News Week of February 5, 2006

jkOnTheRun Audio Edition #11- Tablet PC demo video

In keeping with the Tablet PC demo meme I decided to show a bunch of things I do regularly on my Tablet PC in this special video edition of jkOTR AE.  The video was recorded totally onscreen using Camtasia Studio and I hope you enjoy it.  Here's a list of programs shown in the order of appearance in the video:

• Windows XP Tablet Edition 2005
• Sticky Notes
• ActiveWords Pro (with InkPad)
• Outlook (ink email)
• OneNote
• MindManager Pro
• JVC Gantt 2
• PowerPoint
• Journal
• Ink Art (Experience Pack)
• Internet Explorer
• Send to OneNote 2003 (Education Pack)
• InkGestures

ABACO: 2D and 3D integrated Geographic Information Systems

ABACO, leader in the research and development of GIS tools and applications based on Oracle Locator Oracle Spatial and PostGIS and in the production of software for land and property management, is today able to offer a complete GIS solution taking advantage of  the most modern cartographic tools, composed by DbMAP ASJ and DbMAP Web 3D.

It is a specific suite for the creation of Geographic Information Systems, independent and complimentary to the most popular GIS tools. DbMAP can easily build client/server desktop web tablet-pc and handheld applications using the most common graphic file formats or taking advantage of  the reliability of Oracle Locator, Oracle Spatial, PostGIS or any other relational DataBase, with safe access to all the centralised information:
• Via intranet, to distribute GIS projects within the local lan;
• Via internet, to publish 2D and 3D geographic data on the Web.

DbMAP ASJ allows users to connect with the centralised geographic DataBase for a deep analysis of geographic data and a rapid organisation of GIS projects to publish on a web portal. These projects are easily customizable in accordance with the style of the portal and have got all the typical GIS functions for on-line data consulting. DbMAP ASJ does not require any particular installation or configuration requisites, but a simple internet browser. SDK a complete kit with all the necessary components to develop integrated GIS applications, is also available.

DbMAP Web 3D works in synergy with DbMAP ASJ. It is an advanced and innovative product introducing a further point of view in the use of the bidimensional GIS data coming from a centralised GeoDataBase. DbMAP Web 3D takes advantage of the features of DbMAP ASJ to connect with any GeoDataBase with the purpose of managing publishing and consulting data in 3D directly on the Web. The user can “fly” over a tridimensional land model published on the Web and  interactively interrogate that, for a real-time rendering.  (Source: Press Release)

Microsoft Research Awards €1.8M To Europe’s Future Science Pioneers

Microsoft Research today announced it has awarded 22 student scholarships through its European PhD scholarship programme. Each scholarship provides up to €90,000 in funding over three years, a tablet PC and, for some recipients, the possibility of an internship at Microsoft Research. This programme is part of Microsoft Research’s continued commitment to developing Europe’s scientists of the future, and plays a key role in the Microsoft® European Science Initiative, launched in February 2005 by Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates, which is aimed at fostering science-based innovation in Europe.  (Source: Press Release)
Posted Friday, February 10, 2006 by ChrisD
Rating: 2.91 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments (0)

Frankie's Friday Flashback: Episode 3 - The Tablet PC Partner Briefing Wrap Up Show

Podcast: Interviews with Chris De Herrera of Tablet Talk and Steven Hanley of DualCor, where he demo's his company's Tablet PC/Pocket PC Hybrid.  (Source: Frankie's Friday Flashback Podcast)
Posted Friday, February 10, 2006 by ChrisD
Rating: 3.20 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments (0)

Railinc Announces Reduction in Cost of Wireless Reporting by Train Crews Through Its Mobile Command Service

Railinc today announced that it is reducing the price of its RailSync Mobile Command TM software for short line and regional railroads. Mobile Command is a software application that enables train crews to report railcar movement and status events real-time while in the field using a "ruggedized" tablet PC. The wireless solution enables increased shipment visibility while increasing railroad productivity through automation.

