tabletpc
Latest
HP set to launch the Compaq 2730p Centrino 2 tablet PC
According to our friends at AVING, HP is set to launch a business-themed tablet PC with Intel's Centrino 2 on-board. The device -- dubbed the Compaq 2730p -- will be an update to the 2710p, and will feature a 12.1-inch WXGA display, a 1.86GHz Core 2 Duo L9400 CPU, 2GB of RAM, a 120GB hard drive, a GMA 4500MHD integrated graphics chipset, and Windows Vista... of course. No word on a price or release date, but plenty of handsome pictures if you hit the read link.[Thanks, Elais]
Gigabyte gets official with 8.9-inch M912V swivel screen netbook
It has taken long enough, but Gigabyte finally saw fit to make official its intriguing M912V. If you'll recall, this critter popped up and caught eyes at Computex, as it's essentially a netbook with a swivel screen -- think Tablet PC, but miniature. Specs wise, you're looking at an 8.9-inch WXGA (1,280 x 768) LED-backlit panel, Intel's 1.6GHz Atom processor, a 2.5-inch HDD (120/160/250GB), 1.3-megapixel camera, twin 1.5-watt speakers, 1GB of RAM and your choice of Windows XP, Vista or Linux. Furthermore, you'll find Bluetooth, WiFi, an ExpressCard slot, a wide of array of ports and even an option for HSDPA expansion. It should be noted that there's no internal optical drive (nor a price or release date just yet), but at least Gigabyte's offering up a netbook with some inkling of innovation, right?[Via PCLaunches]
Panasonic's Atom-based UMPC Toughbook preps for shipment
Get ready, argonauts -- Panasonic's Atom-based UMPC Toughbook is gearing up to ship out soon. Since getting really official at CeBIT in March, we haven't heard a peep from Panny in regard to a definitive ship date. According to PC World, the rugged mini tablet will be loosed "later this week," and it will of course include a touch-sensitive 5.6-inch screen, compact QWERTY keypad, a variety of ports, Intel's Atom processor and a chassis built to withstand just about anything next to getting pelted with napalm. As for fleshed out specs and global ship dates, we're told to expect those on Wednesday.[Via TG Daily]
e-Detail's twin-screen Prezenter PSR tablet gets detailed
e-Detail's Prezenter PSR was floating around CES a few months ago, but now it seems that the Korean firm has managed to get its atypical tablet into trials here in America and in Europe. In a nutshell, the dual-screen unit includes a 14.1-inch touch panel that ideally gets pointed in the face of your client; the 7-inch touchscreen faces you, giving you clues on what to say next and enabling the traveling salesperson (still you, bub) to give a presentation without being all up in the area of the potential customer. Specs wise, it runs Windows XP Home and gets powered by an AMD Geode LX800 processor, and there's also a trio of USB 2.0 ports, VGA output, gigabit Ethernet jack, WiFi and a 1.3-megapixel camera. We're hearing that it'll eventually sell for around $1,800, but a US release date is still far from certain.[Via SlashGear]
Fujitsu T5010 tablet PC breaks cover at university bookstore
Fujitsu doesn't seem to have gotten official with it just yet but, if the Virginia Tech University bookstore is any indication, it looks like the company is all but set to launch its new T5010 tablet PC. Assuming their specs are on the mark, you can apparently look forward to this one packing a 13.3-inch LED backlit WUXGA display, 2GB of RAM, an unspecified 45nm Core 2 Duo processor, a 120GB hard drive, the usual integrated Intel graphics, and a built-in DVD burner -- plus the standard built-in webcam and fingerprint reader. All that'll set you back $1,999 (including an HP all-in-one printer). While there's no word on an exact release date, the bookstore will apparently have models on display in July, with units available for pick-up in time for the August move-in.[Via GottaBeMobile]
HP Pavilion tx2500z Puma-based tablet PC available now
For those of you looking to get into HP's Pavilion tx2500z Puma-based tablet PC, the time has come. This "echo" inlaid-design ultraportable sports a 12.1-inch 1280 x 800 swivel touch screen with handwriting capture, AMD Turion Dual-Core processor, ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics chipset, and WiFi. Other features of note include a fingerprint reader, webcam, 5-in-1 media card reader, and 3 USB ports. Unfortunately -- and we think this should be a standard on subnotebooks starting yesterday -- no built-in broadband wireless. That said, you can add a Verizon Wireless V740 ExpressCard during customization checkout. The base configuration will run you a somewhat reasonable $1,049. Go to it, tablet scribblers![Via Computermonger]
Ask Engadget: What's the best Tablet PC?
With the subnote revolution in full swing, one may wonder why anyone in their right mind would even consider opting for a Tablet PC. There's no denying that tablets cater to a narrowing niche, but the ability to doodle, write and detail your next home project (or similar) right on the screen still has its place in universities and certain on-the-go professions. "I know I'll get tons of people suggesting that I just buy an Eee PC or similar, but I'm looking for some solid advice on a new Tablet PC. I'm primarily interested in taking notes in a few courses that I'm in, and I'm not planning on using this as my primary machine. I'm looking to spend the least amount of cash as possible, and I'm not looking for anything really powerful. I'm also down with any convertible suggestions -- anything I can sketch schematics out on will do." Come on out of the woodwork, Tablet PC users. We know you're out there. Give this fellow a bit of advice, and make sure you don't lead him astray, alright? If you think you've got a question worthy of posting, shoot it on over to ask at engadget dawt com.
