What is a Tablet PC?

A tablet PC is a full fledged computer that runs the Windows XP Professional operating system. Tablet PCs run all the same software as your Windows desktop or laptop computer, including Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, AutoCAD, ACT!, Goldmine and other Windows-based software. Just like a regular notebook or desktop computer, a tablet PC computer has a hard drive and memory.

Features

Although Tablet PCs don’t all offer the same exact features, any tablet PC can be hooked up to a printer or DVD/CD reader through a USB port. Tablet PCs also have wireless built-in so you can connect them to your home or office wireless network. If you need an Ethernet connection to connect to a computer network, that is available also. Optionally, some tablet PCs have Infrared capability for using an infrared keyboard or synchronizing a PDA or Pocket PC. Many tablets have Bluetooth built-in. This allows you to connect to a Bluetooth-capable GPS, phone, keyboard or mouse. While the smaller tablets like the Motion LS800 and the Fujitsu P1510 do not have a PCMCIA (or PC card) slot, the larger Tablet PC computers, like the Motion LE1600, IBM X41T and Toshiba M400, all have a PC card slot that allows you to use broadband air cards and other devices that fit into a PCMCIA slot.

Array Microphones

Array microphones allow you to use your tablet PC for speech recognition without needing an external microphone. The array microphones are built into the body of the tablet PC and can be programmed to pick up just your voice or to record the voices of everyone at a meeting.

DVI Connectors

The Motion LE1600, a tablet PC featuring a Digital Video Interface (DVI) connection, allows you to output to any DVI compatible screen such as a plasma TV.

Fingerprint Reader

The fingerprint reader has become popular on many laptops and is standard on many tablet PCs as well. The fingerprint reader allows you to swipe your finger over the sensor on the tablet PC. Once the computer determines that you are an authorized user, it automatically enters your user name and password for a particular program or website from a list of passwords that you have already entered. Secure Digital (SD) slots Secure Digital, Compact Flash and other digital card slots are the same kinds of memory devices found on many digital cameras. These small chip-like cards can be used to transfer files from a digital camera or another computer to your tablet PC.

Comparisons

Many people who see the tablet PC computer think it can’t be as capable or powerful as a desktop or notebook computer. In fact, tablet PCs run many powerful software programs from a number of industries. Another misconception is that you have to use the tablet exclusively with the tablet pen. Many tablet PC owners have the computer set up just like a desktop when they are in the office. With an available docking station, the tablet PC can work with standard keyboards, mice, printers, speakers, networks. You can even hook up a second monitor that is powered by the tablet PC computer, allowing you to see (and work on) two applications at the same time.

When first purchasing a tablet PC computer, most people think it will be a companion to their primary desktop or laptop computer. They quickly realize that the tablet PC is a powerful computer that can handle all their daily tasks, including email, internet surfing, accounting, photo editing, music playing and other applications. The tablet PC computer is truly a replacement for the desktop, notebook and pocket PC with a single device.

ACER | Fujitsu | HP | IBM | Itronix | Lenovo | Motion | TabletKiosk | Toshiba