News Week of January 28, 2007

The TabletPc2.com  Tablet PC Quick Compare Pages Have been Updated to Include the Newest Tablet PCs Available with the Windows Vista Operating System

The TabletPC2.com  Tablet PC Quick Compare  has been updated to include the newest Tablet PCs that are available with the Vista Operating System.  (Source: Linda A. Epstein, TabletPC2.com)
Posted Friday, February 2, 2007 by ChrisD
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"Origami Experience" Puts Vista on a UMPC Tablet

Microsoft has made available the "Origami Experience," a free software customization package to adapt UMPC tablets to Windows Vista. Let's be clear: the 15.1MB download requires an UltraMobile PC running Windows Vista, which puts this into a rather tiny little niche at this point. It unpacks to about 100MB of hard drive space.

Here's how Microsoft describes it, from the Origami blog the team posted during the time of the CES 2007 show: "The purpose of Origami Experience is to deliver a great device-like media interface on your UMPC. It also allows you to quickly access other applications on your UMPC such as Windows Switcher, Mobility Center, Wireless Connectivity and all your installed programs."  (Source: Mark Hachman , AppScout)

Turbocharging the Tablet Computer

Since its much hyped release more than four years ago, the Tablet PC has been mainly a curiosity, popular on some college campuses and in a few industries and ignored everywhere else. The software, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, wasn't very good, and the Tablets themselves were short on performance. Windows Vista has changed that in a big way.

The Tablet software, which lets you replace the mouse and keyboard with a pen and allows you to write or draw directly on the screen, gets two critical improvements in Vista. First, handwriting recognition actually works, meaning that you rarely have to resort to the clunky on-screen keyboard.

Second, Microsoft has finally realized that a pen is different from a mouse. When you're working with the pen, a little dot on the screen tells you where the pen is pointing, rather than a big mouse arrow that gets in the way. And you can use pen-stroke gestures -- Microsoft calls them flicks -- for common navigation and editing moves. For example, a quick upward flick on a long Web page moves it up, as though you had spun the wheel on a scroll mouse. A flick to the upper left will delete a selection.   (Source: Stephen H. Wildstrom, Top Tech News)

PhatWare Releases PenCommander 2.0

Upgraded version now supports Windows Vista and provides users with new PenCommander skins and an improved scripting engine

PhatWare Corporation, a leading provider of software products and professional services for mobile and desktop computers, announces the release of PenCommander 2.0 for Windows Vista-based Tablet and Ultra Mobile PCs. PenCommander is a system utility application that features a powerful scripting technology and is now enhanced to support the Windows Vista operating system.

PenCommander allows users to employ the pen to call up commands that can control Tablet PCs and UMPCs in almost limitless ways, such as editing documents, inserting often-repeated text into documents and launching applications. PenCommander scripts are executed by writing a PenCommand name on the PenCommander input panel. PenCommander is the best tool for entering repetitive data, accessing frequently used applications and documents, inserting time, date and signature, and overall extending Tablet PC functionality and user's productivity. It provides a simple and fast way to access functions that typically take longer to complete.

“Windows Vista and the 2007 Office system will create a platform for the next generation of user experiences, and we are excited to see the industry come together like never before around these products,” said Brad Goldberg, general manager for Windows.  “By working closely with partners such as PhatWare, we are able to provide consumers worldwide an experience that is easier, safer, more entertaining and better connected whether at home, at work, or on the go.”

PenCommander 2.0 now supports Windows Vista and includes an updated scripting engine, which allows for new user-level functions and improved performance. Commonly used keyboard shortcuts and PenCommands can now be assigned to single stroke gestures. The application supports 32 gestures. PenCommander also provides users with the ability to select a handwriting recognition engine, which is useful if multiple languages are being used.

PenCommander 2.0 has a new customizable user interface for Visual PenCommander, which provides an IDE-like environment for creating and testing new PenCommander scripts. PenCommander's input panel can be made semi-transparent, allowing a user to view other applications' windows under the panel. New skins are also available for PenCommander 2.0.

“We always strive to leverage the latest technologies to give our users the ability to take advantage of the newest features on the market. As Tablet and UltraMobile PC users upgrade to Windows Vista, PhatWare is excited to have the opportunity to help them control their devices in nearly endless ways with the recent PenCommander improvements,” said PhatWare President Stan Miasnikov.

