News Week of February 4, 2007

Tablet PC Road Show

Allegiance Technology and Active Ink Software are taking their show on the road to demonstrate Tablet PC solutions.

See the latest Tablet PCs from major manufacturers.

• Toshiba
• Lenovo
• Fujitsu
• Motion Computing
• TabletKiosk

Talk to experts who have experience implementing Tablet PC solutions.
See Tablet PC software applications in practice.

Date: February 15th, 2007
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 pm
Hyatt Regency Orange County
11999 Harbor Boulevard
Garden Grove, CA 92840
714.750-1234  (Source: Press Release)

Toshiba edge display, Latch less lid, Sturdy and sleek design

The Portege R400 tablet PC brings to the market some innovative technology thanks to the collaboration of Microsoft and Toshiba and shows off some of the new features of the Windows Vista operating system. A front "Edge Display" for synchronised email and calendar information joins a list of promising features, though the more exciting thing is the Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) for wireless DVI and wireless port replication.

Unfortunately, this iteration of the R400 doesn't actually support the UWB interface, but Toshiba has said they will likely offer a trade-in scheme at some point in the future. This is because, at this time, the technology isn't accessible in this country, and won't be until UWB has been approved in Australia, which could take some time. Once it is in place the Portege R400 will automatically dock wirelessly with a desktop monitor and peripherals when within range of the wireless hub. At this stage no price has been set for the hub, however, Toshiba say it's likely to be in the region of $350.   (Source: Jess Sutton, Australian PC World)

Ireland's National Concert Hall Chooses Midas and Klark Teknik Show Command for New Monitor System

 "My request from the NCH was for a state of the art monitor system which used a Midas console, but could have a degree of digital automation and some form of wireless control," says Sound Communications' Alan Murphy. "At the first meeting I mentioned the Klark Teknik Show Command system, which brings all these elements together, allowing the engineer to walk around and EQ the stage with a wireless tablet computer running Klark Teknik's ELGAR software. I told them it was a fantastic system, and fortunately they agreed and bought one!"
   The NCH's system consists of the Midas Siena together with a KT DN9331 Rapide graphic controller which gives direct access to the functions of KT digital EQs, providing instant recall of fader positions via 31 long travel motorised faders; three KT DN9344E quad equalisers and two KT Square ONE Dynamics units. Wireless control of the system is provided by KT's proprietary ELGAR software, available as a free download. The three amplifier racks are each run by a KT DN9848E System Controller to provide 12 bi-amped wedge monitor mixs, again all under Elgar control.
   Midas' STS function, which is available on the Siena, Legend, Heritage and XL8 consoles, allows monitor engineers at the NCH to gain access to the EQ curves displayed on the Rapide, or as an option on a wireless tablet PC, by hitting the solo buttons on the console, giving them complete control of all the EQ functions for that output.  (Source: Entertainment Technology Press)
Posted Friday, February 9, 2007 by ChrisD
Rating: 3.11 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments (0)

Fujitsu LifeBook P1610 Review

To be sure, this design is not for everyone. But there is so much functionality and usability packed into the Fujitsu LifeBook P1610 that it should make anyone shopping for an Ultra-Mobile PC think twice. Road warriors won't hesitate tossing it into their bags and taking it with them everywhere. And so what if fellow passengers call it "cute?"   (Source: Steve Smith, Laptop.com)
Posted Thursday, February 8, 2007 by ChrisD
Rating: 2.97 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments (0)

Designing with the consumer in mind

While regular Tablet PCs come with touchsensitive screens, what's special about the one on the tx1000 is that it doesn't require a digitiser pen to work. 

Instead users can now use any blunt penlike tool (a stylus is included) or even their finger to activate applications on the notebook. 

"For the vertical segment such medical institutions where they have preset applications, a digitiser is still an important feature but when we are looking at the consumer segment, a touchscreen feature was actually opening up a new intuitive interface," said HP's personal systems group director of notebook design Stacy Wolff.   (Source: The Star Tech Online)

Toshiba firms enterprise tablet commitment

"We have corporates that have ordered 500 tablets," he said.

