Tablet PC recommendations for college student.
Fuzzytaco
I've recently been bitten by the gadget bug and these Tablet PC
look right up my alley in terms of college portability!
Anyway, I was wondering if any of you veterans of Tablet PC technology
could recommend one to me. I would use the Tablet in the library,
in an outdoor environment(I would probably stay out the bright sun),
use in a classroom and in my dormroom.
I would like a decently fast Tablet PC cause I would probably do the
following:
Taking extensive notes and jotting down ideas(I have decent
handwriting)
Using Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro, something graphical, so I would
need
the pen to be pressure sensitive.
Visual Basic/C++ development every once in a while.
Playing the occasional game, most likely 2d strategy games
Watching AVI/Divx video on it
I would like to get one with 512mb RAM minimum, preferably DDR
and a fast processor(1ghz or above). Battery life is pretty important;
it should last approx 4 hours. I won't be using the wireless card if
that
will cut down on battery usage any.
Does anybody have any recommendations?
Thanks for your help.
Shaun Pedicini
Email: sh...@uga.edu
terri
First thing to decide is if you want the Centrino technology or if you're
willing to settle for a slower processor such as the PIII-M or the
Transmeta. Then you should decide if you need a keyboard attached all the
time or if you want a slate that you can attach a keyboard to when needed,
wired or wireless.
If you want to buy one now, the two questions above are the most important.
There's only one Centrino available for each - slate - Motion, or
convertible - Acer.
There are several sites around that have information and/or discussions
about Tablet PCs, including the one in my signature.
I think you'll be happy no matter which Tablet PC you choose. The earlier
models run everything you mentioned just fine, although the early Acer can
only use 256Mb ram and you may want more.
--
Terri Stratton
Editor
http://thetabletpc.net
Now, chat - http://thetabletpc.net/support.htm
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP / Tablet PC
"Fuzzytaco" <sh...@uga.edu> wrote in message
news:e55c085c.03052...@posting.google.com...
Linda A. Epstein ~ MS MVP
Toshiba. However you should not rule out the new Centrinos. The 900 MHZ
Centrino is more powerful than the GHz Pentium 3 chip. That said you best
bet would be either the Toshiba, The Motion 1300 or the Acer. you can do a
quick compare of them at www.TabletPc2.com
Linda A. Epstein
Microsoft MVP ~ Windows XP/Tablet PC
Editor: www.TabletPc2.com
"Fuzzytaco" <sh...@uga.edu> wrote in message
news:e55c085c.03052...@posting.google.com...
James Sullivan III
I'm also a college student interested in the Tablet PCs' use versatility,
and lemme tell ya, they're FANTASTIC for us. They're portable, versatile,
powerful enough, and slick. I would strongly recommend getting one, let
alone any specific model.
However, Fujistu recently announced a pretty powerful model which
automatically adjusts to any light conditions (see post "Fujistu
Announces...", 5.20.03). It's not too pricey, and it might be a nice catch
for working long hours, with lots of power, under direct sunlight. It's
Pentium-M 933 apparently compents with a P4 1.3Ghz, I believe:
"An option for the latest Fujitsu Stylistic(R) ST Series Tablet PC, this
unique technology offers extraordinarily clear text and graphics under
practically any light
condition -- even outside under direct sunlight.
Available only on the Fujitsu Stylistic ST Series Tablet PC, the Reflective
front light display enhances the 10.4-inch screen so applications can be
clearly seen in a wide variety of light environments. Under direct sunlight,
the display gets even brighter rather than becoming washed out. In low light
conditions, the display's front light can be adjusted to cut through the
darkness and enhance viewability. This adaptive feature gives users the
freedom to carry their Fujitsu Tablet PC wherever work or play takes
them...high capacity battery and Wi-Fi(R) capabilities...The optional
nine-cell high capacity battery provides up to an impressive seven hours(1)
of battery life
Weighing a mere 3.2 pounds and measuring an ultra-slim 0.88 inches thin, the
Stylistic ST Series Tablet PC is small enough to be comfortably carried, yet
powerful enough to be used as one's primary PC. The latest generation
features an Ultra Low Voltage Intel(R) Pentium(R) III Processor 933MHz-M and
can be equipped with up to 768MB of system memory and a massive 60GB
hard drive. Users can complement their Tablet PC with a keyboard in the
Fujitsu attache case or place it on their desk in the optional tablet dock.
Models with the indoor/outdoor display start at $2,199(3)."--Linda Epstein,
Microsoft MVP
Personally, I would recommend the Acer Travelmate 100 Convertible model.
It's not nearly as powerful or sunlight friendly, but it's affordable,
reliable, the convertible option keeps a keyboard on hand at all times, and
it's a cute/cool system which I have fallen for.
Hope this helps.
Besta Luck,
James Sullivan
Consultant
The abletFactory
terri
Although the Fujitsu does sport a 933MHz processor, I don't believe it's not
a Centrino model, but a PIII-M. The Pentium M cpu would be the one to
compare to a 1.3Ghz P4.
It's still more than enough horsepower for almost any application I can
think of and the daylight screen is certainly a major selling point.
--
Terri Stratton
Editor
http://thetabletpc.net
Now, chat - http://thetabletpc.net/support.htm
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP / Tablet PC
"James Sullivan III" <Sbo...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:ubockrNJ...@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
Linda A. Epstein ~ MS MVP
exceptional nice feature.
Linda A. Epstein
Microsoft MVP ~ Windows XP/Tablet PC
Editor: www.TabletPc2.com
"terri" <sup...@thetabletpc.net> wrote in message
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Tim Marman
The mHz/gHz number tells how many cycles are executed in a second. In
other words, a 1 gHz machine executes 1 billion cycles per second.
The reason the Pentium M chip is faster is because they've increased the
number of instructions that are executed in a cycle. So, even though
there are less cycles, each cycle does more. It's the same way you can't
compare the RISC chips in an Mac to the clock speed of a Pentium.
I personally just got the Acer c110 because I wanted the convertible,
and I can tell you I'm very, very happy with the purchase. As
unscientific as it sounds, it definitely "felt" a lot faster than the
Toshiba.
The Acer is one of the better deals as far as price/performance. 900mhz
Centrino, 512 MB DDR RAM, 30-40GB HD. If you go for the lesser model
(10GB less HD and no firewire CD-RW/DVD), it can be had for around 1700
with rebate. I paid 2000 for mine.
I've heard great things about the Motions too, and I'm sure the new
Centrino version is even better.
The Electrovayas have amazing battery life (like 8 hours) but most
others are in the 3.5 hr range.
The Centrinos SHOULD be better in battery life (because they run slower,
less power is needed). However, I've heard there haven't been
significant differences in some of the new Centrino models compared to
their predecessors.
As others have said, the important thing is to decide how you're going
to use it and if you need the keyboard. Do you have a laptop now?
If you want it as a desktop replacement, using only the slate as a
notebook and bringin it back to your dorm, a Motion or other system with
a dock might be what you're looking for.
If you're looking for a replacement for a laptop (or something to use as
a laptop in conjunction with a desktop), then the convertibles might be
the way to go.
I would definitely suggest (price aside) looking at the new "2nd
generation" models from Acer and Motion first - and just remember it's
not all about clock speed!!
Trust me, you'll be happy either way. I've wanted one for awhile and
finally broke down when I saw the new Acer. I'm planning on using it
mostly for school (part-time law school) and a little for work.
Good luck!
Tim