How Tablet PC Hardware Has Improved
Published: August 9, 2004
By Charlie Russel, Microsoft MVP for Windows Server and Tablet PC
Two years ago I got my first tablet computer running Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. It was one of the early, pre-release Acer TravelMate C-100 models. The early tablets weren't perfect—the screen was a bit dim, the weight was a little more than I liked, and it was pretty constrained at a maximum of 256 megabytes (MB) of RAM and a slow 800 megahertz (MHz) processor. But I could tell we were seeing a new, qualitative change in the interface between people and computers.
In this column, I'd like to take a look at how the tablet computer hardware has changed over the last few years and add a couple of wish list items in case anyone on the hardware side is listening.
More Form Factors Available
The most obvious differences between Tablet PCs today and the early offerings are the different form factors available. There are four basic form factors for tablet computers that come with the Windows XP Tablet PC Edition installed:
| • | Convertible models |
| • | Pure slate models |
| • | Hybrid models |
| • | Clamshell notebook models |
In the old days, only the first three were available, and the size span within each category was substantially less.
Convertible Models
The convertible Tablet PC is like that original Acer I had. At first glance it looks like a regular notebook computer, but the screen rotates and lays down on top of the keyboard with the screen up to give you a more convenient surface for writing. But if you really need to use a keyboard, just rotate the screen back and turn it into a regular laptop again. Current models include those from Acer, Toshiba and Gateway to name just the manufacturers whose convertible Tablet PCs I've actually had my hands on. For a full list of manufacturers of all types of Tablet PCs, my favorite site is The Tablet PC.
Slate Models
A slate Tablet PC is one that has no attached keyboard—it's often called a "pure" tablet. The primary user interface is with the pen. For extended text input, a separate USB or wireless keyboard can be used. This is the biggest category of Tablet PCs with 17 current manufacturers. New slate models that I like include those from Motion Computing, NEC, and Fujitsu.
Hybrid Tablets
Hybrid Tablet PCs are those that are a cross between a convertible and a slate. Although they're primarily a slate form factor, they have a detachable keyboard, as opposed to the convertible models where the keyboard is always attached. The only hybrid model I've tried out is the HP/Compaq Tablet PC tc1100, as shown in Figure 1, and it's an interesting and well executed design, though not one I've had a chance to "live with", so I'll withhold final judgment.
Figure 1: HP calls the HP Compaq Tablet PC tc1100 "the next generation Tablet PC"
New Tablet PC Notebook Category
The Tablet PC notebook is a new category that is just now available for average users. Adding full Tablet PC functionality into mainstream notebook computers brings the added benefits of pen computing into a form factor that is more familiar to most users. The only model I've seen so far is an Acer, but I think we'll see more in the future.
Screen Size and Weight Are Important Factors
The original wave of Tablet PCs featured either 10.4-inch or 12.1-inch screens, all with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. That was a good starting point, but now we're starting to see new sizes, larger and smaller. A number of 8.4" screen Tablet PCs are now available, especially in ruggedized cases that are popular in industrial environments. By going with a slightly smaller screen, manufacturers are able to keep the weight down while still providing a rugged case and screen. And weight is a critical factor when you have to carry a Tablet PC all day.
For larger screens, 14.1-inch screens are now available. For those of us with older eyes, this is a welcome addition. Unfortunately, regardless of the size of the screen, they are all limited to 1024 x 768 resolution except for the Toshiba M200 seriesA, which has a maximum resolution of 1400 x 1050.
A major factor for the full-time mobile professional is the overall weight of the computer. Tablet PCs are generally on the light side of the laptop category. Since the initial wave of Tablet PCs, there've been both heavier and lighter models introduced. The NEC Versa Litepad, for example, is clearly the lightweight leader, at a mere 2.2 pounds. On the other end of the spectrum, there are models up in the 8 pound range. But the good news is that most are in the range of 3 pounds to 4 pounds.