"Short lines have enthusiastically embraced the concept of wireless computing by train crews, but cost remains the primary hurdle for most operators," says Allen West, Railinc's Vice President of Business Services. "Our new pricing is designed to remove this barrier to enhanced productivity for both regional and short line railroads that can reduce their overall costs with Mobile Command."

Mobile Command can significantly improve the timeliness and accuracy of information to both the railroad and its customers while improving service management. Crews can immediately act on work requests transmitted to the device and can eliminate inefficient telephone, fax and radio messages between the railroads and its crews. Mobile Command is available in several hardware options providing flexibility and affordability to railroads of any size.

"Mobile Command is just one of the ways that Railinc is helping the industry address the so-called 'black-hole' issue through automation and efficient tools," said Richard Flynn, Railinc's Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Sales. Mobile Command is part of the RailSync suite of web-based information services for the short line and regional railroad market. RailSync was specifically designed for use by railroads of all sizes and provides an integrated solution for local and interline transportation management, interline data exchange, interline revenue settlement and car hire processing.  (Source: Press Release)
Posted Thursday, February 9, 2006 by ChrisD
Rating: 2.85 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments (0)

Continued Revenue Growth, New Off-Shore Development Center and Next Generation of EMR Leads Mednet System into 2006

With major operational accomplishments and new clients Mednet System on track to establish itself as leading player in EMR market in 2006.

Webster, MA (PRWEB) February 8, 2006 -- Mednet System, a leading provider of innovative and affordable Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and medical billing services, announced performance results for year 2005.

“Year 2005 was very exciting year for us as we exceeded our annual revenue goals for a second consecutive year while we continued to make tremendous progress in building new generation of our Electronic Medical Record product - emr4MD,” said Niraj Jetly, CEO of Mednet System.

“With our new off-shore development center in New Delhi, India, we have experienced a total productive engineering time of 18 hours/day as compared to traditional 8 hours/day. This enormous accomplishment has made been possible due to our investment in state-of the-art technical infrastructure including high speed internet, VOIP lines and Business Office VPNs. Setting up Off-Shore development center is in-line with our philosophy to provide innovative, cost-effective products and services to our clients,” said Mr. Jetly.

Mednet System also announced the launch of next generation of its Electronic Medical Record product - emr4MD version 3.5. Key features of emr4MD v 3.5 are:
•    100% standards based – XML, SNOMED, CCR, HL7, DOQ-IT
•    Click-thru documentation – Document entire patient encounter without typing a single word. Just point-n-click or tapping on tablet PC screen can create entire visit documentation
•    Disease Manager – AMA guidelines based disease manager to improve quality of care and increase P4P compliance
•    Referral Management – Single click management of outbound and inbound referrals
•    Scanning and Document Management – Scan and manage paper charts with flexible workflow
•    E-Prescribing – SureScripts certified, single-click refills, drug-drug, duplicate therapy, drug-allergy checks
•    Patient Portal – Patient self service for appointment requests, refill and referral requests, and viewing lab results

For medical billing business, Mednet System added new clients and continued its winning streak to reduce days in AR. Days in AR for all of clients continued to drop to less than 20 days as compared to last year performance of 30 days and industry average of 70 days (Source: Press Release)

ACOM Solutions, Inc. and Advantage Chiropractic Network Form Partnership to Market RAPID EMR Practice Enhancement Solution to Members

The ACOM solution enables chiropractors to streamline their office processes, records and reports through automation. Files build automatically through automated standardized and handwritten notes; reports can be generated almost instantly. Network officials see the system as another way to support the member doctors with up-to-the-minute business and professional aids.

Des Moines, IA (PRWEB) February 8, 2006 -- The Electronic Medical Records Division of ACOM Solutions, Inc. (www.acomemr.com) and the Advantage Chiropractic Network, a doctor-owned nonprofit affiliate of Ankeny-headquartered Iowa Chiropractic Society, have concluded a partnership agreement under which the network will participate in marketing ACOM’s RAPID EMR automated clinical documentation and reporting solution to its members.
   
