Tablet PC News Archive

January 2006

January 1, 2006

January 2, 2006

The year`s best digital buys
Business Standard

Tablet PCs - portable machines that run Windows XP and have touch-sensitive screens - remain a small part of the market. I particularly like some of the lightweight “convertible” tablets that have appeared this year, including Lenovo’s ThinkPad X41 and Fujitsu’s 1510d, both of which can operate in standard notebook mode, or like a writing slate with an electronic pen.

At an ever more basic level, most of the applications and private data that mobile professionals need can now be carried around on a Flash memory USB drive that can be plugged into virtually any PC

10 Things to Look for This Year in Mobile Computing
BargainPDA.com

4. Tablet PCs will push down toward laptops in terms of price, and some will take the place of being marketed as a high feature laptop, not just one with a digitizer pen and swivel screen.
Much like with what has happened in the auto industry with hybrids going from being just fuel efficient transportation to alternative performance vehicles (see the way Toyota markets Lexus hybrids versus Toyota brand ones), the same kind of thing will happen with TabletPCs. We already see with models like the Toshiba M4 that if done right, a tablet can more than be a suitable laptop. Along with processor upgrades, we can look for more efficient tablets to take the place of all but the most powerful laptops today (those usually powered by desktop CPUs).

Toshiba Launches 'Talk-2-Toshiba'
EFY Times

Monday, January 02, 2006:  On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the first mass-marketed laptop, the computer systems division of Toshiba Singapore Pte Ltd in partnership with HCL, has announced a new service initiative, 'Talk-2-Toshiba'. The service is a simple 2-step process for users to instantaneously reach Toshiba directly for service support solutions

To activate this service, the user only requires accessing the Toshiba WEB address and a simple 2-step process to enjoy this call-back service. Visit www.pc.toshiba-asia.com/hotline and type your phone number in and click on the phone icon.

Instantaneously, the phone will ring. Once the call is accepted, a Toshiba Global Support Center Agent will then speak to the user directly. Calls can be of warranty or services nature, or software or hardware issues related to Toshiba notebooks, tablet PCs and pocket PCs.

What to Expect in 2006
Onlamp

Here are my predictions in technology for 2006.

4. Tablet PC's will become more mainstream, but won't replace laptops entirely until 2008(ish)

Little Helpers
Entrepreneur

The Fujitsu LifeBook P1510D takes a slightly different approach, befitting its role as a convertible tablet PC. Its 8.9-inch wide-SVGA display (1,024 x 600) is more rectangular than square for spreadsheet viewing, and it folds back to create a writing slate. At 2.2 pounds, it’s a featherweight, but you sacrifice having an internal CD or DVD drive. Compare it with the heftier Lenovo ThinkPad X41 Tablet, which weighs in at 3.5 pounds and comes stocked with a 12.1-inch display and an integrated fingerprint reader for security. The tablet option isn’t for everyone, but users who work in warehouse environments or who really like the ability to use the handwriting technology will want to consider it. Some buyers may want to wait a bit for the new, improved version of the tablet PC OS set to debut with Windows Vista sometime this year.

CES: You are invited to Tablet PC Gathering #4, plus Blogger Meetup
Whatisnew.com

Where:    Cheese Burger at the Oasis
               At the Aladdin's Desert Passage

When:    Friday, January 6th at 4PM

Prices range from $10 to $30. Individuals will pay their own expenses.

From the convention center, take the CES Shuttle Bus #4. (Mid-day service from LVCC to hotels is every 30 minutes.) Get off at Paris and walk to the Aladdin's Desert Passage. If you take the monorail, exit at the Paris station.

January 3, 2006

Little Helpers
Entrepreneur

The Fujitsu LifeBook P1510D takes a slightly different approach, befitting its role as a convertible tablet PC. Its 8.9-inch wide-SVGA display (1,024 x 600) is more rectangular than square for spreadsheet viewing, and it folds back to create a writing slate. At 2.2 pounds, it’s a featherweight, but you sacrifice having an internal CD or DVD drive. Compare it with the heftier Lenovo ThinkPad X41 Tablet, which weighs in at 3.5 pounds and comes stocked with a 12.1-inch display and an integrated fingerprint reader for security. The tablet option isn’t for everyone, but users who work in warehouse environments or who really like the ability to use the handwriting technology will want to consider it. Some buyers may want to wait a bit for the new, improved version of the tablet PC OS set to debut with Windows Vista sometime this year.

CES: You are invited to Tablet PC Gathering #4, plus Blogger Meetup
Whatisnew.com

Where:    Cheese Burger at the Oasis
               At the Aladdin's Desert Passage

When:    Friday, January 6th at 4PM

Prices range from $10 to $30. Individuals will pay their own expenses.

From the convention center, take the CES Shuttle Bus #4. (Mid-day service from LVCC to hotels is every 30 minutes.) Get off at Paris and walk to the Aladdin's Desert Passage. If you take the monorail, exit at the Paris station.

January 4, 2006

January 4, 2005: Note from the Editor

Were on our way to the 2006 International CES show in Las Vegas and will be updating the site with photos and information for you as often as we can.

