Tablet PC 2 News Archive

July 2004

July 1, 2004

Suite integrates Pocket PC apps with enterprise databases
WindowsForDevices

MobileDataforce has announced an update to its suite of software that provides database integration, multiple report formats, and two-way data synchronization for handheld computers. The Intercue Mobility Suite version 4.5 offers an XML development environment for creating, publishing, and integrating XML-based forms for data collection on several major mobile device platforms including Windows CE, Pocket PC, and Tablet PC. 2:00 pm

Wichita Public Schools Leaves No Child - Or Teacher - Behind With Gateway Technology
Yahoo News

For Wichita Public Schools (Kan.), using technology as a learning tool is no longer an option. It's a necessity.

Gateway is providing Wichita Public Schools with several thousand customized desktop and mobile technology solutions, including Gateway® 450 series laptops, all-in-one Profile 5s, M275 Tablet PCs, and E-Series desktop products. All of the hardware Gateway provides will have Wichita Public School's custom software "image" pre-installed onto the PCs, as well as asset tags, so IT managers can easily inventory the PCs. In addition, all Gateway notebooks will have a Wichita Public School logo laser engraved on their lids. 8:46 am

Biz, consumers benefit from tech innovation
Chicago Sun Times

In the coming years, the word "technology" will come to suggest not just devices but new ways of interacting with each other. It will create new economies, drive cultural changes, and allow us to collaborate without the obstacles of geographical and time boundaries.

Because we believe so strongly in the future potential of computing, Microsoft dedicates a significant portion of its revenue to research and development that pushes the state of the art forward.

These investments are paying off in the form of technologies that are empowering consumers and businesses today, and in new innovations and discoveries that can shape the way we use computers a decade from now. For example, the Tablet PC enables users to write or draw in longhand directly on the computer screen and store the information as handwriting or convert it to digitized text. It's reshaping the way people work, from physicians and architects to insurance adjusters and warehouse managers. 3:31 am

July 2, 2004

Women in Technology

Lora Heiny : Whatisnew.com & TabletPcPost.com 
Jim Hope:
Christopher James:

Report: Tablet PC market will remain partially successful until prices fall
WindowsForDevices

Many vertical markets were accustomed to pen-based computing, and saw the Tablet PC as giving them the flexibility of pen-based computing plus access to all software that runs on Microsoft’s XP operating system,” says Brian O’Rourke, a Senior Analyst with In-Stat/MDR. “As a result, the vast majority of Tablet PCs that shipped in 2003 went to vertical applications.” Within horizontal markets, Tablet PCs are particularly targeted at large enterprises. But, according to O’Rourke, “With limited IT budgets in the early part of this decade, and forecasts for annual increases in the 3% range over the next four to five years, enterprise IT managers have been hesitant to take a chance on a new PC form factor.” However, In-Stat/MDR projects that as Tablet PC prices come down over the next few years, and Tablet PC software offerings increase, interest in horizontal markets will rise. Horizontal markets should start to make an impact on this market in 2005, as average selling prices fall below $2,000 for the first time. 10:57 am

July 4, 2004

July  4th   2004

Tablet Pc 2 Wishes you a Safe and Happy Fourth of July

Kenwood students star at leadership event
Miami Herald

Ruth Owens Kruse Educational Center was selected as one of 151 schools nationwide to receive a $35,000 HP Technology for Teaching grant. The grant includes five HP Tablet PC's, five HP multimedia projectors, an HP Officejet all-in-one, HP digital camera, HP K-12 help desk support for one year, $500 stipend per teacher and a professional development program that includes customized learning opportunities and mentoring.  9:19 am

July 5, 2004

HP introduces wireless, mobility tools
Globetechnology.com

TORONTO, July 5 — Hewlett-Packard has introduced a number of new and enhanced mobile and wireless products using HP Mobility Solution Architecture, a strategy to provide mobile and remote users access to real-time communications as if they were at their desks. Also introduced is the HP Mobile Print Driver for Windows, which can connect workers with a notebook or tablet PC to local and networked printers via 802.11 or Bluetooth connection.

Short takes: Week of 5 July
iT News

COMMENTARY: An often irreverent look at some of the week's other news, including Microsoft's solution for Download.Ject, the final release of Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 and EU vs Microsoft.