According to Dr. Paul Eberline, chairman of Advantage Chiropractic Network board of directors, board members in mid-January selected RAPID EMR as its preferred practice enhancement solution and directed the staff to assist ACOM in exposing the RAPID EMR solution to its members. Currently, the network numbers approximately 400 out of 1,200 active chiropractors in the state.

RAPID EMR is a MS Windows-based solution that is recommended for installation on a tablet PC. The system is comprised of RAPID EMR 3.9 software, a lightweight, wireless-enabled tablet computer, the Microsoft Office 3.0 productivity suite, training in system use; and a year of support on the software and the hardware. The agreement allows members to acquire the solution at a discount and the network will earn a percentage of the revenue from each member sale.

Available options include a patient self-registration “kiosk” module and a wireless enabled printer-scanner-fax. The self-registration module enables the front desk to offload the task of opening case files on the initial visit. Patients complete the registration form on the tablet PC while waiting, and the information automatically becomes the opening entry in the case file.

Dr. Eberline said that selection of RAPID EMR was the culmination of a technology search in which some 15 solutions for chiropractic practice enhancement were examined.

“We had been actively looking for a solution for standardization of notes and reports for several months,” he said. “When we found RAPID EMR, we immediately perceived how it would help our members move away from dictated and handwritten notes and reports, saving significant amounts of money and recapturing as much as a full day each week that they now can devote to family activities, professional development or practice expansion.

Under terms of the agreement, network staff will field member inquiries and refer the prospective customers to ACOM, which will demonstrate the system, complete the sales process and provide installation service and system support. ACOM will display and demonstrate the solution at the network’s annual meeting in February.

RAPID EMR supports diagnosis and the recording of SOAP notes with graphic diagrams and checklists that the doctor can display on-screen during the patient visit. Tapping on diagram elements or checklist items records blocks of associated text in the patient file and when a case is concluded, reports are assembled automatically from stored text and scanned-in documents, graphics and photographs.

Text blocks can be modified by doctors to reflect their own words and can be randomized to avoid a “canned” appearance. Besides an array of interim and final reports, system features include four popular outcomes assessment reports, on-board support for coding and compliance, and a free-standing Microsoft Word document creation and management program, among others.

“We are delighted to enter into this relationship with the Advantage Chiropractic Network,” said ACOM Vice President Gregg Church. “The network’s board and staff are truly progressive in recognizing the value that automating clinical notes and narratives will quickly bring to members. We applaud their leadership and look forward to helping their members enhance their practices in an identifiable, meaningful way.” (Source: Press Release)

Soarian's Innovative Workflow Technology Enhances Care Delivery; Live Customer Workflows Show Increased Quality, Safety and Efficiency In Care Delivery

As the quest to improve healthcare quality while reducing costs through the adoption of information technology (IT) solutions remains central to the national healthcare agenda, Siemens Medical Solutions next generation Soarian(R) health information solution is delivering tangible clinical and financial outcomes at healthcare facilities across the country. Siemens (booth #1237) is highlighting Soarian at the 2006 Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Annual Conference and Exhibition, Feb. 12-16, in San Diego.

Soarian's core differentiator is its unique-to-healthcare workflow engine that facilitates and tracks technology-driven "workflows" designed to help users increase efficiency, improve patient safety, and achieve desired clinical and financial outcomes - while supporting key quality and regulatory initiatives.

For example, at The Chester County Hospital (TCCH), West Chester, Pa., 4 percent of patients entering the hospital have a history of Methicillin Resistant Staphylcoccus Aureus (MRSA) infection and they account for 8 percent of all patient days. Before TCCH began using Soarian's workflow management tools, a study of 30 patients showed that approximately 25 percent of MRSA patients with prior positive results who should have gone into isolation upon admission were missed at initial bed placement, but likely detected during admission assessment. This would necessitate an immediate transfer to isolation status.

Since TCCH has gone live on a Soarian-enabled Infection Control Workflow, nursing now receives notification for 100 percent of all known MRSA patients. Its impact was so significant that the hospital extended the Workflow to cover Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and will incorporate additional infections.

