Tablet PC???

[sinkinswimmer]

Ok, I'm starting to get a bit interested in tablet PC's. I'm looking to help my friend pick out a decent one at the moment. If she turns out to be happy with hers, then I'll probably get one myself. The thing is though, I'm new to tablets, and I don't know who makes good ones. I've checked for the highest rated reviews off of New Egg, and will do some more research soon. But any advice on buying a tablet and what to look for is much appreciated. So please answer the following questions for me:

What should I be looking for in a tablet?
And where should I be looking?



Any extra advice is welcome. Thank you.

[Darren337]

ok tablet PCs are very similar to normal laptops, except ths screen spins on its hings and folds back over the keyboard with the screen up, which activates the tablet mode (most models). speaking from a structural standpoint, look for something with a really beefy hinge point. and im not sayin the one that LOOKS biggest, look for one that feels solid, like its not a weak point.

also look for something that has good ergonomics as both a laptop and a tablet. of course its gonna have all its own things that laptops dont, like Windows XP Tablet, but you still want one that will function well for you as a normal laptop (i doubt you'll always want to abandon your keyboard).

[sinkinswimmer]

ah, thanks. any brand suggestions? like are toshiba and acer good?

[Darren337]

im not so sure on acer, i own an OLD toshiba satellite. im surprised it lived 6 years the way i abused the poor thing.

[RurouniShu]

i'm using a fujitsu tablet PC now..

[General Cox]

hmm, does it run with a touchscreen? I think i may have seen those in my lectures...

tbh its the first time iv heard of them, so im useless to you :/

[Darren337]

tablet PCs are laptops with reverse folding screens that have touch sensitivity that allow you to draw or scribble using a supplied stylus. this makes quick notes much simpler and makes jotting quick drawings of something a digital possibility. lots of fun in theory, but like any other device, it has upsides and downsides

[General Cox]

that the same ones as used in my lectures then, then look rather cool, albeit rather usless for personal use. The only time you would use them is for a personal presentation or a group presentation. otherwise get a normal laptop :/

[Darren337]

have you ever noticed that if you pay attention, you can find all sorts of places to use some little device you have?
CD/MP3 player: take it to work, take a walk, on break, at home, wlaking the dog... the list goes on.

the same thing will happen IF you get a tablet, i swear it. all of a sudden you'll be scribbling all sorts of fun lil things.

[Ryoji]

let me clear this up about tablets...the type of tablet that darren has brought up is the most popular type, called a convertible, because it can convert from laptop to tablet mode. there's also a slate type, which doesnt convert, and it's fully operated by touch, and therefore does not have a keyboard. However, slate tablet pcs can be coupled with a docking station, essentially turning it into a Desktop.

[Darren337]

slate types are limited by the necessity of a docking station and non dedicated keyboard. i thought in this case they didnt need to be mentioned, but then again, if thats whats best, then it should be represented fairly.

[Ryoji]

I understand...I'd rather get a convertible myself =D...I'm looking towards Acer and Toshiba -- I had heard before of the strength of those two's screen hinges.

[sinkinswimmer]

yes, but i'm only looking at convertibles... thank you for mentioning the slates though... further discussion about them should be unnecessary

[Ryoji]

i think a very helpful site would actually be that of Windows XP Tablet Edition. They have a page on picking the right tablet for you.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/tabletpc/howtobuy/buytabletpc.mspx

As for me, I'm waiting till June of next year -- graduation gift ^^

[B-Eazy]

*put down the shovel*

I'm on he market for a Tablet PC so i decided to dig this thread up. I'm looking for a tablet but I'm not to sure which one i want. I'm bout to start getting into my core courses in engineering and i want a tablet that can handle CAD programs I want to use. My main concern (besides the hefty prices) is the pen software for them. Some of the cheaper ones have so-so reviews about the stylus software and jumpyness. Anyone have some good advice to point me to quality product .... and not break bank too much