Transcript: Tablet PC, June 8, 2004
Published: July 10, 2004
Chat Date: June 8, 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: Arin_Goldberg (Microsoft)
Hello, I'm Arin Goldberg - ISV Architect for the Tablet PC Team
Host: VictoriaHamilton (Microsoft)
I'm a Program Manager on the Tablet PC team. Welcome to the chat!
Host: Chris_H (MVP)
Hi. I'm a Tablet PC MVP, Tablet enthusiast, and creator of http://nicecreations.us, my Tablet site. Glad to see everyone here.
Host: Mason (Microsoft)
Hi, I am Mason - a Software Test Engineer for the Mobile Platforms Partners Engineering team (née Tablet SE).
Host: terri (MVP)
Hi. I'm the owner and editor of thetabletpc.net and a Tablet supporter and enthusiast as well as a familiar face here in the chat room.
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Go ahead and begin posting questions in the bottom window, and we'll get the chat underway.
Start of Chat
Host: Arin_Goldberg (Microsoft)
Q: When are we going to see higher resolution Tablet PCs? I would like to see them continue to use the smaller 12.1" LCDs, but we need more pixels (1280x1024?) -- sorry I know this is a manufacturer question not really a Microsoft one...
A: This is an OEM issue, but there already a tablet today that supports SXGA+ (1400x1050)
Host: VictoriaHamilton (Microsoft)
Q: Hi, I own and run tabletPC.it, Italy's only web site dedicated to tablets. I would like to know if a date, even a tentative one, has been set for the release of the Italian handwriting recognizing software. We're eager to write in Italian!
A: Italian is in progress, but a date has not been announced.
Host: VictoriaHamilton (Microsoft)
Q: Will Italians who have purchased tablet PCs with an English OS be able to upgrade to the full Italian version for free when it becomes available?
A: Sorry, you won't be able to upgrade a Tablet of one language to another language. Generally, you can install any recognizer onto English using a recognizer pack, though Italian is not currently available in a reco pack.
Host: VictoriaHamilton (Microsoft)
Q: Would you happen to know how many tablets have been sold in Italy so far?
A: You'd have to ask the OEMs that question. I have heard that some OEMs have sold English w/ MUI to Italy, but I haven't heard any numbers.
Host: VictoriaHamilton (Microsoft)
Q: Will Italian be available in a recognizer pack once it has been released?
A: Nothing's been announced, but generally when we release a new recognizer pack, it will include the latest recognizers as well as any new recognizers that are available at the time.
Host: Arin_Goldberg (Microsoft)
Q: What can we expect to see/discuss at the mshug meeting at Microsoft in August?
A: I don't have a full agenda available, but I do know that I will be speaking at this conference.
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Q: When Longhorn comes out will there be a tablet PC edition? and if so, what new features will there be. I feel TPC 2005 is a bit like Windows Mobile SE where there are a few new features but nothing terrible special.
A: Please note that we cannot comment on unannounced products, and in some cases may not be able to discuss specific aspects of announced products. This chat is primarily to discuss questions or issues with our current products.
Host: Mason (Microsoft)
Q: I am using Tablet PC with XP SP2. The new "tabtip" won't allow pen-input through remote desktop - I never get the TIP (Tablet Input Panel). Is this by design? A Inking through Remote Desktop is not supported, due to a lower resolution of ink strokes making recognition a less than favorable experience.
Host: Mason (Microsoft)
Q: If inking through remote desktop is not supported, will there be an alternative means made available (e.g., onscreen keyboard input)?
A: Yes, you can launch the docked TIP and use the keyboard there as you would normally.
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Q: I noticed in a recent Microsoft newsletter emailed to me mentions of 3G/GPRS implications' in TPC 2005 can you elaborate more on this? It specifically says 'Reveal the next version of Windows® XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 operating system – the 3G/GPRS implications and improved handwriting recognition. Keynote speaker: Julius Sinkevicius, Worldwide Tablet PC Product Manager, Microsoft'.
A: We'd prefer to wait rather than spoil Julius' presentation. :)
Host: Arin_Goldberg (Microsoft)
Q: Does InfoPath use the same method of Recognition to Journal or the method used to OneNote ?
A: Yes, They all use the same recognition engines
Host: Arin_Goldberg (Microsoft)
Q: Is there a plan to release .NET code for Windows Journal functionality to be used inside of our own custom applications? If so, when?
A: I can't comment on any future features, but we've heard the requests for this functionality and are considering it.
Host: VictoriaHamilton (Microsoft)
Q: Why don't we get a proper install CD for Tablet Edition with our tablets?
A: Do you mean why do you only get system restore CDs and not a clean Tablet OS install CD? Tablets generally require specific hardware drivers and have other specific applets for controlling screen rotation and other functions. OEMs frequently add these to their system restore CDs.
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Q: Why is the tablet PC OS so expensive for OEMs. So as Microsoft and OEMs want sales of tablet PCs (especially hybrids for OEMs) to become just as much as notebooks. OEMs want to be able to charge the same amount for tablets as notebooks....
A: We're definitely aware of price point as an important issue to drive sales. There is an additional cost associated with a Tablet PC vs. a similarly-equipped laptop due to additional hardware (e.g. digitizer), but we are always looking to reduce the total overall cost in cooperation with our OEM partners (such as Acer).
Moderator: Andrew (Microsoft)
Q: Has the release of the new Lonestar with XP 2 been delayed? Originally I had heard that it was supposed to be in July sometime, but has that been changed
A: We haven't made any announcements about Windows XP SP2 availability at this time. Tablet PC 2005 (formerly codenamed "Lonestar") will be a part of SP2 when it releases.
Host: Mason (Microsoft)
Q: Does the SP2 TIP no longer have the "Send-as-ink" feature? If it does, where is it?
A: The Send-as-ink feature is not included in the SP2 TIP.
Host: VictoriaHamilton (Microsoft)
Q: Does Microsoft do user testing on versions of Tablet to see how people use it?
A: Yes, we do extensive usability testing of Tablet PC features while they're under development. This includes bringing in users to try out new features as well as observing users in the field.
Host: frankgo (Microsoft)
Q: Does Microsoft continue to assist in the design on Tablet hardware, or do the manufacturers design the hardware and then submit for qualification.
A: It’s definitely a collaborative effort but the OEMS own their own designs.
Host: VictoriaHamilton (Microsoft)
Q: How is XP2 for the Tablet PC going to be rolled out? Windows Update page?
A: It'll be available for free download. In general, service packs are available from Windows Update.
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 Tablet PC chats.
Website: Visit the home page for Tablet PC