The Protege R400 does resemble a notebook, but the lid is easily swiveled and folded to turn it into Toshiba's fifth tablet PC on the market.

"It may seem like a simple concept to have display where you can view e-mails and calendar appointments without opening, but this represents a leap forward in productivity for the mobile user," Whittard said.  (Source: Rodney Gedda, ComputerWorld)

The Able TableKiosk eo i7210

The Good: Small, easy-to-use; powerful chip, ample storage; range of media options; multiple Net connections

The Bad: Pricey, short battery life

The Bottom Line: You get what you pay for in this full-featured tablet PC  (Source: Olga Kharif, BusinessWeek)

New Tablet PC Will Turn Heads

Not surprisingly, tablet computers have not taken off in Australia. With 5% penertration Vs 15% in the USA many including Toshiba are blaming a lack of education by Companies like Microsoft.

At $3,500 the R400 is a tad pricey however it does have a 12.1-in., wide-screen display, which, aside from being a touchscreen, is also extremely bright and relatively low-power, since it's backlit with LEDs. It converts quickly and securely from laptop to tablet, with a hinge that only swivels when the screen is at a 90-degree angle.

The problem with the R400—and it's a big one—is the price: It starts at $3,500, and heads rapidly north of $4,000. so if you love all things new grab one. It will turn heads.  (Source: David Richards, SmartHouse)

Input/Output

CANADIAN ART TECHNOLOGY

Ottawa-based Corel is beefing up its software portfolio. Founded in 1985, the original party-throwing graphics software company was privatized by Vector Capital. It's now a publicly traded world-class company, that has announced a next-gen drawing program.

- PainterX, $429 for full, $229 for upgrade and $99 for the education edition (in both U.S. and Canadian funds -- we get a break) features human-like brush controls when using a pressure-sensitive stylus and tablet (consumer models start at $100.) It's available now as a free beta trial online at www.corel.ca in English. Other languages are coming in the spring. PainterX features a RealBristle Painting System. Painter Product Manager Rick Champage put it best. "Imagine walking into an art supply store section where they keep the brushes. Flat, round, or soft fan brushes -- they're all there. They capture the subtle movements of their hand, letting the artist create a truly expressive brush stroke." I tried it on a Tablet PC and was amazed with how real the digital brush feels, sensing every slight angle, direction, pressure and twist of my stylus. Now Corel needs to work on sound and scratch-'n'-sniff screen effects for an over-the-top experience. Made in Canada, nice. www.corel.ca   (Source: Steve Makris, Edmonton Journal)

TabletKiosk™ Introduces Its New Sahara Slate PC® Line of Tablet PCs

Three New Models Feature Sleek Form Factor and Faster Processors

TabletKiosk, a leader in mobile computing solutions, today announced the launch of the Sahara Slate PC i400 series, the company’s newest generation of Tablet PCs featuring both Active Digitizer (Pen) and Touch Screen input. Completely redesigned for 2007, the new Sahara series includes three models which share the same sleek exterior styling, technology platform, I/O feature set and full range of optional accessories.

Sahara Slate PC i412T is the entry level touch screen model featuring a lower power, lower cost Intel® Celeron® M ULV 423 processor. The Sahara Slate PC i412T sports a wide-angle view passive resistive touch screen, perfect for accessing menu driven software such as Point of Sale applications and kiosk-based systems, and comes pre-loaded with Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista Business or Linux.

For a more powerful touch screen solution, the Sahara Slate PC i440T features Intel® Centrino™ Duo Mobile Technology with an Intel® Core™ Duo LV L2500 processor, the same wide-angle view touch screen and also either Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista Business or Linux. For maximum productivity, the Sahara Slate PC i440T is the most powerful slate style touch screen Tablet PC currently available.

For the ultimate Tablet PC experience, the Sahara Slate PC i440D, powered by Intel® Centrino™ Duo Mobile Technology with an Intel® Core™ Duo LV L2500 processor, features a revolutionary new input screen that converts from a pressure-sensitive active digitizer to a resistive touch screen at the push of a button. The Sahara Slate PC i440D will be available with the new Windows Vista Business OS which elevates the existing Sahara Slate PC brand into new performance territory.