Things at CES can get pretty hectic, so if we get behind please bare with us!

This month will include coverage from CES an update on our Editors Choice Tablet pc, and first looks a at some of the new Tablet PCs that will be be available in the coming months.

We will also be bringing you reviews of  the Lenovo Tablet PC and the new Fujitsu P1501D Tablet PC and some new software reviews.

Based on reader feedback, In the coming months we will be expanding the coverage on TabletPc2.com to include more Digital cameras, networking equipment and Media center PC's along with more unique products and accessory items.

Many of you have asked that we update our "The Best Tablet PC" article and that we include an Editors Choice Tablet PC from both the Slate and Convertible form factors, so will will be doing that in the next month or two as well.

We appreciate all of your support and glad you like our "Think outside the box" approach.

Happy New Year to all,

Linda A. Epstein
Microsoft MVP Tablet PC
Owner/Editor/Publisher: www.TabletPc2.com

DualCor Technologies Previews New Handtop PC
PR Newswire

-- DualCor cPC combines the power of a desktop PC, the instant-on convenience of a PDA and the always-connected functionality of a cell phone
-- First all-in-one mobile device to concurrently run Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 and Windows Mobile 5.0

DualCor Technologies, Inc., today at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), previewed the DualCor cPC, the world's first ultra portable personal computer to simultaneously run full-function Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 and Windows Mobile 5.0 operating systems. This unique device represents a new category of hardware for global enterprise computing and promises to end the compromise between mobility, functionality and productivity for the mobile business professional.

We're excited to see tablet functionality appear in a broad range of mobile PC products," said Chris Barry, group product manager of Tablet PC at Microsoft Corp. "The DualCor product is an innovative approach to providing full PC functionality in a highly mobile form factor."

FranklinCovey Releases PlanPlus(TM) for Windows(R) XP 5.0
PR Newswire

Latest Planning Software for Notebook, Desktop, and Tablet PC Adds New Features to Improve Usability

FranklinCovey ) announces the launch of PlanPlus for Windows XP 5.0, the company's latest release of planning software.
PlanPlus for Windows XP 5.0 has a customizable user interface, FranklinCovey applications for the Palm(R) OS, full category support, improved task organization and enhanced note-taking features.

As a stand-alone electronic planning system with the look and functionality of a paper planner, PlanPlus for Windows XP 5.0 is designed for a desktop, notebook, or Tablet PC user with the Windows XP operating system.

The software incorporates a calendar, contacts, and task management with enhanced features for daily and weekly planning, note-taking, and organization using the same layout and functionality of the FranklinCovey paper planning system.

Tablet PC users will have digital ink support for all areas of the planning system. These users can take notes in their own handwriting and convert it to standard text.

Lots of Business Products at Consumer Electronics Show
FOX News

The annual convention, which is known for displaying everything from enormous flat-screen televisions to tasers and robotic dogs under the bright lights of Las Vegas, will also play host to a number of more buttoned-down products in 2006, including a new crop of notebook PC products

Given that many of the business-oriented details of the new operating system — such as its Restart Manager — have already been discussed by Microsoft, Gates may instead focus on Vista's Media Center capabilities, or outline its Tablet PC functionality.

Businesses might find tablet PC talk of interest. Tablet PCs, which use pen input and a special Windows XP Tablet Edition operating system, have generally been slow sellers compared to standard notebooks. However, tablets have found homes in areas such as health care and education.

Meanwhile, some firms have also begun to show interest in Media Center PCs for audiovisual duties in showing presentations in boardrooms or sales meetings, some PC makers say.

January 5, 2006

A Sneak Peak of the new Toshiba Portégé M400 Tablet PC at CES

PREVIEW - New Toshiba M400 Tablet PC w/ Dual Core Processor
Tablet PC Reviews

LIVE FROM CES - LAS VEGAS:

The cat has been out of the bag for awhile. Intel will officially announce its newest Dual Core Processor technology on Thursday afternoon here at CES Las Vegas. What does this mean for Tablet PC's . How about a major performance boost!

We scoped out the upcoming Toshiba M400 convertible tablet on Wednesday night. Toshiba tells us this refresh of the popular M200 will be available in February. Armed with a dual core processor from Intel, a biometric scanner and refined design, the M400 looks to be an exciting and welcomed addition to the Toshiba Tablet PC line.

Working Together: Voyager Flight Software System And WingX
Aero-News Network

Voyager 3.0 is the first and only integrated flight software system, comprised of individual software modules that work together to cover all aspects of flying: pre-flight planning, in-flight moving map/situational awareness, IFR procedure management, and more.  Customers choose the modules which fit their needs and they integrate together into one seamless application. Modules may be added individually or in any combination as needs change.

