After reading every review possible, reading nea

[Sagan]

After reading every review possible, reading nearly every thread here and seeing both TPC's of interest, I'm about ready to pull the string and purchase the M1400. Before I do, I have a couple questions that are best answered by current owners.

1) The threads concerning Norton System Works have not been active for a while (OK, a month). Is this because the issue was resolved (as they claim on their website) or is it more that alternatives have been found?
2) I also haven't seen much on the 7200rpm hard drive upgrades that have been posted in the last month. My question for those that have done this is if you feel any vibrations after the upgrade? Any increase in heat? And, does this upgrade really speed up the boot process as I hope it will?
3) What accessories would you recommend? I plan on getting a docking station for work so I can keep the unit charged and ready for my classes. Is anything else really worth it?

Thanks in advance for any replies.[thumbsup]

By the way, the forum here is outstanding. I've been using and building my own PC's since the early 90's, and I've been on the internet since it was a baby. But this is my first time really using a forum. First rate, I'd say.

Eric

[ChrisParis]

1. I'm not sure what previous threads you're talking about regarding Norton, but I'm running it on my M 1300 and all is well.

2. The 7200 rpm unit should improve boot time, but I'm sure Windows will mask any advantage as you start to install software. The best thing to do is Keep an eye on the soft you install and control what launches at boot. A better option is to use hibernate whenever possible. It i as close to a cold start "instant-on" as we are likely to get.

3. I found I didn't need the docking station, but that's dependent on your usage. I did find I quickly had to buy an external DVD drive, extra power cable (one for the desk, one for the travel bag), third party spare battery (eight hour lifespan) spare portable stands (I bought wooden picture holders for the desk, and use the plastic thing for the road),USB hub, mouse (I hate touchpads), Bluetooth card (the 1300 doesn't have bt built in) and spare pens. I use a great travel portfolio bag from Travel Pro.

I will be switching from the mobile keyboard to the hardtop one because the mobile keyboard keys fall off too easily and never seem to go back on right.

I also purchased some incense and candles so I can worship my Motion. It's improved my productivity THAT much. :D

[Sagan]

Chris,

Thanks for the info. I like the hibernate tip, but I'm especially interested in the 8hr spare battery you mentioned. Any particular brand you use and are happy with?

I have just finished my 48 hr trial with the M1400, and I'm already wishing I had it back. Almost put ink (the real kind) to my laptop this morning. So I'm wondering, do the Motion products prefer any specific incense--last thing I want to do is insult my new TPC when it arrives?

Eric

[ChrisParis]

Here's my extended review of the M1300 from a while back, with all the info on various accessories, including the Polarmate battery:

http://www.tabletpcbuzz.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8755

The Motions are very forgiving of small mistakes like wrong incense, occasionally swearing at MS Windows (it never takes it personally), and typing the occasional four-letter word to your Congressman. They even like animals:

http://www.oxebridge.com/images/tabletpc.jpg

[TopCat]

I use the docking station all the time at work and highly recommend it -- especially if you have a second monitor that you can use in extended mode (for which I suggest using Ultramon). It's great to be able to work in the office as on a desktop and then "grab and go" for meetings. I also haven't heard any problems with the 7200 rpm disk upgrade.

[dpguest]

I installed the Hitachi 60 gig 7200 hard drive about a month and a half ago. I do not notice any vibration or increased heat. Hibernation and booting is much faster. I also use diskkeeper, which keeps the HD defragged. If the Motion is plugged in, the defrag will periodically check and defrag the disk in a matter or minutes. Thus program loading is always pretty fast. I used the Apricon EZupgrade package to convert the disk drives and it worked like a charm. And now I have a USB powered external 40 gig hard drive for backup purposes. Really neat.
I have an M1300 with 512K ram.

[ChrisParis]

quote:Originally posted by dpguest
I also use diskkeeper, which keeps the HD defragged. If the Motion is plugged in, the defrag will periodically check and defrag the disk in a matter or minutes.

Thanks for the feedback on Diskkeeper. After spending overnight defragging through Windows, and then re-defragging through Norton (since Windows didn't defrag enough), I was looking for a program to defrag in the background.

[alltp]

I'm not sure what line of work you are in, but if you are in sales or go to lots of meetings, get an Executive Portfolio. There is nothing sweeter than sitting down in front of a client and opening up your folio and there is a fully functionin', Windows XP runnin', super note takin' computer. Gives me chills just thinkin' about it :-)

I think the FlexDock is a must because as much as I like to write with my pen, I can type 60+ words a minute and the dock makes everything work just like a regular computer.

Also, backing up to CD gets old quick so an external hard drive is very convenient. I use it for transferring files from one tablet to the next as much as for backup.

Get an extra pen. Even though I have never lost one permanently, I've misplaced them temporarily many times. Since I sell, I always keep one in my glove compartment - just in case!

[JFPA]

As for accessories, I'd HIGHLY recommend the Cross pens for the tablet pc's. There really is no comparison in my opinion. The pens are more comfortable and easy to use.

As for NSW -- I removed it and gave up on it. I've found other solutions for the same matters I used NSW for. I'm just as happy.

As for the hard drive upgrade, I just got the drive recently, and will toy with it this Holiday!

[Sagan]

JFPA,

Thanks for the input. I was considering the cross pen in the near future when the dollars become available.

But for now, my $$ went to my order of the M1400, which should arrive tomorrow!!! Really looking forward to playing with it. I've also put in an order for 512MB to upgrade right away, which should arrive today. I can feel my classes improving as I type (classes I teach, that is).

By the way, what 'other' solution are you using in place of NSW?

Eric