XP SP2 to ship late July/early August; tablet PC Edition 2004 is complete (Correction: This should have read Tablet PC Edition 2005 is complete)
A Microsoft representative contacted me to confirm that the final release of XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), the long-awaited XP security upgrade, will likely ship in late July or early August. Furthermore, Tablet PC users who are interested in getting the next version of XP Tablet PC Edition should download the current XP SP2 Release Candidate 2 (RC2) build because the release includes the final shipping version of XP Tablet PC Edition 2005. XP SP2 also includes several other product updates, such as XP Media Center Edition (XP MCE) 2004 (for existing XP MCE users only), Windows Update 5, Windows Media Player (WMP) Series, and DirectX 9.0c.

AA Roadside Service System Wins National It Awards
Scoop.co.nz

The NZ Automobile Association has received two major awards in the national Computerworld Excellence Awards for its new roadside service system. The awards are for Excellence in the Use of IT for Customer Service and Excellence in the Use of IT for a Mobile Workforce.

When an AA member calls for assistance the details are sent instantly from the dispatch centre to the AA patrol vehicle nearest to the breakdown location via a mobile telecommunications link. Vehicles are equipped with a heavy-duty Panasonic Toughbook Tablet PC, which, in turn, is connected to a global positioning system. Our vehicle is then guided to the breakdown location via satellite using map overlays. At the breakdown, the Tablet PC technology replaces the use of conventional paper work and mobile data terminals.

Microsoft releases security update
seattlpi.com

Microsoft founder Bill Gates answers questions while demonstrating a Tablet PC to students during a visit to a middle school in Beijing Thursday July 1, 2004. Gates donated computers and software to the school, and launched an initiative to build computer labs in rural Chinese schools. The visit is part of an effort to boost Microsoft's image in China and build partnerships with the Chinese.

Microsoft Corp. issued an interim security update Friday to protect users of its nearly ubiquitous Internet Explorer browsers from a new technique for spreading viruses.

The update does not entirely fix the flaw that makes the spread possible, but it changes settings in Windows operating systems to disable hackers' ability to deliver malicious code with it.

July 7, 2004

abletNutriCalc— a Nutritional Calculator for Tablet PCs for keeping track of your nutritional status based on the foods you eat.
abletfactory.com

Your Tablet, Your Handwriting , Our Words : Innovation

"abletNuriCalc is the first of a number of personal Tablet productivity applications from The abletFactory.  This product will let you keep track of the nutritional value of the foods eaten.  The most comprehensive database of foods is available.  Easy selection and navigation of the foods eaten using the pen on a Tablet PC.  Add handwriting notes and store for later retrieval and view daily reports that keep track of the common nutrient classes.  Using the pen, you can easily set up your own goals and objectives for calories, fat, carbohydrate, cholesterol and protein. 

Ballmer: Microsoft needs better sales pitch
ZDNet.com

"Longhorn is a significant step forward, and between now and then we have Tablet, digital media, security innovations in Windows XP SP2, and new Office capabilities to amaze customers," Ballmer wrote. It is not clear whether Ballmer meant that an entirely new version of Office would come before Longhorn, though there is a reference later in the memo to Office 12--the next version of Office. Microsoft has previously said that a new version of Office that would take advantage of the new operating system was planned for the same time frame as Longhorn. A company representative declined to elaborate on Ballmer's remarks.

Starbucks Builds Continued Success with T-Mobile HotSpot -- the -- the Nation's Largest Commercial Wi-Fi Network
Business Wire

To use the T-Mobile HotSpot service at Starbucks, customers with a Wi-Fi-enabled notebook computer, Tablet PC or Pocket PC simply need to launch their Internet browser from within a participating Starbucks and log in. New customers need to activate a T-Mobile HotSpot account, which is available by signing up at www.t-mobile.com/hotspot or by launching their browser in a participating Starbucks location. New customers can try the service for free as part of a limited time offer available at any participating Starbucks location by using a complimentary T-Mobile HotSpot DayPass, which is available in an in-store brochure. Additional terms and conditions apply. T-Mobile offers several pricing plans including DayPass, pay-as-you-go, month-to-month and annual subscription plans. T-Mobile customers can add month-to-month subscriptions to their wireless voice or GPRS data bill at a 50 percent discount off regular pricing.

July 8, 2004

Microsoft Names Field2Base to Elite List of ``Industry Partners''
Business Wire

Field2Base, a pioneer in mobile, Tablet PC construction communication solutions, today announced it has been named to the elite list of companies selected by Microsoft as Partners in its Tablet PC initiative. Field2Base also announced it has hired a new Vice President of Sales, Sid Cutts, formally director of sales and national accounts for Stock Building Supply.