In addition to the new WingX support, Voyager 3.0 can export flight plans to most Garmin and Lowrance handheld GPS units, Anywhere Map from Control Vision, and Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Voyager runs on most desktop PCs, laptops and tablets running Windows XP. Seattle Avionics Software also just announced a turn-key EFB solution that combines Voyager with a Motion Computing LE 1600 or LS 800 Tablet PC, a Pharos Bluetooth GPS and an XM WX satellite weather receiver

CES - Gates shares his vision of the digital lifestyle
Infoworld

Microsoft Corp. Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates shared his company's future vision for seamlessly connecting users to personalized digital content through next-generation software, services and devices during his keynote at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) here in Las Vegas Wednesday.

Though many of the technologies highlighted were cutting edge, Gates also revived two technologies that have not quite lived up to their hype, but that insiders say are particular pet projects for the Microsoft founder -- Tablet PC and IPTV (Internet Protocol television).

During his keynote, Gates said that Microsoft is making a lot of investment in providing Tablet PC capabilities in Vista, and expects to make inroads in that area this year. "Driving that to the mainstream is something we're committed to," he said. Microsoft launched its Tablet PC device at CES several years ago, but the product did not catch on with consumers as the company had expected.

Keynote Remarks by Bill Gates, Chairman and Chief Software ...
GamesIndustry

One of the special things we've been doing with Windows is creating a tablet version. Now, this fits in with the fact that the growth in PCs was not only fantastic but portable machines are making up a higher and higher percentage. And what we want to do is get this capability, the tablet capability down so it's the mainstream of Tablet PC. We've got dozens of partners building great Tablet PCs, they're getting better and better. In fact, there are some new technologies that are going to make that price premium for this tablet capability very, very small.

Gateway is helping us lead the way with this new CS200. It's a great machine at very much a mainstream portable price.

Part of the way that we're getting this premium down is we're using new digitizers that are called passive, and that means that it will be a simple decision to say, yes, I want to get that tablet capability.

  Toshiba Brings Wide Lineup of Latest Advances to CES 2006
ZDNetIndia

Toshiba Corporation has announced the diverse line-up of technologies and systems that the Company will bring to the Consumer Electronics Show, CES 2006, in Las Vegas. At CES, Toshiba will look to tomorrow and demonstrate its total commitment to innovation and excellence in digital products

Detachable Display

Toshiba's detachable display brings a new level of freedom to personal computing, especially tablet computing. The detachable display works as normal notebook display when attached to the PC. Separated, it's light and ultra-portable, and, like a good book, allows the user to curl up in a comfortable place -- and still stay productive. The detachable display is particularly suitable for business meetings: the display alone can be taken to meetings and used to read documents, and even write memos. It is also a strong tool in sales presentation, especially one-on-one explanations. Thanks to the IEEE802.11g wireless connectivity built into the prototype, all on-screen updates are processed and displayed in real time, while input via the stylus are transmitted to the main body.

OQO Introduces a Tablet PC Edition of the Model 01+
Yahoo! News

Industry's First Ultra Mobile PC Now Converts Into a Windows XP-based Tablet PC - Ideal for Sliding Into a Handbag, Lab Coat or Shirt Pocket

OQO today announces the Tablet Edition of its newest ultra mobile computer, the OQO model 01+. Now the smallest and most portable PC available running Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, the OQO model 01+ Tablet Edition is the size of a handheld and as powerful as a full-size notebook computer. Ideal for mobile professionals, sales and service professionals, and healthcare workers, among others, the OQO model 01+ Tablet Edition is a complete mobile computing tool with touch screen capabilities.

"The OQO model 01+ tablet edition sustains our vision of providing complete Windows XP functionality in a truly pocketable form factor," said Jory Bell, OQO's CEO. "Now users can choose between the OQO's integrated thumb keyboard with trakstik navigation or simply slide out the 01+ digital pen to access XP tablet's advanced handwriting recognition, E-ink and navigation."

"We strive to provide Tablet PC users with a variety of form factors that they can take with them on the go," said Chris Barry, group product manager of Tablet PC at Microsoft Corp. "We're pleased that OQO has built their transportable 01+ on Windows XP Tablet PC Edition."

OQO model 01+ Tablet edition features include: Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 software Intuitive touch screen capabilities 1GHz processor 30GB hard drive (shock-mounted) 512MB RAM 4.9" x 3.4" x .9" 14 ounces 800 x 480 W-VGA 5" display (indoor/outdoor readable) 3D accelerated graphics with 8MB video RAM QWERTY thumb keyboard with mouse buttons and TrackStik® WiFi® Bluetooth® USB 2.0 FireWire® (1394) 3.5mm stereo headphone jack Microphone Pen-based digitizer NEW support for screen rotation NEW support for network boot (PXE) Removable lithium polymer battery Battery life up to three hours, depending on usage

The OQO model 01+ Tablet Edition is now available for $2099 and can be purchased in the United States from the OQO store at oqo.com/store, or by calling OQO sales at 877-676-6688. International customers can purchase through authorized international reseller eXpansys at expansys.com.

