News Week of October 22, 2006

Scriptnetics becomes known for customized handwriting software for mobile PCs.

BrunMed, inc becomes Scriptnetics, Inc. to better reflect its expertise.

The Tablet PC and the Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) with their handwriting capabilities have opened up a new area of computer application development. This is handwriting as the method of data entry for control and retrieval in computer programs and is beginning to be referred to as scriptnetics.

BrunMed, Inc announced today its change of name to Scriptnetics, Inc. to better reflect its growing recognition as a company providing custom software that uses handwriting. BrunMed, founded in 2000, is one of the first software solutions programming companies to focus on building applications with embedded handwriting and handwriting conversion.

Michael Milne, CEO, states, “Our ability to provide customized software systems that take advantage of the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC operating system puts us at the cutting edge of software programming.”

The Windows XP Tablet PC operating system was released November 7th, 2002 by Microsoft as a super set of the regular Windows XP operating system. This super set could take advantage of the maturing technologies of wireless, network access, low power CPUs and screen digitizers. These technology developments laid the foundation for computers to become lightweight and robust enough for “corridor warriors,” workers who can not be tied to a desktop computer and who multi-task throughout the work day.

The now newly named Scriptnetics began to leverage the new technologies into applications for medical doctors. Physicians and hospitals were the first large group of corridor warriors to purchase and use the Tablet PC. The first application released by Scriptnetics was Medscribbler, the first electronic medical record (EMR) with embedded handwriting.

Other Scriptnetics products include: a soon to be released an UMPC based prescription writer called RxScribbler, a medical dictionary for the Tablet PC, Prairie Dog Bash for the UMPC plus customized software applications for medical and medical software companies.

Scriptnetics is a Microsoft Tablet PC Premier Partner, one of only fifty companies world-wide, and provides software programming services from North America and information publishing for physicians.  (Source: Press Release)

Eyewear supplier uses tablet PCs to get better look at customer profiles

After deciding upon EZ Route, he started looking for devices that were capable of displaying route maps, product photos and multiple application windows. Reps required a bigger footprint than a PDA, without the bulk of a laptop.

SunTech decided upon Fujitsu’s LifeBook P1510D Convertible Tablet PC, which was big enough to display its sales templates, but small enough to carry in a briefcase or knapsack. It was also fully functional so reps wouldn’t have to go home and use a desktop to check their e-mail.

As soon as reps enter a wireless environment, they’re able to send orders. “We physically will send data back to a sales rep, which will update his inventory, receivables and also customer profiles,” said Chang.  (Source: Vawn Himmelsbach, itBusiness.ca)

Exclusive: Asus R2H Unpacking

So far so good, I bought the Samsung Q1 and returned the device within a couple of days, but this one is for me. I love the device so far (well its been only 6 hours since I started using it). The unit feels a bit heavy for the size and may be it’s just the first impression but believe me its really sturdy and has a great feel with the brushed metal finish.

I’m still getting used to the device. I was really surprised and happy to see that Asus has bundled the extended battery with it (not sure if it will be the default for all US models though). They also throw a case, mini mouse (still handles very well) and screen cleaning cloth. Make sure to come back for more detailed review. (Source: OnlyUMPC)
Posted Friday, October 27, 2006 by ChrisD
Rating: 2.91 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments (0)

A Message From DualCor…

To say that there has been a lot of speculation and misinformation circling the DualCor cPC would be an understatement. To cut through the rumors, I went straight to the source and spoke with Rob Howe, President and COO of DualCor, on October 23, 2006.

1. Rob never said there would be not be a “version one cPC”. However, the main major processor is already obsolete, and parts availability for version one has become a problem. So the biggest issue at the moment is materials and the resulting prices for the parts used.

Gear Diary: Does this mean that version one might just end up being impractical to make, meaning that it would have to be realistically skipped over for a version two? Or does it simply mean that the components of version one would need to be reworked?