Dell Latitude XT displays compared: daylight viewable vs. LED
When Dell's long-awaited Latitude XT finally hit the scenes, many were captivated by the idea of a daylight viewable screen on such a portable rig. Up until now, however, there's been little analysis over which was actually superior. Granted, we aren't saying that you can't disagree firmly with GottaBeMobile's assessment, but after checking each out for an extended period of time, Rob Bushway actually concluded that the LED-based machine was preferable. Aside from coming in a few ounces lighter, the LED-equipped unit didn't seem to perform noticeably worse than the DLV counterpart, and even battery life was practically the same for each. Don't take our word for it, though -- check out the entire writeup (video included) in the read link below.
NEC rolls out new ShieldPRO rugged tablet PC for Japan
NEC's ShieldPRO ruggedized tablet PCs have never exactly put much emphasis on looks, but the company seems to at least be trying to spice things up a bit with its latest FC-N22A model, which ditches the usual nothing-but-business appearance for something designed to turn a few more heads. That brightly-colored exterior will still give you the same IP55-compliant dust and water resistance, however, along with enough ruggedness to protect it from three-foot drops onto a concrete floor. Otherwise, you can expect the usual 12.1-inch display, low-power Core 2 Duo U7500 1.0GHz processor, a promised 12 hours of battery life, optional built-in GPS, and good 'ol Windows XP for an OS. No word on a price just yet, but you can look for this one to hit Japan by the end of June.[Via I4U News]
Unknown Fujitsu LifeBook tablet spotted in Germany
It looks like Fujitsu has itself a new tablet in the cooker. This here LifeBook Tablet PC was spotted recently in Germany, and is running one of those super-small P-series processors from Intel, the Core 2 Duo P8400. The laptop sports a 13.3-inch passive digitizer display and an all-new look from Fujitsu -- which we're a little meh about, to tell you the truth. No word if this is a replacement for Fujitsu's storied T2010 tablets, or something completely different, but we don't expect to be in the dark long... this is the information age, friend.[Thanks, Big_star]
DRS intros rugged ARMOR C12 convertible, X10 tablet PC
Just in case Dell's Latitude XFR D630 was too mainstream for you, DRS Tactical Systems has a pair of equally tough rigs for you to chew on. Up first is the ARMOR C12 convertible (shown above), which packs a 12.1-inch outdoor readable touchscreen, 1.2GHz ULV U1400 CPU, 512MB of DDR2 RAM, a 60GB shock-mounted HDD, full-sized keyboard, integrated WiFi, Ethernet, PCMCIA, a biometric scanner and a die-cast magnesium case built to pass MIL-STD-810F / IP54 standards. As for the ARMOR X10 tablet (pictured after the jump), you'll find a 1.2GHz U2500 Core Duo processor, an optional 16GB SSD, 10.4-inch sunlight readable display, Bluetooth and many of the same highlights seen on the aforementioned C12. No word on a price for either at the moment, but trust us, you'll pay a pretty penny for a machine that just begs for pain. [Warning: PDF read link]
Motion Computing unveils "semi-rugged" F5 Slate PC
It's been a solid tick since we heard a peep from Motion Computing, but nearly a year after we first wrapped our paws around the firm's C5 medical tablet, the F5 has arrived. Granted, this bugger is more suited for service industries and field work than the ER, but its "semi-rugged" nature ensures that it'll get the job done almost anywhere. Packed within the IP54-compliant (read: dust, water, shock and temperature resistant) chassis is a 1.2GHz Intel Centrino U1400 processor, 10.4-inch XGA (1,024 x 768) View Anywhere display, 40GB HDD (optional 32GB SSD available), built-in 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth, WWAN (EV-DO) support and a 2-megapixel camera for good measure. Additionally, you'll spot an optional barcode reader, integrated RFID reader / passive tag, a biometric scanner, three USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, VGA output and a battery good for about 3.5 hours of usage. Unfortunately, such a well-spec'd Slate PC won't come cheap, as this creature will set you back a stiff $2,699 to $4,000 depending on configuration.Update: Check out videos of the F5 surviving a brutal drop test and enjoying the rain after the jump. %Gallery-17243%
HCL MiLeap Y series tablet / UMPC in the wild
HCL managed to get our attention when it announced its MiLeap X series laptop and Y series tablet/UMPC last month, and now thanks to the Tech Ticker blog we have better look at the more interesting of the two, the MiLeap Y. As you can see above, however, the device is unsurprisingly a little less sleek looking than it was in the polished press photos, but still far from an eyesore. What's more, while it didn't delve into a full review, Tech Ticker did say that the Y has a "good" build quality, and that the keys are "nicely spaced out." Be sure to hit up the link below for plenty more pics, and decide for yourself if it's worth the $800+ price tag.[Thanks, Chirag]
Roper Mobile Technology intros rugged Duros tablet PC