“We are thrilled with the tremendous support and excitement we are seeing from our partners around the world in support of Windows Vista,” said Brad Goldberg, general manager for Windows at Microsoft. “Our partners play a vital role in the early adoption, development and delivery of Microsoft technologies. By working closely with partners like TabletKiosk, we are helping to provide our mutual customers with a high quality product, seamless technology integration, and improved user experiences.”

Standout features of the Sahara Slate PC i400 series include both touch screen and dual mode screen support, a
PCMCIA Type II slot for expansion; eSATA, USB 2.0 and 1394a connectivity; a biometric fingerprint reader and TPM module for added security; four (4) user programmable buttons; build to order (BTO) configurations with up to 4 GB DDR2 RAM and a 160 GB SATA HDD, and the speed and power of the Intel® Core™ Duo LV processor.

“We are pleased that TabletKiosk has incorporated the Intel® Centrino™ Duo mobile technology platform as part of its redesign of the Sahara brand," said Erik Reid, Director of Mobile Marketing at Intel Corporation. “At the heart of the platform, the Intel® Core™ Duo processor will deliver greater performance and power saving capabilities to enhance the mobile computing experience.”

Sahara Slate PC i440 Series Fast Facts:
Memory: Customizable up to 4GB DDR2 SDRAM
Hard Drive: 60-160 GB SATA HDD @ 5400
Display: 12.1" XGA TFT LCD (1024 x 768) with wide viewing angles up to 179°
Chipsets: Intel® 945 GM Express Northbridge / Intel® ICH7-M South Bridge
Wireless: Intel® Pro 3945 802.11 a/b/g networking
Bluetooth v2.0+EDR
Security: Biometric Fingerprint Reader
Trusted Platform Module
Kensington Security Slot
I/O: 1x Headphone / 1x Stereo Microphone
2x USB 2.0
1x IEEE 1394a
1x eSATA
1x 10/100/1000 Mbps Full Duplex (2.5Gbps single-lane channel) Ethernet (RG-45)
1x 56Kbps v.90 Fax/Modem (RG-11)
1x PCMCIA 2.1 compliant, supports one (1) Type II 32-bit PC Card Bus 1.0 architecture
1x Cradle Connector
Dimensions: 300 x 240 x 25 mm (11.81” x 9.45” x .98”)
Weight: 3.3 lbs (with standard battery installed)
Power: Primary 6-cell lithium-ion battery with AC Adapter
Other: Four (4) User programmable buttons
Two (2) integrated stereo speakers and dual microphone array
Wacom Pen enabled Digitizer
Available in White or Black

Pricing and Availability

Sahara Slate PC i412T -- Configurations start at $1,795 MSRP with an Intel® Celeron® M ULV 423 processor,
512 MB memory, 60 GB HDD and Windows XP Professional SP2. Shipping begins early March, 2007.
Sahara Slate PC i440T -- Configurations start at $2,195 MSRP with an Intel® Core™ Duo L2500 processor,
1.0 GB memory, 80 GB HDD and Windows XP Professional SP2. Shipping begins late March, 2007.
Sahara Slate PC i440D -- Configurations start at $2,295 MSRP with an Intel® Core™ Duo L2500 processor,
1.0 GB memory, 80 GB HDD and Windows Vista Business. Shipping begins late March, 2007.
For additional details and to pre-order, please visit www.tabletkiosk.com.  (Source: Press Release)

Technology changing how students interact with instructors

For the past two quarters at Central Washington University, marketing professor Rex Moody has been experimenting with that technology. Through the use of new software and a tablet PC, he’s been uploading podcasts of his lectures to a Web site for students to consult. The tablet computer records the lecture as well as his hand-written notes on the computer screen and with the press of a button, Moody is able publish the day’s material on the class Web site. Students can then review the material at their leisure. The software gives more options to students, Moody said.

“They are actually absorbing more if they are not having to scribble down notes all the time,” he said.

