Benchmark scores
We tested and evaluated each of the Tablet PCs based on the following criteria.
- Standard performance and compatibility benchmarks.
- Display quality including evenness of illumination, clarity, colours, and resolutions supported.
- Audio including the audio chip used and sound quality, volume level, speaker/s location, I/O, and ease of use.
- Where applicable, keyboard including key size, spacing, layout, travel, feedback, support, and colour differentiation.
- Stylus including tips, button size and functionality.
- Workmanship and design including ergonomics, robustness, and durability.
- System expandability including the number of I/O ports, upgradability of CPU, memory and hard drive.
We also rated each of the Tablet PCs in the areas of interoperability, futureproofing, return on investment, and service.
Interoperability: We looked at the number and range of connectors and expansion slots available.
Futureproofing: We looked at the maximum RAM capacity, the size of the HDD, and whether the Tablet PC had provisions for a second battery.
Return on Investment: We looked at the overall cost and performance of the Tablet PC.
Service: We looked at the duration of the warranty and how many years parts were covered for.
Scenario/Editor’s Choice
Company: OPE Guano
This company wants to evaluate Tablet PCs as an alternative to notebooks for mobile workers including sales, technical and maintenance staff.
Approximate budget: $5000 per Tablet PC.
Requires: The company is looking at rolling out 100 Tablet PCs over the next year. Tablets must have wireless and wired LAN capabilities, and an external keyboard must be supplied if not built in.
Concerns: As well as general usability and performance, the company will evaluate the tablet’s handwriting recognition and form handling capabilities.
Best Solution: Toshiba Portégé 3500.
The Toshiba Portégé 3500 is the best solution here for being the fastest and most flexible Tablet PC. It has both wired and wireless LAN capabilities as well as the large display. Its only downfall is its weight.
If you were just after a slate-style Tablet PC, we would recommend the Fujitsu Stylistic ST4110. It’s light, it comes with a myriad of features it offers very good battery life, and comes with a great carry bag.
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You really need to date your articles. I is a pain when Internet Articles are not date stamped. Clearly many of the rveiews are out of date or do not include the laterst products. Tablet Pc's is one such example. I would like a review of the Toshiba M200. I agree that when Tabet PCs are integrated into the Laptop market they will tak off. I also would be interetsed in a version that supports a blue-tooth Mobile phone built in along with a DVD drive for those long hall flights and bring hotel rooms. Oh... One other thing would be a Voice modem that can support an Aswering Machine when the Computer is left on at hme or in the hotel room.