Tablet PCs: a first look
Published: 26 Jun 2002
Acer’s hybrid TravelMate 100 heralds a new wave of tablet PC hardware and software, due out in the autumn. We recently got our hands on a prototype of this system, which at first glance appears to be a standard 1.5kg ultraportable notebook. But surprises are in store when you open the TravelMate 100's lid. The display not only rotates 180 degrees on a central hinge, but also folds down to cover the keyboard, turning the device into a tablet PC.
But it's not just about the hardware. Microsoft has decided that the time is right for pen-based computing and will introduce an upgraded version of its flagship operating system, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, this autumn. Can the handwriting-recognition applications live up to the hype? Are tablets finally ready to break out of niche-market status? Check out our first impressions of the Acer TravelMate 100 and the beta version of Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.
ZDNet video: Gates pitches tablet PCs to top CEOs
ZDNet video: Tablet takes on new tools
ZDNet comment: Microsoft's Tablet PC -- cool, but who'll buy it?
Related articles
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition Beta
Preview Microsoft has retooled Windows XP to add some tablet-friendly features. How well those features perform will determine the success of future tablet PC devices. Here's a first look at the beta. [26 Jun 2002]
Acer TravelMate 100
Preview The TravelMate 100 has an impressive ‘convertible’ design, but there are some minor annoyances. [26 Jun 2002]
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