I look through books. This is perfect--since it's barely two pounds, you often forget that it's there. With the LitePad, my (now) hand-written notes, papers, and articles are easily within reach whenever I need them; there's no more wishing I had brought more papers with me from home and the like. My Palm used to fulfill a similar function, but I've stopped carrying it now that I have this. I was especially surprised by how accurate the note-to-text feature is: even though it's not perfect, it's still many times better than what we had before. With my handwriting at least, it has about a 90% accuracy rate (usually the words it misses are words in other languages, etc). This machine has changed my life for the better, and I whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone else in academia.

Eileen A. Epstein PhD
This is the perfect product for any psychotherapist. Taking notes on this is so much better than using a pad. All of each patient's sessions are in one place. Easy to download to my zip drive. I highly recommend it to any therapist out there. The only drawbacks to this model are the battery life and the need to get every available Windows Update since the software that comes with the tablet is not current. If your chair is near an outlet, then you are really set to go.

Pricey but worth it...
I've been using the NEC Versa Litepad since it was first released several months ago, and it's a great machine. The word recog. software is probably about an 8 on a 10-point scale -- not as good as Transcriber on my iPAQ, but if I'm careful about penmanship, it is about 97% accurate (in fact, I wish I could load Transcriber -- would be easier and faster writing with better recognition). Battery life is very good -- I can take notes for well over two hours, and the larger stylus is easy to write with. It has a long cord from the AC adaptor that is mostly unobtrusive, so you can recharge and keep writing. Customers/clients don't mind the Tablet b/c it's slim and looks like a writing pad. Resolution is very good -- increasing font size and icons makes everything quite readable, especially when I'm writing quickly and trying to get speech verbatim. The keyboard is flimsy with poor key travel and spacing, but I rarely use it anyway -- I really use it as a "glorified PDA" mostly. Using a Compact Flash card is great for transferring data b/w machines. Comes with WiFi, but I haven't gone wireless yet. Plugging in a flash card with digital photos from my Canon automatically starts a slide show -- cool feature. Ethernet connection makes it easy to go online. The unit gets warm but not uncomfortable -- especially compared to Toshiba and Compaq's tablets. I'm getting 'burn in' in the lower part of the display -- bummer -- but it's not a big problem. Since I use it primarily for note-taking with clients, I haven't really put it through its paces or exploited all its capabilities, but I'm impressed so far overall and like it better than the other Tablet PCs I tried out (Toshiba, Acer, Compaq). I've also noticed that it takes less effort to write on a Tablet with stylus than with pen on notepad. I've owned two other NEC notebooks and always had good luck. Looks like they've produced another winner. It is pricey, but I notice it's already $700 cheaper than when I bought it when first released.

great pc
I have had this pc for about one month. I really like it. The handwriting recognition needs some improvement but its incredibly portable and with practice it is very functional. I use PowerPoint presentations and the addon pgm "Ink" is incredible. The high price will limit the acceptance of this type of pc. ... Read more

Product Description

The Sony VAIO X505 embodies unique sophistication and understated style. Sony redefines the concept of the notebook computer with this inspiring design. Amazingly thin, at 0.83" in height, and featherweight, weighing only 1.85 lbs, X505 is perfect for the person on the go. The Ultra Low Voltage Intel Pentium M processor 1GHz gives this notebook incredibly efficient battery usage, review stellar presentations on the 10.4" XGA LCD without any interruptions. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Blending the functionality of today's top notebooks with the convenience of pen-based input, Toshiba's Portégé 3505 Tablet PC delivers a possible glimpse into the future of mobile computers. Versatile and extremely compact but not overly powerful when compared to standard portables, the Portégé 3505 is a great fit for those who are handier with a pen than a keyboard and value a truly petite profile.

The unit is most at home when used to enter, store and share notes and concepts that might otherwise be kept in handwritten format. In fact, measuring just 11.6 by 9.2 by 1.2 inches and tipping the scales at a scant 4.1 pounds, the Portégé 3505 is as comfortably portable as a conventional paper-based notepad. Users input data in one of two ways--either by sketching directly on the swiveling, double-duty 12.1-inch poly-silicon TFT color LCD (maximum resolution 1024x768) or via an 84-key keyboard.

Though the Portégé 3505 is not as powerful as a comparably priced notebook, it is faster than many competing tablets and is the most full-featured tablet in the current Toshiba lineup. Featuring a 1.33 GHz Intel Pentium III processor-M with enhanced SpeedStep technology for improved battery life, a generous allotment of 512 MB SDRAM memory (expandable to 1024 MB) and a Trident CyberALLADIN-T graphics controller with 16 MB external memory, the unit will easily handle most day-to-day mobile computing tasks and many 3-D apps too. Serious gamers or 3-D artisans should look elsewhere.

Connectivity amenities include an RJ-45 LAN port for network and online access, an RJ-11 modem port for low-speed e-communication, and integrated Wi-Fi compliant wireless LAN support. The system also sports a surprisingly large 40 GB hard disk and an externally mounted 8-speed DVD-ROM drive. Other desirable amenities include an integrated TouchPad, 12 function keys, a pair of ultra-fast USB 2.0 ports for plug and play peripherals, a speaker and microphone, and full 16-bit stereo sound. Battery life is estimated at 3.5 hours under ideal conditions. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Terrible Tech Support
Toshiba may make good products, but their support is the worst i have ever come across. They have lost my laptop for over a month now and do not care a lick about it. They're tech support team is in Turkey and they dont care a thing about anybody. They kept hanging up on me and refused to help me saying it will take some time. When i called back- no one knew anything and had zero updates. DO NOT BUY TOSHIBA PRODUCTS! Get a Gateway or Dell instead...two companies that actually care about their customers.

