Transcript: Tablet PC, July 7, 2004
Published: July 10, 2004
Chat Date: July 7, 2004
Please note: Portions of this transcript have been edited for clarity
Introduction
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Hi everyone, and welcome to the Tablet PC chat!
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Today we are answering your questions about Tablet PC.
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Now, I'll have our hosts for the chat today introduce themselves:
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
I'm Andrew Brown, and I'm the MVP Lead for Tablet PC, and the moderator for this chat.
Host: bethanyb (Microsoft)
hi! I'm Bethany Smoltz - a Product Manager for the Tablet PC.
Host: VictoriaKruse (Microsoft)
I'm a Program Manager on the Tablet PC team. Welcome to the chat!
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Go ahead and begin posting questions in the bottom window, and we'll get the chat underway.
Start of Chat
Host: VictoriaKruse (Microsoft)
Q: did the recent security issues (I think I may have been hit) affect Tablet PC drivers?
A: To my knowledge, recent security issues did not have any impact on Tablet PC drivers.
Host: bethanyb (Microsoft)
Q: How many Tablet PCs are in use today? What manufacturer has the best sales so far? Is there a 'special' type of sp2 for the tablet?
A: There are over 40 OEMS worldwide shipping Tablet PCs shipping a variety of designs. The best way to secure sales data is to connect the OEMs directly.
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Q: How is the testing of SP2 coming? Can you comment on when it might be released?
A: Unfortunately, we can't comment on specific release dates. We are looking forward to releasing it as soon as our testing is completed. However, you can download a preview of our RC 2 build today.
Host: VictoriaKruse (Microsoft)
Q: are there any program to become a Tablet PC trainer?
A: Not that I know of - there currently isn't any kind of certification for Tablet PC.
Host: VictoriaKruse (Microsoft)
Q: Andrew_Moderator, could you provide a link to the download page for RC2 ?
A: www.microsoft.com/sp2preview
Host: bethanyb (Microsoft)
Q: What are some recommendations for third-party styluses? I'd like something a little nicer than the teeny one that came with my Tablet.
A: Many of the hardware manufacturers sell Tablet pens separately but the majority of them were designed to fit their particular design. Cross has a new executive stylus that looks and feels like a standard pen. Check it out: http://www.wacom.com/tabletpc/
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Q: Can you (and how) access tablet features through web-based (ASP.NET) applications?
A: This chat is focused on consumer-related questions. For development questions, a good resource would be the Tablet PC developer newsgroup: microsoft.public.windows.tabletpc.developer.
Host: bethanyb (Microsoft)
Q: I'm in the SF Bay Area and am wondering if you know the schedules for Tablet PC events (training, demos, etc.) in this area the rest of the year.
A: Unfortunately we’re in the process of winding down a series of events that ran through the end of June. However additional tours and event dates will be posted to the Tablet site as they are scheduled.
Host: bethanyb (Microsoft)
Q: How did the International tour go?
A: The international road show was a HUGE success! Attendance was very high and both ISV and OEM support was very strong. Any chance you attended one?
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Q: so you archive any tablet pc demos / training on your web site?
A: We don't currently have any training or demo sessions online (like a web cast, for example), but it's a great suggestion that we can pass on to the Tablet team.
Host: VictoriaKruse (Microsoft)
Q: Would the Logitech IO Digital Pen do basically the same things as a Tablet PC would??
A: I'm not that familiar with the Logitech pen, but I believe the only similarities between that and a Tablet PC are that they both use a pen and both can create ink. However, with a Tablet PC, the pen can also be used as a mouse and the ink you create can be integrated into a lot of applications (such as sending ink e-mail via Outlook.) I would guess that the main application of the Logitech pen is taking notes, whereas a Tablet PC can do a lot more than that.
Host: VictoriaKruse (Microsoft)
Q: I heard that there are improvements in the input panel in SP2. What kind of improvements are there? Did it change a lot?
A: Yes, tons of improvements. The main ones are that Input Panel is now in-place, meaning you can bring it up right next to the text box you are typing into. Additionally, you can see the results and correct them before they ever get inserted. Recognition in general has also improved.
