Tablet PC Review

Fujitsu Stylistic ST5032 Review

2006-08-17T09:56:00.000+07:00

Improving on the award-winning Tablet PC, the Fujitsu Stylistic ST5000 Tablet PC offers technology advancements to keep pace with the versatility of today's mobile professionals. With its added security features such as a dedicated Smart Card slot, embedded Trusted Platform Module, Fujitsu Security Application Panel, and a Kensington lock slot; your data and assets are more secure. In addition, the industry leading indoor/outdoor display is optimized for "true" outdoor viewing. It empowers you wherever your work takes you.

CNET Reviewed Fujitsu Stylistic ST5032 :
This configuration of the Fujitsu Stylistic ST5032 is a 3.5-pound, ultra light notebook computer. Compared to other ultra light notebooks on the market, it is expensive at around $2,400. Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in. Built around the Pentium M 753 processor. In general, this notebook's price seems a bit steep, with respect to its features. For example, when it comes to screen size, the average price of ultra portable products with a similar screen size is quite a bit less -- in fact around $1,802.

HP Compaq TC1100 Review

2005-12-20T14:08:00.000+07:00

Normally I don't take a Tablet or anything else computer related when I am skiing, but knowing the warm weather would mean I would be off the mountain early in the day I made an exception and brought a couple of Tablets along for the trip. With clear blue sky's and temperatures in the high 50's and low 60's the skiing was great until about 1:30 when then mountain became a giant snow cone. Forced off the mountain early I had time to put the New and Improved HP TC1100 through its paces. When I came home I installed Windows XP SP2-RC1 which includes the much anticipated Lonestar upgrade without a problem.

Weighing in at 4.0lb/1.8kg with the keyboard and 3.1 lb/1.4 kg pounds keyboard, the tc1100 is in a class by itself, known as a a hybrid tablet pc. Meaning that the screen swivels and folds flat against the keyboard for use as a slate or at the touch of a button it can be detached from the keyboard altogether. Another nice feature are the small fold out clips that allow you to angle the tablet on the desk for a more comfortable writing experience on a flat surface. There is no question that HP paid attention to the details when designing this machine.

Cleverly placed buttons and a jog dial on the side of the Tablet allow you to enter, tab, escape, and open a "Q" menu of items that emulate tasks quickly and easily. First time users would find the out of box experience more enjoyable and much less threatening if these features were pointed out on the startup sheet or even the front of the manuel rather than having them hidden in in chapter 5.

The Display: 10.4" XGA (1024x768) display is clear, the 1/4 inch black border around the viewable portion of the screen eliminates the problem of trying to close an app from a non responsive corner of the screen. I did not find the screen to be as responsive as other tablet pc's which was a problem for me. It was interesting to note there was a significant increase in the screen sensitivity after Windows XP-SP2 RC1 was installed. The screen orientation changes automatically on the TC1100, which is a very nice feature. Also worth noting, if its slightly overcast outside I can see the screen well enough to work from the upstairs outside balcony so I am not trapped in the house for lack of an indoor outdoor screen. (Thank you HP! )

Battery Life: Between 2 hours and 36 minutes and 2 hours and 43 minutes under normal use with with the backlighting and Wi FI on.

Heat: As I have said in the past, I am not in the habit of working with the Tablet PC in my lap, but I frequently do use the tablet with my hand behind it. The TC1100 does get warm but not overly so.

WiFi: the HP Wlan 802.11a/b/g in the TC1100 literally amazed me. My router is a older Dlink Di-713P and I'm able to connect with with excellent signal strength not only from second and third floors of my home and both outside balcony's, but from the basement, the pool and all the way to the outside mailbox's, which is not something any of my other Tablets Pc's can do.

Notable Features: Q menu, and external pen activated buttons on the tablet allow you do do anything you need quickly and easily.

The Pros:

The optional HP W500 802.11a/b/g WLAN is the best Wireless I have used to date
Light weight and compact, the TC1100 is great for travel
External pen activated icons and programmable"Q" Menu give you instant access to everything you need
Hybrid model gives you the option using it as a slate or a convertible
Quickly and easily detaches from the case and the keyboard for use as a Slate
fold out feet that allow you to angle the tablet on the desk for a more comfortable writing experience
Screen orientation changes automatically
3 Year worldwide limited warranty

The Cons:

Optical drive must be purchased separately.
Unlike a convertible when the tc1100 is closed the face of the tablet is exposed and not protected so a case is a must.
For the first time user of a tablet pc the hardware information is in section 5 of the startup guide rather than in the front. If you a new user and don't know where any of the buttons are or what they are for this is a problem
Keyboard too close to the screen for comfort

In Conclusion:

Without question The TC1100 is the most improved Tablet PC on I have come across and all of the implemented improvements are for the better. The pen no longer's requires a battery, the Nvida Geforce4 give you excellent graphics and the The HP W500 802.11a/b/g WLAN was far and away the most impressive wireless I have used. Easy to take apart and put back together this Hybrid Tablet PC is a great choice for the road warrior or anyone who move around a lot.