"Soarian's workflow engine triggers and monitors the steps impacted departments (nursing, infection control, etc.) need to take to execute an infection control protocol," said Ray Hess, vice president of Information Management, TCCH. "The system provides these alerts to clinical and support staff through a variety of mobile computing and communication devices - helping to improve patient safety and hospital-wide efficiency in executing routine infection control processes."

Through Soarian, early identification of patients with infections that require isolation - and fast implementation of a precautions/isolation protocol - has proven to prevent additional patient and staff exposure, decrease inappropriate patient bed assignment, and improve detection of negative screens to expedite removal of a patient from a high-cost isolation bed.

Soarian's advanced workflow technology is demonstrating similar quality and cost outcomes at Riverside Health System, Newport News, Va. For example, the American Heart Association estimates there are two million cases of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) per year in the U.S., leading to 600,000 cases of Pulmonary Embolism (PE) with 200,000 mortalities.

Riverside's Soarian-enabled DVT Workflow identifies patients who have not received DVT prophylaxis and automatically notifies the care team, requesting appropriate orders.

"Pulmonary embolism resulting from the failure to prevent DVT is one of the most common causes of unexpected death in hospitalized patients," said Charles Frazier, M.D., director of medical informatics, Riverside Health System. "The result of our DVT Workflow is better patient safety, fewer adverse events, a reduction in the cost of care - and the potential for prevention of PE as a result of DVT."

Implementation of the Soarian DVT Workflow at Riverside has increased DVT prophylaxis by an additional 50 percent, translating into fewer DVTs, fewer pulmonary emboli and fewer deaths.

"When our customers talk about workflow improvement with Soarian they're simply on the cutting-edge of what the industry is doing with IT," said Tom Miller, president, Healthcare IT Division, Siemens Medical Solutions. "These sites are eliminating costly and inefficient work steps, embedding unsurpassed patient safety checks into complex healthcare processes, and, ultimately, creating knowledge to deliver better patient care across a lifetime."

Other live workflows within Siemens Soarian customer base include Bed Management, Admission Assessments, 23-Hour Observation, Patient Factors, Intravenous (IV) Restart, Nothing by Mouth (NPO), and more. These Workflows underscore the need for increased quality and efficiency that an advanced healthcare IT system like Soarian can deliver. For example, in a pilot study on one unit, a Soarian-enabled Bed Management Workflow eliminated 50 percent of manual process steps, reduced bed turnaround time from 90 to 180 minutes to an average of 20 minutes, and increased bed availability by two hours.

Over 100,000 clinicians at more than 100 facilities are actively using Soarian in daily care delivery. To support the mobile computing needs of clinicians, the solution has been deployed on a variety of devices, including the award-winning Mobile Computing(R) LS800 slate tablet PC which features a built-in fingerprint reader and uses biometric data to prevent unauthorized system access.

Nearly 140 Soarian implementations are currently underway globally and more than one billion patient results have been converted from legacy systems as healthcare providers continue to invest in electronic health record (EHR) solutions in support of national initiatives to build a nationwide health information infrastructure.

Soarian integrates clinical, financial, diagnostic and administrative processes to support patient-centered care. The solution is distinguished by three innovative characteristics: it manages processes and best practices across the enterprise through workflow management tools; increased ease of use and faster training is enabled via a smart user interface; and an integrated decision support tool helps to manage and measure the events and activities of the organization through embedded analytics.

Additionally, bringing together images and data seamlessly from a variety of medical modalities in one location, Soarian helps facilitate more informed decision-making - leading to improved care delivery, increased staff satisfaction, and more efficient business practices.  (Source: Press Release)

How technology will change dining experience

Before long, you'll probably be able to browse a restaurant's menu, order your dinner and pay the check through your cell phone. One day, diners may be able to assess a restaurant's wine selection through a tablet PC at each table.

