News Week of February 11, 2007

Electronic Guides for Field Researchers

Why It Matters

Biologists in the 21^st century are faced with an overwhelming challenge. There may be as many as 10 million species of plants, animals, and microorganisms on earth, a large majority of which have not yet been described by science. Yet species-rich habitats such as tropical rainforests are being lost at alarming rates. Traditional methods of collecting and describing new species can take years of research comparing specimens with published literature and preserved specimens in natural history museums, herbaria, and botanical gardens around the world. New technologies such as electronic field guides are essential to meet the challenge of discovering and conserving the world's biodiversity.

Methods

Researchers created a digital archive of images of type specimens in the Department of Botany at the Smithsonian and field images of plant leaves. Using these images they developed a prototype guide for the flora of Plummer's Island in the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. The pc tablet-based computer system includes an algorithm that computes the similarity of leaf images. From a digital image of an unknown leaf, the program retrieves the most similar leaves in the digital archive. In tests, the prototype algorithm found the correct species nine times out of ten.  (Source:  Spotlight on Science at the Smithonian)

The return of the Internet Tablet

That gets to the heart of what the N800 is: an Internet Tablet designed to keep you connected to your online world wherever there is a WiFi connection available. And it does remarkably well at that. I've used it on several evenings to surf the web while watching TV in the living room and it's perfect for that. I think the best way to describe the feel of using the N800 is that it's like using a very small computer rather than a PDA or smartphone. I attribute that experience to the high-resolution display and applications included with the tablet, especially Opera and Flash.

If you don't have an 802.11b/g connection nearby, you can still watch videos, listen to music, play games, read PDFs, and more, but the N800 really shines when you're kicking back and surfing the web.

The other area where the N800 has a lot of potential is Skype. The client should be available during the second quarter of 2007 and if it's a full featured Skype application, you'll be able to make phone calls from anywhere there's an accessible 802.11b/g network. If you live in a city with a municipal WiFi network, that has the potential to be extremely usable.

A few hours after this review went live, Ari Jaaksi, Nokia's head of open source software operations, posted a short-term and long-term roadmap for N800 development. In the short term, Nokia plans to work on improving Flash and video performance along with better power management. Later in 2007, Nokia plans to update Opera with "better Web 2.0 support," increased multimedia format support, easier software upgrades, and the previously announced Skype and Real Rhapsody clients. In short, the future for the N800 looks very promising.    (Source: Eric Bangeman, arstechnica)

Roth 2007 OC Conference Presenter Profiles

The Roth 2007 OC Conference takes place Feb. 19 - 22 at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel, CA. For in-depth information about the event, visit http://www.rothconference.com/.

Below are profiles from Roth 2007 OC Conference presenters. Business Wire is the official news wire for the Roth 2007 OC Conference. Breaking news releases and advisories are available at Tradeshownews.com, Business Wire's trade show, conference, and event news resource.

Company:                      InPlay Technologies
Ticker Symbol & Exchange:     NPLA (NASDAQ)
Investor Relations Contact:   Heather Beshears
Phone:                        480-586-3357
Web:                          www.inplaytechnologies.com
Date of Presentation:         2/22/2007

InPlay Technologies develops, markets and licenses proprietary
emerging technologies. Working with licensees and OEM customers,
InPlay offers technology solutions that enable innovative designs and
improved functionality for electronic products. Its MagicPoint(R)
technology is the only digital pen-input solution for the rapidly
growing tablet PC and mobile computing markets. Its Duraswitch(R)
electronic switch technologies couple the friendly tactile feedback
of mechanical pushbuttons and rotary dials with the highly reliable,
thin profile of membrane switches, offering an ideal solution for a
wide range of applications. InPlay is focused on further
commercializing these technologies and seeking additional innovative
technologies to enhance its portfolio. (Source: Press Release)

Toshiba Breaks New Tablet PC Ground

However, armed with Intel's 1.2GHz U2500 Core Duo processor, the Portégé R400 barely has enough oomph to run Windows Vista Ultimate. You can try to boost performance with 2GB of RAM, but the Portégé R400 is best-suited for office productivity suite applications and Web surfing.