Privately held and privately funded, Field2Base develops and markets Tablet PC-based field applications that use mobile data networks to manage construction, homebuilding, and engineering field processes, as well as digitize and optimize logistics, distribution, and sales force productivity. Connected to a wireless mobile data network, Field2Base software can accelerate productivity of any field worker by solving issues on-site, automating business processes, and establishing digital audit trails of a wide range of transactions.

Microsoft (NASDAQ NM: MSFT) is working with industry-leading hardware manufacturers and software developers to create a strong foundation for Tablet PC and has identified partners in its Tablet PC initiative. The Tablet-PC is a powerful tool, but like any computer system it must be enhanced with software tools that exploit its native capabilities. Field2Base has pioneered many outstanding field applications that make the marriage of the Tablet-PC and Field2Base a real standout among pioneers in this exciting area of development.

For a complete list of Microsoft Partners in its Tablet PC Initiative, visit http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/8/D/98D9E445-3C1C-4186-9B93- 41FBF67F7881/TabletPartnerListFS.doc

4 Concept Computers
CIO Asia

New PC designs may not reach a mass audience, but some features point to the future of computing.

Forrester analyst Simon Yates, for instance, predicts that a future generation of light, powerful tablet PCs (a sector that itself has not taken off as well as some pundits and vendors had hoped), rather than modular PCs, will dominate the market for truly portable computers.

Not quite a Tablet PC
The Star, Malaysia

WHEN is a Tablet PC not a Tablet PC? When it's the FTEC Tablet PC, that's when. 

Why? Well for some reason best known to this Malaysian manufacturer, the FTEC device doesn't come installed with Windows XP Tablet Edition, and instead has Windows XP Home Edition. 

This means that while this machine has pen input via the supplied stylus, it actually does not have any handwriting-recognition technology built-in and if you're using the machine detached from its keyboard, you're basically stuck with the Windows XP default software keyboard. 

Starbucks Builds Continued Success with T-Mobile HotSpot -- the the Nation's Largest Commercial Wi-Fi Network

HardwareGeeks.com 

To use the T-Mobile HotSpot service at Starbucks, customers with a Wi-Fi-enabled notebook computer, Tablet PC or Pocket PC simply need to launch their Internet browser from within a participating Starbucks and log in. New customers need to activate a T-Mobile HotSpot account, which is available by signing up at www.t-mobile.com/hotspot or by launching their browser in a participating Starbucks location. New customers can try the service for free as part of a limited time offer available at any participating Starbucks location by using a complimentary T-Mobile HotSpot DayPass, which is available in an in-store brochure. Additional terms and conditions apply. T-Mobile offers several pricing plans including DayPass, pay-as-you-go, month-to-month and annual subscription plans. T-Mobile customers can add month-to-month subscriptions to their wireless voice or GPRS data bill at a 50 percent discount off regular pricing.

Xybernaut patents ergonomic handhelds and communicator
InfoSync

Wearable electronics company Xybernaut has been granted two new patents on types of electronic device by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), covering an "ergonomic" handheld display and a "personal communicator" set of devices.

The first patent, U.S. Patent No. 6,757,156, covers an "Ergonomic handheld display", consisting of a flat panel display device with certain features that make it easier to use for long periods. Such features include, for example, two rubber handgrips that wrap partially around the sides of the display device with at least two "tactile ridges". Additional features include the balance of the device and whether or not the screen is touch-sensitive, and the patent covers most possible permutations and combinations of those factors. Although listed as a wearable system, the patent descriptions appear to cover essentially a "tablet PC", or at least many designs of one.

July 9, 2004

*Now Available*  GoBinder 2005 Public Preview
gobinder.com  

5:34 PM Friday July 9, 2004 : GoBinder 2005 (Beta Version) now available for download 

FREE Upgrades from Previous Versions of GoBinder - Agilix has infused GoBinder 2005 with more value than ever, but that doesn't mean current customers will have to pay more. To demonstrate gratitude for and generosity toward current customers, Agilix is providing a free upgrade to GoBinder 2005 to anyone who purchased a copy of GoBinder in the past. Your feedback is what has made the product what it is today.

GoBinder 2005 is The Filofax of the Tewnety First century.......... 
Linda A. Epstein- Owner/Publisher Tabletpc2.com

Agilix Readies Gobinder 2005
gobinder.com

Enhanced Experience Leverages Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005

Leverage Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 (included in SP2) - Use the new in-place Tablet Input Panel (TIP) [instead of GoBinder's in-place Writing Assistant] and take advantage of the many improvements in the ink recognition system. If you have installed XP SP2, you're ready to go with GoBinder 2005.

