Tablet PC and various software packages

[Scott Bell]

Through work, I have been issued a tablet PC, and of course, I'm already thinking this would make a handy chase tool, but the Operating System is a different version of XP than what is used on normal PC's. Has anyone out there used a tablet with GR Level? If so, have you discovered any problems? I don't expect problems, but there have been rumors that the OS is more unstable than normal XP Pro.

Thanks

Scott

 

[John Erwin]

I've used two different models of Toshiba Portege tablet PC's that had the XP tablet edition installed. I ran GRlevel 3 with no issues on either of them.

I found no instability issues with either unit, however did find that there's a lot of extra processes involved to support the hardware and that tended to tax the performance a bit, especially on the older unit (a portege 3500).

I had planned on taking these chasing but never did; I was thinking of coming up with a mounting system that would hold the unit in tablet form (these units could be used as a tablet or as a laptop) and I would use the pen to navigate when needed.

 

[Chad Cowan]

I have the Toshiba Satellite R25 and I love it. It came with the XP Tablet Edition OS, but I'm upgrading to Vista which has full tablet functionality. I have not had any problems with the OS or running GRL3. I would not recommend anything less than 1 gig of RAM, as there are quite a few critical background processes.

As for chasing, you might not want to use the tablet function as much as you would think. (Disclaimer: drive safe ) If you decide to mount it, it can be quite a hassle holding onto the stylus with one hand and the wheel with the other and not being able to rest/steady your hand on the keyboard. BUT it is good for displaying GPS or radar.


Here is what I like and don't like about my Tablet:

Good
- Photoshop-ing; easier than 'drawing' with a mouse
- Portability
- 14.1" sharp wide-screen
- Screen swivels and transitions into tablet mode easily
- Cool toy; on the train last week, a bum asked me if I'm in the CIA

Bad
- Not-so-great battery life, especially when tethered to my cell phone
- Heavier than you would expect; it's difficult for me to wield it like Moses' tablets
- No option/room for video card upgrade
- Screen wobbles when not in tablet mode