Microsoft has launched its much-touted OS for the Tablet PC: Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. The key feature of the OS is the ability to input data using "digital ink." Users write directly on the screen to control their PC and input information. The result is natural-looking handwriting on the screen that users can either convert to standard text using handwriting recognition or keep as handwritten text (figure 1).

According to Microsoft, the converted text and the handwritten text function equally well as data formats -- in Windows applications and platforms. For example, users can use both types of text in Microsoft Word, and even e-mail through Microsoft Outlook. An added bonus: Users don't have to train the handwriting recognition software.

You'll see two new types of Tablet PCs arrive in stores as a result of this announcement. The first is the convertible Tablet PCs, which look like and can be used as traditional notebook computers with an integrated keyboard. They are convertible because the LCD display pivots and locks down on top of the keyboard. The exposed screen becomes a digitized note pad on which users can write directly. The other general Tablet PC style is the pure tablet or slate-style computer -- no keyboard. These computers are built to be highly mobile, and some are optimized for rugged weather and tough treatment.

Several hardware vendors are releasing new Tablet PCs sporting Microsoft's new OS:

• HP Compaq Tablet PC TC1000: You can use the TC1000 as a slate-style Tablet PC and input data on the screen with a pen, or you can snap on the keyboard for a "notebook" feel. You can also dock the TC1000 at your workstation, where it can serve as your primary desktop PC. "A good way to think of the TC1000 is as a standard notebook computer that lets you remove the screen to use as a Tablet PC," says Ted Clark, vice president, New Notebook Business for HP.
• ViewSonic Tablet PC V1100: This slate-style Tablet PC comes with a docking station that lets you connect the Tablet to a full-sized keyboard, monitor, and mouse. "The Tablet PC V1100 looks like a tablet, feels like a tablet, and works like a tablet -- yet it has all the functionality of a standard PC," says Dan Coffman, senior product manager for mobile and wireless at ViewSonic.
• Toshiba Portégé 3500/05: Users have a choice of opening the computer and using it with a keyboard as if it were a traditional notebook computer, or pivoting the screen and snapping it into place over the keyboard to function as a Tablet PC. "Because our customers want all the standard features of a notebook computer plus all the features of a Tablet PC, we have added some features -- such as a larger screen and keyboard -- that enhance the functionality of both the notebook and Tablet PC," explains Oscar Koenders, vice president or worldwide product planning and U.S. product marketing for Toshiba Corporation.
• Xplore iX104: The iX104 combines the Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system with a ruggedized design to create a Tablet PC that goes beyond the office, into the field. "Some of the key features that make our Tablet PC rugged are a magnesium chassis, an optically-enhanced LCD screen bonded to H4-hardened glass, and a patented removable bumper protection system," says Dwayne Lum, director of marketing, New Product Initiatives, Xplore Technologies. "The iX104 is protected in 26 axes from shock and drop, and is designed to withstand a three-foot drop to concrete," Lum adds.

• Acer Inc.
• Dixons Group
• Electrovaya
• FIC
• Fujitsu PC Corp.
• Fujitsu Siemens Computers
• Hewlett-Packard Co.
• Legend
• Motion Computing Inc.
• NEC Corp.
• NEC CI
• PaceBlade Technology
• Research Machines PLC
• Sotec (in Japanese)
• Tatung Co.
• Time Group Ltd.
• Toshiba
• ViewSonic Corp.
• Viglen Limited
• WalkAbout Computers Inc.
• Xplore Technologies Corp.