Many people have asked, “What is the best tablet PC?” Obviously, the first response is “The best Tablet PC is the tablet that will best meet your needs. Next I ask “Why do you want a Tablet PC? What problem or problems are you trying to solve?
Other considerations include:
- How will the tablet be used most of the time?
- Will you be using your tablet while sitting, standing or both? If you will be using it standing is the extra pound the more powerful convertible tablets weigh acceptable? (3 vs. 4 pounds)
- Will you be indoors, outdoors or both?
- How much "power" do you need? They range from 800 MHz up to 1.3GHz
- How big a screen do you need? Models are available with 10" or 12" screens.
- Do you have a desk you go back to during the day? If yes, you may want a model that offers a docking station.
- Is this your primary computer?
- Does it need to be rugged?
- When you need a keyboard do you want a convertible that doubles as a notebook or a slate model that you will use with an external keyboard and possibly a docking station?
In my experience as a Tablet Consultant I have found customers in vertical markets have different needs than individuals replacing a notebook computer.
Before answering the questions above you first need to identify your personal usage scenarios. Answer the questions. Then a decision can be made as to slate or convertible style. The next step is screen size, power requirements, peripheral needs, and more. InfoCater offers a variety of consulting services to help you both select the tablet that will best meet your needs as well as recommend appropriate peripherals and software.
We will then train you on how to use the tablet (if you want a jumpstart based on our extensive hands-on experience.
As for my personal decisions, I'm a consultant and decided that I needed a convertible model since I wanted the convenience of having a keyboard available without having to remember to put one in my briefcase. I have been using a convertible since August as my primary computer. I use it as a slate 80% of the time, but it's sure convenient to have the keyboard readily available when I need to type more than a few sentences.
The case and shoulder strap makes it convenient to carry. The "X" strap on the back of the case makes it easy to hold in one hand while using as a tablet.
Slates
Motion M1200 Fujitsu ST4000 ViewSonic V1100
Our customers using tablets in healthcare, labs, manufacturing plants, receiving, inventory, shop floor, inspection, and some sales forces prefer slate models. We recommend the Fujitsu Stylistic ST4000 & Motion Computing M1200 and ViewSonic V1100. Most also purchase a desktop dock, DVD/CDRW, keyboard, external battery chargers, spare batteries, bump cases, TabletPlanner and Office XP Pro to complete their configurations. The decision typically comes down to screen size, warranties and accessories.
Convertibles
Toshiba Portege 3500 Acer TravelMate TMC102Ti
Students, consultants, field sales and service reps, doctors in small practices, and others who are replacing notebooks tend to buy the convertibles. We recommend both the Acer Travelmate C102Ti and the Toshiba Portege 3500.
The Acer is the most popular so far, primarily due to availability since they were the first to market. At this moment most people seeking convertibles are asking for the Toshiba. They want the power (1.33 Ghz), larger memory (up to 1GB) and 12" screen and don't seem to care about the extra one pound weight. Many also want the integrated Bluetooth. Most people also want a case, spare stylus, CDRW, extra battery, and Tablet Planner.
In the end the slate vs. convertible decision is a personal choice each of us will have to make after carefully weighing the pros and cons.