Women in Technology

IT options for mobile staff
Computing

Going mobile requires the selection of suitable client hardware, the provisioning of adequate communications links, and often the use of some kind of middleware to tie together the mobile platform with the company's existing systems. The choice of solution is usually determined by the type of user. The term mobile worker covers a wide range of jobs.

A variation of the laptop is the Tablet PC, which runs a version of Windows XP supporting pen input. Some Tablet PCs are little different from standard laptops, but the slate-style models have been designed without a keyboard to cut down on weight. This type is proving popular in sectors such as healthcare and salesforce automation, where form filling and data capture is a common application.

In just over two months, Ambient Design, a New Zealand-based software development company, has had more than 65,000 downloads of its new ArtRage application, a free painting package designed to provide a realistic simulation of using paint on a canvas. ArtRage painters can use electronic pens, oils, pencils, crayons, and other tools for original works or they can load photographs and use the trace functionality to create their masterpieces.

Matthew Fox-Wilson of Ambient Design says the idea and technology for ArtRage has been in development for more than six years but it was the release of the Tablet PC that provided the ideal platform and catalyst to finish the application.

"We contacted Microsoft as soon as the Tablet PC came out," said Fox-Wilson. "It matched what we wanted to do and answered the 'if only we had a device that could do this and that' dilemma. The application certainly works on other PCs and devices but the Tablet PC is the perfect marriage for the application."

The Ambient Design team is truly talented and it has been great to see ArtRage develop into such a fantastic addition to the Tablet PC. An added bonus is that it is a New Zealand team taking it to the world," says Templeton.

Ambient Design has also been listed by Microsoft on the global Tablet PC download site alongside top software vendors such as Corel and FranklinCovey. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/tabletpc/downloads/other.asp

"Two German IT magazines, Computerbuild and Sharepress Magazine, are including ArtRage on CDs to be distributed with the magazines," said Fox-Wilson. "In addition, a company in the UK, Research Machines, is including ArtRage pre-loaded on all the TabletPCs they now sell.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's Memo to Employees
Fortune

In FY04, we made strong progress on several fronts that are essential for our future. We delivered some amazing products that were widely recognized as delivering great value to our customers and creating opportunity for partners — including Office 2003, SharePoint, MSN Messenger, Windows Mobile devices, MBS releases with Office UI and SharePoint integration, Xbox Live, enhanced Web services, Microsoft TV Foundation, and improved Tablet and Media Center PCs.

Longhorn is a significant step forward, and between now and then we have Tablet, digital media, security innovations in Windows XP SP2, and new Office capabilities to amaze customers. The Windows Catalog will make our partners' innovation and services more obvious to our mutual customers.

July 11, 2004

Tablet PC Price to Drop According to Gates
blog.sagetechnology

When asked by Alex Zaharov-Reutt from Free Access Magazine if Microsoft would be lowering the price of the Tablet OS to standard desktop OS prices to aid adoption, Gates responded: "Yeah, Tablet in particular we’re bringing the licensing for Tablet Windows to be the same as Windows Pro.  It wasn't much more, I think it was fifteen dollars more or something like that but we're bringing it down somewhat there."

This difference in opinion needs to be addressed, most importantly by way of an actual reduction in the premium that consumers pay to own Tablets.  If manufacturers like Acer do not lower their consumer prices now, we will know who is benefiting from the OS price cuts and perhaps who has just been making excuses all along.

July 12, 2004

GoBinder 2005 Makes "The List"    
Tablet PC 2's Top Ten Tablet PC Products

It didn't take much more than a first glance at GoBinder 2005 to know it was going to make "The List"  of the Top 10 Tablet Pc Products, The only question was how long should we wait before we made it official and added it to the list.....

While it was my intention to wait until it was out of beta and the final product was released, the truth is it's simply to good a product to have to wait.  

Read the review

Download the GoBinder 2005 (Beta) From the GoBinder Web site

TabletPCBuzz.com Art Contest voting is open!
tabletpcbuzz

Not to be missed, some of the entries for the TabletPCBuzz art contest are nothing short of amazing, take a look and see for youself.

Review the submissions and Vote by posting a reply to this thread, include the title of the entry when voting. One vote per person.

Tablet PCs to get cheaper?
engadget 

There are a million reasons why Tablet PCs have been in the doghouse saleswise, but probably not the least of them is that instead of encouraging manufacturers to build Tablet PCs by charging them  less for the Tablet PC operating system than they do for regular versions of Windows XP, they’re actually charging more for it. Anyway, supposedly Bill Gates was overheard talking about how they were going to do something about this and drop the price to make of Windows XP Tablet PC Edition to make it more attractive to manufacturers and eventually more affordable for consumers.

