Tablet PC

What is a Tablet PC?

Tablet PCs are mobile PCs with something extra: a screen that you can write on or interact with by using a tablet pen instead of a standard keyboard and mouse. You can use a tablet pen to select, drag, and open files, browse the Internet, draw freehand diagrams, add numbers and symbols with virtual keyboard, and more. On some Tablet PCs, you can also interact with the screen by using your finger. Most Tablet PCs are small or moderately sized. They range from 2 to 7 pounds and have screens that range from 8 to 15 inches. There are two types of Tablet PCs: slates and convertibles.

Slate computers, which resemble writing slates, are tablet PCs without a dedicated keyboard. For text input, users rely on handwriting recognition via active digitizer, touching the screen with a fingertip or stylus or by using a virtual keyboard. These tablet PCs typically incorporate small (8.4-14.1 inches) LCD screens and have been popular for quite some time in vertical markets such as health care, education, and field work. Applications for field work often require a tablet PC that has rugged specifications that ensure long life by resisting heat, humidity, and drop/vibration damage.

Convertible notebooks have a base body with an attached keyboard. They more closely resemble modern laptops, and are usually heavier and larger than slates.

The advantages and disadvantages of tablet PCs are highly subjective measures. What appeals to one user may be exactly what disappoints another.

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