Tablet PC support
This feature is included in the following editions of Windows Vista:
The Tablet PC ushered in a new era of mobile computing as a single, fully functioning PC that's practical and comfortable while you're on the go and that also works well when you're at your desk. With integrated pen support, touch-screen support, digital-ink input, handwriting recognition technologies, and innovative hardware, ultra-portable Tablet PCs are comfortable and productive virtually anywhere, anytime.
(To learn more about Tablet PCs and the mobile lifestyle, visit our mobile PC site.)
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Pen improvements
Windows Vista includes significant pen improvements that, besides making a tablet pen easier to use, further enhance Tablet PC functionality beyond that of laptop computers.
Visual feedback
Windows Vista provides visual pen feedback for single-tap, double-tap, and right-clicking. This subtle feedback gives you greater confidence in the operation just completed. You can turn visual feedback on or off in Pen and Input Devices in Control Panel.
Explorer check boxes
In earlier versions of Windows, it was difficult to select multiple files when using either a slate Tablet PC or a convertible Tablet PC in slate mode. Explorer check boxes now make it easier to select multiple files. When you hover over any set of files with a tablet pen, a small check box appears. You can select one or more files and then move, copy, or delete them as a group.
Pen flicks
Windows Vista enhances pen functionality by adding pen flicks. These are gestures that you can make with a tablet pen to quickly navigate and perform shortcuts.
Navigational pen flicks include drag up, drag down, move back, and move forward. For example, instead of dragging the scroll bar down to read a webpage on your Tablet PC, you can flick the pen, and the window will scroll down. Editing pen flicks include copy, paste, delete, and undo. For example, you can paste an item into a document or delete text with just a flick of your pen.
You can customize pen flicks to perform other functions, which increases your efficiency while making pen use feel more natural. To make pen training easier, Windows Vista includes a tutorial that presents the essentials of using a tablet pen to perform these shortcuts.
Panning hand in Internet Explorer
Windows Vista improves document navigation in Internet Explorer with a new feature called the Panning hand. Instead of using the scroll bar to page through a document, you can grab the page with the pen and move it directly. By using a button with a hand icon on the Internet Explorer toolbar, you can toggle between panning and text selection modes.
New touch screen support
If touch input is available on your Tablet PC, you can use your finger to do many of the things that you do with a mouse or a tablet pen. For example, you can use your finger to browse the Web, control objects on the screen, and even write. You can also use touch flicks—gestures that you can make with a flick of your finger to quickly navigate and perform shortcuts.
To overcome the challenge of targeting small items or resizing windows with your finger, Windows Vista includes the touch pointer. This new feature consists of a left mouse button, a right mouse button, a drag area, and a pointer. While you're using touch, this mouselike assistant floats on the screen just below your finger.
Snipping Tool
You can capture a snip (or screen shot) of any object on your screen—whether it's part of a website, document, or program. Using your pen, draw a circle, a rectangle, or a free-form shape around the object. You can then add handwritten comments to the snip and save it or send it in an e-mail message.
If the image you captured is from a webpage, Snipping Tool attaches the URL automatically. Snipping Tool in Windows Vista prevents the capture of content that has been protected by digital rights management.
Snipping Tool in the Experience Pack for Tablet PC is one of the most popular programs among Tablet PC users. Because Snipping Tool is an accessory in Windows Vista, desktop computer and non–Tablet PC users can also take advantage of this feature. Just drag your mouse to select a rectangular area for capture.
Improvements to Tablet PC Input Panel
Windows Vista improves Tablet PC Input Panel, an access