Tablet Computers

Choosing a Tablet Computer

However, since tablets are still fairly new, it will be more important than ever to carefully consider your choices before you buy.  Following are some basic things to think about - including those "soft" factors - before you rush out and purchase that sparkling new, highly functional and very cool tablet. 

• Cost - no surprises here.  The bigger and brighter the LCD, the greater the processing power, memory, disk space, etc., the more expensive the system.
• Weight - if you need your tablet to be your primary computing platform, you'll probably end up carrying around a computer that is a few pounds heavier than if you have a desktop computer as well to act as your "primary" system.  Make sure the system you buy is compatible with your ability/willingness to carry it!
• Speed - combination of processor, memory, graphics, video, audio cards/memory, operating system - well, you get the picture, a lot of factors go into "speed".

• Configuration - sounds vague, but what is important here is how many drives and ports are "in the box" versus having to be changed in and out.  In other words, do you have to change out a drive to go from floppy to CD?  How many USB ports are available on the box itself?

• Display - the display might be the single biggest issue with a tablet.  How large a screen do you require to comfortably enter data and view documents?  Do you work with graphics where staring at a tiny screen with low resolution will make you go blind?  Make sure your tablet's display meets your personal working requirements.

• Battery Life - always a big issue, especially if you have a large display like the ones in almost all tablets.  Make sure you can get enough life out of the system's battery to make it useful when you're on the road.  And by the way, if the spec says 2 hours, plan on 1 1/2 or less!

• Hard Drive - the bigger the better - especially if you are working with multimedia or other large file types.

• Memory  - more is better, but you knew that already.
• Connectivity - for your printer, your network (wireless is big for travelers!), your external storage devices, keyboards, mice, camera, PDA, phone, etc., etc.
• Drive Options - CD, DVD, CD R/W, DVD R/W and their speeds.

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• Extras - what comes in the package - travel accessories, microphone, earphones, software and much more.
• Service and Support - always "big" with us, the warranty, service strategy and contact capabilities.
• Carrying and Cases - finally, we highly recommend that you decide HOW you want to carry around your tablet?  Backpack, brief bag?  Our mantra at Home Office Reports is to use the smallest case you can that you can fit your travel ESSENTIALS into.  What do we mean?  If your bag is too comfortably roomy, you'll soon find yourself filling it up with papers and accessories you don't really need - and bearing the load along with it!  However, if you DO need to carry around a printer, projector, tablet and lots of paper - make sure you purchase a bag that can accommodate your requirements WITHOUT breaking your back or shoulder!

Remember that your tablet is the foundation for everything you do (even if it is only "on the road") - so cheap is NOT necessarily better.  We instead suggest that you purchase the best system you can afford that meets your needs both now and in the foreseeable (next two to three years) future.  Not that tablets in general, are cheap at all!

So, ready to take a look at what is out there?  We've tried to hit on the majority of tablet computers and their manufacturers.  Due to the complexity of the data you'll need to make a good decision, we've built a separate document so you can really compare the tablets.  You can find this document at:  Tablet Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Additionally, we've chosen our favorite desktop computer from every manufacturer.  Just look for the ¤ symbol!

Tablet Computers Review

Tablet Computers*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)

* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro

Acer

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Acer tablets are easy to set up and ready for installation of your business software and hardware peripherals.

Cost - $$$$

Acer makes two tablets priced at $1,549.00 for the C310 TMC312XCi and $1,999.95 for the C310 TMC314XMi (without options).  See our product matrix Tablet Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Acer tablets are based on Intel Pentium M processors.  There is most probably an Acer tablet that will meet the performance needs of your business and business applications.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The Acer systems offer 14.1" screens, all have the ability to rotate or change page orientation with the touch of a button - very nice usability features.
Works With - YYY

Acer tablets use the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet Edition OS.

Support - pppp

Acer offers a one year limited warranty for their systems.  The tech support section on their web site is comprehensive offering a FAQ, downloads, user guides and technical articles.  If you need more help than that available online, you can email tech support or call them, 24 hours per day at their "800" number.

Features - iiii

Acer tablets offer some nice features like memory card readers, Intel Centrino or Acer InviLink wireless connectivity and a nice mix of USB/FireWire ports.  Most tablets include 802.11g wireless and higher end tablets offer Bluetooth connectivity as well.