That said, the Portégé R400 is the first laptop that can be wirelessly docked via UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology. Toshiba's optional Wireless Dock, which also supports Wireless Digital Video, will be available in the second quarter of 2007.  (Source: Anne Chen, eWeek)
Posted Thursday, February 15, 2007 by ChrisD
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Vista May Spur Tablet Growth

Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates is a huge proponent of tablet computing, but the tablet PC platform has yet to gain real traction among users. It's likely, however, that Microsoft's integration of tablet functionality into Vista will increase adoption by making it easier for IT managers to deploy tablet hardware.

During tests, eWeek Labs has found the handwriting recognition in Vista to be greatly improved over Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005. Vista has the ability to learn a user's handwriting through a training program or gradually, as a user writes on the tablet over time.   (Source: Anne Chen, eWeek)

SiS chipsets get Vista Premium Edition certification

SiS developed three different chipsets models for Windows Vista Premium Edition. The SiS672FX and the SiS672 chipsets are designed for desktop PCs; on the other hand, the SiSM672MX chipset is designed for notebook PCs. SiS chipsets, ready for Windows Vista Premium Edition, not only support the stability and security of the systems when users are surfing on internet, emailing, instant messaging, or on-line editing documents, but also support its most distinctive function of Windows Media Center. It is a comprehensive digital home media center including exclusive music, TV shows, movies, home videos, photo gallery, and games.

Moreover, with the support for Tablet PC Technology, users are easy to get into the computers simply with a digital pen or a touch panel. Windows Aero is the superior technology of Windows Vista which enables users to enjoy the ultimate visual experience. Besides, it helps you more easily to organize your applications and files. (Source: CRN)

Laptop lids lifted

“Although we’ve only had the laptops for a short time, I’ve seen a dramatic increase in students’ interest in their studies,” Goyer said. “It’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm and how engaged they are.

“The tablet PCs have opened up a whole new world of instructional possibilities.”

Forest Grove was one of only a handful of Oregon schools to be selected for the pilot program, which aims to expose students to the latest technology at an early age.  (Source: Nancy Townsley, The Forest Grove News-Times)

Intel, Motion prescribing Tablet PCs for doctors

Intel and Motion Computing plan to demonstrate the Mobile Clinical Assistant, first shown during last year's Intel Developer Forum, during an event at the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center on Tuesday. Intel CEO Paul Otellini will be on hand along with Motion CEO Scott Eckert and Mark Laret, head of the San Francisco hospital.

The Mobile Clinical Assistant is designed to help drag the health care industry into the 21st century. Doctors and nurses can take notes on the Tablet PC-like device and download patient information from the hospital's server. The product is designed for a hospital, with rugged features such as spill protection and a sturdy chassis to guard against falls.  (Source: Tom Krazit, CNet News.com)

PhatPad 4.1 Offers Improved Performance for Windows Vista

Free PhatPad viewer allows users to view their PhatPad documents for the first time on Windows Mobile based smartphones

Mountain View, CA (MobilityNewswire) February 14, 2007 -- PhatWare Corporation, a leading provider of software products and professional services for mobile and desktop computers, announces the release of PhatPad 4.1, the next generation of the company's award-winning notes organizer for Microsoft Windows-based Tablet, Desktop and Windows Mobile powered Pocket PCs.

 Our goal is to provide our customers with the best.  
PhatPad allows users to draw pictures, jot notes or put a mixture of pictures and typed text on a virtual scratch pad. The program uses new digital ink technology, which provides a very smooth ink flow, so it feels like writing on an actual piece of paper. While working with the note editor, PhatPad offers standard editing commands in addition to a customizable pen palette and variable pen width.

