Suggestions for tablet + laptop PC?

[Terri]

I am going to be buying a new laptop soon and am considering buying one that
can also work as a laptop. Can anyone make some suggestions on which ones to
consider and which features to watch for. I am a professor at a university
where I teach software applications to student teachers so I need to have the
laptop functions, but I love creative potential of the tablet PC.

 

[Chris H.]

Terri, you should take a look at Tablet PC MVP Terri Stratton's web site:
http://thetabletpc.net . She has comparison charts on the slate,
convertible and hybrid models which would be very helpful for you. We also
have a special newsgroup for Tablet PC users -
microsoft.public.windows.tabletpc . Please feel free to post any questions
you'd like over there.
--
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/nichol.mspx
In memory of a true friend, Windows MVP Alex Nichol

Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone -

 

[Mark C]

Terri:

I have been using a Motion Tablet PC for nearly two years.
The best thing I bought was a $129 replacement to the standard cover which
is the same size and shape but has a good keyboard built into it. Incredible
design! When you want to use the tablet as a tablet you take the cover off
the front and put it on the back just like the normal cover. But, when you
want to use the keyboard you take the cover off, extend the tablet holder
arms, plug in the usb cable (it is tucked into place on the keyboard cover,
and you now have a notebook PC that is lighter than anything else out there.
I work for local government and have no personal interest in promoting this
product other than helping someone through what I went through nearly two
years ago.
You'll love having a tablet and a notebook in one.

Here is the URL for the accessory that I don't think any other manufacturer
can match
https://www.motioncomputing.com/sto...&WCE=wtcategoryDetails&Category=Input Devices

 

[flibbertigibbet007]

Terri, I have done some research myself about convertable tablets, for one of
my clients. And actually found two the best price, with the best features.
1. Gateway's M275
2. Acer's Travel Mate C300

A couple of things to note... just like buying a laptop.
Buy memory aftermarket, www.crucial.com
Make sure it has what you need. (Especially for the area you plan to be
using it in. A classroom environment is just fine. outside the m275 sucks.)

The best thing about convertable's are they switch back to and from the
tablet and laptop. Worst thing, weight.

-James

 

[AspiringGeek]

Have you actually tried to USE an M275???

I had so very many problems, not only with the tablet itself, but also
Gateway support. Let me see whether I can dredge up the painful memories:

The cover latch broke on my third day of ownership. I believe this is an
engineering flaw because both demos in two different Gateway stores had the
same problem.

Even though I paid almost $600 for two different support options (I don't
remember what exactly the marketeers had called these options, but they were
the equivalent of Dell's 3-yr next-business-day on-site support--except for
twice the price), it turns out that there's some fine print and the Gateway
warranty does NOT apply to certain pieces of portables--including the latch!

Though the tablet is capable of suporting 1 GB of RAM, it can't be ordered
that way. I spent hours on the phone, pre- & post sale, trying to finagle
this. Nor even could I finagle the RAM from the factory in one chip so I
could merely add another chip.

An external monitor is supported, but NOT dual monitor support.

Resolution for the tablet display is limited. Can't remember, but it was
L-O-W, effectively limiting screen real estate.

Support was awful, awful, awful. I never got the tablet fixed properly, and
it took me four months and many hours of effort to get my money back.