Not quite a Tablet PC
The Star

WHEN is a Tablet PC not a Tablet PC? When it's the FTEC Tablet PC, that's when.

Why? Well for some reason best known to this Malaysian manufacturer, the FTEC device doesn't come installed with Windows XP Tablet Edition, and instead has Windows XP Home Edition.

What can I say about this product except that if you look at it as a Tablet PC (after all it is called a Tablet PC), it fails miserably as such because without any handwriting-recognition software, there really isn’t any point to having a computer with a screen that can detach from its keyboard.

July 13, 2004

SMART Technologies’ Sympodium ID250 Interactive Pen Display
avvideo.com

Somewhere between a tablet and a whiteboard

A presentation, teaching and training tool that fits nicely into a niche between interactive whiteboards and tablet PCs and is well-suited to large venues

Clearly, SMART Technologies sees a threat from the parade of Tablet PCs coming to market. Most Tablet PCs allow annotation, handwriting recognition and pen-based interactivity as well as the ability to output to a projector. The new pricing for the ID250 puts it in the same budget range as a high-end Tablet PC.

Microsoft doubles space at GITEX 2004
CPILive.net

The futuristic area will showcase the power of Microsoft’s latest connected offerings, to demonstrate how products like Tablet PC and Smartphone can be integrated with the business functionality of Microsoft Office 2003 applications to create advanced solutions for the world of work. The future zone also has a home zone, where show-goers can explore the possibilities of the connected home through products such as Windows XP Media Center Edition, and other consumer products.

NGRAIN Earns Microsoft Gold Partner Status
CNW Telbec

Rare certification reflects NGRAIN's unique, high quality Microsoft based interactive 3D Solutions for Microsoft Office

NGRAIN Corporation today announced that it has achieved Gold Partner status from Microsoft(R) Corp., the company's highest level certification for independent software vendors (ISVs). NGRAIN is among a small, select group of companies to receive this certification. The Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for Software Products brings market recognition to companies that provide consistent, high quality products built on the Microsoft platform.

"The strength of our relationship with Microsoft and the Gold Partner certification reflects our long term strategic focus on advancing our technology in full alignment with Microsoft's market development strategies including Smart Client, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition and the .NET framework"

July 14, 2004

For those who want it all in one nice neet package.....
motioncomputing

The New Motion Field Case is designed for users who require a rugged carrying case solution for their Tablet PC and keyboard. The Motion Field Case has an easel stand and keyboard placement zone that delivers a similar experience to a "notebook PC". Pull-out the easel, unzip the case, and you have an instant mobile desktop. Designed with field service and sales professionals in mind, this attractive and professional looking case is constructed of rugged EVA foam to provide additional protection for the Tablet PC.

A cable management sock is provided to hold an AC Adapter and power cord - allowing quick "plug-in" without the mess of fumbling around for the AC Adapter. For ultimate flexibility, the Motion Field Case can be configured to carry the Tablet PC and keyboard only - or configured to carry essential accessories with its unique "snap-on" saddle bag. The snap-on saddle bag can accommodate the Motion DVD or CDROM drive, a battery, cables, and CD Media. Two pen holders, a paper pocket, and two business card holders are also provided. The case also includes an ergonomically designed shoulder strap.

*Available Now*  Click to purchase

Cirond Ships Winc 2.1; New Version of Popular Wireless Connectivity Software Provides Users with More Power Than Ever to Manage Wireless Connections
Business Wire

Cirond Corporation (OTCBB:CROO) today announced the immediate availability of its new Winc 2.1 connectivity application. It is designed to help users of Microsoft Windows XP(TM) and Tablet PC(TM)-based wireless-enabled mobile computers find and connect to wireless networks.

HP iPAQ, Tablet PC revolutionizing the doctor's visit, hospital care
www.hp.com

Doctor visits are changing, and you're going to like the difference. The combination of HP mobile computer technology and electronic medical records solutions in hospitals, clinics and doctor's offices is giving doctors new power to provide you better care and hold down medical costs.

Through secure, wireless networks and the use of the HP Compaq Tablet PC and HP iPAQ Pocket PC, physicians can access up-to-the-minute patient information, lab reports and prescription information. They can take or dictate notes during exams and not wait days for medical transcriptions to be returned. They can also research medical conditions on Web sites, check for drug interactions and the latest in medical research. And they can do all of this in the examination room with you.