To address customer's needs and requests, the upgraded software now includes PhatPad viewer, which allows users to view PhatPad files for the first time on their Microsoft Windows Mobile-based Smartphones. The PhatPad viewer is included with the application and can also be downloaded separately from PhatWare’s Web site for free. The PhatPad viewer is also available for Pocket PCs, which allows PhatPad users to share their documents and drawings with Pocket PC and smartphone users who do not have PhatPad.

PhatPad 4.1 offers improved performance and installation experience on Microsoft Windows Vista computers. The new Multipage Undo action stores data for each page that is necessary to undo the users last editing actions, while saving information as the user changes pages.

Additionally, the application’s footprint on Tablet and Pocket PCs has been reduced by 10 percent compared to the previous version.  "PhatWare is thrilled about the continuous improvements that are being made to PhatPad based on the professional and consumer feedback," said PhatWare president Stan Miasnikov. "Our goal is to provide our customers with the best."

The application works on Pocket PCs running Windows Mobile 2003 or later and Tablet, Desktop and UMPCs with Windows 2000 SP3 or later (including Windows Vista with Windows Mobile Device Center component).

PhatPad Pricing and Availability

PhatPad 4.1 is available now at the list price of $39.95. A free 30-day trial version of PhatPad 4.1 can be downloaded from the PhatWare web site at http://www.phatware.com/phatpad. PhatPad 4.1 is a free upgrade for all registered uses of PhatPad 4.0 and for registered users of PhatPad 3.0 who purchased the product on or between September 10, 2006 and December 20, 2006. All other registered users of any previous versions of PhatPad can purchase the latest version for a special upgrade price of $24.95.  (Source: Press Release)

Freshman Computers

Since 1994, the college has handed a new notebook computer and printer to each incoming freshman.  Fall 2006 freshman computer system specifications include:
HP Compaq Tablet PC tc4200 mobile computer
 - 2.0Ghz Intel® Pentium® M 760 Processor (2MB L2 cache, 533 FSB)
 - 1GB RAM (400 MHz Shared DDR II SDRAM)
 - 80GB SMART Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
 - 12.1" XGA TFT Display with wide viewing angle
 - Dual Input Keyboard Devices (Pointstick and Touchpad)
 - Table PC Pen with Eraser
 - 10/100/1000 NIC and High Speed 56K modem
 - Integrated Intel® Pro Wireless 2200BG (WLAN 802.11b/g)
 - TPM Embedded Security Chip 
 - External MultiBay II with DVD+/-RW Drive
 - 6 CELL Lithium-Ion Battery and 8 CELL Travel Battery
 - Notebook Backpack and Carrying Sleeve
 - 4 year extended warranty
 - 1GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive
HP PSC 1610 all-in-one printer/scanner/copier
 - Professional photo quality with fast, versatile performance
 - Prints up to 23 pages per minute in laser-quality black
 - Prints up to 18 pages per minute in color Optical scan resolution 1200 x 4800 dpi
 - Copy resolution up to 1200 x 4800 dpi
College Provided Software
 - Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
 - Microsoft® Office Professional Edition 2003, FrontPage 2003 and OneNote™ 2003
 - Sophos Corporate Antivirus 6.0
 - Various Department-Specific Software   (Source: Grove City College Website via GottaBeMobile)

Posted Wednesday, February 14, 2007 by ChrisD
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Tablet PC and UMPC Community Help is Needed!

From Tablet Kiosk:

The Tablet PC and UMPC fan base is often referred to as a community. This is why I am reaching out to the online Tablet and UMPC fan base so that we can all respond in a unified front.

On Sunday, February 11, the TabletKiosk warehouse in Torrance, CA was robbed. The thieves stole a considerable number of Sahara Slate PCs, eo v7110s and eo v7210 units.  

We are working with the police to catch the perpetrators and retrieve the stolen units and are exploring every possible avenue. This is why we are asking for assistance from the Tablet and UMPC community who often uncover significant information about Tablet PCs and UMPCs online.

