Windows 7

The Founders’ Blog has written in-depth about the advantages for writers of multiple monitors or even just an extended monitor.  Remember the goal with having large extended monitors is not to expand a single window 24" (or however big your monitor), but rather to open multiple windows inside of the allotted space.  This dynamic speeds up productivity, allowing a writer simultaneous access to multiple apps and the internet. 

To speed up the process of positioning two windows to fit within a single screen, Windows 7 has included windows management functions within the OS. You simply drag a window to the top or sides of the screen, and it will be maximized or resized to take up only half of the screen.

The most recent Mac OS X Snow Leopard does not offer the windows resizing feature, but you can purchase a shareware product called Cinch for $7 and accomplish the same thing.

To view videos showcasing the benefits of resizing windows check out the following links:

Windows  7

Mac OS X 10.5 or 10.6

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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