Note: If you use your Tablet PC by carrying it around by hand, its weight will get to be a factor very quickly. The slate models are generally somewhat lighter and will be a better fit for the task at hand. Make sure you get a good portable keyboard for when you need one, though.
Display Screen Improvements
The initial Tablet PCs were all designed with display screens for indoor use and not designed for viewing the screen from an angle. This was a problem when you wanted to use your Tablet PC to read a book out in your garden. But the screens have improved noticeably. Several manufacturers, including both Motion and Fujitsu, offer indoor/outdoor screens, and both Motion and HP/Compaq offer wide-angle viewing. Now if we could have the two together, please? Users are so greedy!
Wireless Adds Mobility
Newer Tablet PC models are sporting upgraded wireless connectivity, either in the form of 802.11b/g or 802.11a+b/g compatible wireless cards. Both offer substantially faster networking. Integrated Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) support will be included in the upcoming Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, which will make it much easier to set up and use a secure wireless environment. (Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 will be available as a free upgrade to existing Tablet PC users; the software will come installed on any new Tablet PC; and it will be available as part of Windows XP Service Pack 2.)
Processor Speed and Memory Improvements
Processing power, memory capacity, and graphics ability have all come a long way in the last two years for Tablet PCs. No more 256 MB limits on RAM. Most new models support 2 GB of RAM if you can afford the 1-GB Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Modules (SODIMMs) that are required. But 512-MB SODIMMs are actually fairly reasonable in price these days, and adding one of them to a Tablet PC will get you to either 768 MB or 1 GB of RAM, enough for most people's needs.
Processing power has also come a long way, with current slate models having up to 1.1 GHz Pentium-M processors, and convertibles having up to 1.7 GHz Pentium-M processors. The included graphics processors are also a lot better, though a Tablet PC wouldn't be your first choice as a game machine. Still, they're more than sufficient for my needs.
How to Choose a Form Factor?
With all the choices out there, which form factor should you choose? That depends on what your needs are and what factors matter the most to you. I've got both a convertible model (Toshiba M200) and a slate model (Motion M1300) that I use regularly, and I go back and forth between them. The convertible is perfect when I'm going to be out of town for a week or two, with the Tablet PC as my only computer and I'll be primarily in one place. Everything I need (except a DVD drive) is in one unit, and I don't need to plug in a keyboard or mouse or anything else.
But when I'm traveling to several different locations, or my primary need is to take notes, I find the slate is a better fit. It's lighter and thinner, and I don't need a keyboard to take notes, so the slate works well. And I have a lightweight USB keyboard that I can plug in when I need one, and a little stand so I can see what I'm doing.
My Wish List
OK, Tablet PC manufacturers—any one listening? I love my Tablet PCs and I won't give them up without a fight. But there are still some things I really want to see. First and foremost: put them on a diet! Only the NEC Versa Litepad Tablet PC really hits the weight that I think is optimum—2.2 pounds or less. And keep them thin! The thinner the unit, the more comfortable it is to use for long periods.
Next on the list: better screens. The wide-angle screens are a step in the right direction, as are the indoor/outdoor screens, but I'd love to see screens with the pixels optimized for portrait mode, instead of the current landscape optimization. Add in both indoor/outdoor viewing and wide-angle viewing, and we're getting there.
Battery life—actually, for most of my daily tasks, the current batteries are fine. But I'd like to see someone come up with a really slick, one-handed, battery exchange mechanism that would let me pop in a new battery on the fly. That way I don't have to carry around a heavy-duty battery, but can stick a spare one in the briefcase to pop in when I need it.
Contact Me
If you use Windows XP Tablet PC Edition and you have a topic you'd like to see me cover in one of my columns, or just want to tell me about how the Tablet PC has changed computing for you, feel free to write me at Charlie@mvps.org. I really want to hear what you think about your Tablet PC and what interesting ways you've found that a Tablet PC makes your work better.
I can't acknowledge or answer individual e-mail messages nor provide individual technical support by e-mail. I do regularly participate in the Microsoft Tablet PC newsgroup and Windows Services for UNIX newsgroup and look forward to seeing you there.
