Tabelt PC as representative of laptops

2003/01/01 Mendiburu, Joana - Elhuyar Zientziaren Komunikazioa Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Hardwarea

The screen of the tablet PC that Toshiba has designed revolves around an axis, optionally, so that the shape of cain or traditional computer can be adopted.

The laptop, symbol of mobility in the world of work, has evolved a lot. In recent years it has become smaller and lighter and now the wiring has been discarded and has been equipped with a digital display. This latest novelty is the great attraction of the new product, since thanks to a special pen the user takes the notes as in a cage.

The new product, named Tablet PC, is manufactured by Toshiba, ViewSonic, Fujitsu Siemens and Ace. However, a promising future is expected and in the coming years fourteen companies will offer such products. Prices range from 2,000 to 3,000 euros.

Own operating system

It is not the first time a product of this type has been marketed, but in previous experiences the lack of compatibility of wireless communications protocols and standards to know the writing have greatly limited the market. This time, thanks to the Windows XP operating system developed by Microsoft for Tablet PC, this is not expected. In addition, all producers must follow a specific production specification to avoid any compatibility issues. Adobe, Corel and SAP software editors have also announced that they will adapt their products.

All tablets must be equipped with a Pentium III processor, a liquid crystal electromagnetic display and 133 points per inch, a 802.11b WiFi wireless communication interface and USB and FireWire ports. And they must have a minimum autonomy of four hours.

Tablets have a high capacity hard drive (minimum 20 gigabytes) and a relatively intense memory (256 Megabyte from Fujits-Siemens and 1 Gigabiyte Ace). With the Windows XP operating system, experts ensure that laptops will exceed completely.

The Windows XP operating system prevents compatibility issues between manufacturers.

In terms of design, all producers have made similar proposals. Fujits-Siemens, for example, has designed a Tablet PC that can become a fixed computer to work; it can be positioned vertically and a keyboard can be added.

The screen of the tablet PC that Toshiba has designed revolves around an axis, optionally, so that the shape of cain or traditional computer can be adopted.

An attractive ballpoint pen

However, the key to attractiveness is the electronic pen. This will allow you to keep the notes received or integrate them into other applications. It will also be possible to switch to word format, although it is not yet the knowledge of letters.

But will this innovation be enough to expand the new product market? Experts say that it is a good time for laptops, but it is expected that the first buyers are entrepreneurs, positions, commercial and in general those who are engaged in trades of great mobility. The years will pass until it expands more in society, especially because they have a price much higher than that of classic computers.