July 15, 2004

Tablet PC Downloads Upon Downloads
whatisnew.com

One thing is clear, Tablet PC software applications are increasing in number each day. The other thing that has become clear is that each day more and more people are searching for Tablet PC software.

TabletPCPost downloads passed 20,000.

The next several months will be very exciting for Tablet PC software. GoBinder 2005 and xThink Math Journal will be released, as well as hopefully hundreds of entries in the Microsoft "Does Your App Think In Ink Contest".

Microsoft Tablet PC team also set up TabletPCPartners.com for your Tablet PC software searching pleasure.

Toshiba Portege M200 Availability
whatisnew.com

Toshiba is now accepting orders on configurations of its Portege M200 with Intel Pentium M 725, 745, and 755 processors. The new default configuration with Pentium M 725 starts at a lower introductory price point than previous models.

PPM21U-02LDD4 $1949
Convertible design
Intel® Pentium® M 725 Processor (1.60GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 400MHz FSB)
40GB HDD (5400 rpm)
12" Polysilicon SXGA+ Display (1400 x 1050)
256MB PC2700 DDR333 SDRAM (256MB x 1)
Integrated Intel® PRO/Wireless (802.11b/g) Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet Edition

Toshiba sales have been going well and it expects that its issue of low inventory in the channel should be relieved by mid-August. Toshiba says it expects to fill new orders on these build-to-order configs in approximately 10 to 15 business days. M200s with bluetooth may take longer, due to availability issues with the bluetooth part.

MobileFrame Announces the Release of Configurable Mobile Application Product Suites, Version 3.0
PR Web

MobileFrame, LLC today announced the release of their Configurable Mobile ApplicationTM Product Suite, version 3.0. MobileFrame continues to advance a new paradigm in mobile computing, empowering mobile enterprises to focus on core business instead of lengthy and expensive programming projects.

The innovative Smart ArchitectureTM in MobileFrame's Product SuiteTM handles all software programming complexities in the background and permits business users with no IT training to create and deploy complex mobile applications by means of a point and click desktop. This completely eliminates the complexity and expense typically associated with deploying mobile applications. Release 3.0 features include:

* New client for TabletPC/Windows.

* Full Windows XP/Office XP look and feel.

* Customizable shortcut bar for integration with the user's applications and desktop.
   
* Client agnostic--operates on Pocket PC, Tablet PC, and Laptop clients so users can switch devices easily.

Swiped Security
Reed Electronics Group

No more keys. No more six-digit PINs. No more passwords. A more secure environment where there's nothing to remember or lose – that's the goal of biometrics. In fact, the hardest part may be making the authentication technology catch on.

Indeed, the signs of life, born from the convenience of biometrics, are now beginning to show. Both Northwest Airlines and Virgin Atlantic use biometrics for their top frequent flyers, reaching about 1,500 in U.S. residents. Applications for laptops, PDAs and other mobile devices are also rolling out, according to TI's Sathappen, who demonstrated the ease of use on his own tablet PC in a meeting with Electronic News. And while IBG expects the finger print authentication market alone to jump to $1.5 billion in 2008 from 2003's $198 million, getting the public past the privacy issues could prove harder than creating the technology itself.

July 16, 2004

IBM’s ThinkPad Tablet PC
engadget

We just got a tip that IBM’s first Tablet PC has been spotted in the wild. We have one of our best big game hunters hot on the trail for some pics (if you’ve got some, send ‘em in), but in the meantime we do know that it’ll basically be a convertible-style of the ThinkPad X40 (pictured at right), which means it’ll probably look just like a regular non-Tablet X40 just with a screen that swivels around and folds down so you can write on it. Oh, and that it might be called the X50.

Under the Hood with the Tablet PC
devx.com

How does the Tablet PC know where the stylus is? How can it tell when the user presses down harder? Why can't you check off a box with a pencil instead of a stylus? Use a Tablet PC for just a few hours and these questions will naturally come to mind. Because the technology tends to be unfamiliar, there is no widely understood body of knowledge to lean on nor, as it turns out, are there many engineers who understand how these devices work. This article, based on interviews with several manufacturers of Tablet PCs, explains how these devices deliver their magic

This quick tour has primarily focused on showing how the Tablet PC's unique hardware works. This information should be useful not only in choosing the right model, but in understanding what is happening below the covers to your code. And it should have clarified how operations that appear similar on Tablet PC's and PDA's are brought about by entirely different technologies.

