I am thinking of getting a tablet pc and I am le

[joselacon]

I am thinking of getting a tablet pc and I am leaning towards the motion. I see a number of discussions on motion and gateway but I didn't read anything on dell. I understand that dell uses the motion unit and I checked today and its about $ 200 less. Can someone explain why no dell? and being new to the tablet pc idea do any of you have any suggestions?
Thanks

[motion1]

the Gateway is a Motion 1200 with a Gateway logo Last time I checked you can only get 256 ram from Gateway then the you have to add Ram if you want More but that in not a big deal. Also W/Gateway you can have only one configuration

now about Dell ---they Were just reselling the Motion 1200 --no Dell logo And in recent press Dell has stated they have no immediate plans to introduce a Tablet of their own

[joselacon]

Thanks Motion 1: Any advantages of Compaq over motion other than possible price and what about this second gereration of Fujitsu that is due out in March, what do you guys recomend based on experience?

[yvilla]

People with Compaqs may disagree, but many or most Motion owners would probably agree with me that the Motion has several advantages over the Compaq: Screen size, processor/performance, pressure sensitive digitizer, and fewer problems (ie, the pen problems, wireless connection problems and USB/keyboard disconnect problems that have been regular subjects of the Compaq forum).

[brammerf]

I ditto yvilla's comments and add the Compaq's main advantage is it's price. Many will also comment on its form factor, but not an imperical messure. I personally prefer the Motion's design to Compaq's. The problems user have had with Compaq versus Motion are messurable. Just compare the problems posted on Compaq's thread versus the ones on Motion's thread. The only repeatable physical problem with the Motion's are the end caps.

I'm not anti-Compaq. I almost got one myself. I'm happy the Compaq I ordered wasn't shipped on time and I had a change to test drive the Gateway model. I will be waiting for the Tablets to drop under 2 lbs with the same or better power then my Motion. I'll rebuy what it best on the market then and hand my Motion to my wife.

[Gromit]

I bought my Motion from Dell. It ships directly to you from Taiwan, just as the Motion orders do.

The last time I checked, Dell has 2 bundles which are exactly the same as the Motion "Mobile Plus" and "Power Mobile" bundles. If both bundles aren't listed on the Dell page, call them. For whatever reason, they don't always have both of them on their website.

[joselacon]

R you happy with the unit?

Thanks again

[motion1]

its All in your wants but to put things in perspective --.more problem have been discussed (and solved) about Compaq simply because there are more of them! Check the posts over 5,000 on Compaq vs 1,000 plus for Motion & And Five times the number of topics

For me the Smaller screen Was more desirable and easier for field work and a wanted a keyboard available. Try typing in a pure slate when in the field and you need the Keyboard when an input panel keyboard is harder to see in Sunlight

To Be honest each of us tend to be protective of our Choice so keep all of that in mind when considering these posts (even mine) There is no one size fits all `--Measure your wants/needs and pick the the Closest to that. ---most of all ENJOY

[Gromit]

No complaints here. I'm VERY happy with my purchase.

[oldtech]

joselacon

We probably all went through the decision process. I was back and forth between Motion and Compaq. I ended up with a Compaq and here's the reasoning I came up with after reading hundreds of posts.

Pen pressure, I really thought this might be important until I got the Compaq. I discovered since I'm not an artist it didn't matter at all. The pen is fine and it wouldn't cause me to change my mind in the future. I think the harden glass screen actually works out to be an overriding factor.

Motion vs Compaq I was concerned about buying from a startup don't know if that matters yet. My past experiences with HP and Compaq have been very good with quick replacement. That's been the case here, I had one of the faulty pens, they replaced my pen overnight. They didn't ask for the old one back or question me at all.

Slate vs Convertible I thought the motion had an advantage here, (mainly screen size), but as I analyzed my situation I decided that having a keyboard available was probably more important. It turned out to be most important although the handwriting recognition is great in a high stress situation you'll find yourself resorting to a keyboard. I probably would have been inclined to go back to my notebook had it not been for the keyboard availability. I always have my keyboad attached and it is small enough it doesn't bother me. When I'm at home surfing I remove it from the keyboard and just sit with the slate in my lap but if I need to type something I attach the keyboard and on my lap type what I want, that would be hard to do with a slate.

Transmeta vs Intel This concerned me a lot! Again I didn't want to go with a noname processor but the reviews I read seemed to indicate that the users didn't see any real compatibilily or performance issues, and with HP backing it up maybe it wouldn't matter. What really convinced me was programmers running Visual Studio didn't complain about the Transmeta. Battery life was also important and Compaq came out ahead here.

Hope this helps. I'm not bashing the slates, I just don't think most of us are ready to give up our keyboards since we type faster than we write. I'm sure you would enjoy either one. I finally made my decision by reasoning, if this whole tablet thing doesn't work out at least I've got a notebook out of it. Well that's turned out to be true and a lot more.