Microsoft Showcases Windows Innovations to Help Customers Navigate Through the Digital 'World of More'
Yahoo! News

Gates provided examples of ways that Windows Vista enables a superior computing experience, whether on a home PC, laptop or Tablet PC:

* Fast on/off. Windows Vista-based PCs will turn on and off more like traditional consumer electronics. * Windows Mobility Center and Windows Sync Center. The Windows Mobility Center will allow customers to access and change mobile computer settings from one easy place; the Windows Sync Center will unify portable devices such as phones, PDAs and music players. * Integrated Tablet PC functionality. Tablet PC in Windows Vista will include improved pen-based navigation, touch-screen support and customizable handwriting recognition.

CES 2006: Bill Gates Keynote
Pocket PC Thoughts

In 1982 the personal computer was Time's "Man of the Year", and Gates talked about how the growth of the PC has revolutionized the world as we know it. He launched into a demo that he believes will be made possible by the end of "The Digital Decade" (the next four years). There was a large touch screen and he used his fingers to drag and drop photos of the kids and art that they had created. He then sat down at a desk with a massive three-panel LCD display, with huge icons and an active video conferencing session. Bill picked up a thin Tablet PC and was able to take content from the Tablet PC and drag it into the conferencing window. The remainder of the demo was done at an imaginary airport, and was quite cool.

January 6, 2006

CES: Central Hall
Whatisnew.com

When you walk into Central Hall, you cannot miss Intel and Microsoft's exhibits. The contrast between these two booths hit me immediately, with Intel's warm blue and red combinations and Microsoft's bright white with color indicating sections for gaming, music, communication, and other Vista highlights. Either way you turn, you'll see mobile PCs, MP3 players, smart phones, video players, gaming machines and everything else you can imagine. 

A bit later others were discussing how Motion Computing Tablet PC was demonstrating a concept design with a dual active and touch digitizer. Tap twice with your finger to enable finger scrolling. Imagine sitting on your couch tapping your way through the browser and then picking up the pen to ink away....

CES 2006: Show-Stopping Photos From Day 3
PC World -

OQO announced the Tablet Edition of its 01+ mobile computer. The small device is the size of a handheld, and can be operated with the thumb keyboard or digital pen. The device costs $2100 and is available through OQO.com.

Microsoft shows a little more Vista
Computer Business Review

Gates also said Microsoft was working on a tablet version of the OS. He said there were "dozens" of new Tablet PCs being developed by OEMs that would help breathe life into the market for Tablet machines. "In fact, there are some new technologies that are going to make that price premium for this tablet capability very, very small," Gates said.

"Part of the way that we're getting this premium down is we're using new digitizers that are called passive, and that means that it will be a simple decision to say, yes, I want to get that tablet capability."

He said Microsoft had invested "a lot" in the Tablet version of Vista, including into how to automatically adjust to users' handwriting style.

In-car gadgets take off
DetNews

Ford Motor Co. is putting an actual computer into its F-series and Super Duty trucks starting this spring. FORDLINK, developed through a partnership with Microsoft Corp. and Grand Blanc-based Stargate Mobile, is a rugged tablet PC designed to be used on the job site.

Users can send and receive e-mail, access the Internet and run any Windows XP-based application on the 2.5 pound device, which is mounted to the transmission tunnel and can be detached to use at a job site. It's likely to be priced around $3,000.

"Anything you can do at your office you can do in the truck," said Ford spokesman Steve Weiner. "You can work without going into the office."

Pre-Show Keynote and Events Heighten the Buzz for a Spectacular 2006 International CES
Business Wire

"2006 is going to be a big year for the digital lifestyle...themes will be high definition and partners of all kinds. It is going to be user-centric, and software has to provide power, but also simplicity," said Gates.

With the help of pop star Justin Timberlake and MTV President Van Toffler, Gate's announced Microsoft's new venture, URGE; a partnership with MTV Networks which will provide music and editorial content programmed by consumers for consumers. Gates also highlighted Microsoft's hundreds of wireless, hardware and PC/ OEM partnerships that will enable the seamless consumer experience and predicted the advent of tablet PCs, high resolution digital cameras, wireless phones and VoIP.

Live From CES: DualCor Mobile Computer
Gear Live

CES affords us the opportunity to see many new and wonderful devices that will never make it to market. Fortunately, the DualCor cPC isn't one of those. The Dual Cor is a relatively small form-factor, full-fledged mobile PC. It sports a 1.5 GHz processor (and another, lower speed chip), 40 GB HD and 1 GB of DDR memory . Its namesake is highlighted by two separate processors running two separate operating systems . The 1.5 GHz x86 processor runs Windows XP Tablet Edition. From the XP interface, you can switch cores and OSes to Windows Mobile 2005, allowing you to run your box considerably longer and allowing it to function on the road as a normal PDA (and, potentially, a cell phone).

OQO becomes an "ultra personal" Tablet PC
WindowsForDevices

OQO is shipping a version of its "ultra personal computer" with Windows XP Tablet PC edition. The OQO model 01+ runs the same 1 GHz Transmeta processor as its predecessor, the model 01 introduced in the fall of 2004, but features more memory, a larger disk drive, and handwriting input.