The Averatec C3500 Review

2005-12-14T10:53:00.000+07:00

Averatec is offering a shining gem of a mobile computer at an unprecedented price. The Averatec C3500 Convertible Tablet PC carries the promise of outstanding portability at a palatable suggested retail price of $1349. With its solid construction, stylish protective magnesium alloy case and a tolerable 5.5 lbs. of weight, all designed to fit inside a compact 11.6" x 9.8" x 1.57" package, the C3500 exemplifies roadworthiness to the max.

At First Glance

In first powering up the C3500, one is struck by its exceptionally bright and clear display. Despite the limited space available in the design, the keyboard is substantially functional and the thoughtfully rounded edge on the lower half of this model offers extreme comfort for typing even over extended periods of time. Style is integrated inside and out. The C3500 is sure to grab the attention of technophiles who happen upon it. In taking this unit out into the world, I have drawn much attention from onlookers in Starbucks, at the bookstore and have experienced envy from coworkers and clients. Even more fascinating for most folks is to watch me pop out the pen, rotate the display and proceed to write directly on the screen. If you get a C3500, be prepared because everyone will want to "just try it"!

Basic Specs:

Mobile AMD Athlon XP-M 2200+

Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

LCD Size High Contrast 12.1'' XGA

Optical Drive DVD+CD-RW

Hard Drive 60GB

Memory 512MB DDR

Wireless LAN 802.11g

Wired LAN 10/100 LAN

Modem 56k

USB (4x) 2.0

DimensionsWxDxH) 11.6" x 9.8" x 1.6"

Weight (lbs.) 5.5 lbs.

So let's just dive right in and get down to the features, usability and overall impressions that the many features incorporated into the C3500 offer for the $1349 price tag.

CPU Performance

Like most of the Averatec computer products, the C3500 is powered by the AMD Athlon XP Mobile chip. Specifically, the XP-M 2200+ which operates at a respectable 1.8 GHz. Tests using SiSoft Sandra on the C3500 showed that this CPU can hold its own against Intel processors. The Athlon meets or beats the Intel Pentium M at 1.6GHz and Pentium 4 at 2.0GHz in both arithmetic and multimedia benchmarks.

Drives

The C3500 includes an integrated DVD+CD-RW drive. One hard drive with a 60GB capacity provides plenty of storage. Hard drive performance is speedy and quiet.

Final Notes/Comments

Overall, I have found the C3500 to be a pleasure to use. The Screen swivels on a sturdy hinge keeping the display firm at any angle. The fan is noticeably quieter than those found on the Averatec 3200 series notebooks. I should mention however, that this machine definitely gets hot! The vent that releases heat is located on the top left underside of the unit, and can quickly become uncomfortable to your left leg when using it on your lap. I suggest a cooling pad accessory for anybody wishing to use the C3500 on there laps for extended periods of time. The unique flipping latch on the lid is sturdy and well-designed. There are nice additional hardware controls built right into the edge of the display to rotate the screen, scroll and to invoke menus, saving time and frustration while the unit is folded over into "slate" mode. One minor gripe is that the Power Switch becomes inaccessible once the unit is folded over. You can shut down Windows via software while the display is folded down, but oddly enough, you are stuck opening up the unit to power on while in this mode. It would be a plus to see the Power Switch relocated in subsequent models.

The bottom line: If you are looking for excellent quality in a Convertible Tablet PC without emptying your savings account, the Averatec C3500 should be at the top of your list. As I send our review unit back to Averatec, I will surely miss it and might just add it to my Christmas Wish List!

PROS & CONS

Pros:

-Outstanding Display
-Sturdy magnesium alloy case
-Excellent features and value
-Great porability
-Cost

Cons:
-Weak battery life

Acer C314 Tablet PC Review

2005-10-20T00:29:00.000+07:00

The Acer C314 Tablet PC

The Acer C314 Tablet PC is in many ways a breath of fresh air. It's not that this model is the Tablet version of Acer's popular "Ferrari" notebook. What makes this machine special are the nuances and little extras you'll find that were thoughtfully engineered into the design.