Howe:  A little of both.  Obviously we won’t release a product with a major part that is or is soon going obsolete.  We’re evaluating several options.  (Source: Judie, GearDiary)

Picture This: Visio 2003

Tools of the Trade
There are a variety of tools within Visio that will help your customers fine tune and customize their diagrams. Visio has new annotation features that support pen input on the Tablet PC, which facilitates natural markup and creating freehand sketches.

Microsoft Visio 2003 Microsoft Corp. Release Date: August 2003 Price: $499 Professional Edition www.microsoft.com/visio

The Track Markup feature lets numerous people collaborate on the same Visio diagram. Each reviewer's contributions are made clear to the other reviewers and the person who ultimately has to incorporate all revisions back into the original file. When completed, customers can import and export Visio diagrams in a variety of formats, such as Scalable Vector Graphics and CAD files  (Source: Lafe Low , Redmond Channel Partner Online)

Acer Unveils 4 New TravelMate Desktop Replacement Notebook Series

The TravelMate C210 is a convertible Tablet PC that addresses professional users who need dockability, mobility and versatility in an innovative system. Blending efficient computing and advanced technology, the TravelMate C210 delivers solid performance thanks to Intel Core 2 Duo processor and a different Tablet PC experience through a patented sliding mechanism that converts the tablet into a notebook by simply lifting the LCD module from close to 125 degree over the keyboard surface. The TravelMate C210, with reduced dimensions and 2 kg in weight, offers desktop PC versatility through the Acer ezDock II.

The TravelMate C210 series also integrates the new Acer Soft Button, a software utility designed for Tablet PC users. Especially useful when an Acer convertible Tablet PC is in tablet mode and the launch buttons and hot keys cannot be easily reached, The Acer Soft Button provides rapid software launches, fast Internet and email access, easy system configuration and quick and effective adjustments to the connectivity options.  (Source: IT News Online Staff)
Posted Thursday, October 26, 2006 by ChrisD
Rating: 3.06 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments (0)

Microsoft, Industry Partners Offer Early Holiday Gifts to PC Buyers Around the World

Microsoft working with PC manufacturers and system builders to provide holiday PC buyers with low-cost upgrades to Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office release.

REDMOND, Wash. — Oct. 24, 2006 — Microsoft Corp. today announced programs to provide holiday shoppers with low-cost upgrades to Windows Vista™ and the 2007 Microsoft^® Office release with the purchase of a new Windows Vista Capable personal computer. Microsoft is working with participating computer manufacturers and system builders that plan to sell PCs loaded with Windows^® XP or pre-installed with 2003 Microsoft Office software to make the Express Upgrade to Windows Vista and Microsoft Office Technology Guarantee programs available to consumers and small businesses from Oct. 26, 2006, through March 15, 2007.

“Our customers can shop for a new PC with confidence this holiday season because of the Express Upgrade to Windows Vista and Office Technology Guarantee programs,” said Mike Sievert, corporate vice president of Windows Client Marketing at Microsoft. “These programs ensure people will have a great experience with their Windows XP-based PCs today, and an even better one when Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office release become available.”

A number of computer manufacturers worldwide have confirmed plans to participate in the Express Upgrade to Windows Vista program. PCs carrying the Windows Vista Capable logo may be eligible for the program, but upgrade offers will vary among PC makers. The upgrade to Windows Vista may be offered for free or at a discounted price (shipping and handling charges may also apply), and customers should check with PC makers for their specific offers. Consumers can also visit http://www.windowsvista.com/expressupgrade for more information.

Microsoft will be working with participating smaller PC makers, known as system builders, to provide customers with upgrade discount coupons for Windows Vista with the purchase of a qualifying Windows Vista Capable PC. The offer will vary by region, but in the U.S. upgrades from Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 to Windows Vista Home Premium, and upgrades from Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition to Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Business 64, will be offered for a nominal fee. Upgrades from Windows XP Home Edition to Windows Vista Home Basic and to Windows Vista Home Premium will be offered at a 50 percent discount from the boxed product upgrade price, plus the cost of shipping and handling.

