Tablet PC Review

--June 25, 2003--

by James Rubarth-Lay

Last fall, Microsoft extended their Windows XP operating system to the Tablet PC Edition and opened a new chapter on the use of the stylus in computing. Tablet PCs run familiar applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, but use the stylus to as the main input method either through handwriting recognition or an on-screen, virtual keyboard. Because of this stylus functionality, Tablet PCs are easy to use for tasks such as taking notes in a meeting or class, or annotating a document.

Although they are sub-notebook class (slightly smaller than a “full-size” laptop) these computers maintain the full functionality of a computer running Microsoft Windows XP.

Over the past few months, ITS has evaluated four models of Tablet PCs--the HP Compaq Evo TC1000, the Motion M1200, the Fujitsu Stylistic ST4120, and the Toshiba Portégé 3500. The chart below presents a comparative listing of our findings for each model.

None of the Tablet PC computers ITS tested stands out in every respect. The Toshiba has the best performance but is the least comfortable to hold. The Compaq has the best design concept with its detachable keyboard but has the worst performance. The Fujitsu is comfortable to hold (love that suede!) but suffers from a tiny 10.4 inch screen. The Motion is well-balanced and solid, but doesn’t stand out in any particular feature. After testing all four models for size, speed, ease of use, battery power and other performance factors, ITS recommends the Toshiba Portégé 3500. Departmental purchasers will note that the Motion and HP are easiest to purchase, although the Campus Computer store can also order the Toshiba.

Toshiba Portégé 3500

The Toshiba Portégé 3500 has the best performance of all the systems because it uses the Intel Pentium III-M 1.33 GHz processor and a fast hard drive. Perhaps as a consequence of the faster processor, the Toshiba is also the hottest and noisiest; it is the only Tablet PC in this review that uses a case fan. Furthermore, it has the shortest battery life (3:05 versus 3:25 for the top-scoring Fujitsu). Unlike the other Tablet PCs, the Toshiba is a “hybrid” configuration that does not separate the display and processor from the keyboard as the slate and convertible configurations do. The hinge rotates between notebook and tablet modes. The operating system detects the change in orientation and automatically adjusts the screen, rotating from portrait to landscape mode or vice versa.

The Toshiba model is a bit heavier and not quite as comfortable to use as other models. Its stylus has a flat edge that takes more getting used to than the round pens of the others and its case doesn't have the rounded edges the others do. Because the keyboard is always attached, the Toshiba is quite a handful compared to the others. However, when you add keyboards and power adapters to the other models—their travel weight—they all weigh about the same, in the four to five pound range. The Toshiba includes valuable features such as a three-year warranty, USB 2.0, 60 GB/5,400 rpm hard drive and Compact Flash (CF Type II) and Secure Digital (SD) memory slots.

Compaq Evo TC1000

The Compaq Evo TC1000 has the most versatile design overall. You can use it like a regular notebook with attached keyboard or fold the keyboard under to use it in tablet mode. You can also remove the keyboard altogether and have a lightweight (3.1 lb) slate. As a pure slate it is very comfortable to hold. The pen has a large, comfortable barrel with rubberized grip. Its tempered glass makes the display seem the most robust, though at the expense of pressure sensitivity. The small 10.1 in. screen, awkward keyboard latch and interaction between the stick pointer and the back of the slate in tablet mode all detract from the value of the Compaq Evo.

In addition, the Evo does not perform nearly as well as other models. Many have commented on its slow performance, particularly during high disk activity such as scanning with anti-virus software. The lack of performance is probably due to the Transmeta Crusoe processor. The Crusoe processor does not use the Intel command set. Instead, code-morphing software in firmware translates Intel code to the Crusoe’s native code, adding an additional layer of processing. In a PC Magazine review of Tablet PCs (April 8, 2003), the Evo scored a 9.0 on their Business Winstone 2002 benchmark--about half the score Toshiba received (17.5). In addition, the Evo has the worst Wi-Fi network performance of the four. PC Magazine's i-Bench network benchmark gave the Evo an 80. Toshiba topped the ratings with a 162.

Motion M1200

The Motion M1200 is a sound Tablet PC slate design. The slate is well-balanced and has a 12.1 in., pressure sensitive screen. The five-way navigation button is the best of the lot. The rest of the tablet buttons, though, have cryptic icons. As a slate, the Motion requires a stand or dock for use with a keyboard. The dock that came with our review model was disappointing. It did not have a drive bay and broke during our review. As the most costly of the Tablet PCs, its expense is not justified by the features it offers.

Fujitsu Stylistic ST4120

The Fujitsu Stylistic ST4120 is the lightest of the Tablet PCs and gets the best battery life (though the Motion comes in just a minute less on PC Magazine's BatteryMark test). The suede on the back is an excellent feature, making the slate more comfortable, slip resistant and cooler to the touch. Its IR keyboard has no pointing device, unlike all the others. The Fujitsu has the best dock, compact and sturdy. Like the Toshiba, the Fujitsu is a PC Magazine Editors' Choice.

The Tablet PC market is still very new. Models with larger screens and using the Intel Centrino processor suite will be welcome enhancements. The manufacturers can be expected to make advances in design and performance that will make this review obsolete and take the Tablet PC computer beyond its current novelty status.

*The ITS Campus Computer store offers special academic pricing on several Tablet PC models and can order most models on the market.

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