Control Break International Launches New Release of SafeBoot with Support for Encryption During Hibernation Mode
Business Wire

Control Break International, a leading developer of enterprise-wide security software, today announced the availability of Service Pack 2 for version 4.27 of SafeBoot(R), the company's flagship solution. This release provides rich new functionality including support for encryption during hibernation mode as well as the encryption of data stored during a "crash dump

Control Break International's SafeBoot - Mobile Data Security suite of enterprise-wide security solutions protects data stored on mobile devices such as tablet PCs, laptops and PDAs against the risk of loss, theft and unauthorized access anytime and anywhere.

InkableType now on TabletPCPost
tabletpcpost.com

Kunal's InkableType is now available for download from tabletpcpost.com. For all you MovableType bloggers out there, you can use your Tablet PC to add sketches, art, or handwriting to your blog posts.

July 18, 2004

Who’s afraid of IBM?
Asia Computer Weekly

IBM may be Microsoft’s biggest competitor, but it cannot compare to Microsoft in R&D spending.

Apart from Windows, tablet PCs, search technology, smartphones, and security are enjoying a lot of R&D attention from Microsoft as well in realising seamless computing.

Gates conceded that first-generation tablet PC hardware are not fast enough, but Microsoft is committed to making it successful, and will release the second version of its software for the device soon.

“We’re getting the digitiser price down and developing more applications. If you want an affordable PC, eventually it will be the tablet. We’re working towards it becoming the standard for business computing,” he added.

July 19, 2004  

Tablet PC Quick Compare Pages updated a section with Discontinued Tablet PC's added for those who are purchasing pre - owned Tablets from eBay and other sources.

Comparison pages include photos and allow you to quickly and easily compare the differences between individual Tablet PCS

Ink  Hang Man
Tabletpcpost

Classic HangMan game with support for Ink Recognition on the Tablet PC platform.

GW Hospital Receives Award from Most Wired Survey
U.S. Newswire

The George Washington University Hospital has been named one of the "25 Most Improved" hospitals by the 2004 Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study released today.

The survey measures the nations' hospitals on their use of Internet technologies for quality, customer service, public health and safety, business processes and workforce issues.

The George Washington University Hospital continues to enhance the availability of clinical information at the point of service location with an increased focus on wireless access; members of the physician community are collecting patient information on mobile devices. The goal is to develop a quick and efficient data collection process via wireless using the right hardware device (PDA, laptop, Tablet PC etc.) to ensure timely and accurate patient care delivery.

Averatec Ships C3500 Series of Convertible Notebook and Tablet PC
NotebookReview.com

Averatec, Inc., an emerging leader in innovative mobile computing products, today announced the launch of its C3500 Series of mobile notebook PCs, which premiers a creative and exciting design merging a mobile notebook computer and a tablet PC into a single ultra-portable form factor.  As a notebook, this compact unit offers all of the features and functionality that mobile users expect, while also incorporating advanced handwriting and speech recognition technologies for comprehensive functioning as a tablet PC. The affordably priced C3500 offers a built-in DVD+CD-RW combination drive and wireless networking capabilities.  All this and a starting price of only $1299.99.

The C3500 Series compact design is 11.6” by 9.8” by 1.57” package that weighs in at just 4.5 pounds with a standard battery.  The unit also includes four high-speed USB 2.0 ports and one Type II PC Card/CardBus slot, for quick and easy addition of additional capabilities. Pricing starts at just $1299.99 after $50 mail-in-rebate.

Fujitsu Adds Atheros Communications' Super AG(TM) and Super G(TM) G(TM) Technology to its Notebooks in the North American Market
Yahoo News

PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Atheros Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATHR - News), a leading developer of advanced wireless LAN (WLAN) chipsets, today announced that Fujitsu Computer Systems, a wholly- owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited, is supporting Atheros' Super AG(TM) and Super G(TM) technology in six wireless-enabled notebook computer models and two Tablet PC models in the North American market.

These notebook and Tablet PC models incorporate Atheros 802.11a/b/g or 802.11b/g WLAN solutions. By providing an easy software upgrade for Atheros' Super AG and Super G performance-boosting capabilities, Fujitsu is providing its customers with advanced wireless networking features that deliver the highest wireless performance available on the market today

Stylistic ST5010D and ST5011D Tablet PCs

AMD's New Mobile CPUs Crack Tablet Market
Extreme Tech 

AMD announced a new Mobile Athlon 64 3400+ as well as a Mobile Athlon XP-M 2200+ on Monday morning. The latter chip will be featured in both a notebook as well as a C3500 series convertible Tablet PC from Averatec, the first time an AMD chip has been used in a tablet.

