Tablet PC

Tablet PC

A tablet personal computer or tablet PC is tablet-sized computer that also has the key features of a full-size personal computer. A tablet PC is essentially a small laptop computer, equipped with a rotatable touchscreen as an additional input device, and running a standard (or lightly adapted) PC operating system like Windows or Linux.

The term was made popular with the Microsoft Tablet PC concept presented by Microsoft in 2001. Today, the term tablet is also used to refer to computer-like devices operated primarily by a touch screen but not intended to run general PC operating systems or applications.

1. What is a Tablet PC? Tablet PC is a lightweight version of a PC in the shape of a flat panel. User interact with it by tapping the screen and hand-writing with a penlike device. Tablet PCs will also let users wirelessly connect to the Internet and other PCs. In a word, a Tablet PC combines the mobility of a handheld computer with the computing power of a notebook. 2. What are the main characteristics of a Tablet PC? Powerful -- Tablet PC can run almost all PC applications compatiable with Windows XP, plus the applications which specifically target Tablet PC. On connectivity side, besides the built-in wireless support, Tablet PCs can also be placed into a docking station at a desk to support a large monitor, network connection, keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals. Mobility -- The Tablet PC comes in two basic forms, the "convertible" with an integrated keyboard, and the ultra-mobile "pure tablet". All Tablet PCs will be very light — ranging from 2 to 3 pounds. Combined with wireless network support, Tablet PC gives you greater mobility and immediate access to the full power of your PC. Natural interaction with computer -- Using a digital pen and the Input Panel utility, you can write directly on the screen and save your notes in your own handwriting or convert them to typed text for input into other applications. Speech recognition is an integral component of every Tablet PC, allowing users to dictate content or control applications with their voice. 3. Is Tablet PC right for me? Tablet PC's special features make it best choice for people who have jobs requiring them to be on the move, whether attending meetings in the office or conducting business on the road. You will also find Tablet PC very useful if you like to have the full power of a notebook at a greater mobility. 4. What are differences between two versions of tablet PC? There are two versions of the tablet PC -- the slate style and the convertible style. Slate-style tablet appears similar to a large PDA. The approximate size of the device is 8.5 inches by 12 inches, with a color screen measuring around 10 inches diagonally with control buttons on the edge of the screen. The tablet PC connects to a docking station and peripherals including keyboard and mouse, but can be carried around as a mobile device, with a stylus for input. The slate design has the advantage of being simple and sleek without hinges or moving parts, but it has no keyboard or mouse when the device is mobile, away from the docking station. The second style, the convertible, is essentially a laptop PC that converts to a tablet PC. The convertible tablet PC has a clamshell design similar to the laptop PC; but when opened, the screen side of the PC swivels 180 degrees, and the backside of the screen folds down on top of the keyboard with the screen side facing up. The size of the convertible design is similar to the slate, although slightly thicker to accommodate for the hinged keyboard component. The main advantage of the convertible style is its similarity to the laptop PC--a familiar device for the consumer. The convertible style also has the advantage of the attached keyboard, but the hinged clamshell design creates a bulkier device that may be susceptible to damage or breaking. 5. What operating system is Tablet PC running? The Tablet PC runs a specialized version of Microsoft's Windows XP operating system. This version offers the features and capabilities of Windows XP Professional, plus additional features specific to the Tablet PC, such as handwritting support and voice recognision. All existing Windows software applications would still be able to run on Tablet PCs. 6. What CPU does Tablet PC use? Most hardware manufactures are currently using Intel Pentium III (above 800MHz) ultra low voltage CPU for mobile computer. 7. Which companies make Tablet PCs? So far Acer, Compaq, ElectroVaya, FIC, Fujitsu, Tatung, VIA Technologies and ViewSonic etc. have announced their Tablet PC products. More companies are expected to join the list in the near future. 8. What types of Tablet PC are currently available and where can I get one? Tablet PCs from several companies, e.g. Acer, Compaq, Fujitsu, Motion Computing, Toshiba, ViewSonic etc., are currently avaialable in the market. Please refer to the Products Center page for detailed product specifications and their availability at some of the online retailers. 9. Where can I find more information about Tablet PC? Microsoft's Tablet PC home page is a good starting point to learn more about Tablet PC, e.g. Tablet PC system overview, features, and demos etc.  Or you may refer to Related Links page for other tablet PC related websites

Features of Tablet PC

Tablet personal computer or Tablet PC is increasingly becoming a replacement for laptops and desktops and the youth love to get hold of this new technological change in the form of Tablet PC. Given below is the list of some of the features or characteristics of tablet PC which makes it special among youth –

1. The first and foremost feature of tablet PC is that this is the new technology and new technology whether you like it or not attract people towards it.

2. Tablet PC is much smaller than a laptop and therefore it is easy to carry as it is very thin and people who travel frequently are attracted to tablet PC.