Host: VictoriaKruse (Microsoft)
Q: My Tablet PC didn’t come with the installation CD. Is the new Windows for Tablet PC going to come with a full installation CD or just as an upgrade?
A: As an end user, you'll only have the ability to upgrade. You should talk to the manufacturer of your Tablet PC if you need a way to restore the system.
Host: bethanyb (Microsoft)
Q: It's often hard for end-users to buy a Tablet PC without seeing and playing with one. Do you know why companies like HP, Fujitsu and others won't show their machines at retail stores?
A: We completely agree! The value of the tablet pc can be difficult to demonstrate without actually having the ability to actually try it out. That is one of the key reasons we have been working so hard with retailers like Best Buy to improve the in-store experience. Have you seen any of the new fixture displays?
Host: bethanyb (Microsoft)
Q: What do you mean by "new fixture displays"?
A: We partnered with Best Buy to build custom fixtures that display Tablets in both portrait and landscape mode. The new displays make it easier for users to pick up the pc, rotate the display and interact with the pen. They are located in approximately 800 stores across the US. I would suggest contacting your local BBY store to see if they carry the Toshiba M205.
Host: bethanyb (Microsoft)
Q: Can you tell me which OEMs are showing at Best Buy?
A: Today Best Buy carries the Toshiba M205. However over the next 1-9 months, we expect to see this grow to more. Other retailers like Fry's, Microcenter, JR and RCS carry anywhere between 4-10 tablets in store.
Host: bethanyb (Microsoft)
Q: Thanks, Bethany! All I can find in Fry's and BB is the Toshiba. I'd like to check out the Compaq TC300 and the Fujitsu line-up. Alas, can't find it anywhere. I saw some info on Tablet PC Sales, it seems that Toshiba is leading the pack.
A: I totally agree! I am sure Fry’s carries a couple of other models as well. I do know RCS and J and R offer the HP, Fujitsu and Acer models. We realize it is too hard to locate and try out Tablet PCs and are working with our retail and OEM partners to fix this. They need to be visible in order to sell! :)
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Q: What’s the main reason Microsoft is not providing a full installation CD for Windows XP Tablet PC edition for the end users?
A: The OEMs (HP, Toshiba, etc.) license our software in order to provide it on Tablet PC hardware that they ship. As part of that license, they choose what options to provide in terms of installation CDs.
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Q: Does it cost more for an OEM to license a full install CD set, compared to offering a reimage CD?
A: We can't comment on our licensing terms, I'm afraid. This chat is primarily to discuss questions or issues with our current products.
Host: bethanyb (Microsoft)
Q: Do you have discount programs for Tablet PCs and accessories for students?
A: We think the student audience is an ideal market for Tablet PCs and are working with our OEMs to build promotions and evaluation programs to make Tablets more easily accessible for students.
Host: bethanyb (Microsoft) Q : don't forget to encourage Canadian retailers too!
A: Absolutely!
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft) Hi all. We've got about 15 minutes left - any more questions on Tablet PC issues?
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Q: Another info that's lacking from OEMs is the model updates. There are so many of them to track. Is there a good place where you can get updates at one place?
A: One of our Tablet PC MVPs has a good resource for this in her web site: http://www.thetabletpc.net/comparison.htm. You might want to give that a try.
Host: VictoriaKruse (Microsoft)
Q: How can you search handwriting for words? Does it recognize your handwriting as it searches?
A: Most applications that let you search handwriting, such as OneNote, don't search the actual ink, they search the recognized text for that ink. Even if you leave your notes handwritten, those applications store the recognized results as well.
Host: bethanyb (Microsoft)
Q: what are the main reasons you find people are switching to Tablet PC? If I want to make a case for them, what are the first groups I should approach?
A: Tech enthusiasts and early adaptors quickly see the added benefit of pen and ink. One of the biggest hurdles continues to be the "notebook, plus more" message for new users and helping them to understand that their truly are no sacrifices.
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
This concludes our Tablet PC chat for today. Thanks for coming, everyone!
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Please feel free to stay and continue to chat about Tablet PC or other Windows topics.
For further information on this topic please visit the following:
Newsgroups: Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
Transcripts: Read the archive of past Windows XP chats.
Website: Visit the home page for Tablet PC