Use of the new technology at CWU is being funded through a grant. Moody said he’s the only professor using the software — known as Lecture 123 — on campus.  (Source: Patrick Carlson, Daily Record)
Posted Tuesday, February 6, 2007 by ChrisD
Rating: 3.09 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments (0)

Gates not happy about Apple’s TV ads

Instead of getting annoyed by Apple’s ads, it’d be much better if Bill Gates could apply as much pressure on software and hardware partners as possible. For me, knowing that the bits of hardware that don’t work properly on my Tablet PC start working because drivers have suddenly become available and have automatically updated themselves through Microsoft’s ‘Windows Update’ service would really have me saying ‘the wow starts now’.

Unfortunately, we’re all still waiting. Yes, it’s only been a week. But when it comes to compatibility with standard hardware that has been available for years, lack of drivers is not good enough. Bill Gates, it’s great to see you on TV spots and interviewed here and there. But what we really all need is our computers working properly. Until the driver issues are solved, for most people, the wow can wait. (Source: Alex Zaharov-Reutt, iTWire)
Posted Tuesday, February 6, 2007 by ChrisD
Rating: 3.18 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments (0)

OQO Introduces First Ultra Mobile PC with Integrated Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess High Speed Data Service Capability

Award-winning model 02 now available with embedded Verizon Wireless EV-DO WWAN capability

OQO Inc., mobile computing innovator and creator of the groundbreaking model 02 computer, today announced that OQO is now offering the model 02 computer with integrated EV-DO Wireless WAN capability compatible with the Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess service. Recently unveiled at CES 2007, where it received numerous industry awards and accolades, the OQO model 02 is the world's smallest fully-functional PC.

Customers in the United States will now be able to access email, the Internet, and business and personal applications utilizing Verizon Wireless' EV-DO BroadbandAccess service powered by the nation's most reliable high-speed wireless broadband network. Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess service provides average download speeds of 400-700 kilobits per second, and is currently available coast to coast covering more than 200 million people in over 242 major metropolitan areas.

"Today's announcement demonstrates how Verizon Wireless and OQO are together pushing the frontier of mobile productivity," said Cindy Patterson, Verizon Wireless vice president enterprise data sales. "The high speed and broad coverage of Verizon Wireless' EV-DO network and BroadbandAccess service, combined with the convenient form factor of the OQO model 02, means that users will be more connected, more efficient, and more effective than ever before."

"This collaboration with Verizon Wireless is another important step forward in realizing our vision of Anytime/Anywhere Productivity," said Bob Rosin, senior vice president of marketing & alliances, OQO. "Ultra mobile computing is about taking the same access to information and applications that you have at your desk, and putting it in a package you can carry with you all the time."

"True mobile computing means having your computer and being connected wherever you go, an increasing requirement for today's professionals. On-the-go professionals need complete access to email and applications but don't want to lug around a traditional laptop or go hunting for a hotspot," said Rob Enderle, Principal Analyst, for the Enderle Group. "The OQO model 02's compact size, full laptop capability, and integrated EV-DO enable professionals with the mobility, power, and connectivity for achieving a new standard in productivity."

The OQO model 02 computer with embedded EV-DO capability features unprecedented mobility at only 5.6" x 3.3" x 1.0" in size, just 1 pound in weight, and with ergonomic backlit keyboard and TouchScrollers; flexibility with a full docking station and support for dual external displays at up to 1920 x 1200 pixels through digital (HDMI/DVI) and analog (VGA) video interfaces and OQO DisplaySense technology; and power with up to 1.5GHz CPU, 1GB of DDR2 SDRAM, shock-mounted 60GB HDD with active drop detection, and compatibility with standard PC-based applications. Starting today, the model 02 may be ordered with Windows Vistaª pre-installed.

The OQO model 02 with embedded Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess capability is now available to order at www.oqo.com/store, through OQO's enterprise sales team, and through channel partners. For more information, please visit www.oqo.com.   (Source: Press Release)

Future shop

In 50 stores, Circuit City hands out tablet PCs equipped to summon product demonstrations, take orders and access live feeds to people trained to answer questions.