Two Thumbs Up on the Portege 3505
This notebook is great! I've had it for about 3 months now and I haven't had any problems to date (knock on wood). From my perspective... here are the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages
- Excellent design
- It reads 99% of my sloppy writing and you can save note in your own handwriting or convert them to text
- Fast CPU for a tablet pc
- Large hard drive
- USB 2.0 ports
- Weighs 4 pounds
- Compact Flash and Secure Digital slots
- Equipped with DVD-Rom (this is not available on the 3500 model)

Disadvantages
- It's a little slow compared to my Dell Dimension 8200, but what do you expect, it's a notebook
- Battery life
- External DVD-Rom
- Very little software provided... but this was an easy one to surpass...

Other Notes:
The first time I called tech support they were terrible. I was left with a bad taste in my mouth. The second time I called in I asked to speak with Tier 2 support and they were perfect! So just call up and ask to be bumped up from the stump answering the phone. BTW, the issue I had was with the DVD-Rom installation. It wasn't a big deal...

...P>In summary, this is an excellent notebook at a reasonable price. It's easy to use and it is the best in its class (at time of posting)! Be a good consumer and shop around before you pick one up.

"Hot" tablet/notepad
The portege is an amazing machine. I've been looking to do away with notepads and pens during University lecture note-taking, and the portege has worked very well. The heat is not too much of a problem when you are running on a power saving mode. If you run on a high-energy mode, the fan vent will heat up a good amount, with the power plugged in near this vent also does increase the heat. It doesn't get to the point where it will burn your hand, just heats it up a bit.

The video's card failure is not an issue unless you want to run graphic intensive video games, I've been able to run a number of "light" games without too much of a slow down. Thanks to the 516 RAM things are very speedy. Hand writing software is very good, it takes only a few days to train yourself what horrible chicken-scratch will and will not be accepted.

The keyboard/pad scores high marks, being very intuitive keyboard layout.

You're paying for the tablet switch back function, not the power. But as far as changeable tablets, or just tablets, the protege has great power and has become a desktop replacement for myself.

A great tablet PC
Tablet PC has been out almost a year now and is slowly gaining momentum in the corporate world. For the average consumer, though, I think it's still way over-priced and under-equipped in terms of software. In short, the Tablet PC platform is still largely a vertical market product.

That said, having a Tablet PC does give the gadget freak a few cool things to enjoy. For example, scratch on a pad to your heart's full content. Not enough? How about watching a DVD movie at any angle you wish? Still want more? You can lie on your stomach and surf the web, you geek!

The Protege 3505 is arguably the sleekest and strongest TPC on the market right now. It's a hybrid model with a keyboard which turns it into a notebook. Compared to the lower-rung 3500 model, the 3505 has more memory (512 vs. 256) and also comes with an external DVD drive. It has wi-fi built-in (along with Ethernet and IR), and depending on the specific configuration, you can opt for built-in Bluetooth as well.

Performance is solid from the P3-M processor. You should know that the TPC version of Windows XP is optimized for the processors so you actually get a lot of performance at "low" clock speeds. ("Low" compared to desktop P4s; if you compare with Power PC G3 or G4's, these are still "fast".) I certainly have no problem playing MP3s in the background while running a few Excel Solver analyses; the OS remains totally responsive.

Battery life is average for TPCs, but weight is where Toshiba can improve. On the other hand, this is an affordable TPC, so you have to ask yourself which of the two (weight vs. price) is more important to you. Fujitsu's Tablet PCs are better built and only slightly less sleek, but their battery life is not as good as Toshiba while costing more. Sorry, still no perfect TPC yet.

Should you get your Amazon Visa card out and order one right now? I'd say no. There isn't much software included, and the novelty factor wears off quickly, plus 4.1 pounds (not counting the external DVD) is a lot to carry. On the other hand, if your company pays for it, it's another story.

Not disappointed
I'd been eyeing the Toshiba convertible tablets for almost a year, and finally picked up the courage to overrule my wife and buy one. (I'm still dealing with her wrath, which was soothed by a new piece of jewelery.)

I like this design far and above any other, because of the flexibility. While it weighs more than most tablets, due to the added built in electronics of the keyboard, I don't have to fumble with extra accessories. That is except for the external DVD/CD-RW.

The battery life is good, with the DVD attached and running, I'm getting just over 2 1/2 hours, but without it attached over 3 hours. The lesson here is you never get what the manufacturer states (3 1/2 hours), unless your screen is nearly dark. But it beats my old laptop, which was giving me barely 90 minutes while watching DVD movies.

The Zinio reader is an awesome concept. I downloaded the free copies of one of the monthly computer gamers magazines that was offered, and was suprised at how well it was working. I usually buy a couple of the computer magazines from the airport newsstand when travelling, but now can buy them online and read them on the tablet. What's even better is that I can also read the same magazines on the desktop too.

A helpful tip would be for you to obtain a Virtual CD emulator, so that you can cache copies of your most critical "road" CDs (games) which require the physical CD to run the software. I use GameDrive, and I haven't had any problems using it. ... Read more