PenCommander 2.0 for Tablet PCs and UMPCs is priced at $29.95, and it can be purchased directly from the PhatWare Web site or any of PhatWare's network of authorized retailers. Registered users of previous versions of PhatPad can upgrade the product at no cost. For more information about PenCommander 2.0 or any of PhatWare's other productivity solutions for mobile and desktop computing, visit www.phatware.com.  (Source: Press Release)

The Third Annual Faculty Technology Showcase

In addition to the keynote address, workshops were conducted on topics such as the usage of the Blackboard System, Developing an Effective Powerpoint Presentation and Smartboard and Sympodium, along with faculty presentations and a pod cast demonstration. Faculty presentations sessions were conducted by Amy Eugchi, Division of Education (Educational Robotics in College Classroom) Robert Bunch, Division of Humanities and Kenneth Myers, Division of Natural Sciences and Math (Using Tablet PC in Classroom); Patricia Arteaga, Peter Beltran, Sheldon Channer and Anil Chandiramani from the Department of Center for Academic Development (CAD Live Tutorial Services); Denise Bane, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences (Psychology of the Internet: An Examination of an Online Course); Laura Nova, Division of Creative Arts and Technology (Killing Time: Using Time Based Media in the Classroom)and Jeanne Nutter, Division of Humanities (How the College Internet Radio Station Can Work for You.)  (Source: Taneesha Bryant/ Regina Orsogna, Blooomfield College)

Nokia's New and Novel N800

The Good: Pocket-size. Offers Net access, Web calling, and other features over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connections

The Bad: Short battery life. Bluetooth connection can't be established with all phones. Screen smudges easily

The Bottom Line: Lots of good features if you're looking for a device to complement your laptop and cell phone  (Source: Olga Kharif , BusinessWeek)

Review: Toshiba Portege R400 with Vista Ultimate too expensive

On such a pricey and otherwise cutting-edge laptop, we expected more ports and slots, including FireWire, a media card reader, and an ExpressCard slot. Networking equipment includes a Gigabit Ethernet jack, integrated 802.11b/g wireless, and built-in EV-DO from Verizon Wireless (which requires a separate subscription).

Toshiba's proprietary connection utility makes setting up the EV-DO signal almost completely painless.

Given its $3,500 price, we were somewhat disappointed with the components on our review unit. While definitely small, the Portege R400 is not an ultraportable system, so we could reasonably expect an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, not a slower Core Duo (in this case the ultralow-voltage 1.2GHz U2500).   (Source: Dan Ackerman, CNET.com, CNN)

FranklinCovey Announces Gadget for Windows Vista SideShow and Releases Gadget for Windows Vista Sidebar

PlanPlus™ for Microsoft Outlook and PlanPlus™ for Windows Updated for Windows Vista and Microsoft Office Outlook 2007

FranklinCovey (NYSE:FC) today announced it will release the FranklinCovey Task List Gadget for Windows SideShow in March 2007. It also released the FranklinCovey Task List Gadget for Windows Sidebar today.

Additionally, FranklinCovey has updated its award-winning productivity software applications, PlanPlus v.5.1 for Windows (available now) and PlanPlus v.4.1 for Microsoft Outlook (planned release February 2007), for Windows Vista compliance. Both applications are based on the FranklinCovey Planning System and assist desktop, notebook or Tablet PC users in better managing their time and focusing on top priorities for increased overall effectiveness.

The FranklinCovey Task List Gadget for Windows Sidebar is a mini-application that enables users to quickly view their PlanPlus for Windows (available now) or PlanPlus for Microsoft Outlook (available February 2007) task list within the Windows Vista Sidebar. Users can add and sort tasks by rank and priority using the FranklinCovey planning methodology. The FranklinCovey Task List Gadget is always visible on the desktop, so users always know what task they must complete next. The gadget for sidebar and PlanPlus applications were created with development partner, Agilix®.

The FranklinCovey Task List Gadget for Windows SideShow is a mini-application which allows users immediate access to their FranklinCovey Task List whether their PC is on, off or in sleep mode – increasing productivity and saving time and battery life. It will update a Windows SideShow-compatible device with the information from the FranklinCovey Task List Gadget running on the PC. Some Windows SideShow-compatible devices include laptops with a secondary or auxiliary display, keyboards, LCD display casings, digital picture frames, remote controls, PDAs and cell phones. The Windows SideShow application was created in collaboration with the Microsoft Mobile and Tailored Platforms Division.