One tablet PC lets store managers answer e-mail and monitor store performance while on the sales floor. One study found it got managers out of the office eight more hours a week.  (Source: Mark Albright, St. Petersburg Times)

ArtRage 2 for UltraMobile PCs (UMPC) Released!

ArtRage 2 is now available in a version specifically designed for UltraMobile PCs. This new version of Ambient Design’s stylish and natural painting application has been enhanced to make it easier to use with small form-factor portable PC devices. For the ultimate painting and sketching experience ‘on the go’ ArtRage 2 for UltraMobile PCs gives you style and ease of use.

UltraMobile PCs present two unique challenges to graphical software. Firstly the screen resolution is typically lower than a desktop or notebook computer. UMPC displays are typically around 800 x 480 pixels in size. This means there is less space to contain both the user interface as well as the working area of a project.

And secondly UltraMobile devices are commonly used with fingers as input devices meaning the user-interface elements have to be larger and easier to press. Typically UltraMobile devices are used while they’re carried in the hand rather than being placed on a level surface, so it can be more difficult to press user-interface elements even when using a stylus on the UMPC screen.

ArtRage 2 for UltraMobile PCs overcomes these challenges:

• Increased the size of small UI elements: The smallest UI elements from ArtRage 2 have either been increased in size or made their ‘clickable area’ larger in the UMPC version. This makes them easier to press with fingers or a stylus.
• Controls and panels get out of the way: Panels in ArtRage 2 get out of the way while painting. In the UMPC version they more actively minimize when not being used, and leave a more easily clicked control to bring them back.
• Panels and controls hide when ‘Enter’ is pressed: UltraMobile PCs have an ‘Enter’ button mapped to a physical button on the front of the case. When this button is pressed while using ArtRage 2 all the User Interface controls and panels hide completely. So it’s very easy to work with all the panels and controls visible with one button press, but hidden completely while you’re working. This leaves the entire display surface available for painting and sketching.
• All the features of ArtRage 2 Full version!: ArtRage 2 for UltraMobile PCs has all the tools, features and style of ArtRage 2. There has been no compromise on features!

ArtRage 2 for UltraMobile PCs is also still only US$19.95 to purchase! For more information about ArtRage 2 for UltraMobile PCs including full features, screen shots, and comparisons with other versions of ArtRage: http://www.artrage.com/artrageumpc.html.

ArtRage 2 for UltraMobile PCs is currently only available in the English language versions, for Windows XP operating systems. ArtRage 2 for UltraMobile PCs is recommended for use on small form-factor portable devices with a display resolution around 800 x 480 pixels.

About ArtRage.

ArtRage is a computer painting package designed to provide a natural and easy to use environment for producing art on your computer. By providing realistic tools such as oil paints and pencils, and simulating the real world dynamics of those media, ArtRage allows any user to play around with paint without the expense and mess of its real world counterpart. By providing Tracing tools, ArtRage lets any level of user produce paintings based on photographs or other existing images.

ArtRage 1 was released as a free product in 2004 and went on to win a number of online awards, followed by the first place in Microsoft’s ‘Does Your App Think In Ink’ contest for Tablet PC applications (2004).

ArtRage 2 introduces a wide range of new features and technology improvements that allow everyone from amateur hobbyists to professional artists to get deeper in to the process of painting, without losing the ease of use, sense of realism, and friendly feel that made ArtRage 1 successful.

ArtRage 2 is available in English, French and German versions, for both Windows and as a Universal Binary for MacOSX.  (Source: Press Release)

Pick the Right Vista Version

I have a tablet PC. Can I install Vista on it? Should I?

Yes you can, if you buy a Vista version that offers tablet functionality: Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate. But before you do, check your hardware configuration against Vista's requirements. Many tablet PCs are relatively underpowered and may not make very satisfactory Vista systems.

Vista editions that do support tablets introduce some new pen-oriented features. You gain more control over where the Tablet Input Panel (TIP) writing area appears, the cursor changes shape to make what you're doing clearer, and gestures called "Flicks" enable you to perform navigational tasks such as scrolling with a quick pen maneuver.  (Source: Peggy Watt, PC World)