The C314 Tablet PC also features the newest Centrino platform, "Sonoma". The new chipset coupled by the very capable NVIDIA Go 6200 graphics GPU promises an extended future. Chances are good that the C314 is ready for the next generation of Windows "Vista" scheduled to hit the shelves in 2006.

C314 Design and Build Quality

There are noticeable design elements that make the Acer C314 Tablet PC unique. A most interesting innovation is the ergonomical "curved" keyboard. Another element is the design of the lid latch. The latch on the C314 is a reverse of the usual design. The hook itself is located on the lower base of the unit and the "slot" is in the display lid. The switch also locks to keep the display firmly in place. Finally, the design of the trackpad (although not entirely original) is simplicity that offers extra functionality, with the added 4-way scroll button located between the left and right mouse buttons.

The case is built of a sturdy sliver and black plastic. The somewhat rounded edges and smooth surfaces are a pleasant contrast to some of the other square and boxy tablet designs. The rotating display hinge is the strongest I have yet to encounter on any Tablet PC. The unit closes tightly with absolutely no play with the lid closed, providing a promising feel as you carry the C314 in your arm or hold on with one hand to place it in your bag.

Heat and Fan

Like many of the Sonoma-based machines, the C314 is capable of generating some heat. Truthfully you can bank on this machine heating up when it is driven hard for CPU and GPU intensive tasks. Such tasks include gaming, video editing or heavy graphics rendering.

When the CPU temperature rises, you can expect the fan to kick on. The fan on the C314 is quiet and runs at smooth intervals. On some Tablet PC's and notebooks sporadic fan action, (constant on and off, on and off) can become a regrettable annoyance. Luckily, that is not the case with the fan on the Acer C314.

Wireless Connectivity

The Acer C314 comes standard with the integrated Intel Pro Wireless 802.11b/g card. A built-in Bluetooth radio is also featured in this model. Both devices work well. We experienced above average range with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity with no observable lost connections during use. For those with IR PDA's, phones or other devices Acer took care to include an infared port on the right side of the unit.

Battery

The Sanyo 4-cell battery provides about 3 hours of "typical" use (such as cruising the web, office applications, etc).

Using Battery Eater Pro we tested the C314 battery under extreme conditions. Using the "Classic" test mode (stressing all hardware components), we were able to squeeze 2 hours and 32 minutes of time in one charge. This is probably the minimum amount of time you can expect when using the C314 for demanding tasks with the 4-cell battery.

Service and Support

The Acer C314 is backed by a standard one-year warranty. For this review, I placed my traditional "random technical support call". to Acer at 1-800-816-2237. I called the number at 5:16 p.m. (PST) on a Monday afternoon. While on hold, I was subjected to a repetitive classical music loop (about 20 seconds in length) that repeated over and over. The repetitive "music" was combined with constant recorded advertisements about various Acer hardware offerings. I finally got to a human at 5:44 p.m. (28 minutes later)! All in all, I found the wait time to be totally unacceptable compared to the 2-5 minute wait times I have experienced with other manufacturers.

Conclusion

The Acer C314 is an excellent full-featured Tablet PC that is powerful enough to function as a desktop replacement. The generous 1024MB of RAM, 100GB hard drive, Built-in Bluetooth and fast 2.0GHz processor are a good value for the price. This machine is great for students or consumers who want a Tablet to be their "only" PC.

Although there is value in the features that are included, it is obvious that Acer has cut back in their technical support. I would not recommend this model to any first-time computer user who might need to talk to a reliable tech support representative without having to wait for 20 minutes on hold.

Pros

* Powerful CPU and graphics.
* Good build quality.
* Good keyboard and trackpad.
* Built-in Bluetooth.

Cons

* Bad microphone.
* Acer's phone support is very slow to respond.

HP Compaq TC4200 Review

2005-10-18T18:26:00.000+07:00

The HP Compaq TC4200 - "Solid as a Rock"

"Flimsy", "cheap", "heavy" are not the words you want to hear about a portable computer. But we hear it all the time. Thankfully you aren't going to hear these words to describe the new HP Compaq TC4200 Tablet PC. The impression you'll get when you first get your hands on the TC4200 is "solid", "compact" and "light". There is even more goodness on the inside. This Tablet PC is one of the first to feature Intel's third generation of Centrino technology dubbed "Sonoma". Yes, deep down the TC4200 Tablet PC has got "guts". Better yet, you won't find the aging Intel 845/855 chipset with (ugh, it makes me shudder to think about it) "Intel Extreme Graphics" technology. Instead the TC4200 has the MUCH improved Intel 915 chipset that incorporates "Intel Graphics Media Accelerator" graphics technology.

