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-------------------------------------------------------------- This story was printed from ZDNet Australia. --------------------------------------------------------------
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Microsoft pushes Tablet PC in Aust By James Pearce, ZDNet Australia November 07, 2002 URL: http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/communications/soa/Microsoft-pushes-Tablet-PC-in-Aust/0,130061791,120269726,00.htm
Microsoft is continuing to push the Tablet PC as the "evolution of computing", and this time, it claims, the product will catch on. The man in charge of developing Microsoft's technology for the Tablet PC, Dick Brass, made the claims at a press conference today to officially launch the Windows XP Tablet Edition operating system for the high-profile product. Fending off criticism in the form of comparisons to similar products, such as Big Blue's Transnote and Apple's Newton that had failed in the marketplace, Brass took the opportunity to list ways he thought the Tablet PC was an improvement over past efforts. The new devices are lighter than previous efforts by three or four pounds, the batteries are lighter and last longer, and the screen is faster and clearer, according to Brass. "One of the important things we did is decide not to lose the keyboard," he said. "You get to keep all of the functionality you're used to, and yet you get the pen functionality." Brass consistently emphasised that people who preferred to use the keyboard when entering information into the Tablet PC, could. Another important improvement, according to Brass, is the method of capturing the movements of the pen. The screen uses an electro-magnetic digitiser instead of a resistive overlay. Using magnetics to track the movement instead of physical contact allows a much greater sensitivity, said Brass. The price point for a Tablet PC is expected to be slightly above an ultra-light notebook. Microsoft claims the first users will be "road warriors" such as salespeople. "We think information workers will be our first set of customers," said Brass. Microsoft also pitches at "corridor warriors", people who roam about within the same building. Brass disagreed with suggestions Tablet PC was in competition with Pocket PC. "I don't think the Tablet PC will affect the sales of PDAs," he said. Craig Cameron, managing director of Wireless Data Solutions for Telstra Mobile, attended the launch to emphasis Microsoft and Telstra's burgeoning relationship. "We've had a long and close relationship with Microsoft and are delighted to continue working with them," he said. Cameron pointed out that if the Tablet PC saved half an hour a day, it would increase productivity by six percent.
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