Tablet PC

This blog has written at length about the advantages of tablet PCs (TPC) for writers.  In fact, the lack of writers’ awareness regarding various technologies that enhance productivity was the impetus behind LitCentral starting this blog.  Lump TPCs into the “technology that enhances writers’ productivity” bunch. If you are the type of writer that likes to map out your novel or script with handwritten notes, 3×5 cards, and Post-it stickers the TPC is a great solution.   Using software applications like OneNote and Evernote with your TPC,  you can write directly on the screen,  capturing all of your handwritten notes (all in one place) and never run out of ink or paper.  

When I first became interested in the TPC over five years ago, you could expect to pay a minimum of $2000 for the cheapest of models, and up to $4500 for the crème de la crème.   Today, prices have dropped considerably with certain models starting at $799.

LifeBook T4310

Fujitsu is one of the oldest manufacturers of tablet PCs, helping to pioneer the hardware platform over 20 years ago.  They offer the largest selection of TPCs, and recently joined the family of multi-touch tablet PCs with the introduction of the Lifebook T4310. Most tablets are built around a “mobile” platform with light weight hardware (2.4 lbs - 4 lbs) and small 12″ screens.   The T4310 is no different.  It offers the latest dual digitizer technology with pen input and multi-touch interaction, a modular bay, bi-directional display hinge, and the performance of Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor technology.

Starting at $1049, the Fujitsu LifeBook T4310 isn’t the cheapest TPC on the market, but it does not compromise on quality or technology. My only gripe is that I would prefer it have a faster FSB (1066 MHz vs 800 MHz).  Available for order late October.  Go here for more info.

Where can I buy?
There are only a handful of brick and mortar shops that sell Tablet PCs along with laptops - and for good reason as TPCs are only 7% of the laptop market.  The web is your most abundant resource for Tablet PCs – direct from manufacturer or through resellers.  A great source for writers with beer budgets is the world’s biggest garage sale – eBay. You can get used Tablet PCs going for 30% - 70% off new prices.  Be careful to only purchase from sellers with quality feedback and numerous sales.  Note: A perfect feedback score of 100% with only 3 reviews is not good enough. 

Allegiance Technology Partners (ATP) is a good reseller of many popular brands such as Lenovo, Toshiba and Fujitsu.  ATP allows you to test drive a demo unit for a 48 hours using the TPC of your choice, for a minimal fee.  They are also a trusted source for purchasing your tablet when you’re ready. Some Best Buys carry HP tablets.  You’ll have to look closely because often times the way these devices are displayed, the center pivoting hinge is hidden behind a security bar, disguising it as a regular laptop.

Dollars and Cents
New tablets range from $799 to $2600.  HP has a very economical convertible tablet in the TX2000 series starting at $799.  Dell gets the prize for the most expensive (non-rugged) convertible with a beginning price of $2599.

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I use both Mac and PC and don’t look upon either as a religious platform.  Having the ability to access both operating systems on a Mac via virtual machine software like Parallels and VMware Fusion is not only pure bliss but it means I’m almost always tethered to the Mac…accept when it comes to screenwriting. The Tablet PC is such a useful tool when it comes to writing that I cannot abandon the technology solely for Mac.

The Creative Community Cries a River
“Why Jobs, why hast thow forsaken us!?”  Dry your eyes creative folk lest you short-circuit your keyboards. But take note Jobs - given that a large part of the creative community are Mac users, Apple may have been better off  to go the “tablet” route vs. the “Air” route.  [click to continue...]

Many writers find comfort in the jumbled mess of half-used yellow notepads, crumbled paper and sticky notes cluttering their desks.  The psychosis lies in the fact that we actually know where everything is amidst the chaos.  Admittedly, this was me before OneNote.  This software is what makes the Tablet PC a perfect tool for writers.

OneNote is a brilliant software program created by Microsoft specifically for the Tablet PC. This application is a never-ending notebook that never runs out of paper or files or even ink for that matter, as long as you have your trusty digitizer. This fantastic software is not just for current notes and research. 

Other OneNote Uses:

• Musings
• Sketching
• Event Planning
• Random Ideas 
•  Inking Websites and Pictures
• Creating and Recording Audio Files

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Tablet PCs come in three distinct flavors – convertible, slate and hybrid.  Choosing the right form factor for your needs is essential because the wrong TPC can stunt your productivity.  The picture attached to this article shows a Fujitsu convertible, a Sahara slate and a Motion Computing hybrid in respective order.  For the sake of argument, and believe me some will argue, I am defining a hybrid as a slate with the ability to physically attach a keyboard, thereby converting it into a convertible.  In this article I will cover the specifics of each form factor and how each affects a writer’s productivity.

• Convertible – Attached keyboard. Screen swivels around into tablet mode.
  
• Slate – No attached keyboard.
  
• Hybrid – Removable keyboard which converts the slate into a convertible.

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