The FranklinCovey Task List Gadget for Windows Sidebar is now included with the 30-day trial or purchase of FranklinCovey’s PlanPlus v.5.1 for Windows and will be included with the 30-day trial or purchase of PlanPlus v.4.1 for Microsoft Outlook in February 2007. The FranklinCovey Task List Gadget for Windows SideShow will be included with the 30-day trial or purchase of FranklinCovey’s PlanPlus v.5.1 for Windows and PlanPlus v.4.1 for Microsoft Outlook in February 2007.

“FranklinCovey is pleased to have worked with Microsoft to create our FranklinCovey Task List Gadget for Windows SideShow,” said Jeff Anderson, Senior Vice President of Product Management for FranklinCovey. “This integral component of FranklinCovey’s planning methodology allows users to organize their most vital tasks by ABC rank and 123 priority, whether or not they are connected to their PC, saving valuable time and increasing individual productivity.”

“Microsoft is excited to have collaborated with world-renowned productivity expert, FranklinCovey, to create the Task List Gadget for Windows SideShow,” said Brad Goldberg, general manager for Windows Client at Microsoft Corp. “This mini-application, in combination with PlanPlus for Microsoft Outlook and PlanPlus for Microsoft Windows, marries the millions of Microsoft customers with the renowned FranklinCovey planning principles that have helped businesses and individuals for years to better focus and execute on their highest priorities.”

PlanPlus for Microsoft Outlook seamlessly integrates the proven planning methods from FranklinCovey within Microsoft Office Outlook 2007. It features a user interface that mirrors FranklinCovey’s paper planner for managing calendar, tasks, contacts and notes. It also features a simple, user-friendly Project Manager which integrates with the FranklinCovey Daily Task List, generates e-mail project reports, allows task delegation, and supports customizable columns to view priority, flags, owner, category, and more. The software syncs information to FranklinCovey handheld applications for Windows Mobile-based and Palm devices.

PlanPlus for Microsoft Outlook allows users to drag and drop tasks, appointments and notes within the different PlanPlus modules for increased productivity. It also includes digital ink support so Tablet PC users can take notes in their own handwriting within the PowerNotes note-taking and note management module. Traditional FranklinCovey Planning Page users can print information from Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 and PlanPlus to all four FranklinCovey Planning Page sizes.

PlanPlus for Windows

PlanPlus for Windows is a stand-alone electronic planning system for desktop, notebook, Tablet PC or Ultra Mobile PC users who are looking for an alternative to Microsoft Office Outlook. The software manages calendar, tasks, contacts and notes using the familiar layout and functionality of the FranklinCovey Paper Planning System. It features digital ink support throughout the application, including handwriting to text conversion and resizable objects and drawings; a tabbed filing system for notes and information; a customizable user interface which utilizes drag-and-drop functionality to customize the workspace; full category support for tasks, appointments, contacts and notes; and FranklinCovey handheld applications for Palm devices.

The software also offers synchronization to Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 and traditional FranklinCovey Planning Page users can print information from PlanPlus to all four FranklinCovey Planning Page sizes.

Both applications are available in 88 FranklinCovey retail stores, by calling 800-819-1812, or by visiting www.franklincovey.com/vista, where users can also download a free 30-day trial. Suggested retail is $99.95 for either PlanPlus for Microsoft Outlook or PlanPlus for Windows. A free update is available for users who own PlanPlus v.4 for Microsoft Outlook or PlanPlus v.5 for Windows. Site licensing and quantity discounts are also available.

For system requirements please visit www.franklincovey.com/vista.   (Source: Press Release)

Sony to ship Vaio UMPC in February

Sony will ship in the UK in February a new Vaio ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) weighing just 450g and running Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system. The device carries a hefty price tag owing to use of Flash storage in place of a hard drive, but could still appeal to mobile professionals and vertical markets where portability is key.

The Vaio VGN-UX1XN, available from 12 February, weighs 480g and has a 4.5in 1024 x 600 touch-screen that slides up to reveal a small qwerty keyboard. With 1GB of memory, the mini Vaio is capable of running Windows Vista, and has 802.11a/b/g wireless and Bluetooth for connectivity.  (Source: Daniel Robinson, IT Week)

Asus R2H Ultra-Mobile PC

The good: Large 7-inch screen; good battery life; built-in GPS.

The bad: Bigger and heavier than other UMPC systems; underpowered CPU; difficult to input text.