For restaurant owners who have already adopted similar technology, they've found it a powerful way to boost profits, increase efficiency, refine menus - and hopefully please customers. Some are reporting 30 percent savings in wait staff payroll, 20 percent increases in service speed and notable decline in frustration.

Systems that simply track sales and handle finances have been available for years, but a growing level of high-tech sophistication is bringing restaurants the chance to electronically monitor customer preferences, orchestrate the cooking process second by second, and even digitally monitor how much booze a bartender is pouring. (Source: Erick Ruth, (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal, AZCentral.com)
Posted Thursday, February 9, 2006 by ChrisD
Rating: 2.92 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments (0)

Electrovaya Scribbler SC3100 Tablet PC - Our Full Review

Final Thoughts

The Electrovay Scribbler SC3100 Tablet PC makes a good travel companion. This model is a good choice for users who want a slate Tablet PC, but like the convenience of a touchpad and keyboard available for use at any time. This model travels well with all components "snapped" together. This latest upgrade to the SC3000 offers a bit more power, but comes at the cost of battery life. If you are a mobile professional in need of a sturdy and well-equipped slate, the Scribbler SC3100 will make an excellent choice.

Pros

• Innovative and sturdy build quality and design
• 180 degree viewing angle display 
• Excellent security via biometric fingerprint scanner 
• Keyboard, trackpad and slate "snap" together as one compact package

Cons

• Battery is very slow to charge while computer is powered on
• No integrated Bluetooth radio (Source: Barry J. Doyle, TabletPCReviewSpot.com)

Notebook fashion on the move

The preferred approach is to first establish a budget and method of payment and then to identify the predominant broad features you need – are you looking for a:

Tablet PCs: Combining the benefits of handwriting recognition and the notebook form factor into one powerful, flexible and portable device, these usually allow users to select from "slate" or notebook mode as desired, but some are permanent slates, offering less flexibility. (Source: Stuff)

Sydeny Windows Mobile User Group - Tablet talk

We banter about for a few minutes until our umpire, Roger Lawrence, yells "time". I’m called up first to do my thing. Once again I take the podium to talk Tablet PC in Australia. On this particular evening I share news of the Sahara Slate PC, and exhibit the Xploretech ruggedized Tablet too. Knowing that I’m dealing with a group of early adopters I passionately present my case. You see, in this environment I’m allowed to say things like: “it’s the consumer’s fault that Tablet PC has had a slow uptake”, and, “resellers aren’t focused on Tablet because Microsoft isn’t focused on Tablet”. I’m amongst advocates that hear what I’m saying.

To show the power of Tablet PC I run a little video on using the Microsoft Snipping Tool (part of the Microsoft Tablet PC Experience Pack). The video is a short demonstration conducted by Uber Geek, and my son, 4 year old Leon. (Source: Hugo's Blog)

OmniMD showcasing its Cardiology Electronic Medical Record(EMR) at American College of Cardiology Expo 2006

OmniMD (http:\\www.omnimd.com), a leading developer of HIPAA compliant Pocket PC/ Tablet PC / PDA enabled Internet-based healthcare practice solutions, is participating in the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Expo, being held from March 11-14, 2006 at the Georgia World Congress Center -Atlanta, Georgia. The new version of OmniMD widely used cardiology specialty Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software will be showcased at the event.

ACC Expo 2006 (www.expo.acc.org) is being concurrently held with the 55th Annual Scientific Session of American College of Cardiology and the event is an ideal platform for cardiologists and physicians to network with peers, experts and vendors while exploring the benefits of the most innovative cardiovascular technologies.

"The aim at ACC ’06 would be to showcase OmniMD Cardiology Specialty EMR and highlight its strong customization and point and click features. We will also use this opportunity to present an overview of our integrated services such as medical billing, transcriptions and document management to cardiologists and physicians."says Divan Da’ve, CEO: OmniMD.

