Encyclopedia of Computer Science and Technology

Ttablet PCAs the name suggests, a tablet PC is a small computer aboutthe size of a notebook (not to be confused with a “notebookPC,” which is a small, light laptop). The user can write onthe screen with a stylus to take notes (for similar functionality,see graphics tablet), draw, and make selections withstylus or fingertip.If the user writes on the screen, software converts thewriting to the appropriate characters and stores them in afile (see handwriting recognition). As with some PDAs,there may also be a system of shorthand “gestures” that canbe used to write more quickly. Alternatively, the user cantype with stylus or fingertips on a “virtual keyboard” displayedon the screen (see touchscreen).A more versatile and natural interface is becoming available:“multitouch,” pioneered by the Apple iPhone andMicrosoft Surface, can recognize multiple motions andpressure points simultaneously. This allows the user to, forexample, flick the finger to “turn a page” or use a pinchingmotion to “pick up” an object.Applications for tablet PCs include many PDA-typeapplications (see personal information managementand pda), field note taking, inventory, and other tasks thatrequire a device that is not encumbering. Because of itscompactness, a tablet PC can also be a good reader for e-books (see e-books and digital libraries).Tablet PCs generally follow common specificationsdeveloped by Microsoft, and often use Windows XP TabletPC Edition or, later, Windows Vista, which has built-insupport for tablet PCs. These operating systems includesupport for sophisticated handwriting recognition thatcan be “trained” by the user and that can store handwritteninput in special data formats. Voice recognition isalso supported.A “convertible” tablet PC is a hybrid in which the tabletis attached to a base containing a keyboard. The display canbe used vertically (laptop style) or rotated and folded downover the keyboard for tablet use.Internet TabletsAn interesting variant is the Internet tablet, best known inNokia’s N-series. These are smaller and lighter than a tabletPC. The Nokia N810, for example, has a slide-out keyboardas well as a virtual screen keyboard. The most notablefeature is the Internet browser and related applications,such as e-mail and instant messaging, and built-in wirelessconnections (see bluetooth and wireless computing).Although there is no phone, Internet-based services such asSkype can be used to place calls, or a Bluetooth-equippedmobile phone. The Nokia series uses a variant of Linux andcan run a large variety of open-source applications.Further ReadingLinenberger, Michael. Seize the Work Day: Using the Tablet PC toTake Control of Your Work and Meeting Day. San Ramon, Calif.:New Academy Publishers, 2004.Stevenson, Nancy. Tablet PCs for Dummies. New York: Wiley, 2003.Tablet PC Review. Available online. URL: http://www.tabletpcreview.com/. Accessed November 19, 2007.“What Is a Tablet PC?” Microsoft, February 9, 2005. Availableonline. URL: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/tabletpc/evaluation/about.mspx. Accessed November 19, 2007.466