News
Issue #2002 - 43 (November 2002)
(Updated Nov. 13, 2002)

DEVICES

Microsoft Launches Tablet PC - Useful for Niche Applications but critics say "still a work in progress"

After years of hype, Tablet PC hits store shelves this week. Initial models made by Acer, Toshiba, and ViewSonic have been on display at trade shows for the last several weeks. Tablet PC is an initiative that centers around a hand-writing data interface for Microsoft's XP OS. Tablet PCs are designed to let users interact by tapping the screen and hand-writing with a stylus. Tablet PCs also let users wirelessly connect to the Internet and other PCs using 802.11b networks. Most Tablet PCs are about the size of a legal pad and will sell for roughly $2,200 each. While the concept has great potential, most who have seen the early Tablet PCs think the devices and their handwriting input system will require improvements before the devices take off with the public.

As of Thursday last week, the fate of the Tablet PC was out of Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates' hands. Unlike one of Gates' previous pet projects, the ill-fated Microsoft "Bob" social-computing interface, the success or failure of the Tablet is dependent on the PC vendors and ISVs (independent software vendors) writing the apps that will run on top of Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. About 10 consumer PC vendors are expected to trot out their wares at the New York City Tablet PC unveiling. At least two dozen software vendors-including Microsoft's own Office division-will be showing versions of their Tablet wares. Some ISVs are looking to broaden the "information worker" target that Microsoft has set for the devices. Others see vertical markets as a prime Tablet market.

Among the software partners Microsoft has touted as Tablet PC backers are Adobe, Autodesk, FranklinCovey, Groove Networks, LexisNexis and WebEx. Here is a sampling of some of the other software that will be available for Tablets out of the gate: 

• Alias/Wavefront's SketchBook. This SGI company, which brought the world the 3-D technology behind flicks like "Lord of the Rings," has built a "digital sketchbook" that will let Tablet users sketch, annotate images and present their work "whenever creativity strikes."
• Corel's Grafigo, a .Net Framework-based app the allows users to draw sketches "on the fly" that can be turned into "technically precise" graphical images. These images can be annotated and shared via collaborative workflow.
• Groove Networks' digital ink-enabled chat tool for Groove workspace. · Iteration Software's real-time reporting platform. Think business intelligence for wireless devices.
• Keylogix's ActiveDocs document automation/annotation package.
• Pen&Internet's Advanced Notes Recognition technology, which converts pages of handwritten notes into formatted text and charts in a variety of existing document formats.
• Proscape's CRM application for sales and marketing professionals. The app will allow users to create multimedia sales presentations and provide reports to track and monitor salesforce productivity
• ScanSoft's digital-imaging, speech-recognition developer tools, and text-to-speech products.
• Zinio's digital-magazine reader technology, aimed at allowing publishers to deliver non-paper versions of their products, and readers to view and annotate them on Tablet devices.
• Zinio says Microsoft's ePeriodicals e-publishing software-due to be unveiled at the Tablet launch, sources say-won't compete with Zinio's Reader. 

For more information: http://www.microsoft.com

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: Tablet PC's are useful only for niche applications. There is a place and applications suitable for tablet PC. From the point of view of enterprise applications, there is a great potential in the manufacturing and distribution industry. But somebody will have to fit a scanner. Symbol should do it.

No doubt there will be complaints in the initial set of hardware models. But remember there will be improvements as users try early versions. You want to be on the first train leaving town, be prepared for lack of services on the way. But you will get there first. 

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of Securities Exchange act of 1934 in USA. Similar provisions exist in other countries. There is no assurance that the stipulated plans of vendors will be implemented. MobileInfo does not warrant the authenticity of the information. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.