Overall Rating - %%%%

Acer tablets have a nice screen and boast very good performance, they also combine the features and functions in their tablet packages and their prices are competitive as well (good price/performance/feature ratio).  Some of the best tablets in the category.

Advueu

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Advueu's tablets are straight forward to set up for use in your business.

Cost - $$$$

Advueu makes four tablet models.  The V800XPT is priced at $989.99 and the V800XPT-1 at $965.00.  The V800XPT-2 is priced at $1,013.00 and the V800XPT-2S at $999.99.  See our product matrix Tablet Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

The Advueu tablets all use the Transmeta Crusoe 800MHz low voltage processor.  In most cases, enough power for most tablet-based business applications.  However, not enough for more complex video, audio and digital image editing purposes.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The Advueu tablets are small (8.4" LCD) and light 2.6 or 2.8 lbs.  All include wireless capability as well (although 802.11b only).
Works With - YYY

The Advueu tablets use the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet Edition OS.

Support - pppp

Advueu tablets carry a one year warranty.  The tech support area on the Advueu web site includes a FAQ, user manuals and software downloads.  If you need more help, you can contact technical support 24x7 via email or at their "800" number.

Features - iii1/2

Advueu tablets' advantage is size and weight.  They are small (0.98x7.2x9.5") and weigh only 2.6 or 2.8 lbs.  All of the tablets also include wireless (802.11b only) and a 4-in-1 media card reader (Memory Stick, MultiMedia Card, Smart Media, Secure Digital).  The V800XPT-1 and V800XPT-2/2S also include a keyboard module and carrying case.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

A nice "in between" solution - not as big as a small notebook (nor as powerful), but more powerful and useful than a PDA.  For business owners who need a moderately powered, light, stylus-based computing system - good finds.

ASUS

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

ASUS' "white box" tablets are easy (once configured by your local reseller) to set up for your use.

Cost - $$$$

ASUS sells their two notebook frameworks to resellers who then add processors, hard drives and optical drives to complete a system configuration.  Pricing in these cases is usually very competitive or less expensive than "brand name" solutions.  However, you'll have to work with your local reseller to get the best price on these notebook "shells".   See our product matrix Tablet Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

It all depends what you put into one of ASUS' two tablet models.  The good news however, is that you can work with your local provider to build the right notebook for you and your business.  Compatible processors include ULV Celeron M (for the 7" display R2H) or Core 2 Duo (for the 13.3" display R1F).

Ease of Use - @@@@

ASUS' notebooks are no more or less "usable" than any other Windows-based system in this category.
Works With - YYY

ASUS' solutions are designed for Windows XP Tablet PC Edition only.

Support - ppp1/2

Your warranty will depend upon the policy of your reseller.  ASUS itself offers two year warranties.  The technical support area of the ASUS web site includes a FAQ, downloads and technical reference.  If you need more help, you have to go to their web site and get an incident number before you email or telephone technical support (no "800" number, you must pay long distance charges where they apply) during the hours of 5:30 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific.  In the end however, you MUST rely on your local reseller for help should something go wrong. 

Features - iii1/2

ASUS offers a card reader on both models and wireless LAN with optional Bluetooth as well.  Display sizes 7.0" and 13.3" and fingerprint sensors with lots of software are included as well.  You'll need to work with your reseller to configure the model that is best for your business and working style.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

If you like working with a local provider, or you need some help in configuring and setting up a machine, or you're looking to "pinch pennies" on your tablet - purchasing an ASUS "white box" solution from a local reseller just may be for you.  Just make sure your reseller understands the needs of your business and your personal working style/expertise and that you believe that the reseller will support you adequately should you experience a problem with your tablet.

Electrovaya

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Electrovaya's tablet computers are straight forward to set up and ready for use.

Cost - $$$$

Electrovaya makes seven tablet computers ranging in price from $1,099.00 to $2,300.00.  See our product matrix Tablet Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

The Electrovaya systems use Intel's Centrino M-LV processor at 1.6GHz, Ultra Low Voltage Mobile Intel Pentium III (866MHz), Centrino M LV at 1.5GHz and Celeron M ULV at 900MHz.  If you don't plan to require a lot of power, these systems will probably meet your needs.  The  Pentium III processor may offer only the minimum in performance.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Electrovaya tablets offer 10.4" and 12.1" screens and a number of "ease of use" buttons (i.e. power, rotate screen layout, Windows Task Manager, Start Menu, on-screen keyboard toggle, escape, wireless, direction ball, enter, and others).
Works With - YYY

Electrovaya tables use the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet Edition OS.

