Hey all, new here. The advent of the iPad (though it turned out to be not quite what I wanted) rekindled my interest in tablet PCs. I realised that it'd actually be a lot of help for my studies, and generally very useful. To be concise, here's what I'd need/use it for: - reading tons of PDFs and other text files, since I'm used to reading them from my PC screen, I keep it at 0 brightness anyway; - scribbling notes/lectures; - Internet (duh); - videos; So obviously I need a pretty long battery time (not below 4 hours, preferrably more), and Windows 7. It has to be small (no more than around 16 cm wide and about 25 long, which translated to a 10-11" screen I believe?). It would be really nice if it could run Photoshop, so as to act as a drawing tablet. Or maybe not Photoshop, some sketching progs would be fine (if I understand correctly, the screen has to be precise for that?). Of course, I don't think it'll have the full functionality of the Wacom tablets with pressure sensitivity... could it? So far I've been looking at the Asus Eee PC T101, but as far as first reviews go, it's "sluggish", which is definitely a problem. This one seems to be more advanced, but I don't know about its battery life, and it looks like it's a long way off. And a bit too pricey... So should I look out for further reviews of any models mentioned above? Or for something I don't know about? Or even wait until a second generation or these netvertibles/smartbooks/whatever? Edit: ugh link fail.
Have you considered a convertible tablet? A quick search brings this Acer up ... Edit: Nevermind, I didn't open your link 'til after you posted. I can't see much difference between the 1420P, and 1820PT and the 1820PTZ at the moment. Double edit: to be honest, what you've already found seems to be the ticket. After all, a full-touchscreen device like the HP Slate (not out yet) wouldn't enable decent typing, and would probably be quite underpowered. The 1420P by Acer has a Celeron 1.2GHz processor, and Staples appear to have it for ~£405 (I guessed VAT). Found a helpful link here which says that the 1820PT and PTZ are 99% the same, but I think in the UK we only get 3GB RAM, and the 1420 has only a Celeron as compared to a Pentium in the two 1820 models. Also, if you do choose one, they come with two screen resolutions, 1366x768, or 1024x600, so obviously make sure to get the higher one. Nonetheless, any of those 3 models would suit your needs fine I'd imagine, although it might struggle running Photoshop, but any device that size (not much bigger than 11.6") would probably have trouble. Now to check some other manufacturer's websites... Another edit, the 1820PT doesn't seem widely available in the UK (not that that's a bad thing, as it was just confusing), so it's 1420P or 1820PTZ. HP only do 12.1" tablets, and they're a bit more expensive too, with 2 models, one at £800 and the other a little more... And Toshiba's tablets appear to be business orientated, and thus start at ~£1000... So, I conclude, after ~20 minutes web-delving, go for the Acer Aspire 1820PTZ, which can be had for £540 at Play.com, which isn't the cheapest you'll find it, but a middling price and a great retailer. I'd also consider upgrading the hard drive, if you want a few movies on it then something bigger than 160GB would be helpful. Also, nowhere on that page does it definitely specify that it is the higher resolution screen, but searching the exact model number (LX.PNA02.018) it says on other sites that that is a HD screen and thus the 720p, higher resolution model. Also, with only integrated Intel graphics, it might be fun coercing Photoshop onto it, but you'll want to spend a bit more if you want dedicated graphics, and thus look at something from HP or Toshiba. Of course, you're free to ignore all of what I've just said if you choose If I've missed anything vital, tell me
If you want the best convertible tablet PC, look at the Dell Latitude XT2. But it's very pricey. If you want a iPad style tablet PC, you can wait for Microsoft Courier or HP Slate.
Well, I don't want "the very best", it's something that supposed to be "something more functional than an ebook reader". I guess I put too much emphasis on the Photoshop thing, it's really not that important, I believe Sketchbook Pro eats less resources anyway. And yes, I'm looking for a convertible, not just a slate (unless an exceptionally awesome slate is going to come out, I want to have a proper keyboard). I love the one you found me there, pimonserry, thanks a lot for taking the time to find all that. It seems to be everything I wanted, and more, except the dimensions, hmm... well, I'll just have to think about that, it might mean selling my current Acer Aspire 5930G (which, despite being a great machine, even for gaming, has nowhere near the mobility that - as it turns out - I need). *sigh* Decisions, decisions... What if I wait until, say, autumn? Are there any good ones that are coming out by then?
To be fair it does seem for all of your requirements bar the photoshop one, what you do actually want is an iPad... You should remember that whilst some of the things you might want in it aren't natively built in, all the iphone apps will work, plus I'm sure come launch day there will be a brickshitload of iPad apps, probably most will add the functionality you may feel is missing.. For the photoshop thing tho, brushes for the iphone is being done as ipad app too, so there you go really..
As I said, I only sketch (for now). When (if) I'll get serious, I'll get a full Wacom set, or maybe even save for a Cintiq. I'd like to have the PT since it's supposed to have a better processor (Core2Duo), the PTZ just has "Dual Core". Don't really know if it's that much of a difference? Remember that I am looking for something that will last me several years (usually 3 years is my turnover/upgrade cycle). I have only found this one, which I think is a good deal still: the 599 euros for the model with 4Gb RAM and a 320Gb HDD. But there could be costs of importing it into Switzerland... don't know if they deliver here. Also, buying in a shop in another country is, well... don't want to have to send it somewhere in case anything happens.
Well a dual core will be either a celeron or a Pentium D so yes, huge difference. It might just be worth waiting a little while to see how these turn out, if you haven't quite found your baby yet.