3. Tablet PC have on-screen virtual keyboard and this is why they are different from laptop in terms of size and dimensions.

4.Tablet PC are sleek in design making it attractive to the people, and it is one of the reason for its growing popularity as humans have the tendency to go towards things which are attractive.

5. The tablet PC can be laid flat and rotated easily which is not possible in case of laptops or desktops.

Application

Microsoft released the Tablet PC interface several years ago. This platform allows users to more naturally interact with a computer by using a pen in addition to other input devices. It also allows for the use of digital ink as a datatype within applications. This additional pen interaction and digital ink can improve the interaction of both students and faculty with the PC. Some potential applications of Tablet PCs in education include:

•Classroom presentations which incorporate handwritten notes on PowerPoint or Classroom Presenter slides;

•Electronic grading of papers with digital ink;

•Digital note taking and sharing of handwritten notes;

•Improved development of digital media through the use of the pen interface with drawing or CAD applications;

•Development of rapid eLearning applications which can incorporate handwritten examples; and

•In class collaboration between faculty and students with portable computers.

This study is designed to investigate the potential benefits and challenges encountered by students and faculty members when using Tablet PCs. In Fall 2005, we will focus on the use of Tablet PCs by faculty members in Architectural Engineering along with several graduate students to determine the applications and functions that improve their teaching, learning, and research initiatives. Faculty and students will complete a survey before and after the semester. They will also report any issues encountered using the Table PCs throughout the semester.

In Spring 2006, we will focus on the development of a collaborative classroom within the ICon Lab using Tablet PCs as an integral tool within one graduate level course (AE 597F - Virtual Facility Prototyping). The Access Grid will be used to organize the faculty and student collaboration during the class and VNC will be used so that any student in the classroom will be able to share their screen with the entire class. The value of this collaborative learning environment will be assessed.

Throughout these two semesters, the applications used, functions performed, benefits gained, and challenges faced by the users will be documented and explored so that future applications of Tablet PCs within educational environments can be better designed.

The software installed on the Gateway M275 Tablet PCs (installed on the Microsoft XP Tablet PC Edition 2005) includes :

•Microsoft Office for Tablet PC - Adds the ability to use digital ink in MS Office applications.

•Microsoft OneNote 2003- An note taking program that allows you to capture, organize and save either handwritten or typed notes.

•Microsoft Experience Pack - Includes the Ink Desktop, Snipping Tool, Ink Art, Media Transfer and other applications.

•Microsoft Education Pack - Includes Equation Writer, Ink Flash Cards, Send to OneNote, and a trial version of GoBinder planning software.

•Microsoft PowerToys for Tablet - Includes many small applications designed for the Tablet interface.

•Microsoft Journal - Allows for the markup and distribution of documents with ink as well as note taking.

•Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator - Allows for the easy modification and development of images using the pen interface.

•Classroom Presenter 2.0 - Presentation software designed for collaborative views

•Google Sketchup 6 - A 3D CAD application that is designed around the tablet interface. It is very easy to learn and use. Faculty members can request a free license for use in their class.

Additional software installed on the Tablet PCs which are not specifically designed to use the tablet interface includes:

•Autodesk Revit - 3D Building Information Modeling application.

•Autodesk AutoCAD - CAD applications.

•Navisworks Jetstream - 3D Model Review Application

•UltraVNC - Screen and file sharing software that can be used for collaboration. This software can also allow remote connection of a tablet PC to a computer with a projector.

Why use a Tablet PC?

·       Tablet PCs allow teachers and students greater flexibility in learning environments. Students and teachers no longer have to be in computer labs or classrooms.

·       They allow for mobility in the room to enable you to assist in student collaborations.

·       Tablet PCs can be used anywhere in or out of the school building.

·       Stay mobile in or out of the classroom but still have access to the information you normally have on your desktop or laptop PC.

·       Tablet PCs remove the barriers that are created from the screens of laptops and desktops to allow you to maintain eye contact and interaction with your students.

·       Saves schools money on paper.

·       Greater communication between students and teachers.

·       Add enthusiasm to a lesson.

How are educators using Tablet PCs?

Teacher use:

·       To grade papers. Tablet PCs provide teachers with the ability to insert comments right into a students work in Microsoft Office.

·       As a whiteboard or chalkboard connected to a projector. Teachers are able to have students brainstorm in class by writing their thoughts on the Tablet PC and save their work without having to give up chalkboard space or worry about someone erasing it. Tablet PCs also allow teachers to provide notes to students typed so they are easy for students to read.

·       Create integrated assignments for the students use.

·       Create worksheets students can fill in and submit electronically.

Student use:

·       Create and use integrated assignments. Students or teachers can combine reading assignments, class notes and other learning material into one document or multiple documents at hand without the hassle of fumbling through books for the materials.

·       The ability to take notes in their own handwriting and also search through those notes.

·       Collect and share web sites and information for research.

·       Allows students to submit assignments but also retain a copy.