What is a Tablet PC?

A Tablet PC is the evolution of a notebook computer. It's essentially an ultralight notebook with a built-in digitizer allowing use of a stylus to operate the computer, and a specialized version of Windows XP. Tablet PCs run all software and work with all files that a regular desktop or laptop PC will, including applications like MS Office, documents, images, audio, video, etc. Specifications are similar to other notebooks, although they are typically smaller (10" or 12" screens), lighter (3 pounds or less), and do not have built-in CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drives (there are some exceptions). In addition, special attention is paid to battery life, and all tablet PCs have built in wireless capabilities (known as 802.11x). The CPU used in a tablet PC is typically slower than regular notebook PCs, but more than adequate for most of today's software.

Although you may choose to plug in a mouse (or any other USB device) Tablet PCs use a "stylus" (pen) to operate software. It's not only a very natural way to interact with software it's also very efficient and most importantly, the stylus makes it possible to stay completely mobile while using the computer.

Tablet PCs come in two different styles: slates and convertibles. The convertible Tablet PC is the one most similar to the familiar notebook. There's one very important difference: the screen pivots 180 degrees and then folds down on top of the keyboard. Slates are a screen only, with no attached keyboard. Picture the top half of a notebook (the screen) without the bottom half (the keyboard)—this is a slate. Both styles are also available as tougher models, more durable (usually built to tough military standards)—able to withstand drops on concrete, protected from dust, dirt and the elements. This ability to toss the tablet in your truck, drop it from a roof and use it in the rain comes at a price though.

In addition to being able to use a Tablet PC as you would any other PC, the Tablet PC operating system allows you to:

• Control the Tablet PC using a digital pen and use Windows applications in new ways with pen-driven input and "electronic ink"

• Input information on the move in a manner similar to using pen and paper

• Create handwritten documents on the Tablet PC

• Store, search, and review handwritten notes

• Convert handwritten notes into text to use in other applications

• Annotate documents imported from any application with electronic ink

The screen of most Tablet PCs is not touch-sensitive (it uses a special pen to track where you're writing or drawing), so you can rest your hand naturally on it while using it. The screen can be rotated to use it in either portrait or landscape mode. The Tablet PC operating system will recognize most handwriting—and you'd be amazed at the how accurate it is. If preferred, there's also an on-screen keyboard. However, none of this really matters when using Symbility mobile claims, which has been designed for virtually no keyboard entry.

Tablet PCs still command a small price premium over "normal" notebook PCs. But their typical US$1,200 to US$2,500 price also buys mobility and efficiency, and with the time and money savings derived from taking your computer to the job site, it can easily pay for itself in under a year versus buying a new desktop or notebook to use in your office or car.

To learn more about Tablet PCs, visit: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/tabletpc/. To see the minimum requirements necessary to use the system, click here.

Symbility mobile claims can be used in either portrait or landscape mode, however most users find it more comfortable in portrait mode, which most closely resembles the clipboard they used to use when taking notes about the loss on paper.

Handwriting recognition is the answer to the question "How do I record non-standard information that can't be selected from a drop-down list or drawn?"