AMD continues to push the performance envelope with cutting-edge solutions for customers who refuse to sacrifice computing power for mobility," said Marty Seyer, vice president and general manager, Microprocessor Business Unit, AMD. "We were the first to bring 64 bits and dynamic power management to notebooks, and now the performance of AMD mobile processors is available at your fingertips in a dynamic convertible tablet PC."

AMD Rewrites the Rules for Notebook Performance and Portability with New Mobile Processors; New Mobile PCs from Alienware, Averatec and Epson Direct Expected for Back-to-School Season
Business Wire

First Convertible Tablet PC Powered by Mobile AMD Athlon(TM) Processor Now Available from Averatec

AMD also announced availability of the Mobile AMD Athlon XP-M processor 2200+. The launch of this product marks the first time that a convertible tablet PC will incorporate a Mobile AMD Athlon processor for users that desire ultra-portable performance.

"AMD continues to push the performance envelope with cutting-edge solutions for customers who refuse to sacrifice computing power for mobility," said Marty Seyer, vice president and general manager, Microprocessor Business Unit, AMD. "We were the first to bring 64 bits and dynamic power management to notebooks, and now the performance of AMD mobile processors is available at your fingertips in a dynamic convertible tablet PC."

For customers who want an ultra-portable system, Averatec is now offering a convertible PC with the flexibility of both a notebook and a tablet, the C3500 Series based on the Mobile AMD Athlon XP-M processor 2200+. The low thermal design power of this new processor makes it ideal for compact, lightweight designs.

"The C3500 Series convertible PC is the first to pack the power of a Mobile AMD Athlon processor into an innovative tablet design," said Saeed Shahbazi, president of Averatec. "This PC with integrated optical drive offers all the features and functionality that mobile users demand in a stylish and portable form factor with tablet functionality."

Motion Computing's View Anywhere(TM) display -- a unique tablet PC option for users who want an indoor-viewable screen that is equally suited for outdoor use is now available to complement the acclaimed wide-viewing angle capabilities of Motion's M1400 Tablet PC.

The patent-pending combination of the M1400's wide-angle display and Motion's View Anywhere technology yields exceptional display clarity and visibility at all angles and in a broader range of lighting conditions. Motion's latest first-to-market announcement reinforces its display technology leadership and makes its most advanced tablet PC model an even more compelling choice for field sales and service professionals in a variety of markets.

And because of a 225 percent increase in contrast ratio, users experience viewability at wider angles while walking, standing or sitting -- in virtually any low-light or bright-light environment, and everything in between.

"Motion's View Anywhere technology is an important innovation for tablet PCs," said David Altounian, Motion's chief product officer. "Customers with a need for `ubiquitous viewing' on a tablet PC can find it on the M1400 with View Anywhere."

The Motion View Anywhere display is a $299.99 option on the Motion M1400 Tablet PC.

Experimenting with paper
Incremental Blogger

Over the last week or so I started taking notes on paper. Why? I wanted to see if I was missing anything. Let me explain. For about two years now I've been taking notes almost exclusively on my Tablet PC. In fact, I haven't purchased a single pad of paper since that first Tablet a couple years ago.

So what did I learn? I miss my Tablet for notetaking.

I also quickly realized how much I miss the scratch out gesture to erase something. And when I'd run out of room I wish I could have pushed down the ink to create more room--just like in Journal and OneNote. I also saw how addicted I had become to using different color pens and the highlighter while taking notes--since it's so easy to do in a Tablet app

Intel Delivers New Low Power Intel Pentium M and Intel Celeron M Processors
Business Wire

Intel Corporation today expanded the Intel(R) Pentium(R) M processor and Intel(R) Celeron(R) M processor families with products aimed at the mini-notebook, sub-notebook and tablet PC segments that represent small mobile PCs typically weighing around 3 pounds.

The Low Voltage and Ultra Low Voltage Intel Pentium M processors, in conjunction with the Intel 855 chipset family and the Intel PRO/Wireless network connection family, are key components of Intel Centrino mobile technology for mini-notebooks, sub-notebooks and tablet PCs.

Alias Sketchbook Pro
graphicssoft

Alias SketchBook Pro is an innovative freehand drawing and painting program designed specifically for Tablet PC and graphics tablet users on Windows and Macintosh. Although it does not offer the same variety as other artistic software, it is extremely easy to learn and use. If you've been frustrated or overwhelmed by the complexity of other painting/drawing programs, SketchBook Pro is a great way to sketch out ideas, annotate images, and explore computer-based drawing.

July 21, 2004