Microsoft will also enable customers to upgrade to comparable editions of the 2007 Microsoft Office release when they purchase PCs pre-installed with qualifying Microsoft Office 2003 software. For Microsoft Office purchases made through participating computer manufacturers in qualifying locations, customers will receive upgrades to comparable 2007 Microsoft Office release products for the cost of shipping and handling when the product becomes available. For purchases of Microsoft Office through a system builder, customers will need to provide valid proof of purchase and cover shipping and handling costs associated with the upgrade. Customers in North America will receive a coupon with the purchase that must also be submitted.

Similar programs are available on a region-by-region basis for Microsoft Office 2003 and Windows XP boxed product. Customers should check with their local retailers to learn more about specific programs.

For all holiday purchases of machines loaded with Windows XP, Microsoft recommends that buyers consider Windows Vista Capable PCs that are designated Premium Ready, and specifically such PCs loaded with Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition or Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005. PCs that are designated as Premium Ready can deliver the core Windows Vista experiences, plus features such as the Windows Aero™ user experience and Media Center.* For more information about what version of Windows Vista is right for them, buyers can visit http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/capable.mspx.

“Dell customers can rest easy knowing that the Windows Vista™ Capable PCs they buy from Dell now and during the holidays are ready to run the operating system when it becomes available. An investment in a Dell desktop or notebook now will continue to pay off in the future.”

- John Medica, Senior Vice President, Dell Product Group
Dell Inc.

“Customers in the market for a notebook PC this holiday season should take comfort in knowing that Fujitsu already offers a complete line of Windows Vista Capable and Premium Ready PCs. By purchasing a Fujitsu LifeBook notebook that carries the Windows Vista Capable and Premium Ready label, they are protecting their investment because they can be confident that the notebook is ready for Windows Vista and eligible for an upgrade to Windows Vista when it is available.”

- Paul Moore, Senior Director, Mobile Product Marketing
Fujitsu Computer Systems Corp.

“Gateway Windows Vista Capable and Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs come with the assurance that they can be upgraded to Windows Vista, thanks to Microsoft’s new Windows Vista Express Upgrade program. We’re pleased to be able to assure our customers that the Gateway Windows Vista Capable and Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs they purchase for the holiday season will also let them experience the many benefits of Windows Vista when it’s available.”

- Kenneth Walker, Chief Technologist
Gateway Inc.

“HP and Microsoft are committed to developing technologies that provide new ways to experience life, so HP has chosen to provide customers shopping this holiday season with the opportunity to fully experience the benefits of the upcoming Windows Vista platform for free on select HP systems, through the new Windows Vista Express Upgrade Program. HP engineers have worked extensively with Microsoft to develop Windows Vista, so customers can have the same level of confidence in their Windows® experience as they do in their HP technology, and the assurance that every aspect of the computing experience will be more satisfying, more relevant, more valuable and even easier to use than ever before.”

- Mike Larson, Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Americas
Personal Systems Group
HP

“Sony is committed to providing our customers with the best PC experience possible, and as such will be strongly supporting the Windows Vista Express Upgrade campaign by offering a free upgrade to the appropriate version of Windows Vista across our line of eligible VAIO computers.”

- Mike Abary, Vice President of VAIO Product Marketing
Sony Electronics in the United States

“Toshiba is poised to support Microsoft’s initiative by offering a variety of Windows Vista Capable and Windows Vista Premium Ready notebook computers to foster an effortless transition to the new operating system for our customers.”

- Terry Cronin, Director of Marketing, Digital Products Division
Toshiba America Information Systems  (Source: Press Release)

Too Much of a Good Thing?

With a 14-inch widescreen display, a full-size keyboard and the latest Intel processor, Gateway's M285-E tablet PC is a machine for users who don't want to make sacrifices to have tablet functionality.

The M285-E may provide too much of everything, though. The screen provided plenty of real estate for jotting down notes or for drawing during eWeek Labs' tests, but the system's size and weight—a bulky 7.3 pounds—made it cumbersome to use in tablet format. In fact, the unit was much easier to use as a desktop replacement or in our laps.