The specs. and build of the TC4200 sound promising. So in this review we take the TC4200 and place it under a microscope. We closely examine all the features found inside and out. We benchmark this Sonoma-powered titan in several aspects of performance to see exactly what kind of performance it delivers. Does the TC4200's insides live up to what its got on outside? Read on!

Basic Specs (our review model):

OS - Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
Intel Pentium M 740 (1.73GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 533MHz FSB)
12.1" (1024 x 768) display
40GB, 5400RPM Hard Drive
512MB DDR2 SDRAM
No Optical Drive
Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell/ 52Wh)
Ports: RGB (monitor) port, TV-out (S-Video), 3 USB (2.0),
External Mic jack, Headphone jack, RJ-45 LAN port,
RJ-11 modem port, docking connector
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator -- up to 128MB Dynamically Shared
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG (802.11b/g)

Extra Features worth noting:

Shock Mounted Hard Drive
Fast IR Port
Pointing Stick w/ 4 mouse buttons and touchpad
3 Year Warranty

TC4200 Design and Build Quality

"Solid". I can't emphasize this enough. HP deserves high-praise for the durability and compact design of this model. In hand the TC4200 feels like it won't compromise the integrity of your precious data. It won't crumble in a tight space in your bag or under a safe, tight grip. When the display on many Tablet convertibles and notebooks is closed, it makes me feel uneasy to apply any more pressure than the minimum required to prevent an "accidental" drop. The TC4200 feels exquisitely durable with the lid closed, open or when folded down into "tablet mode".

The rotating display hinge has a "lasting" feel. The entire unit is constructed of strong black and charcoal plastics, giving the TC4200 a professional appearance with a basic, yet sleek style. HP states that a special "scratch-resistant, in-mold lamination" is used to keep the unit "looking newer longer". Also included is a spill-resistant keyboard and shock mounted hard drive. Although I performed no "scratch", "drop" or "spill" test of any kind, I will just go along with HP's word and concur that the materials look like they will hold up for the long haul, and endure the many adventures of the road warrior.

This bantamweight full-featured convertible weighs in at a very reasonable 4.5lbs. The ports, switches, pen slot and indicator lights are all in logical places which makes for a better user experience. To keep the unit light and small, HP decided to forgo a built-in optical drive which I can live with. However, one slight disappointment is a lack of external stereo sound. There is oddly just one speaker on the left side of the unit. To hear audio in stereo with the TC4200, you'll need headphones or external speakers to plug into the headphone jack. Luckily the fan on the TC4200 is so quiet, you can hear the hard drive's lowly murmur over it. So at least you won't need to crank up any mp3's to cover up that kind of racket! (Oh how I hate fan noise!)

One last thing to mention in regards to the design; there is no uncomfortable heat blasting out of the vents, nor do the hand rests or the base get unpleasantly hot. The only time I noticed any heat issue is when the battery is in mid charge. Luckily this time frame is quite short and should be the only time a user might skip the use of the TC4200 in "slate mode" or resting it on the lap.

Conclusion

	"Back in Black I hit the sack I been too long I'm glad to be back Yes, I'm dead loose from the noose that's kept me hanging around..." - AC/DC

Brian Johnson sang it just right! Over the last year or so, I have questioned whether or not HP would continue to deliver well-designed, full-featured and well-supported mobile products. With the apparent decline in quality and innovation of its Pocket PC devices, and notebook computers I began to lose trust in the legendary brand name. However, if the HP TC4200 is any reflection of what's to come down the pike from a somewhat reorganized management heading the corporate giant, my trust and attention to HP products will become rapidly revitalized.

The HP TC4200 starts at a respectable $1,599 that will buy you a solid, business-class, full-featured Tablet PC convertible. With no hesitation I would recommend this model to consumers looking to get extreme value without compromise. The TC4200 is strong, powerful and built for the road. This model exudes the dependability and stability of the best desktop in a portable package. If you are looking for a reasonably priced, portable convertible Tablet PC that has got the right stuff, the HP TC4200 is a prospect that should be at the top of your list!

