TABLET PCs

It would seem that the Tablet PC is having a hard fight to establish itself as a mature technology. In the second half of 2003, sales of these devices remained disappointingly low, constituting two percent of the market. IDC mobile technology analyst, Andy Brown said that, "Fierce competition in the laptop sector is holding back the uptake of Tablet PCs. People are sticking to a technology they understand, and if Tablet PCs are to take off, the industry needs to explain the usefulness of handwriting recognition."

However, it's not all doom-and-gloom for the Tablet PC market. This year, manufacturers have brought their second-generation Tablet PCs to market. Manufacturers have learned from the mistakes of their first attempts and the machines in this group test all have improved battery life and performance. One of the more interesting developments has been the move away from the uniform size and shape of devices released in 2003. Larger 14-inch as well as smaller 8.4-inch screens are now available, proving that the Tablet PC format is as adaptable as it is flexible.

If you still need to be convinced as to the usability of the form factor, then elsewhere in this issue we have a special report on making the most of Tablet PC. In the meantime, we have drawn together five of the latest pen-based devices currently on the market. Whether you are in the market for the traditional slate design or looking for something a little more flexible in its application, the following pages should help you decide that the Tablet PC is here to stay.

Acer TravelMate C302XMI
Fujitsu Siemens Stylistic ST5010
HP Compaq TC1100
Iridium EZ-Tablet 30
Toshiba Portégé M200

REVIEW CO-ORDINATOR:
Michael Browne