You may find picking the right Tablet PC challenging because you have about 23 different models of Tablet PC to choose from, and each model offers slightly different design and hardware features.
Slate versus convertible
The first choice to make is between a slate model, which has no attached keyboard, and a convertible model, which sports the clamshell design of a traditional laptop - with a twist. You can spin the monitor panel around and flatten it to turn the laptop-style unit into a tablet form.
You need to consider a few things when choosing between convertible and slate models:
- Slate models:
• Pro: Detachable keyboard. You can attach a keyboard to any slate model, so you don't have to worry about being totally keyboard-less. Some slate models come with detachable keyboards; others offer a keyboard as an option.
• Con: No protective cover. Most slate units have no protective cover over their screens, as a convertible does when you close it up. You can buy screen protectors, but if you treat your portable computer roughly, you may be better off with a convertible model.
- Convertible models:
• Pro: Size. Convertible model keyboards tend to be somewhat smaller than traditional laptop keyboards.
• Con: Weight. Convertible units can weigh a half-pound to a pound more than slate units.
• Con (sometimes): Price. Convertible models tend to cost a bit more than slate models (but not always and not by much).
Deciding which model makes sense for you
Mainstream computer manufactures, such as Compaq and Toshiba, offer Tablet PC models. Both regional manufacturers and smaller manufacturers also make them.
If you want to buy several units for your business or want any kind of consulting about how to roll out your Tablet PCs into your workforce, a less-well-known manufacturer may offer you better value and support. Also, some distributors, such as InfoCater, provide consulting services to help you fit Tablet PC into your business needs.
Making the Tablet PC choice for your business
You have to determine if you want the Tablet PC to replace another form of computer or to work with a desktop or laptop computer. Replacing older computing devices may be perfectly cost effective, but if you find that your workers need both their desktop computers and Tablet PCs, that can carry a pretty hefty price tag. Tablet PCs may replace laptops, but they can seldom replace desktops.
If you want to provide portable computing for members of your workforce who don't currently use computers (such as inventory checkers in your warehouse), Tablet PCs may provide increases in speed and productivity that can help you justify the PCs' cost.
If you have a specialized use for Tablet PCs (beyond standard word processing or spreadsheets, for example), consider whether you may also need to have proprietary software written for your business. A commercial application already written for your industry may do the trick.
Although any software that runs on Windows can run on a Tablet PC, not all such software is designed to work with handwritten or spoken input - which may defeat the purpose of your purchase.
If you have workers who deal with product or packaging design, they may find that pen input is a useful addition to their existing computing capabilities. Programs such as Corel Grafigo make drawing on the screen a natural way to input line art into a computer.