Pros

Impeccable design and good all around features

Solid construction, compact design

Tablet functionality/user experience is great

Outstanding value and quality

Cons

Single external speaker

No built-in optical drive

What Tablet PCs Can Do for You

2005-10-13T17:18:00.000+07:00

Tablet PCs are great. If you are a mobile person, and you have never considered getting a tablet PC in the past, now is as good a time as any to start checking them out - the technology is cutting-edge, the usability is superb, and prices are starting to drop.

There are two main types of tablet PCs: convertible and slate. Convertible tablets look a lot like normal laptops except the screen can be rotated all the way around and laid down flat across the keyboard. You then input information through the screen using a stylus. Slate tablet PCs include only the screen interface – though they are fully integratable with peripherals like keyboards and mouses, the computer itself does not have them. Both types are viable options, depending on your personal preferences and what you’ll be using it for.

As with any technology, tablet PCs have advantages and disadvantages. Thanks to the last few years of development and enhancement, the disadvantages are shrinking in number, and the perks are becoming more and more enticing.

Advantages of Tablet PCs

Far and away, the best thing about tablet PCs is their mobility. You can take and use them anywhere you go, the same way you would take notebook and pen. That means that when your boss bumps into you in the hallway and gives you a number of assignments, you can write them down. In meetings you don't have to hide your face behind the monitor of your laptop because you can lay the tablet PC flat on the table. For students, this mobility is great - you can study your notes while you're waiting in lines or even in the car.

Tablet PCs let you use digital ink to store handwritten notes, graphs, charts, and pictures. You don't have to worry about taking your laptop and a notepad and pen to meetings or classes. Using the stylus, tablet PCs record your handwriting and drawings. They can convert your handwriting to text if you need to turn in an assignment typewritten.

All of the money you have been spending on pens, pencils, highlighters, notepads, papers, binders, folders, staples, and paperclips stays in your pocket. Because of the digital ink option on tablet PCs, much of the need for paper supplies and writing utensils is eliminated. You can keep all your notes on your computer.

Finally, one of the advantages of tablet PCs over regular laptops is that you don't lose any functionality from your computer. Tablets operate on similar platforms and run many of the same programs. In fact, many programs integrate all of their normal functions with digital ink, so you can add notes to documents and even email your handwritten notes to someone.

Disadvantages of Tablet PCs

Despite my obvious zeal for tablet PCs, I recognize that there are still some disadvantages. First is the price. The prices for tablet PCs are coming down quite a bit from when they were first released, but on average, you can expect to spend more for a tablet PC than for its equivalent laptop. Depending on the bells and whistles you're looking for, expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 on up.

The handwriting-to-text conversion does not always work the way you wish it would. Just like speech-to-text systems require a trained style of speech to work properly, tablet PCs recognize a trained penmanship easier than the way you may write naturally. A lot of the kinks in these conversion systems have been worked out - but don't plan on handwriting your next novel expecting to be able to convert into a print-ready copy with no problems.

Finally, their smaller size is both an advantage and disadvantage. They are much more mobile than their laptop counterparts, but the viewing area is also smaller. Likewise, the keyboard also shrinks down to accommodate the smaller size, so if you feel like your fingers are already cramped on a laptop-sized keyboard, you'll want to make sure you're going to be able to use the tablet PCs before you buy one.

Fujitsu ST5000 Review

2005-10-11T19:04:00.000+07:00

It seems like all the excitement in the consumer Tablet PC market has recently been lent to Averatec's C3500 and Toshiba's R15 Convertible Tablet PC's. Undoubtedly this is understandable. With prices for these models hovering between $1,100-$1,599 these are very tempting options - and for some value-minded consumers (especially students) a mandatory requirement.

However, before jumping on the Tablet PC bandwagon and making your purchase decision based on the two most popular consumer models, we recommend that you read further! The Fujitsu ST5000 series is a worthy heavyweight contender.

Case in Point(s)

1. Without any mention of the Fujitsu Tablet PC hardware itself, just the amazing support that this company offers after your purchase is something to consider.

2. In a nutshell, the quality of the Fujitsu ST5000 product is superior in just about every aspect, and you will get a solid machine period.

3. If ultimate mobility and connectivity is what you seek in your Tablet PC, this model literally defines "mobility".

So What's the Catch?

As with any device we have ever reviewed, the ST5000 is not without its flaws, and we will discuss our nitpicks (although minor) in this review. Additionally the cost of the ST5000 is going to range about 25%-45% more than you will pay for the Toshiba R15 or Averatec C3500. Is it worth it? Well we know it certainly would be to some people, so please read on to draw your own conclusions as to whether the ST5000 Tablet PC is the right choice for you.

