buy a tablet pc

I just wanted to give one more note to this goal and they are all positive.

1. I sent the tablet back because of the dead spots. I received one without the deadspots and find it much more usable.

2. Figured out the networking problem.

3. Even found a Wry to connect my iPod to it(it’s a win98 machine) see http://win98.drivers.w.interia.pl/ipod.html.

4. This unit plus MusicMatch makes a great mp3 player/internet radio machine.

My purchase of the Fujitsu 3400 computer was a lesson in humility but it helped validate my purchasing methodology (understand what you really want from the purchase and go with the low cost solution).

Note, this is not a true tablet PC with winxp tablet edition, running microsoft one-note but it does operate outlook without a keyboard and with a wi-fi card, it does it without wires.

If you are going with a fujitsu stylistic, MAKE SURE THAT THERE ARE NO DEAD SPOTS ON THE UNIT.

Update:
I decided to send a note to JKSales (the company that I purchased this tablet pc) and they mentioned that they would replace the unit and the battery, so it is currently in transist. I’m guessing that about next Wednesday, I should have the tablet back up and running again and hopefully, with a tablet that has no deadspots.

Ok, just received in the mail the battery (however, I’m going to let it charge overnight and test it tomorrow). Also just bought a bookstand and a fairly inventive, flexible keyboard. The key placement is something that I’m going to need to get used to because the right shift key is right next to the up arrow.

What this means is that my low-cost tablet pc solution is almost in place as far a purchases go. I still have 9 days to decide if I want to purchase the Pen-reader application, however it is the only thing that is working for me as far as handwriting recognition.

Here’s what’s next to do on this low-cost tablet:
1) networking to the win2k machine so that I can print from this laptop and utilize the extra storage space on the hard disks.

2) see if there is any way to get rid of the deadspots. (I don’t see any way out of this one but it still remains as the biggest issue about this PC.)

So far it is going ok

Well, I purcheased a Fujitstu Stylistic 3400 computer. I know, not exactly a tablet computer but it works for me. What I really wanted was a computer that I could move around and carry with ease that could connect to the internet.

Here’s what I have:
1) Fujitsu Stylistic ST 3400 192 MB memory with a 6gb hard drive running at 400Mhz. OS is Win98SE

2) A CD-ROM drive

3) D-LINK wireless connection

Pros: Pretty much what I wanted in at a very nice price under 270 (so far).

Cons: There are some dead spots on the tablet, making handwriting recognition hard. Had to install everything piece-meal: no keyboard, low memory, no handwriting recgnition, no wireless capability and a dead battery.

You would think that with all the cons that I would be discouraged and you would be right… at first… However, I have grown to like using it and it seems to be a pretty neat little tool. The dead spots bother me the most and the fact that I can’t get networking to work with my Win2000 machine also give me heartburn.

Belive it or not this comes down to my most basic of purchasing behaviours…do I purchase something at a great price but have to do work arounds or do I purchase the highest quality, best spec’ed machine but still pay for it for years to come. I just can’t see myself plucking down $1800 for a tablet pc that I’ll use occasionally.

I went with the low-cost solution. Did I make a good purchase? I’m not sure… but it is fun for now. Could wind up selling it on Ebay (where I bought it from in the first place).

Next Steps:
1) Get a wireless or usb traveling keyboard (under 25).
2) Network the Win2000 machine.
3) Wait for the battery that I ordered from Ebay to arrive.

Possible:
1) Buy a USB 2.0 PCMCIA adapter
2) Buy a USB hard drive
3) Buy as USB DVD-RW drive
4) Buy a GPS system

this one’s pretty self-explanatory. =) i’m obsessed..

I have been an early adopter of PDAs and on screen writing. My first one was an Apple Newton.

I have seen the handwriting recognition evolve through the various systems of full writing and special shorthand alphabets. I’m impressed how far the Tablet PCs have come.

My main interest is having a smaller form factor package that allows me to demo Plan-B our animated software manuals. I think it is less intimidating, if You don’t have to flip up the screen. You can also sit opposite of each other and keep eye contact, while making a demo.

I’m looking for the slate form factor as a simple click and point demo device, but will most likely buy a combo that also allows me to work like a regular laptop.