Nonetheless, with Intel's Core 2 Duo processor and graphics capabilities from ATI Technologies' PCI Express card, the system will provide plenty of performance. (Source: Anne Chen, eWeek Channel Insider)
Posted Thursday, October 26, 2006 by ChrisD
Rating: 3.19 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments (0)

Tabletology reviews Electrovaya Scribbler SC 3100, Part 2: pen and paper

The Scribbler has the feeling of a hefty notepad lying on the knee. It’s a larger unit than the TC1100, with a 12.4" screen instead of the 10.4" we’ve had to accustom ourselves to in the last two years. The fact that the TC1100 does the smaller screen with the same number of pixels gives it a super-crisp visual appeal that we love, but there is a lot to be said for having that much more screen. I (Lyn) found myself reaching for the Scribbler to read and take notes over the TC1100 during its visit to our house, in order to have that extra space. And you get it for almost the same weight–3.5 lbs for the Scribbler vs. 2.9 lbs in the slate mode for the TC1100.

It writes a little different from the TC1100. It makes a scribble scribble sound, consistent with the name ‘Scribbler.’ We liked the drag and the nice feel of friction of the pen on paper, compared to the glossy feel of the TC1100 (of which we’ve never been great fans). I also picked it up for notetaking during its visit to enjoy the feel of the stylus on the screen. (Source: Lyn, Tabletology)
Posted Tuesday, October 24, 2006 by ChrisD
Rating: 3.17 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments (0)

Automated Benefits Corp. Receives 2006 Mobile Star Awards

Symbility Mobile Claims Solution Recognized in Categories of Best Tablet PC Application and Best Enterprise Software for Field Inspections

Symbility Solutions Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Automated Benefits Corp. (TSX VENTURE:AUT), today announced it received two Mobile Star AwardsTM from Mobile Village® for its Symbility mobile claimsTM solution. The product received a Gold Star award for best Tablet PC Application and a Bright Star award in the Field Inspections Software category.

"Mobile technology is improving business processes in every industry today, and the Symbility mobile claims solution demonstrates tremendous value for the insurance market," said Gary Thayer, Go Mobile editor and Mobile Star Awards coordinator. "The field requirements of this market make it particularly suited for mobile solutions that help improve efficiencies, and Symbility is clearly a leader in this space."

The Symbility mobile claims solution empowers adjusters and contractors in the property and casualty insurance market to process claims more rapidly and accurately. The solution allows claims to be processed completely onsite using a Tablet PC.

"This award provides validation that Symbility's mobile technology excels in improving communication and efficiency for field workers in any industry considering that these awards were not limited to insurance," said James Swayze, CEO of Symbility Solutions. "This supports our efforts as we explore expanding the utility of our core product into other markets beyond the insurance space."

The 2006 Mobile Star Awards showcases leading mobile solutions in a variety of categories. Mobile Star Awards winners are selected by subscribers to Go Mobile®, MobileVillage's free e-newsletter that is read by mobile technology executives, buyers, IT managers, developers, enthusiasts, and top tech journalists. The full list of 2006 Mobile Star Awards winners can be found at http://www.mobilevillage.com/awards.htm.
(Source: Press Release)
Posted Tuesday, October 24, 2006 by ChrisD
Rating: 3.2 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments (0)

Mobile Village 2006 Mobile Star Awards

Hardware: Business Class Notebook

• Gold Star: Gateway - Gateway M285-E

Hardware: Rugged Tablet PC

• Gold Star: Xplore Technologies - Xplore iX104

• Gold Star (tie): Mindjet - MindManager Pro 6
• Gold Star (tie): Symbility Solutions - Symbility Mobile Claims

Meyer Sound reinforces Dalai Lama

For the Dalai Lama's appearance in front of a 14,000-strong audience in Vancouver's General Motors Place, Audio Image Canada (AIC) supplied a system comprising Meyer Sound's MILO family loudspeakers: the high-power curvilinear array loudspeaker, 120 high-power expanded coverage curvilinear array loudspeaker, MICA compact high-power curvilinear array loudspeaker, and the new M'elodie ultracompact high-power curvilinear array loudspeaker.