Overview of Form Factor, Features and Design Unlike the R15 and C3500 Convertible Tablet PC's, The ST5000 is a "Slate". While many users prefer a convertible-styled Tablet, others like the unique feel and unparalleled mobility of a Slate Tablet. The ST5000 offers exactly that and more. At only 3.3 pounds this machine is a laudable host to just about every feature a mobile professional demands.

The lightweight body and sleek streamlined case lends itself to the ultimate mobile computing experience. Beyond the super cool, ultra-modern design, the ST5000 feels exceptionally comfortable and secure to hold in your arm. The machine runs "mouse quiet" and stays comfortably cool, even during extended periods of use. User comfort is maximized by Fujitsu's thoughtful suede backing that offers additional shielding from heat generated by the processor.

Included in the Box...

- ST5000 Series Tablet PC
- Battery
- Pen & Tether (to attach to unit)
- 2 Screen Overlays (with instructions)
- Getting Started guide
- User Manual
- Cleaning cloth
- AC adapter/charger
- warranty booklet/registration card
- Software and Recovery CD's

As we discussed in our ST5000 "First Look" story, Fujitsu deserves an honorable mention for including high-quality, customized screen overlays with the unit. I feel that a screen overlay is a necessary accessory to protect your touch screen from wear and tear. Although one school of thought suggests that the Tablet PC screen surface is made just for the purpose of writing, most damage will occur when small particles of dust are dragged across the screen by the pen. Eventually all touch screens will show signs of wear because of this reason. After shelling out $2,000 for a great piece of hardware, it is nice to know that the manufacturer cares enough to give you the basic necessities to use it without damage right out of the box.

Pro's:

-high quality components
-great integrated wireless and expansion options
-size, Weight and Battery Life
-backed by Fujitsu's great reputation for customer support

Con's:

-skimpy software bundle.
-docking station, optical drive not included

Final Thoughts

The Fujitsu ST5000 is a great choice for the right person. If you are looking for the "Lexus" of Slate Tablet PC's, you can stop here. The ST5000 exudes elegance, functionality, mobility and connectivity desired by most every mobile computing enthusiast. With this compelling hardware combined with the excellent Fujitsu customer support, you can buy this Tablet with confidence. I give this model an overwhelming "Thumbs Up".

"If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up." - Ferris Bueller

Electrovaya SC3000 Tablet PC Review

2005-09-25T14:11:00.000+07:00

The Electrovaya Scribbler SC3000 Premium is a true "writing slate" style computer which runs on Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005. Based on Windows XP Professional, but with significant usability enhancements such as pen and speech input, this operating system has been billed for at least a few years as a glimpse at the future of personal computing.

According to a recent news story posted on this site, Tablet PC use in Canada has grown twenty percent. Maybe it is something in the water up here, but I have to admit to liking these things myself. I have reviewed a couple of tablet in the past and using each was a delightful experience. I won't go into the why's and why not's of the platform too much in this article. Suffice it to say if you have not played around with a Tablet PC you really owe it to yourself to test one out.

Recently we worked with Electrovaya's top of the line Scribbler SC3000 Tablet PC for a few weeks. Electrovaya is a company that has really staked a claim in the emerging Tablet PC market. They know the platform well, so when the FedEx man delivered our review unit I was anxious to get started.

The Scribbler is a uniquely designed computer and Electrovaya is clearly betting that the Tablet form factor will find its market. Right off the bat, we can say that someone who likes the form factor will like the Scribbler. It is a pretty good performer in a well-constructed package.

Out-of-the-box, the Scribbler comes with a lot of goodies in the Premium configuration. The included keyboard, wire stand, and folio case are nice touches. But I would gladly forego some of the extras here in order to have an optical drive. Its nice to have this much stuff in the box, but you pay for it and it isn't quite as useful as an optical drive would be. Sure, external optical drives are cheap, but should you really have to buy one separately? I feel the same way about Electrovaya skimping on a bundled virus scanner.

Electrovaya differentiates its products through innovative design. In the case of the Scribbler a cursory glance at the spec sheet reveals an uninspiring assortment of parts. This might disappoint some people who believe that they need to have the fastest CPU, but think about the market at which this device is targeted. An ideal Scribbler user would be someone who wants a quiet, cool-to-the-touch machine that they can carry around and use all day. For this person, I don't think that the internal specs will be a deal breaker. Maybe I am wrong, but keep in mind that I am someone who loves his 800 MHz Apple PowerBook, so your take on the Scribbler's performance might be different than mine.

