NEC's 11mm VersaPro Tablet PC unveiled
By Gareth Edwards 
posted August 30th 2004 8:30AM
posted August 30th 2004 8:30AM
NEC's announced the 11mm-thick Tablet PC that Microsoft was waving around at a presentation a few weeks back. Called the VersaPro VY11F/GL-R, it's powered by Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, better-looking than the blurred photo that was all we had up to now, and weighs in at 885g, though that does bump up to 899g if you add WiFi. 10.4-inch TFT screen, Pentium M 733 processor, three USB 2.0 slots, though battery life isn't all that impressive, at 1.6-2.4 hours using the small battery or 2.8-4.2 hours with the medium. Pricing looks to be around the Y300,000 ($2,700) mark, though since these are built to order that'll obviously slide depending on what you choose.
$2700 for a 10" screen. Who do they think we are?
At first, I was in love with the tablet concept, expecting them to be cheaper than laptops (no keyboard, simpler frame, right?). Now reading this, I know it will never take off.
I'm using a TC1100 and the *small* screen was a buying criteria. Why hold 12" when you can have 10"??? Weight is an even bigger factor.
Tablet PCs are relaxed notebooks.
I just brought the NEC tablet model prior to this one (Versa Litepad) for a song on Ebay and I love it! Very thin and light. Only 2.2 lbs. Only cost me about $700 and it's great for graphic arts work! No keyboard attached to weigh it down, which is nice, but one can be easiliy attached when needed. It helps to keep it lightweight. This new model will come down in price one day but for now I'm happy with my older model.
Tablets must achieve lower price points $600 - $800 to be considered as an affordable computing supplement. A nice form factor to accompany you to the couch while surfing the web. These make great display machines.
"Now I know it'll never take off."
What is it with people who complain about the price of cutting edge electronics? The thing is 11mm thick, of course it's going to be expensive.
It also contains a large touchscreen which isn't being widely manufactured yet, and you thought tablets would be cheaper than normal laptops? Great, I'm sure tablet pc makers are concerned that you've decided there's no market for tablets, you obviously have a good grasp of the technology industry.