The AIC team began by scoping out the system design using Meyer Sound's MAPP Online Pro acoustical prediction software. "MAPP is powerful and accurate," says AIC head engineer Mark LeCorre. "First we worked out the design in MAPP, then my system engineer Jamie Howieson and I spent a lot of time walking every part of the room with a WiFi-enabled tablet PC that controlled our system processor, making adjustments, and using our ears as well as the measurement tools. We worked very hard to get the coverage dead even, because with an event like this one you want every word heard, and if somebody's sitting in the one seat that happens to be a dead spot, it's no good."  (Source: Jim Evans, L&SiOnline)

Toshiba Tecra M7 Tablet PC - Our Full Review

Editor's Note: - we took a unique approach in working with the Toshiba M7 Tablet PC. Our co-author, Jermaine Whitaker is a High School Teacher and Football Coach. Jermaine worked with the M7 extensively as a first time Tablet PC user. Throughout the review you will be able to read Jermaine's unique take and his views on how everything worked out diving into the Tablet PC platform with the M7. Enjoy!

(view large image)


First Words

Jermaine: I must say that this is my first time using a Tablet PC and I love everything about it. The Tecra M7 is a powerful convertible notebook computer that is great for editing photos and taking notes easily (when the Tecra M7 is in Tablet PC mode). After using the Tecra M7 it has been a tough transition back to the conventional notebook PC for me. 

Barry: The innovations Toshiba has made since the Tecra M4 Tablet PC are very impressive. At this point I find the M7 to be the best Tablet PC convertible in its respectable class (the 14.1" screen/desktop replacement).
  (Source: Jermaine Whitaker & Barry J. Doyle, TabletPCReviewSpot.com)

LG XNote C1 and A1 Laptops

That's what I'm talking about: laptops with WiBro, HSDPA and DMB support. LG unveiled two new laptops that pack a punch with its connectivity features. The LG Xnote A1 (laptop) and Xnote C1 (tablet PC) are portable with a capital P.

Featuring a 1.2GHz Intel Core Duo processor, the graphics is handled by a GeForce 7300 Go with 64MB dedicated video memory, and offers WXGA resolution on the tiny 10.6" display. (Source: MobileWhack)
Posted Monday, October 23, 2006 by ChrisD
Rating: 3.06 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments (0)

Win an Anywhere Map EFB System — With Tablet PC!

Get a chance to win a new complete Anywhere Map electronic flight bag (EFB) by entering our giveaway on flyingmag.com. No purchase is necessary, and the official rules can be found on the website. The contest runs from October 20 through November 22.

The EFB features Anywhere Map's moving map software, including its two most popular utilities, Weather and Pocket Plates, all displayed on a Motion Computing LS800 tablet computer with a 30 GB hard drive. The system makes use of a wireless Bluetooth XM Weather receiver and antenna and a Bluetooth GPS receiver, and includes mounting hardware for the computer and the receiver/antennas. It comes with 12-month subscriptions to software updates, Pocket Plates approach charts and flight data updates, as well as the XM Weather activation. (Source: Flying Magazine)
Posted Monday, October 23, 2006 by ChrisD
Rating: 3 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments (0)

Agopc Introduces the ago7 UMPC

The ago7 is a small communications device, but as a Microsoft-spec UMPC, it runs the same Windows XP applications used on a desktop or laptop PC.

The company says it is the lowest-priced UMPC currently available, at US$799 in the U.S. The specifications include 512MB RAM, 40GB HDD, 7-inch touchscreen interface, Wi-Fi connectivity, two USB ports, all in addition to the Bluetooth wireless technology. (Source: GeekZone)
Posted Monday, October 23, 2006 by ChrisD
Rating: 3.07 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments (1)