The bottom line: The Asus R2H is too big to be truly ultramobile, but its relatively large screen and decent battery make it good for on-the-go Web surfing and media playing, even if the onscreen keyboard is a chore to use.   (Source: Dan Ackerman, CNet)

HP Readies New Vista Family Touch-Screen PC

The TouchSmart, which would ship with the Home Premium edition of Vista, includes a 19-inch touch screen that provides an electronic alternative to Post-it notes and magnet-held messages families often place on refrigerator doors. In addition, the device has an integrated personal video recorder to play and record TV programming.

The computer is preloaded with applications for organizing photos, music, and video. The touch-screen capabilities are meant to replace many of the mouse functions, and make it possible for children, including preschoolers, to use the computers. "It's a lot more intuitive [than a mouse]," Ann Finnie, spokeswoman for HP consumer PCs, says. "It's opening a new computer paradigm." For example, people can crop and change the size of pictures, and perform other editing functions, using their fingers.  (Source: Antone Gonsalves, InformationWeek )

Microsoft Kills Origami, Presents Vistagami

Microsoft Corp., the pioneer behind the Ultra Mobile PC movement (Origami), is more or less killing the original concept and coming up with a more upbeat version. The primary reason, according to Microsoft and its partners, was the price and availability issues, which is a catch-22 problem. Very few consumers actually bought the units at such high price tags, and until the price tag reached more reasonable levels, third party manufacturers couldn’t produce enough units to cut prices.   (Source:  Gundeep Hora, CoolTechZone)
Posted Tuesday, January 30, 2007 by ChrisD
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Gates savors what could be his last big launch

"Gates: Well it's fun when I get to go out to schools and see kids using it in ways I wouldn't have expected. My daughter is at a school where they use laptop computers and I've always believed in that Tablet [PC] concept. But to sit there and see her inking out her homework -- and, you know, she mails me what are called journal files that shows how she does on the quiz. It's pretty neat to see the technology at work. "

"I'm a big Tablet user, which, you know that market has grown a lot. It's millions. It's still not mainstream, but there's a ton of tablet improvements in Vista and so we're trying to drive to the point where it's common sense that you don't need textbooks, just every student has that. I think this is a significant step in moving us in that direction. "

"We have areas like Tablet or security where we're kind of out on our own leading the way. We have areas like search where somebody else has done good work or like in video games or in media devices. We're just taking our software-centric way of looking at things and seeing where we can actually bring new competition and do neat new things for end users. "  (Source: Benjamin J. Romano, The Seattle Times)

HP's new twist on the Tablet PC

In an interview with ZDNet Australia, Stacy Wolff, director of Notebook Design for HP's Personal Systems Group, described the tx1000 as "the Tablet PC, simplified".

"It's really a PC with touch technology which just happens to be in a notebook or tablet form factor. When you get into the Tablet PC with digitisers and all that stuff you ... you start to get into unique applications, and it requires a little bit more of an experienced user to understand that technology."   (Source: David Flynn, ZDNet Australia)

Electronic Flight Bags (EFB) Part Of Flight Training At Daniel Webster College

Every flight instructor has been issued a HP Compaq combination laptop/tablet PC that will be used to access individual computer-based flight schedules and students records, and to document training in real-time during a flight lesson.

As EFBs, the computers hold valuable information, documents, and procedure manuals that can be readily accessed in flight.

"One of the principal steps in this project is to allow us to further develop and refine Computer-Based Training Systems that we are implementing in our aviation programs," said DWC Director of Flight Operations Stephen K. Brown. "Students and instructors will have ever increasing interactive computer-based training systems that will incorporate all of the senses, not just the traditional 'reading from a book.'"  (Source: Aero-News.net)

Installing Windows Vista on an HP TC1100 Tablet PC

Today I upgraded an HP TC1100 Tablet PC from Windows XP SP2 to Windows Vista. The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor let me know that a couple applications that were installed should be uninstalled before the upgrade process started and that the system was able to handle Windows Vista Business or Ultimate Edition. So, I uninstalled Nero Essentials 7, as the advisor recommended. I also uninstalled the upgrade advisor itself. The advisor also recommended that I upgrade the graphics card, which is a bit difficult on a notebook, but ignoring that advice I proceded with the installation.

Upgrading the TC1100 to Windows Vista completed 2 hours and 15 minutes later. The wireless network was already functioning by the time login to the admin account was completed and Windows Update was downloading 4 updates. The four user accounts appear to be as they were in Windows XP SP2 and family photos and files all look safe. No pound signs in the Device Manager. Yes, all-in-all the upgrade to Windows Vista was a very simple experience.   (Source: Lora, WhatIsNew)