The compact (4.9 x 3.4 x 0.9 in.) model 01+ is small enough to fit in a shirt pocket, lab coat, or handbag yet packs the power of a full-sized notebook computer, according to OQO. The unit includes 512 MB of DDR RAM and a 30 GB, 1.8-inch shock-mounted disk drive. Both 802.11b and Bluetooth wireless are supported, along with USB 2.0 and Firewire. Ethernet connectivity is also available, via a docking cable.

The 5-inch "outdoor-readable" wide VGA (800x480) display features an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the display's backlight to the appropriate level for the surroundings. The screen slides on a rack and pinion mechanism to reveal the 57-key QWERTY thumb keyboard with mouse buttons and "TrackStik" pointing device.

"The OQO model 01+ tablet edition sustains our vision of providing complete Windows XP functionality in a truly pocketable form factor," said OQO CEO Jory Bell. "Now, users can choose between the OQO's integrated thumb keyboard with trakstik navigation or simply slide out the 01+ digital pen to access XP tablet's advanced handwriting recognition, E-ink and navigation."

Tiny tablet PCs showcased at CES
FCW.com

It was only a matter of time before tablet PCs went the way of ever-shrinking portable computers. But it is still a pleasant surprise to see these mini-machines at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Convertibles are fully functional notebook PCs with displays that can rotate and flip down to turn the unit into a tablet.

Fujitsu is at CES showing off its 2.2-pound LifeBook P1510D that can run on Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC edition or Windows XP Professional.

The three-cell battery offers as much as 3.5 hours of battery life and the optional six-cell battery, which pushes the weight of the unit to 2.5 pounds, offers as much as seven hours of life.

OQO, meanwhile, announced a tablet edition of its ultraportable PC, the Model 01+. This little device weighs only 14 ounces and runs Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. It's small enough to fit into a shirt pocket, measuring 4.9 inches x 3.4 inches x 9 inches.

January 7, 2006

More Photos From CES coming soon!

Toshiba's WiFi-screen Tablet PC laptop
engadget

Toshiba was showing off that concept laptop we saw earlier this year -- you know, the one with a detachable display that communicates with its body by way of WiFi. It's also DLNA compliant so you can cruise around while watching video or interacting with your machine (so long as you don't get out of signal range). We got to handle the actual display part of the unit, and we have to confess, we fell a bit in love.

CES: Oh what a night
Whatisnew.com

Thank you to everyone who attended the Tablet PC / Blogger gathering last night. I really enjoyed the conversations and the concert afterward!

A very special thank you to those companies who sponsored dinner: Provolabs, Lockergnome / Chris Pirillo Show, abletFactory, OQO, and Microsoft Channel9/ .NET Evangelism group.

Everyone got a special surprise when Monster Cable gave Stevie Wonder concert tickets to everyone; Etymotic Research handed out a new adapter designed for Skype users; OQO passed out t-shirts; and everyone got a Tablet Guy, CoDe Magazine Focus Magazine: Tablet PC and Mobile PC Edition, and a Channel 9 guy.

Microsoft To Ship All OS Bits With Every Version Of Vista
CRN, NY

Microsoft plans to market several versions of Vista but will distribute all of the OS bits with every product shipped so users can easily unlock and step up to more full-featured versions using electronic keys, sources said.

"No matter which edition you buy you get all the bits and a key to unlock it. Everyone will have all the bits," said one source familiar with Microsoft's plans. "Right now we maintain master images for each version of Windows XP and it's a lot of work. Now there's just one master image."

According to published reports, Microsoft plans to ship seven SKUs of Vista that fall into business and consumer categories, corresponding with the existing Windows XP Pro and Home Editions. The consumer versions include Vista Starter Edition, Vista Home Basic Edition and Vista Home Premium Edition, the report said. The business lineup includes Vista Professional Edition, Vista Small Business Edition, Vista Enterprise Edition and Vista Ultimate Edition.

The high-end version, Vista Ultimate, contains all consumer and business features, including Media Center and Tablet PC bits, sources said.

The Future Of The Desktop Environment
Processor.com

So what will the user desktop environment look like in 2009? For starters, the “desktop” will be wherever you are. More users will adopt notebooks, possibly opting for the tablet PC style notebooks, such as the Gateway CX200X, which can be converted from a notebook computer to a digital notepad. One of the primary advantages of this feature is the ability to walk and compute simultaneously. Because you can write directly on the screen, using the computer on the go is significantly easier. By 2009 many communities and campuses will offer free wireless Internet access, so users will be able to walk and surf at the same time.

Toshiba Brings Wide Lineup of Latest Advances to CES 2006
AVinfo, UK

Detachable Display

Toshiba's detachable display brings a new level of freedom to personal computing, especially tablet computing. The detachable display works as normal notebook display when attached to the PC. Separated, it's light and ultra-portable, and, like a good book, allows the user to curl up in a comfortable place -- and still stay productive. The detachable display is particularly suitable for business meetings: the display alone can be taken to meetings and used to read documents, and even write memos. It is also a strong tool in sales presentation, especially one-on-one explanations. Thanks to the IEEE802.11g wireless connectivity built into the prototype, all on-screen updates are processed and displayed in real time, while input via the stylus are transmitted to the main body

January 9, 2006

More Photos From CES coming soon!