OmniMD Cardiology EMR addresses the practice automation needs of cardiology

specialty. The cardiology specific EMR includes clinically-defined templates for cardiology complaints, history of present illness, review of systems, physical exams by systems and cardiology procedures and notes. The system also includes cardiology specific ICD and CPT codes that are used to capture accurate charges and quickly generate electronic superbills at the point of care. To meet specific practice needs, OmniMD offers customizable point-and-click templates and it can also accommodate cardiology forms and templates that are currently being used by the cardiologist.

Attendees will be able to experience the product first hand and learn more about how EMR can improve their practice workflow and patient care by migrating from paper-based health records to EHR systems . In addition to Cardiology, OmniMD also offers specialty EMR software for Dermatology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Neurology, OB/GYN (Gynecology), Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Pain Management, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Pulmonology and Urology.

OmniMD’s Electronic Medical Records (EMR) suite comprises of Appointment Scheduler, Patient Reminder, Online Eligibility Check, Charge Capture, Prescription Writer, Specialty EMR, Point and click, Referral Management, Document Management, Lab Interface, Patient Education, Medical Transcription, Integrated Medical Billing Services and Practice Web Site. OmniMD EMR Suite is a fully integrated solution for a physician who is looking to automate practice workflow without worrying about operating on different systems and platforms or implementing technology in patches. (Source: Press Release)

Toshiba Adds Optical Drive to Portege M400; Looks to Increase Market Dominance

Portege(R) M400 Intelligently Fuses Breakthrough Mobile Technologies into a Highly Portable Tablet PC to Deliver Performance, Productivity

Continuing the award-winning legacy of its Tablet PCs, Toshiba's Digital Products Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the Portege(R) M400 Tablet PC.

Designed to build upon Toshiba's highly successful Portege M200, this new convertible Tablet PC is rich in performance and productivity innovations -- including the company's EasyGuard(TM) technology(1) -- to create an ultra-portable Tablet PC capable of running today's robust business applications. The Portege M400 gives Toshiba the industry's widest range of Tablet PCs options from a form factor, performance and price point prospective.

"The Portege M400 embodies the true vision of what Tablet PC computing was first envisioned to be when the concept was originally presented to the public four years ago," said Jeff Barney, vice president of marketing, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems. "We are confident the multi-purpose functionality of the Portege M400 delivers a Tablet PC which businesses will find as a valuable tool for their workforces." Toshiba's new Tablet PC is the ideal tool for mobile professionals, students and healthcare professionals.

To deliver a high level of performance and mobility, the Portege M400 is powered by the Intel(R) Centrino(R) Mobile Technology. This new mobile technology is designed to lower power consumption and component size while boosting overall performance from graphics to wireless capabilities while enhancing security. All three of the major Intel(R) Centrino(R) Mobile Technology components have been updated in the new platform to feature the Intel(R) Core(TM) Solo processor, the Intel(R) Mobile 945 Express chipset and the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945 ABG network connection. User's can customize the Portege M400 to feature Intel(R) Centrino(R) Duo Mobile Technology.

The cornerstone of a Tablet PC is its screen technology. The Portege M400 incorporates a 12.1-inch diagonal XGA or SXGA+ display featuring wide-view angle technology. For increased ease-of-use, the framing around the display has six display buttons with the following functions, Cross-Functional, ESC/Display Rotation, Windows Security, Toshiba Assist, Toshiba Presentation and On/Off. Toshiba has added a fingerprint reader to the frame of the Tablet PC for increased data security and convenience.

The Portege M400 features the most comprehensive implementation of Toshiba's exclusive EasyGuard(TM) technology(1), which is a series of hardware and software enhancements to business-class notebooks that help boost mobile security, system integrity, network connectivity and overall ease-of-use. EasyGuard technology consists of four elements: Protect & Fix, Secure, Connect and Optimize.

Protect & Fix

Utilizing a multi-level approach to data protection, this ultra-portable Tablet PC incorporates specially made shock-absorbing materials to help safeguard critical components such as the hard drive and LCD display. Internally, the hard drive and display are housed within their own casings for better isolation against shock and impact. Externally, users will see sleek, industrial design integrating impact bumpers on the four corners of the notebook, to establish protection zones that separate internal components from the outer enclosure.