The stolen units are both pre-configured and configured units as well as some customers’ personal machines.

If you find information about any eo UMPC or Sahara Slate PCs for sale, which seem too good to be true, I would appreciate if you would send the information to my attention. A reward will be provided for the person who provides us with information leading to the culprit. 

Gail Levy
TabletKiosk
gail@tabletkiosk.com  (Source: Press Release)

Review: Toshiba Portégé R400 Tablet PC

WIRED Striking looks may have you confusing this laptop for a Mac. WAN system works flawlessly- a rarity for Vista notebooks.  Mediocre 2 1/2 hours battery life is bolstered by an enormous, included, power slab. Screen is crazy bright: The12.1-inch display uses LED backlighting.  (Source: Christopher Null, Wired Blogs)
Posted Tuesday, February 13, 2007 by ChrisD
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Flipping the switch to profitability

FinePoint, whose biggest customer is Gateway Inc., generated $2.9 million in revenue during InPlay's fiscal 2006 third quarter, the most recent information available. That compares with just $203,631 in revenue from Duraswitch.

"The challenge for FinePoint and InPlay Technologies is that they are going against an extremely established market leader in Wacom," Blickenstorfer said. "It's an incredible challenge, even if their technology is better . . . it's going to be an uphill battle and it will require superb marketing."

"That doesn't mean they don't have a chance. It just means that they have to find a way to (promote) their superior technology through their Web site, word-of-mouth marketing, viral marketing, the whole thing."  (Source: Andrew Johnson, The Arizona Republic)
Posted Monday, February 12, 2007 by ChrisD
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Building a connected society

A vital component of these plans is the ictQatar's e-education programme. Recently the first phase of the eSchoolbag project, one of the components of the e-education programme, was piloted at Al Wakra Independent School for Girls. 200 students received Tablet PCs to be used inside the classrooms where they can learn independently at a more creative level to gain an understanding of the subject and to continue interacting with their respective teachers from home. This component of the e-education programme is just the beginning of more innovative projects that ictQatar is planning in the near future. Dr Mohamed Al Ansari, the e-learning Manager of ictQatar, is a man with a mission. He has set punishing deadlines for himself and hopes to enable the entire population  students, teachers and  the community at large to realise their potential through ICT technologies, improve the learning experience and contribute to the development of ICT in the educational sector of Qatar. Qatar Today speaks to Al Ansari to learn more about his plans for e-education.   (Source: Explore Quatar, Quatar Today)
Posted Monday, February 12, 2007 by ChrisD
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Special First Anniversary Episode - An Introduction to Tablet PC's

Hard to believe the website is now a year old! And what a year it's been! I thought i'd cook up an extra special video podcast episode to celebrate the anniversary, dealing with the technology that got me so passionate about creating this website in the first place: The Tablet PC. I spend some time demonstrating three different types of tablet pc - Slate, Convertible, and Hybrid models. I made up a funny little commercial highlighting the some of ways tablet pc's solve paper problems, and conclude with a demo discussion on various footswtich options for turning pages.

This video performance is being presented both as a Windows-compatible WMV file (approximately 83 MB) and as an iPod-compatible Video Podcast (136 MB for the video iPod format). Running time is appoximately 11.5 minutes.
. A higher resolution Quicktime movie is also available, clocking in at 70 MB in size.  (Source: Hugh Sung Blog)
Posted Monday, February 12, 2007 by ChrisD
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Tablets go down better with Vista

But, apart from some specialised users - such as electronic-health workers stalking the wards and mortgage salesmen pushing their wares - the concept never took off. The tablets were heavy and clunky, the interface poor, battery life low and handwriting recognition technology barely acceptable.

Most major PC makers now offer tablet PCs, but in Australia they make up only 2-3 per cent of sales.

That could be about to change thanks to two factors: better tablet technology built into Microsoft's new Windows Vista operating system, and more innovative designs from hardware makers.   (Source: David Frith, Australian IT)