Support - ppp1/2

Electrovaya tablets carry a one year warranty.  The tech support area on the Electrovaya web site includes manuals and software downloads.  If you need more help, you can contact technical support 24x7 via email or telephone (no "800" number, you'll pay long distance charges where they apply).

Features - iii1/2

The best feature of the Electrovaya line is the fingerprint sensor on the SC-2000CLN, SC-3000 and SC-3100 models.  The SC-2000CLN,SC-3000 and SC-3100 also offer external CD burners ($250.00), 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN connectivity and an optional docking station.  Other models offer more "standard" tablet features and functions only.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

We like the SC-3000 and SC-3100 lines that use the more powerful Intel Centrino M-LV processors and include a fingerprint sensor and optional docking station.  Worth a look if you're in the tablet market.

Fujitsu

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Fujitsu tablets and touch screen notebooks are simple to set up and ready for loading your software applications and adding your hardware peripherals.

Cost - $$$1/2

Fujitsu makes four lines of tablets and touch screen notebooks in sixteen models priced from $1,599.00 to $2,799.00 (without options).  See our product matrix Tablet Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Fujitsu makes a nice range of tablets and touch screen notebooks with  Intel Core Solo ULV, Core Duo ULV and Core Duo procesors.  One of them is sure to meet the speed and performance needs of your business and business applications.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The Fujitsu tablets and touch screen notebooks are easy to use. 

Works With - YYY

Fujitsu tablets and touch screen notebooks are designed for the Windows environment (Fujitsu uses Windows XP Tablet Edition, Windows XP Professional and Windows Vista Business).

Support - pp1/2

Most of the Fujitsu tablets and touch screen notebooks are covered by a one year warranty although some of the high end notebooks have a 3 year term (you can purchase an extended warranty as well).  Their web site has lots of information, downloads, FAQs, manuals and more.  Fujitsu really does NOT want individuals to call them.  They encourage that you use email or online chat.  In fact, we think this statement, published on their web site says it all:  "If you are a user of a Fujitsu tablet (notebooks as well), the best way to achieve quick resolution of your technical difficulties is to contact your corporate 'help desk' or to call the company that sold your Fujitsu tablet (notebook) to you."  Tough to do if you purchased your notebook from the Fujitsu Web site!!!

Features - iiii

Fujitsu delivers most just the basic features and functions on their tablets and touch screen notebooks including 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN connectivity and Bluetooth on many models.  Most models include Smart Card readers as well.  Their biggest differentiator is that they offer outdoor displays on some models.  Good for those of you who work outside most of the time.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

The T4215 line looks good - convertible notebooks with Core Duo processors, wireless, fingerprint sensors and more. Now, if only we'd get a bit more from them in the way of support...

Gateway

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

The Gateway tablets are very easy to set up and ready for installation of your software and peripherals.

Cost - $$$$

Gateway's CX210X has a base price of $1,199.99 the CX210S starts at $1,099.99.  See our product matrix Tablet Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

The Gateway tables use the Intel Core Duo or Core 2 Duo processors.  These processors will be more than fine for most business requirements.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The Gateway tablets deliver the usability you'd expect from an Intel-based tablet using Microsoft Windows Vista.

Works With - YYY

Gateway tablets use Microsoft Windows Vista (Home Premium, Business and Ultimate editions are available).

Support - pppp

Gateway offers one year warranties on their tablets (extended warranties are also available).  The tech support area on their web site is comprehensive and offers downloads, FAQ's tutorials, vendor links and the ability to sign up for email alerts.  If you need more help, you can email them, use live chat or call their "800" number.

Features - iii1/2+

The CX210X includes a 7-in-1 media card reader, CDRW-DVD combo or optional 8x Multi-Format Double Layer DVD Writer and built-in wireless LAN and Bluetooth.  The CX201S has a slower processor, hard drive and combo drive in lieu of DVD burner. 

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

The CX210X series is interesting and the rotating screen is a nice touch.  The inclusion of a 7-in-1 media reader is a good asset as well.

