The Tablet PC Windows version, in Microsoft's own words, is a Slate computer optimized for mobility and designed as a light weight and ergonomic device. Apart from the size and shape, the key difference between these tablets and an ordinary desktop is the input device which is a pen and touch screen instead of a keyboard and mouse. Let's take a look under the hood and see what's inside, and see what all the fuss is about.
Things to consider when looking at tablets are the possible applications and usability, and the reliability and ruggedness of the device. Not to mention the popularity of the software/hardware technology behind it. This last one is very important, because the field is changing so rapidly that a new device that ends up rejected by the masses may be discontinued within a year.
Given the immense popularity of the Windows OS in its various forms, it's safe to say that a tablet PC windows version won't be an orphan anytime soon. It was originally working well with a special XP edition for tablets. But Microsoft has since changed tack and now offers built-in support for tablets in the home and business editions of both Vista and Windows 7.
Granted that it means Tablet PC Windows users won't get their own special OS version. But the advantage is that they won't have to hang around waiting for an upgrade after regular users on desktops have already been given an upgrade. Every time Microsoft upgrades the OS to a new version, the tablets will automatically get theirs too.
As for the usability innovations, the company is using its massive toolkit to add functionality well beyond what's usually available for mobile, light-weight tablets. For starters, the MS Gesture Recognizer allows for a 2-tiered structure of gestures that enable users to use gestures to simulate specific keys on a keyboard. Secondly, the devices are also primed for handwriting recognition and finger-based mouse inputs on the touch screen.
The handwriting recognition software learns quickly based on the user's input and it can be personalized. There's a personalization tool where the user can provide samples so that the software can match it against samples and recognizes the user's handwriting during actual use. The touch screen allows mouse input using fingers and is based on Microsoft surface technology.
Geek talk aside, readers may understandably be curious about how MS tablets stack up against other tablets like the iPad, Palm TouchPad, Android-enabled tablets, etc. It's not so much a question of technology or features as it is about loyalty. No matter how much better (or not) it is, Apple fanatics won't be using anything except the iPad, while Microsoft users habituated to the familiar Windows interface will find the MS tablets more to their liking.
Those choosing to be Tablet PC Windows users are likely to get a product that's rock solid and based on cutting-edge technology. Furthermore, it will continue to enjoy support and upgrades from Microsoft. Let's just say that it may not generate as much buzz as the iPad or Android tablets, but it is just as useful and reliable, if not more.
Things to consider when looking at tablets are the possible applications and usability, and the reliability and ruggedness of the device. Not to mention the popularity of the software/hardware technology behind it. This last one is very important, because the field is changing so rapidly that a new device that ends up rejected by the masses may be discontinued within a year.
Given the immense popularity of the Windows OS in its various forms, it's safe to say that a tablet PC windows version won't be an orphan anytime soon. It was originally working well with a special XP edition for tablets. But Microsoft has since changed tack and now offers built-in support for tablets in the home and business editions of both Vista and Windows 7.
Granted that it means Tablet PC Windows users won't get their own special OS version. But the advantage is that they won't have to hang around waiting for an upgrade after regular users on desktops have already been given an upgrade. Every time Microsoft upgrades the OS to a new version, the tablets will automatically get theirs too.
As for the usability innovations, the company is using its massive toolkit to add functionality well beyond what's usually available for mobile, light-weight tablets. For starters, the MS Gesture Recognizer allows for a 2-tiered structure of gestures that enable users to use gestures to simulate specific keys on a keyboard. Secondly, the devices are also primed for handwriting recognition and finger-based mouse inputs on the touch screen.
The handwriting recognition software learns quickly based on the user's input and it can be personalized. There's a personalization tool where the user can provide samples so that the software can match it against samples and recognizes the user's handwriting during actual use. The touch screen allows mouse input using fingers and is based on Microsoft surface technology.
Geek talk aside, readers may understandably be curious about how MS tablets stack up against other tablets like the iPad, Palm TouchPad, Android-enabled tablets, etc. It's not so much a question of technology or features as it is about loyalty. No matter how much better (or not) it is, Apple fanatics won't be using anything except the iPad, while Microsoft users habituated to the familiar Windows interface will find the MS tablets more to their liking.
Those choosing to be Tablet PC Windows users are likely to get a product that's rock solid and based on cutting-edge technology. Furthermore, it will continue to enjoy support and upgrades from Microsoft. Let's just say that it may not generate as much buzz as the iPad or Android tablets, but it is just as useful and reliable, if not more.
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