The Toshiba Hard Disk Drive Protection System helps safeguard the Tablet PC's hard drive against possible damage resulting from accidental dropping, turbulence, impact or vibration. Through the integration of a 3D accelerometer, the Toshiba HDD Protection System detects when the Portege M400 experiences unsafe, sudden "acceleration" in any direction. Once danger is detected, the hard drive immediately places itself into a protected mode and parks the hard drive head until the system determines it is safe to resume normal operation.

The Portege M400 also features an enhanced, spill resistant keyboard(2) that affords users time to save work and shut down the system. If an accident should occur, this feature will help prevent the loss of data.

Secure

The Portege M400 employs a multi-pronged approach to security in order to help defend itself against unauthorized access, data theft and virtual attacks. The root of Toshiba's security design is the Trusted Platform Module, an embedded security chipset that stores encryption keys, passwords and user credentials to ensure that data cannot be accessed or seen by anyone but an authorized user.

Further building on its security infrastructure is an integrated biometric fingerprint reader with single sign-on functionality. This added security feature associates the user's passwords for the BIOS, hard drive and operating system with one's fingerprint. By assigning passwords to three critical components of the notebook presents unauthorized users with three unique password challenges just to launch the system's operating system. Large and small businesses will appreciate the ability to implement complex password schemes to maintain the integrity of secured data and applications. On an individual basis, users can benefit from the simplicity of password management for quick and easy access to the system and data.

Connect

To simplify wired and wireless connectivity, the new Portege M400 is outfitted with a complete suite of communication technologies including Gigabit Ethernet and V.92 modem and the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection (802.11 a/b/g) (3) as part of the notebook's standard configuration. Additionally, the Portege M400 can be configured with optional Bluetooth(R) v.2.0+EDR technology to connect with the growing number of Bluetooth(R) devices.

The Portege M400 features proprietary technologies such as Toshiba's recently upgraded ConfigFree(R) and the company's patented Diversity Antenna. ConfigFree is Toshiba's intuitive, graphic connectivity management utility created to simplify the connectivity experience when using wired and wireless Ethernet or Bluetooth(R). Toshiba's Diversity Antenna design delivers superior, wireless signal reception through the integration of strategically placed Bluetooth(R) technology and dual-band Wi-Fi antennas in the notebook's display.

Optimize

The fourth element, Optimize, is a series of proprietary software enhancements, enabling users to customize notebook settings for maximum system performance and battery life based on individual needs and preferences. Features include Toshiba Power Saver to maximize battery life and breeze through a meeting fully connected; Toshiba's Presentation button, a one-touch button to display the screen's image onto an LCD projector or external monitor easily; and instantaneously and a wireless on/off switch, enabling and disabling the integrated wireless LAN (Wi-Fi(R)).

In addition to the EasyGuard technology, Toshiba redesigned the chassis and aesthetics of the Portege M400 to create a durable and balanced tool that is comfortable to hold, carry and use. The new Tablet PC weighs approximately 4.5 pounds(4) and comes with a six-cell battery for up to five hours of computing time(5). Toshiba offers an optional six-cell Slice Expansion battery for up five hours of additional computing time(5).

Further differentiating itself, Toshiba equipped the Portege M400 with a swappable Ultra SlimBay for a CD-RW/DVD, DVD SuperMulti optical drives or a second hard drive for onboard data backup. Even with the adoption of an optical drive, Toshiba was able to maintain the unit's sub five-pound weight class, which is key for a mobile solution according to Toshiba's mobility standards. As the ideal business tool, the Portege M400 includes one-touch docking capabilities via Toshiba's new Express Slim Port Replicator for better cable management and faster desktop environment access.

The Portege M400 is also Toshiba's first Tablet PC manufactured to be fully compatible with the new EU RoHS environmental directive(6) addressing restrictions of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. Toshiba's Portege M400 is now available through Toshiba Direct, mail order and the company's Reseller Partners with prices starting at $1,699(7).