HP

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

HP's Tablet PCs are easy to set up and ready for your applications and attaching your peripherals.

Cost - $$$1/2

HP's  tc4400 line (five models) is priced from $1,479.00 to $1,949.00.  See our product matrix Tablet Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

HP's tablets are based Intel Core Solo ULV, Core Duo and Core 2 Duo processors.  These systems will deliver enough power for almost any business application.

Ease of Use - @@@@

HP's tablets are as easy to begin using as others in this category.

Works With - YYY

HP's tablets are designed to operate with Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.

Support - pppp1/2

HP's tablets carry a 3 year limited warranty.  HP has a ton of good information on their web site that can help you troubleshoot problems - tips, troubleshooting "walk throughs", forums, FAQ's and more.  If you can't find what you need, you can contact tech support via email or phone, 24 hours per day through an HP-sponsored "800" number.

Features - iii1/2+

All of the basics you'll require - wireless LAN and Bluetooth, CompactFlash or SD memory slots,  Optical drives are available using the external MultiBay options ($79.00 for the MultiBay PLUS the cost of the drive - from $149 for a DVD-ROM to $249.00 for a DVD burner) as well.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

The tc4400 is 4.6 lbs. with a with a 12.1" screen and fast Intel processors - solid tablets from a solid company.

Itronix

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Itonix's Duo-Touch tablet is easy to set up and ready for your applications and attaching your peripherals.

Cost - $$$

Itronix's Duo-Touch is priced at $3,195.00.  See our product matrix Tablet Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Itronix's Duo-Touch uses the Intel Pentium M 733 processor at 1.1GHz, probably enough processing power for most mobile business applications.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The Duo-Touch has a number of hot keys in addition to its touch screen - enter, up/down arrows, escape, security, display rotation, function key, wireless LAN on/off and suspend/power off to aid in making the tablet even more "usable".  You can also add a vehicle dock with keyboard and port replicators and desk mounts for additional dollars.

Works With - YYY

Duo-Touch is designed to operate with Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.

Support - pppp

Duo-Touch carries 3 year limited warranty.  The Itronix web site contains bulletins and software downloads.  If you need more help you can contact Itronix tech support via email or at their "800" number.

Features - iii1/2

The biggest asset of this table is actually in the accessories (along with their built-in "ruggedization").  You can purchase a dock/keyboard for your car, a deskmount, port replicator and connectivity for GPRS and CDMA, Wi-Fi, GPS and other wireless networks.  The tablet itself has all of the basic capabilities you'll need.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

A tough tablet with nice accessories for folks that need a ruggedized system for their business.

Lenovo

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Lenovo's Tablet PCs are easy to set up and ready for your applications and attaching your peripherals.

Cost - $$$1/2

Lenovo's offers one tablet - the X60 Tablet with pricing starting out at $1,804.00.  See our product matrix Tablet Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Lenovo's tablet's utilize the Intel Core Duo L2400 LV 1.67GHz processor.  More than enough power for most mobile applications.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Lenovo's tablets include a full keyboard in addition to touch screen controls.

Works With - YYY

Lenovo's tablets are designed to operate with Microsoft Windows Vista Business and XP Tablet PC Edition.

Support - pppp+

Lenovo tablets carry a one year warranty.  After that they offer a number of service plans.  Their web site has extensive tech support information and you can contact Lenovo via email or phone if you are still under warranty (or have purchased a service plan from them).

Features - iiii

Solid entries in the tablet space.  Lots of storage options (hard drives, Secure Digital Slot, optical drives via the UltraBase dock) and connectivity options - modem, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN and Bluetooth as well.  The tablets come with a built-in keyboard - and at 3.6 lbs., not a bad weight for a 12.1" screen with keyboard.

Overall Rating - %%%%

The latest of the "big" companies to enter the tablet space - and a good entrance it is.  The X60 should certainly be among the tablets you consider when you're "comparison shopping".

Motion Computing

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Motion Computing's Tablet PCs are easy to set up and ready for your applications and attaching your peripherals.

