| A tablet PC is a light weight slate shaped | | | | There are different types of tablet PCs like |
| hand-held computer or a slim note book PC. The | | | | slates, convertibles and hybrids. Slates consist of |
| idea is to replace the traditional pen and notebook | | | | just the screen and the stylus. If a slate is |
| with a tablet PC and stylus or digital pen. | | | | attached with a keyboard it is called a convertible. |
| Historically the tablet was used by the Egyptians | | | | Typically the keyboard is attached with a single |
| to write on clay tablets with a writing stick. In the | | | | joint and it folds/opens onto the screen. The |
| present day the clay tablet has been replaced | | | | Hybrid has a detachable keyboard so that it can |
| with a screen and the writing stick with a stylus. | | | | be used both as a slate or a convertible. |
| The tablet PC may be considered the pen and | | | | Tablet PCs come with resident softwares like |
| notebook of the future. They typically weigh | | | | handwriting recognition software, speech |
| around 2-3 pounds and their main feature is | | | | recognition software, shorthand entry software, |
| portability. The idea of a tablet PC was floated by | | | | virtual keyboard etc,. |
| Alan Kay of Xerox but was a commercial failure | | | | There are various advantages like portability, |
| until now, when the prices have fallen down and it | | | | users who are not comfortable with keyboards |
| is expected that the prices will fall in future. The | | | | find stylus more friendly, they do not interrupt line |
| first widely sold Tablet PC was Newton of Apple | | | | of sight as they are kept on the table and are |
| Computers. | | | | helpful in meetings and are handheld so can be |
| The hardware consists of a slim touch screen, | | | | used in giving presentation while standing up. The |
| stylus, optional wireless keyboard and mouse. In | | | | disadvantages of Tablet PCs have been cost till |
| this type of computers the data input is not | | | | now but since the prices have fallen and are |
| through the traditional mouse and keyboard but | | | | falling, hence is not a constraint anymore. |
| through a stylus or a virtual keyboard on the | | | | Various companies like Acer, Lenovo, Toshiba |
| screen. It also has the facility of data input | | | | Fujitsu, HP, Gateway, Compaq, Motion, NEC etc |
| through wireless keyboard and mouse. The stylus | | | | are manufacturing Tablet PCs. |
| is used to write directly/tap on the screen or | | | | Are they future proof?Till recent years the Tablet |
| fingers are used to input data through the touch | | | | PC was a commercial failure but with the |
| screen. There is a magnetic field over the screen | | | | advances in battery technology, handwriting |
| which interacts with the stylus electronics, hence | | | | recognition software, wireless internet access, |
| the user can rest his hands on the screen without | | | | larger memory, better screen resolution they are |
| distorting the image and only stylus movement | | | | being accepted as commercially viable option. |
| affects the screen. They come in various sizes | | | | Many popular science fiction movies portray the |
| like 8.5 inch, 10 inch and 14 inch. | | | | use of Tablet PCs. |