Service and Support

Toshiba's Portege M400 is available with a standard, three-year limited warranty. The standard, limited warranty includes carry-in support at Authorized Service Providers throughout the country; or customers may utilize any of the more than 3,000 UPS Stores and Mail Boxes Etc. locations for packaging and delivery of the product to a centralized depot for prompt service turnaround. Customers can also choose to upgrade the notebook's service plans, including up to four years of extended warranty coverage.

As part of the company's support program, Toshiba offers Ask Iris(R) Online, an instant response information service that can alert users to security software patches or provide other information regarding their product from Toshiba engineers and technical support staff.

Portege M400-S933 Configuration Options

Processor:           Intel (R) Core(TM)  Solo Processor T1300 
                     (1.66GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB)(8)
Operating System:    Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
Display:             12.1-inch diagonal XGA (1024x768 native 
                     resolution)
System Chipset:      Mobile Intel(R) 945GM Express Chipset
Graphics Controller: Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with 8MB 
                     to 128 MB dynamically allocated shared graphics 
                     memory(9)
Memory:              512MB DDR2 667MHz SDRAM (max 4GB)(10)
Hard Drive:          80GB HDD(11)  (5400rpm, Serial-ATA)
Optical Drive:       Ultra SlimBay CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive
Communications:      Intel(R) PRO/Wireless Network Connection 3945ABG 
                     (802.11a/b/g)(3).
                     Intel(R) 10 Base-T/100 Base-TX/1000 Base-T 
                     Ethernet, Toshiba V.92 modem, Optional 
                     Bluetooth(R) v.2.0+EDR
Ports:               5-in-1 Bridge Media Adapter
                     Video: RGB monitor port, S-Video port
                     Audio: microphone input jack, headphone output 
                            jack
                     Data:  i.LINK(TM) IEEE-1394, 3-USB (v.2.0), RJ-45
                            LAN port, RJ-11 modem port, 1-PC Card 
                            slot, 240-pin docking port
Battery:             6-cell lithium ion battery (4700mAh)
Dimensions:          11.6-inch x 9.80-inch x 1.53-inch
Weight:              Starting at 4.5 lbs. (4)
Warranty:            Standard three-year limited warranty(12)(Source: Press Release)
The Toshiba M400 is available to be compared at the Tablet PC Quick Comparison - ChrisD

The Next Big Thing: What Will Displace iPod, Follow Blackberry?

The 'Communicator Class' of PC

The following three products have the chance, as they mature, of becoming the next big thing because they embody some of what the iPod has to offer but are at the same time much more practical. Each of these three offerings -- from three very small companies -- has a ways to go before it's ready to compete, but the potential is clear to me.

I believe we are about to see the emergence of another broad market class of computers with highly divergent industrial designs and an increased focus on communication, ultra portability, and collaboration. I call this product group the "Communicator" class -- in part, because more people remember "Star Trek" than "Earth: Final Conflict." If that were not the case a better name would have been "Global." In Gene Roddenberry's 1997 flick, the "Global" was a fully capable handheld computer that was also a phone. The device provided an extremely rich communications experience.

These products aren't going to be cheap, but the offerings on the horizon are relatively rare, making them likely to fall under the "early adopter" buyer category. Here are the contenders: OQO, DualCor, Flybook: Signs of Things to Come (Source: Rob Enderle, TechNewsWorld)

Analysis: Vista the trailblazer?

The write stuff

For business users, Vista includes smart handwriting recognition that learns not only a user’s handwriting style but also the types of words commonly written. Its pickiest beta user, said Allchin, is Microsoft chairman Bill Gates.

"Bill is an extremely avid user of a tablet PC. That’s how he takes notes and organises stuff," Allchin said. "He’s not only pretty demanding – his handwriting is also not the best."

Another feature allows Vista users in a meeting to quickly find each other wirelessly so they can collaborate on shared projects. That allows, for example, simultaneous editing of Office documents, with drag-and-drop copying of files from one Vista desktop to another.  (Source: Eric Lai, PC Advisor, UK)