Cost - $$$1/2

Motion's two tablet lines in five tablet models.  The LS1600 Celeron base is priced at $1,798.99, the LS1600TS (touch screen) Celeron base is $1,699.00, LS800 Centrino base at $1,899.00 and LS1600 Centrino base at $1,999.00 for both the standard and touch screen (LS1600TS) models.  See our product matrix Tablet Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Motion Computing's tablets come with Intel Pentium M Low Voltage, Celeron M or Centrino M Low Voltage processors.  One of these systems probably has more than enough processing power to meet your mobile computing requirements.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Motion Computing's tablets are as easy to begin using as others in this category.

Works With - YYY

Motion Computing's tablets are designed to operate with Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.

Support - pppp+

Motion Computing's tablets carry a 1 year limited warranty.  Motion Computing has done a very nice job with the technical support area of their web site.  It includes:  a FAQ, searchable knowledge base, user guides, table tips and online tutorials.  Motion Computing also offers on site training courses.  If you need more help, you can contact Motion Computing's technical support group via email or at their "800" number.

Features - iiii1/2

Motion Computing's tablets offer a diverse set of features and functions for all types of users.  Outdoor displays, 802.11b/g and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet, modems and USB ports.  Additionally, the LS1600 includes dual microphones for better speech recognition - so you can not only use your digitizer pen, you can dictate as well.  Finally, Motion Computing offers a nice set of accessories - docking port, hard case keyboard that also serves as a cover for the display and lots of cases.

Overall Rating - %%%%+

Some of the very best solutions on the market that combine lots of features and functions in a very cost-effective package.

Panasonic

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Panasonic's Toughbooks are simple to set up and ready for your business applications

Cost - $$$

Panasonic's convertibles (three models) are available through resellers who customize them for your needs.  See your reseller for specific pricing.  See our product matrix Tablet Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If you work outside and want a tablet - and notebook - the Toughbooks can help you do business more quickly and efficiently.  The daylight readable screens are a big plus for outside workers.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The rotating screen, tablet or touch screen configurations and stainless steel cases make these devices highly usable.

Works With - YYY

Toughbooks can be configured to run either Microsoft Windows XP Professional or XP Tablet PC Edition.

Support - pppp

Panasonic products carry a three year warranty. The Panasonic web site has good technical information on it to help you through minor "sticking points".  If you need more help, you can use their "800"-based fax back service, email Panasonic or call them 9 AM to 7 PM Eastern (no "800" number you will be responsible for toll charges where applicable) for more information.

Features - iiii1/2

Panasonic's tablet entries are ruggedized with a magnesium alloy cases, moisture and dust-resistant LCD's, keyboards and touchpads, sealed port and connector covers, and shock mounted hard drive.  The screens rotates and the system can be configured as tablets or touchscreen notebooks.  They also include 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN, a Secure Digital slot and 10.4" or 12.1" daylight readable screens.  Options including CDMA and EDGE wireless networking, Bluetooth, GPS receivers and backlit keyboards are also available along with external optical drives and a port replicator.

Overall Rating - %%%%+

If you work outdoors and need a tablet - well worth the $$'s.

Toshiba

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Toshiba tablets are easy to set-up so you can begin loading your business applications and attaching your peripherals.

Cost - $$$$

Toshiba makes four tablet lines that come in thirteen models.  The tablets are priced from $1,449.00 to $3,499.00  See our product matrix Tablet Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Toshiba's tablets use the Intel Core Duo and Core 2 Duo processors.  More than enough power for most mobile, home-business requirements.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The Toshiba tablets are as easy to use as any other device in this category.

Works With - YYYY

The Toshiba tablets are designed for Microsoft Windows XP Tablet Edition, however, Lycoris has recently released a Linux Tablet OS that is designed to work on the Toshiba tablet (for more information, see Lycoris Tablet Announcement).

Support - pppp1/2

Toshiba warrants their tablets for three and one years.  They also have a highly functional and useful support web site as well as call-in "800" support.

Features - iii1/2+

The Toshiba tablets include optical storage (CD-RW/DVD-ROM or DVD writer), and include Secure Digital slots or a 5-in-1 Bridge Media Adapter.  Wireless connectivity is also included on all of the Portege models (802.11a/b/g) and optional on the Satellite R20 as well as Bluetooth on some models.   All of the Toshiba tablets are "convertibles" with hinged, rotating screens and include a standard keyboard configuration for typing as well as stylus input. 

Overall Rating - %%%%

A big improvement over Toshiba's original tablet products.  More power, more connectivity.  Good  "convertible" tablets at a reasonable price.