A base version is available without some of the extras included in the Premium package. Electrovaya has an online configurator that might make it easier for you to find a combination that works for you.

The Scribbler gets "very good" grades, it is great at what it was designed to do. As a pen-based computer you can use it all day, carry it with you, and it won't distract you with heat or noise. And with a little tweaking of the price and bundle - it could earn it "excellent" marks. Heck, my concerns may not even bother some folks, so keep that in mind.

Pros:

Unique form-factor and good ergonomics
Good screen
Biometric security
Battery life
Lack of heat
Looks cool

Cons:

Software bundle not worth '$300' and lacks virus scan
Might be too expensive given the above point

Tablet Pc Review Site Map

2005-09-25T11:36:00.000+07:00

Tablet Pc Review Site Map

Fujitsu Stylistic ST5032 Review
HP Compaq TC1100 Review
The Averatec C3500 Review
Acer C314 Tablet PC Review
HP Compaq TC4200 Review
What Tablet PCs Can Do for You
Fujitsu ST5000 Review
Electrovaya SC3000 Tablet PC Review
Toshiba R15 Tablet PC Review
Toshiba Portege M200 Tablet PC Review

Toshiba R15 Tablet PC Review

2005-09-25T11:25:00.000+07:00

"It's a notebook when you need it to be, and a tablet when you want the comfort of paper and pen." These words come straight from the manufacturer. Toshiba is marketing their first consumer-oriented Tablet PC as the best of both arenas, a "full-featured notebook that doubles as a tablet". Toshiba states that the R15 "enables a more intuitive, more personal way of computing". We have worked with the R15 daily for a month. Does this machine chalk up to Toshiba's claims? Is it worth it to go for Tablet functionality over the standard Satellite notebook? Is the R15 worth the $1,599 price tag? In this review we offer our no-holds-barred opinion, so please read on!

Basic Specs:

OS - Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
Intel Pentium M 725 (1.60GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 400MHz FSB)
14.0" SXGA (1024 x 768) display
60GB, 4200RPM Hard Drive
512MB DDR333 SDRAM
CD-RW/DVD-ROM (CD 24x Read, 24x Write)
6-cell battery (4700mAh)
Ports: RGB (monitor) port, TV-out (S-Video), 3 USB (2.0),
External Mic jack, Headphone jack, RJ-45 LAN port,
RJ-11 modem port, 240pin docking connector
Intel Extreme Graphics 2, 16MB-64MB (DVMA) Shared
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG (802.11b/g)

Extra Features worth noting:

Modular (removable) Optical Drive
Shock Mounted (and protected) Hard Drive
Port Replicator Slot
Toshiba "ConfigFree" Software

R15 Design

Let me start by saying that the Toshiba R15 is jam packed with so many features that we had to label our photos to really illustrate all that this machine offers! It is clear that much thought went into the usability and design of this model. Sometimes it's just the little extras that make the end-user experience so much better than the competition. It is refreshing to see Toshiba incorporating the same excellent features into the R15 that made the Satellite name legendary in mobile computing products. Nowadays this isn't the norm for low cost "value" models that don the shelves of Best Buy and COMPUSA.

One of the first things I look for in a convertible design is durability. The R15 feels solid and roadworthy. The hard drive is "shock mounted" to prevent data loss if the unit is bumped or dropped (hopefully not) while it is powered on. The swiveling display hinge moves smoothly and feels sturdy enough to withstand repeat use. The display locks firmly in place when the R15 is in "tablet mode" and when the lid is closed with the screen facing inward (standard). There is no play in either position which makes the device feel stable to load in a case or "carry down the hall" to your next meeting.

Conclusion

"Packed with peanuts chewy caramel and fluffy nougat. Snickers really satisfies!" You have probably heard the slogan. In this way, the Toshiba R15 reminds me of a Snickers Bar. It is so packed with features and extras, that it does truly satisfy. The Toshiba R15 is a great upper quality notebook that truly doubles as a full-fledge Tablet PC. The construction is roadworthy and the design and features are well-planned. In most every aspect the R15 is a pleasure to use, and runs as reliable and stable as any desktop PC. I would highly recommend this model to business users, students and most any mobile professional or home users who don't require the extra demands that require dedicated video memory or a 7200RPM high-performance hard drive. The 1.6GHz Pentium M processor provides plenty of power for any general computing task and then some. Priced at $1,599 and below, this machine offers many features and extra conveniences that are otherwise only found on $2,000+ notebooks. The Tablet functionality is as good as it gets and many users will enjoy the large bright screen with extra physical space to write (over many of the 12.1" tablets out there). If this is your first move into the Tablet PC world, the R15 is a perfect choice since when you use it as a notebook, it feels exactly like a notebook. When you flip the display down into "tablet mode", it feels exactly like a tablet. This machine offers the best of both worlds.

