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General discussion

Anyone Have More of a Clue Than Me?

Mar 27, 2005 12:51AM PST

I'm about to go to law school in the fall, and I am fairly certain that I need a notebook. But I am intrigued by the new tablet pc's, as anything that promises to translate my handwriting into text is my new bestest friend.

I've been looking at PCMagazine and others for rankings of tablet PC's, general info etc. Like is the handwriting recog software really that good. Will it just miss a few letters out of a hundred? Can I use my natural handwriting or do I have to learn Palm stylus type shorthand? Is it better to get the more expensive notebook/tablet combo than just a tablet, even though I already have a desktop that would be my primary computer? But the biggest thing I've had trouble learning is what is the best brand, who has the best value.

I've ben looking around and I just can't find anything substantial. Anyone out there have any info?

Discussion is locked

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Here, the tablet bombed.
Mar 27, 2005 1:06AM PST

Every few years you see them "try again" that form or function. It works for some industries and certainly reduces the price of touchscreen systems, but I rarely see a tablet for sale in the retail outlets. But the most damaging tale is that no one I know owns one. Sure we demo it as a touchscreen option, but they are not selling.

Bob

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A have seen 2 of these in action...
Mar 28, 2005 5:34AM PST

And I would say in your case, either stick with the normal laptop. A couple project managers where I work have them, and while they do work, I wouldn't say they work well. It usually ends up as a garbled mess, especially if you are in a hurry. (or if you write anything like I do) I would say get a good laptop and a voice recorder. Better yet, try one of these out- I have one that I take everywhere- It has never given me a sigle problem, It was cheaper than my laptop, and the battery life is outstanding!
http://www.estation.am/showproduct.asp?cid=2&pid=3&ucid=4

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(NT) (NT) Ha.
Mar 29, 2005 10:45AM PST