A Tablet PC is often confused with a notebook computer. The word tablet means; a slab of stone/wood that was considered suitable for being written on. Tablet PC then is the electronic form of the erstwhile stone tablets of the medieval age. In laptops or desktops, you would have to input characters and data into the computer with the help of a keyboard or a mouse. Tablet PCs allow you to use a digital pen, a stylus or touch-screen, to input data or characters into the computer, that is, you can write down your notes in your own handwriting using a stylus or a digital pen. In short, a Tablet PC is a wireless personal computer that combines technology and computing with handwriting, giving your notes and data a personalized feel. The handwritten notes can also be edited and revised; and can be shared via emails. Most Tablet PCs also come with speech recognition software so that you can dictate your notes to your tablet pc. The Tablet PC uses digital ink technology where the digitizer is laid under or over the LCD screen to create an electromagnetic field that captures the movement of the digital pen or the stylus, and recording that movement on the screen.
Notebooks or Laptops are cheaper, are ideal for business travel and there is no dearth in their demand or manufacturing. Tablet PCs, on the other hand, allow you to experience a new level of productivity and mobility. Some of the amazing features that a Tablet PC could give you are:
Tablet PCs lie flat on the table so they are not an obstruction to the line of sight.
You can hold a tablet pc in one hand and have the other hand free. For example, while giving a presentation you can carry a Tablet PC in just one hand.
Tablet PCs are more comfortable for use in crowded places such as; airports; since you don’t need a keyboard, you don’t have to worry about having place to sit sown to use the PC.
If you are going on a vacation, a Tablet PC would be ideal to take along. You could be in touch with the latest information, anywhere and everywhere you go, by scrolling through news, verifying automatic payments, checking flight schedules and mailing friends et al.
If you would be going to a foreign country and you don’t know the language spoken there, no need to take the translation book with you, just install language translation software in your Tablet PC to help you. Also, you could install navigational software and turn your Tablet PC into a navigational tool in an unfamiliar place.
Plug-in a head-phone and transform this PC to a portable audio player.
Click pictures with your digital camera, download it to your Tablet PC and then you can have fun with them by adding notes, names and editing the pictures to make them funny and then send them to all your friends.
Some tablet PCs also come with a Journal, so that you can write notes and jot down your daily activities and keep track of them.
A Slate model Tablet PC is designed to be slim and light so as to be easily portable. Most don’t come with a
keyboard. However, some also come with a detachable keyboard and innovative docking solutions.
The Convertible Tablet PC:
A convertible model, tablet pc looks like a laptop since it has a keyboard attached to it – which hosts the
motherboard. The downside to convertible Tablet PCs as compared to a laptop is that, there is only one hinge between
the screen and the keyboard. But the upside to this mobile PC is that, you can rotate the screen at 180 degrees
(right and left, backward and forward) and lay it flat over the keyboard for more comfortable writing.
The Rugged Tablet PC:
The rugged tablet pc is just like the convertible tablet pc, that is, it comes with a keyboard attached to it.
However, the rugged tablet pc is a tough mobile computer that comes with an industrial-strength shell and a shock-mounted
hard drive. Rugged model Tablet PCs are ideal PCs for people who use computers in a construction zone or for people who
are in the military. In short, this PC is for people who need one that is ultra durable and resistant to shocks.
Once you have decided what type or model of Tablet PC you would like to buy, it is advisable to know what type of features you should look for.
3.1 - Processor or CPU speed
Most Tablet PCs come with an Intel Pentium M processor with a speed of about 1200 MHz – 2000 MHz, which is an
impressive processor speed. The processor speed of most slate models are less than the convertible models. The slate
models come with speeds less than 1200 MHz.
3.2 - Hard Disk Size
Convertible models come with a bigger hard disk space than the slate models. Most convertible Tablet PCs come with a
hard disk size of 40 GB and the slate models come with a hard disk size of 20-30 GB. However, if you would download
many applications and data to your tablet PC, it is advisable to go for a bigger hard disk size. Some Tablet PCs also
come with optical drives like DVD-RW/ CD-RW.
3.3 - Display Type
Most Tablet PCs use a TFT XGA screen which is very slim. Some screens also come with Anti-Reflecting and Anti-Glare
coatings for maximum visibility if you would use the PC indoors.
3.4 - Screen Size and Resolution
The screen sizes of Tablet PCs vary from models. A slate model would have a smaller screen size while a convertible
model would have a larger screen size. Most convertible Tablet PCs come with a screen size ranging from 12-16 inches
and the slate models come with a screen size ranging from 8-10 inches. The standard screen resolution that most Tablet
PCs use is 1024 x 768 pixels.
3.5 - Audio Output
Tablet PCs usually come with an integrated sound card for an audio output. This card hosted inside computers allows the
computer to produce sounds though internal and external speakers.
3.6 - Graphics Card
This is the card inside the computer that develops and displays the image on the screen. The type of graphics card may
vary between brands. Some graphic-cards that are commonly used in Tablet PCs are; Intel Extreme Graphics 2, PCI Express
integrated graphics.
3.7 - Connections
It is advisable to look for a tablet PC that has a built-in a PC card slot or a network card slot, a modem, a fire-wire,
a USB port and wireless communicator; for wireless networking and connectivity.
3.8 - Operating System
The standard operating system that most Tablet PCs use is the Windows XP or XP Pro edition.
3.9 - Battery Life
The battery life of a tablet PC is of vital importance while buying a Tablet PC. The battery life of tablet PC may vary
between models. A convertible model may have a battery life ranging from 6-9 hours, while a slate model may have a battery
life ranging from 3-5 hours.
3.10 - Security
Most tablet PCs come with a locking device, for example a keyhole to lock your PC from prying eyes. Some also come with a
unique finger-Print reader technology which is located on the bezel of the screen. These aspects facilitate in keeping your
data secure.
A Tablet PC is a truly personalized kind of computing device that gives you the function of a Desktop or laptop
combined with the flexibility, freedom and simplicity of a pen and paper. A tablet PC would allow you to express
ourself better with your handwriting and personalize your mails.
