update This latest tablet PC from HP Compaq is a decent improvement over its predecessors, though unresolved legacy flaws may dampen user enthusiasm. The HP Compaq tc4200 marks the very first convertible tablet PC produced by HP. Though we can't fault the solid frame of this well-built notebook, we still find the same features, which were missed on the older nc4010, lacking on this machine. And while we were disappointed to find no optical drive on this unit, the battery life is one aspect that makes the unit shine.
The convertible tablet PC comes in a chassis measuring 285 x 235 x 34.3mm and tips the scales at 2.04kg which isn't too light considering the Fujitsu LifeBook T4010 includes an inbuilt optical drive at approximately the same weight. Despite the plastic underside, we were impressed with the scratch-resistant magnesium alloy protecting the display, giving the notebook a no-nonsense business-like appearance.
Converting the laptop to a tablet is child's play: simply swivel the 12.1-inch screen clockwise about the centre hinge and lock the lid backward, though unlocking the lid is another matter, for the opening latch is very stiff. When writing, we always found it a delight to eject the pen each time. With the screen locked down, pressing a handy release button caused the pen, stashed at the corner of the screen, to be ejected in a measured spring-loaded fashion. Three pen-sensitive buttons lining the side of the screen allow you to rotate the display, use the Q Menu (for quick access to programs) and activate the virtual keyboard. In addition, there's a programmable jog dial and button for the Ctrl+Alt+Del function.
When the keyboard is in use, it delivers good response though the depth seems a tad shallow. On either side of the keys, there are two supports for the display which tend to be a little sharp-edged for the stray finger. Your palms can rest on the comfort of the sturdy magnesium alloy with the touchpad punctuating the space between. Two sets of somewhat sensitive rubber mouse buttons are supplied -- one for use with the touchpad and the other in sync with the finger pointer. No quick launch buttons are seen though the presentation toggle and volume controls lie above the keys.
The test unit featured the Pentium M processor 750 (1.86GHz), 512MB RAM and a decent 60GB hard disk. We weren't expecting discrete graphics and so it proved, with the use of the integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900. As mentioned, there's no inbuilt optical drive, which is quite a letdown. As such, you have to use the optional HP External MultiBay II or the HP Advanced Docking Station which offer a choice of a DVD burner and DVD/CD-RW.
Standard networking choices such as 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN, Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet and a 56K modem are given. For connectivity, there are three well-spaced USB 2.0 ports, S-video out, VGA-out, an SD card reader and PC Card slot for the user. We were miffed about the monoaural audio and lack of FireWire which were the flaws on the HP Compaq nc4010, its so-called predecessor.
We used MobileMark 2002 to test performance and battery life of the laptop. The tc4200 didn't do too well in our tests, clocking a 167 performance score. This didn't bode very well considering the 1.6GHz (Dothan) machines strike within the region of 177 to 235.
We give the HP thumbs up for battery life, though. Hitting 288 minutes (4.8 hours), this beats the Fujitsu LifeBook T4010 by almost 80 minutes. Note that if the pen is used more, power might be drained off, which goes for other tablet PCs.
HP provides a standard one-year limited warranty inclusive of parts and labour, not quite as comprehensive as a three-year period that we would have expected. Users can get help from the support and troubleshooting site on the HP Web site or instant support from an HP support expert where you can chat in real time.Packaged with Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, the tc4200 is loaded with software such as HP ProtectTools to manage security, Microsoft Works and Norton AntiVirus 2005. You have an option to burn CDs on the external drive either by using Sonic RecordNow! or InterVideo's WinDVD Creator. DVD playback in Windows OS is managed by InterVideo's WinDVD.
HP Compaq Tablet PC tc4200
Company: HP
Price: AU$3995
Phone: 13 23 47
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I'm very interested to know where I can buy this product at your stated price of $1599? The HP website states the price at $3995!