Hot and High-Tech for 2006: The Best of the Best from the Consumer Electronics Show
PrimeZone

The Consumer Electronics show is underway this weekend in Las Vegas showcasing the hottest in high-tech for 2006 and products that will make the lives of consumers a little easier.

For more information on the Consumer Electronics Show and the hottest gizmos and gadgets for 2006, go to www.moreaboutthat.info, click on our CES segment and then download our podcast to see the segment online.

CES 2006: Picks and Pans
ABC News

Sneak Peek: Toshiba's gigantic booth had an intriguing section with demos of new technologies that may not reach the market for years, including notebooks running off of fuel-cell technology and a Tablet PC with a detachable, wireless screen. The latter product—vaguely reminiscent of Microsoft's failed Smart Displays, but more elegant—lets you leave the computer in place while you wander around your office or home with the pen-enabled screen. —Harry McCracken

CES Tablet PC / Blogger Gathering Photos
Whatisnew.com

Loren wrote an excellent description of how the Tablet / Blogger gathering at CES grew. He also reminded me of a few other companies that contributed to the event: ActiveWords told everyone they could have a free copy of ActiveWords; TechSmith gave everyone copies of SnagIt; Flickr handed out buttons; and a few other traded items on individual basis. This is in addition to my previous list of companies and individuals that I thanked for contributing.

Neek Talk Podcast #4: Interview with Chris Barry
Whatisnew.com

Neek Talk Podcast #4: Interview with Chris Barry

January 10, 2006

Microsoft Mobile Platforms Division (MPD) Partner Briefing

Microsoft Mobile Platfrms Division is hosting a ISV Partner Briefing this February 1st and 2nd. This is an opportunity for developers and software vendors to learn about the MPD product strategy and vision into the next couple of years. The two day event will be packed with information about Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, Windows Vista, and the road ahead.

Sessions include both marketing and technical tracks. We suggest you send both product-level marketing and technical decision makers to the event. In addition to Microsoft presenting, we are working to ensure that you can cross pollinate with other leaders in this industry to form the deeper business connections, which can lead to improved sales for your products.

Sessions include:

• MPD Vision by Bill Mitchell, VP Mobile Platforms Division
• State of the Business, Annual Report by Robert Williams, Director of Business Development
• Marketing Update
• Solutions Sales Specialist Overview
• Tablet PC and Mobile PC Features in Windows Vista
• Windows Vista Overview
• Tablet PC Technical Drill Down
• Partner Opportunities
• Developer Guidelines on Building Mobilized Software
• The Future and Lifestyle PCs
• Windows Vista Launch and Opportunities
  And much more…

Hands-on Labs include:

Hardware Compatibility Labs: Bring your software product to install on the latest Windows Vista, Community Technology Preview (CTP).
Windows Vista, Mobile PC and Tablet PC End-user Features Labs
Windows Vista, Mobile PC and Tablet PC Developer Training Labs

Dates: February 1 and 2, 2006 ...... Location: Microsoft Campus

January 11, 2006

The World's First Sports Stock Market Teams with DeLorean Motor Company for Super Bowl XL Halftime Giveaway
Business Wire

AllSportsMarket.com, the world's first global sports financial exchange, announced today its upcoming Back to the Futures 25th Anniversary AllSportsMarket.com DeLorean Giveaway. AllSportsMarket.com (ASM) has teamed with the DeLorean Motor Company to offer all of its users the chance to win a unique DeLorean Motor Car during the 2006 Super Bowl XL.

By simply trading one football future on the ASM exchange, users are automatically entered in the Back to the Futures 25th Anniversary AllSportsMarket.com DeLorean Giveaway, regardless of the performance of their portfolio holdings. The winner of the Back to the Futures 25th Anniversary AllSportsMarket.com DeLorean Giveaway will be announced via a special webcast from the DeLorean Motor Company's Houston, TX headquarters during the Super Bowl XL Halftime show, and will receive the special 25th anniversary edition DeLorean, complete with a wireless sports trading terminal that features a Microsoft PC Tablet and a state-of-the-art stereo system.

PhatWare Releases PhatPad 3.0 for Windows Mobile-based Devices
IT Backbones

PhatWare Corporation, a leading provider of software products and professional services for mobile and desktop computers, announces PhatPad 3.0 to provide mobile professionals with more creative options for taking notes and to make notes easily accessible anywhere. PhatPad is an award-winning notes organizer for Microsoft Windows-based devices, Tablet and Desktop PCs that allows users to draw pictures, write text and create animation on a virtual scratch pad.

Version 3.0 provides better integration with the most recent versions of CalliGrapher, PhatWare’s handwriting recognition software for Windows Mobile, and PenOffice, PhatWare’s handwriting recognition for Tablet and Desktop PCs. PhatPad 3.0 also offers improved integration with the built-in Tablet PC handwriting recognition engine. Additional enhancements include improved support for landscape mode and devices with square screen displays, and customizable background, pen, and grid colors for notes.

