Tablet Pc - Combines Simplicity of Paper with Full Power of Windows-Based Computing

TABLET PCs

Combines Simplicity of Paper with Full Power of Windows-Based Computing

For the past few years, the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) has grown tremendously popular. However, due to size restrictions, it has always served as a secondary device to the desktop computer. So a number of hardware manufacturers unveiled a new form of communication, the Tablet PC. What exactly is a Tablet PC? It is a notebook PC with a touch-sensitive screen and is a bit larger than the size of a sheet of paper. Tablet PCs will have two formats: the "convertible" model with an integrated keyboard and a display that rotates 180 degrees that can be folded down over the keyboard, and the "slate" style with a removable keyboard. It allows users to save their written input either as images or as converted text. It is very similar to a PDA, only larger and more powerful, and weighs less than today's laptops yet is fully configured for PC operations and Internet applications. By combining the best qualities of a PDA and laptop, the Tablet PC can be used in applications where a laptop would be too bulky, and a PDA would not be powerful enough. In the past, field service workers with mobile devices tended to have only one application on their device. With the Tablet PC operating system, they can connect and use many more applications.

A long-cherished goal for technology visionaries and computer designers, the Tablet PC will represent the next major evolution in PC design and functionality. While retaining the full power to run all existing Windows-based software applications, the Tablet PC expands enterprise computing to address previously unmet needs, such as the ability to take notes at meetings, annotate existing electronic documents and presentations, and read on screen easily. It transforms your scribbles into proper, legible word-processor text. By allowing users to input into their PC using only an electronic pen and a few buttons, rather than with a keyboard and a mouse, the Tablet PC will provide new opportunities and technology directions for the PC hardware and software communities. A Tablet PC has no keyboard or mouse, but instead operates with a stylus, similar to a PDA. It weighs approximately three pounds and contains a minimum 700 megahertz processor, 128-512 megabytes of RAM, and a 20 gigabyte hard drive. A Tablet PC typically costs between $1,800 and $2,400, and provides up to five hours of full operation and up to eight hours with power-saving features. It includes an 8.4-inch poly-silicon transflective display that automatically brightens for viewing in direct sunlight. The device is sealed to protect it from water and dust. It can support up to three wireless networks, including 802.11b, Bluetooth, and wireless WAN technologies. In addition, a Nokia card can be used with the Tablet PC, creating a “super phone” capability using GPRS �Always On” technology, extending the same wireless use beyond the factory to customer or supplier meetings, where documents, schedules, quotes, etc can be accessed quickly and easily.

Today's worker is more mobile than ever. The demands to enter, process and retrieve data from a mobile source have risen greatly, particularly in the manufacturing and distribution industries. Workers in those types of situations are usually mobile all day and need to access information on the go. Tablet PCs incorporate handwriting recognition by utilizing Microsoft's Digital Ink, a revolutionary technology that allows users to input data with a digital pen. This feature transforms the manufacturing industry by allowing the workforce to record information in warehouses, facilities or other remote locations, thus saving valuable company time and money. One of the beneficial applications for this product is inventory control. How many man-hours does a company spend counting inventory, comparing numbers to the perpetual inventory system, and resolving discrepancies? For example, if a manager manually counts inventory on a daily basis, he probably prints a "pick list," assigns it to a person, and sends them into the warehouse to find and count the items. Afterward, the employee returns with the numbers written on a count sheet, while another employee inputs the counts, notes any discrepancies, recounts if necessary, and resolves final counts. More sophisticated methods allow companies to automate the input process by arming counters with bar code scanners and using wireless technology. The Tablet PC will make it faster and easier to perform these tasks and ensure the information is more accurate and reliable which translates into more efficient use of time and saves the company money.

Information technology has come into play for many organizations in that they are automating paper based processes. Traditionally paper based processes are quite