Pros

Great all around design and features
Durable and solid feeling machine
Tablet functionality/experience is great
Bright, crisp and colorful display
Good value for the price

Cons

No Bluetooth radio
Sound from built-in speakers is average
A bit heavier and bulkier than its M200 cousin

Toshiba Portege M200 Tablet PC Review

2005-09-07T23:20:00.000+07:00

Toshiba claims that the Portege M200 is the best selling Tablet PC (at least in Canada) so I figured this was as good a place as any to start my Tablet experience. I was looking forward to what I felt would surely be a great computer to review (note the clever use of foreshadowing to build suspense). I have to admit to wanting to try one of these units for a while. The concept seems to be a logical next step for computers. This article has a primary purpose, to tell you about the M200 and give you some perspective regarding how it rates and also a secondary purpose to tell you a little bit about the Tablet PC platform.

Toshiba selected good components for the M200. In Canada the standard configuration is the Centrino package, which includes the 1.6 GHz Pentium-M processor, Intel 855GM chipset, and Intel 2100B 802.11b wireless. It would have been nice to have 802.11b/g wireless rather than the older B' standard. In Canada, Toshiba does not offer an online notebook configurator so you are stuck with one standard configuration. At the time I was writing this article Toshiba introduces a refreshed M200 with a 1.8Ghz Dothan and 802.11b/g. A casualty of the standard spec is Bluetooth, which is available as a build to order option in the USA. In Canada you must buy the part and have a tech install it -- or void your warranty if you do it yourself.

The balance of the spec sheet is filled out by a fast 7200 RPM 60 GB hard drive, 512 megabytes of PC2700 RAM (512MB in one slot and a vacant second slot for future expansion -- max 2 GB). The screen is a 12" poly silicon TFT with a Wacom-developed electromagnetic digitizer. Many people feel that a an LCD screen protector is not required for Tablets, but I should warn any new users that mine suffered two scratches within hours of first using it. Screen protectors like those from www.strongengineering.com are significantly less expensive than a new LCD screen.

Ports are sparse. There is a single Cardbus slot, Modem (software-based), Ethernet (10/100), VGA (no DVI) and two USB 2.0 ports. The lack of DVI is unfortunate as more and more people adopt LCD monitors and LCD projectors are increasingly available with DVI ports. Lack of Firewire is also unfortunate. Connectivity is good, with 802.11B, (optional) Bluetooth, and Infrared available for wireless communication with networks, peripherals and other devices. Accessories for the M200 include a dock and port replicator.

The M200 is about the same size as a ThinkPad T-series. It is much larger than the ultra slim Portege R100, but still very portable at about 4.5 pounds. It is well over an inch think and while that may provide lots of room for heat dissipation (the M200 is quiet and cool) there apparently was not enough room for an optical drive.

And this brings me to perhaps my biggest complaint; the M200 does not include an optical drive of any kind. Ultra slim laptops have been sold this way for a few years, and I still don't understand why. These are premium laptops with premium prices -- why make users buy the drive as an accessory? This policy is further exacerbated by the fact that only Toshiba drives can boot the M200 (or R100 for that matter) and the drives that Toshiba sells are outrageously expensive ($499 CDN). This makes disaster recovery very inconvenient. If you need to restore your M200 for any reason, you had better learn how to boot from a network, or SD Card or possibly a combination of Toshiba's floppy drive and a generic optical drive (Toshiba's Floppy drive, also not included, is another expensive accessory).

The test unit came with Windows XP Tablet Edition 2005 -- this includes XP service pack 2. It also came bundled with Toshiba's suite of excellent configuration utilities. The network tool that Toshiba has developed is especially useful when traveling and makes settings for the notebook and tablet function easy to access in one place.

Microsoft's OneNote application is bundled with the M200 and this represents the biggest software inclusion. Basically, OneNote is a must have application for any tablet, and is bundled with most. It showcases a lot of the Tablet's better features and is built to Microsoft's usual high standard for Office applications. I am not sure that it stands on its own though and it is in no way a substitute for Word.

Toshiba has bundled Norton Antivirus 2005 with a 1-year subscription. The standard with most new computers seems to be a 30 or 60-day trial, so this is a nice feature.