Core: A Gigantic Step Forward for Mobile Technology
SQL Server Magazine

Last week, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2006 in Las Vegas, Intel released a new platform for notebooks, Tablet PCs, and even certain classes of desktop computers that promises to greatly improve both battery life and performance. Dubbed the Core processor, this new 32-bit chip--and its accompanying Centrino Duo chipset--is replacing the popular Pentium M line of products, offering huge improvements for business travelers.

January 12, 2006

GeoMEM - Products added: CertainTechs' SiteGIS for MapInfoand SurfLink
Environmental Data Interactive

The Rockware Field Collector (RFC) lets you collect borehole log data in the field using a PC or laptop. It is composed of a series of forms designed for easy field collection of soil borehole and groundwater well data in the field using a tablet PC or Laptop. The RFC collection of specialized forms runs in ESRI's ArcPad application, and also links to Rockwares' popular LogPlot program for boring log and well construction diagrams.

Microsoft Extends XP Home Support To '08
CRN

Microsoft has quietly extended the support lifespan of Windows XP Home, which as recently as last week was scheduled to be put out to pasture at the end of this year.

Analysts had pointed out that XP Home, and most other XP operating systems, would be cut off from technical support on Dec. 31, 2006, a potential problem since XP's successor, Windows Vista, isn't to release until shortly before that date

Microsoft said that all Windows XP products--which include Home, Pro, Embedded, Media Center, and Tablet PC--will enjoy mainstream support for "two years after the next version of this product is released."

Assuming Vista releases in November of this year, XP's mainstream support will end November, 2008.

What 2006 holds in store for IT
Computerworld Australia

The tablet PC goes mainstream, really. I had this one on the list for 2005, but it turned out that the hardware just wasn't ready. Now, with the OEMs finally learning how to build machines that don't compromise when it comes to function and with Microsoft's Tablet PC mainstreamed into Vista, there's no reason for IT to hold back. Look for even more interesting designs to come in '06 that will change the way IT thinks about mobility.

Ford touts F-series trucks as mobile offices
ComputerWorld

First unveiled in November, the companies used last week’s Computer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to publicize the mobile office.

The Ford mobile-office system features a Stargate Mobile tablet PC running Windows XP Professional with full Microsoft Office capabilities, GPS navigation and broadband Internet access, according to Weiner. The computer is a rugged lightweight model mounted within easy reach of the driver, he said. The driver can remove the tablet computer and take it from the truck just as a user would use an ordinary laptop, he said.

The computer itself is built to withstand the rigors of a typical construction job site, Weiner said. A special console will be available for optional accessories such as a printer, digital camera and credit card scanner.

Weiner said the tablet computer screen is about 8 inches wide, and the computer is ruggedized. There are no moving parts, he said.

“It’s all flash memory, so it’s more durable. It’s designed for the job site. The screen is bright enough so you can actually see it outside – you can undock it from the mount and carry it around the job site,” Weiner said.

Available through Ford dealers as a dealer-installed option, the target price for the system is around $3,000, which would include the tablet computer, the carrying case -- which has a keyboard and a mouse in it -- as well as a desktop mount and charger, Weiner said.

Taking GIS Into The Field: Why The End-User Experience Is Critical To Success
ElectricNet

From a usability standpoint, a designer in the field should find it simple to verify and add pertinent information at the job site. A tablet PC with a pen interface — not a keyboard with typed edit commands — provides the most familiar and easiest way to locate maps and related information, query the system, change views, and handle other design-related functions.

Technology tablet
Express Computers

Acer is pitching its tablet PCs to medics in the Indian healthcare segment. Abhinav Singh finds that this initiative is paying off .

Acer’s TravelMate tablet PCs were initially marketed at the head honchos of the corporate world. Now the company is targeting doctors and specialists for whom a tablet PC can be a powerful tool.

Representatives of Acer are hopeful that the tablet PC will be an instant hit in the healthcare vertical. Explains Rajendran, “Currently in India, the ratio of physicians to the population is quite low at around 0.5 to 0.6 doctors per 1,000. In developed economies this can be 6 to 8 times higher. One way to deal with this low ratio is to improve the productivity of physicians. Healthcare specialists are widely- travelled, well-informed and highly-networked.” Acer is marketing its recently-launched TravelMate C202 Tablet PCs to this category of professionals.

At present the company sells about 100 tablet PCs a month. “We are hopeful of ramping up sales by at least another 50 percent in the next few quarters,” says Rajendran. Acer is also launching an initiative called DEAN (Doctor’s Empowerment with Acer Notebooks) for Indian doctors. Under this scheme, a doctor is offered an instant rebate of Rs 4,000 at the point of purchase for a TravelMate C202. Beyond this, during the first quarter of 2006, Acer along with Intel will identify a set of 50 leading healthcare institutions to drive programmes to enable higher IT adoption.