There's certainly no shortage of rugged tablet PCs out there, but those still undecided computing options for their next trek through the wilderness now have yet another possibility to consider, with Roper Mobile Technology introducing its new Duros tablet. On the ruggedness front, this one is sealed to IP-65 levels for dust and water protection and tested to MIL STD 810F standards for vibration, shock, high/low temperatures and the inevitable drops. Of course, all that comes with a slight compromise in computing power, with your only processor options being a 1.0GHz Celeron M processor or AMD Geode LX800, along with a max 1GB of RAM. The optional 64GB SSD hard drive is decidedly not low end, however, and neither is the tablet's connectivity options, including optional GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS and, of course, built-in GPS. No word on a price but, like most things excessively rugged, that's probably best kept on a need to know basis.[Via I4U News]
GETAC's E100 tablet PC won't bog you down, will take a beating
Prior to today, it had certainly been a hot, hot minute since we'd heard a peep out of GETAC, but here we are peeking the firm's second new product in as many days. The E100 tablet PC weighs in at just three pounds, but this dainty gizmo reportedly meets MIL-STD-810F and IP54 standards for "durability and protection against dirt, dust, water, motion, vibration, temperature and other factors that would severely damage or disable a commercial-grade PC." Beyond its tough attire, you'll find an 8.4-inch SVGA display (optional sunlight readable) with 800 nits of brightness, an 800MHz Intel Stealey processor, up to 1GB of DDR2 RAM, 60 to 100GB shock-resistant hard drive, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0 and optional WWAN / GPS to boot. Sadly, we're not even given a clue as to how much this bad boy will cost, but we'll go ahead and assume "pricey" to be on the safe side.[Image courtesy of RuggedPCReview]
Dell Latitude XT tablet unboxing
Since some of you have apparently been waiting on Dell to make a tablet PC for well over three years now, we imagine that the first unboxing of the company's Latitude XT convertible will be welcome eye-candy to the true believers. With dual input methods (finger or pen), integrated 802.11n, and optional SSD and WWAN, this model definitely delivers on a number of fronts, though the relatively low resolution and high price may be too much for some to bear. Check out another shot after the break, and then hit up the Read link for the full ritual over at I Started Something.
Modders create inexplicable, gigantic Nintendo DS
Sure, you love your Nintendo DS. It's light, it fits in your pocket, and you can play it wherever you go, whenever you want... right? Well, wouldn't it be a little cooler if it were super-huge and you had to push two full-size kitchen tables together just to put it down somewhere? Okay, maybe we're exaggerating a little bit, but still, this mod from some DS enthusiasts is a huge -- literally and figuratively. Using two tablet PCs and some type of interface which allows the game system to be controlled by / displayed on the larger screens, these DS fans have created the ultimate antithesis to the original system -- for no apparent reason other than the fact that they could. Check the video after the break to see the madness in action.[Thanks, J]
Users complaining of bezel separation on Lenovo X60 / X61 tablets
Lenovo's X60 and subsequent X61 tablets were both pretty well received when they were first released, but it seems that quite a few users have since found themselves somewhat less satisfied with their purchase, with widespread reports of problems with the bezel cropping up virtually since day one. Apparently, the glue that holds the bezel to the screen has the unfortunate tendency to lose its stickiness, resulting in cracking and popping every time the screen is opened. While it doesn't seem that many users have had much luck with Lenovo's customer service, Lenovo's Tim Supples recently responded to comments on Lenovoblogs.com (scroll down on the link below) by saying that the company's "engineering teams are aware of the issue and are investigating." In the meantime, however, it seems that users are stuck with the unsightly flaw.[Photo courtesy of Tablet PC Review Forums]
Jazzmutant's multitouch tablet works with a stylus as well
The Jazzmutant folks have been doing multitouch since way before it was in vogue, with patents reaching back to 2004 and some nifty tech to back it up. They spend most of their time on the Lemur and Dexter media control surfaces, but they've been playing around with Tablet PCs, and their first prototype is a beauty. The main advantage of the tech is that it not only can handle unlimited points of contact, so you interact with your apps using as many fingers as you'd like, but it can also accept simultaneous Tablet PC pen input, with precision and pressure sensitivity to boot. They've got the tech retrofitted on a 12-inch Fujitsu tablet at the moment, which they showed off last week at the Siggraph Emerging Tech conference in San Diego. Things are a bit bulky at the moment, but hopefully the tech -- which can be scaled from portable devices to 60-inch LCDs without breaking a sweat -- will be finding its way into real tablets before long. The video is after the break.
HP Compaq 2710p tablet PC gets FCC approval
Just as we mentioned in May, the HP Compaq 2710p Tablet PC is definitely on its way, having just received FCC approval. The 3.6-pound, 12.1-inch tablet runs on an Intel Core 2 Duo ULV, features Bluetooth, 802.11/a/g/n, and offers an integrated EvDO or HSDPA broadband module, thus making it seriously enticing to anyone looking for an ultralight with some real connectivity options. Check the link for many, many pages of sweet FCC testing documents.[Via PCJoint]