User experience

Dr Mohan Badgandi, Head of the Diabetes and Endocrinology Department at Manipal Hospital in Bangalore is a dedicated user of the TravelMate C110 and C310 tablet PCs. He uses them to copy case notes and queries of patients, and it has become easy for him to show patients their case sheets. Comments Badgandi, “Earlier, it took a long time for me to duplicate all my interactions with the patient on a desktop PC [he took his notes on paper and later transferred them to the PC]. Using a stylus I can now directly write on a tablet PC. Earlier I could see 15 patients a day on an average. Now the number is 60.” Badgandi believes that the tablet PC will be a valuable tool for the healthcare vertical by helping providers automate many paper-based processes and streamline the practice of medicine.

The tablet PC has also resulted in better management of patient records. It makes it easier for a doctor to send queries to other hospitals and conduct clinical research in co-ordination with specialists. Tablet PCs in conjunction with a hospital LAN or WLAN can greatly boost productivity. Adds Badgandi: “I can handle 6 to 7 clinical trials at a time compared to the 2 to 3 trials I could undertake earlier.” Sketches of any ailment are also captured with ease with the tablet PC, and the doctor has been able to increase the awareness level of the patient regarding the intricacies of his case.

January 16, 2006

Ultra-Portable Fujitsu LifeBook P1500 Convertible Notebook Wins 2006 PC World Innovations
PR Newswire

Fujitsu Computer Systems today announced that the ultra-portable 2.2-pound Fujitsu LifeBook(R) P1500 convertible notebook, the first touch screen notebook to offer the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 operating system, was honored with a 2006 PC World Innovations Award.

Equipped with an 8.9 inch SVGA wide screen display, the LifeBook P1500 notebook is compact enough to go anywhere and light enough to hold effortlessly, with the versatility to easily convert from a conventional notebook into a slate tablet. Use a fingertip to easily navigate through forms or the Internet. Use the pen stylus for jotting notes and capturing signatures for contracts or purchase orders.

The 2006 PC World Innovations Awards recognize both benchmark and breakthrough products that set the standard for innovation with unique qualities that distinguish them from the pack. PC World's editors compared hundreds of products before narrowing the field to the 25 winners. More information can be found at http://www.pcworld.com

USA: Software speeds up R&D for new army materials
just-style

TEXbase also introduced tablet PCs which allow users to directly input information into a personal computer – eliminating paper and pencil and removing an entire step in the project reporting process.

Overall, the step-saving software and tablet PC compatibility is said to have led to a 55% reduction in direct labour required to test, document, calculate, and report findings in the engineering of new army materials.

Ultra-mobile PCs put Windows in your hand
VNUNet.com

Two new products are designed to advance the ultra-small PC format, which squeezes Windows into devices comparable in size with a handheld PDA.

OQO has updated its namesake handheld to include Tablet PC functionality, while newcomer DualCor Technologies has unveiled an unusual device that runs both Windows XP and Windows Mobile.

OQO has issued the OQO model 01+ Tablet Edition, a PC weighing less than 450g that runs Windows on a 5in display. The device is an update of the original model 01 that launched late in 2004, and adds Tablet PC capability through a touchscreen and the Tablet PC Edition of Windows. The OQO model 01+ Tablet Edition is priced at $2,099 (£1,190) and is available via reseller Expansys.

Looking ahead, DualCor will in March ship its cPC, a handheld device that also has a 5in screen, but comes with two processors. A 1.5GHz VIA processor runs Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, while an Intel XScale chip runs Windows Mobile 5.0 at the same time. This approach combines the application-compatibility of a PC with the always-on communications features of a smartphone in a single device.

Fujitsu Siemens LifeBook P1510 review
infoSync World

No larger than an oversize paperback, Fujitsu Siemens' LifeBook P1510 convertible ultraportable tablet has Jørgen Sundgot slobbering like he's rarely done before.

Ever heard of a convertible ultraportable tablet before? We didn't think so. That's because just about the only notebook fitting the bill is the LifeBook P1500 series from Fujitsu-Siemens. Of course, we've managed to lay our grubby mitts on a specimen of this swiveling little sensation, and we'll go ahead and spoil the fun for you right away: we like it. We really like it.

Al Futtaim Technologies supplies Toshiba Tablet PCs to GEMS Schools
AME Info

Al Futtaim Technologies, a member of the Al-Futtaim Group's Electronics Division, recently signed a contract with Global Education Management Systems (GEMS), a leading education provider in the region, to supply over 200 Toshiba tablet PCs for use by teachers in GEMS schools which includes the Wellington International School, Jumeirah College, Dubai American Academy, Royal Dubai School and Jumeirah Primary School.

"When we saw exactly what the Toshiba tablet PC can offer and the fact that it has a 14" convertible screen and built in Optical Disk Drive, we were convinced that it would be an excellent solution to support our vision of using the very latest technology for the tech-integration programs of GEMS schools," said David Ho, Group IT Director, GEMS.

The Toshiba tablet PC has full computer capabilities and offers new advanced handwriting and speech recognition enabling the creation and storage of notes and voice input. The units will be wirelessly connected to multimedia projectors in the classrooms and will enhance curriculum delivery.

Assembly goes high tech
Frontiersman

The questions weren't a good sign for deputy borough clerk Janice Cas