[randybisig]

Okay, I'm a Palm Tungsten T user. Is the Motion/Gateway just a larger version of a Palm handheld? Can I do the same things, just with more power? I understand the tablet is Windows versus Palm OS, that's not the issue. My question is whether I can "scribble" my notes into a MS Word doc and transfer it over to my desktop PC, along with having access to other programs (such as Photoshop) that won't fit in the handheld.

Also, where can I go for a decent size graphic of the Motion/Gateway tablet?

Thanks.

[wraith808]

quote:Originally posted by oldtech
Motion vs Compaq I was concerned about buying from a startup don't know if that matters yet. My past experiences with HP and Compaq have been very good with quick replacement. That's been the case here, I had one of the faulty pens, they replaced my pen overnight. They didn't ask for the old one back or question me at all.


Actually, this was one of my major concerns. But they have alleviated it in several ways, from their strategic alliances, to Steve's help in purchasing it, and his presence on the boards, and the fact that they did not charge me until everything was sent, even though I had the tablet/dock for 2-1/2 weeks before the exeecutive case showed up.

[wraith808]

quote:Originally posted by randybisig

Okay, I'm a Palm Tungsten T user. Is the Motion/Gateway just a larger version of a Palm handheld? Can I do the same things, just with more power? I understand the tablet is Windows versus Palm OS, that's not the issue. My question is whether I can "scribble" my notes into a MS Word doc and transfer it over to my desktop PC, along with having access to other programs (such as Photoshop) that won't fit in the handheld.

Well, you're mixing two concepts. To the extent that both use a pen and allow input with such (scribbling in notes and to control the OS), they are the same. But that is the extent of it. Though you can use the tablet as an adjunct to your desktop PC, it can actually serve as a replacement- I use it for my primary PC. Meaning that I have photoshop, Visual Studio .NET, Delphi 5, 6, and 7, Dreamweaver MX, and SQL Server 7.0, in addition to my normal office suite loaded on it. And they all work fine.


quote:
Also, where can I go for a decent size graphic of the Motion/Gateway tablet?

There is a .PDF for download at http://www.motioncomputing.com, and there are several large photos in it.

[randybisig]

quote:Originally posted by wraith808


quote:Originally posted by randybisig

Okay, I'm a Palm Tungsten T user. Is the Motion/Gateway just a larger version of a Palm handheld? Can I do the same things, just with more power? I understand the tablet is Windows versus Palm OS, that's not the issue. My question is whether I can "scribble" my notes into a MS Word doc and transfer it over to my desktop PC, along with having access to other programs (such as Photoshop) that won't fit in the handheld.

Well, you're mixing two concepts. To the extent that both use a pen and allow input with such (scribbling in notes and to control the OS), they are the same. But that is the extent of it. Though you can use the tablet as an adjunct to your desktop PC, it can actually serve as a replacement- I use it for my primary PC. Meaning that I have photoshop, Visual Studio .NET, Delphi 5, 6, and 7, Dreamweaver MX, and SQL Server 7.0, in addition to my normal office suite loaded on it. And they all work fine.


quote:
Also, where can I go for a decent size graphic of the Motion/Gateway tablet?

There is a .PDF for download at http://www.motioncomputing.com, and there are several large photos in it.

[randybisig]

Doh!

Okay, I have to use a pen to maneuver through the Palm OS as well as enter data. I can also use a keyboard, but it's not needed.

What about a Tablet PC? Do I "need" a keyboard to use a tablet pc? Can I "tap" icons and use the program the same as a desktop, and as a Palm OS or Windows CE handheld?

[brammerf]

No you don't need a keyboard. I only hook up my keyboard for long writings or if the docking is convenient. I'm seriously looking at voice recognition software too. I can type faster then anything, but I can't tote a keyboard. I'll use desktops for sometime to come, but I'm sure I'll be writing more and more.

[Malleable]

I cant find the Dell Tablet PC on their site. Anyone have a link. I was going to hold off a bit, but I would like to see how cheap I can get it.

Mal

[Gromit]

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productlisting.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&category_id=5322

[Gromit]

Whaoa! $2,150 for the 512 meg, 40 gig bundle. I knew it would go down after I bought my Motion. :)

[Malleable]

Gromit, thanks for the reply. Very nice. They must have gotten some nice agreement with Motion on these for the price to be below what Motion is offering.

Mal

[Gromit]

I wonder if Dell has a 30 day price guarantee? :)

I paid $2275 for a Motion that was delivered on 1/31. That was with 10% off too, so this price is really impressive. That's almost $400 less than Motion's price.

[joselacon]

Hi Gromit:
I see that you got the 40 gig 512meg unit. I just purchased my, but I have a question for you. Did the wireless card come with the system? Their site is not too clear, its list the wireless on the 20 gig unit for only uses the word wireless on the more expensive one. Anything you have to say will help, including your experiencess with the unit. you had it for a month. I am not getting mine until 4/02. I am going to be looking to see if the price drops anywhere else until its shipped. I know how you feel, I almost bought it yesterday at the same price.

Thanks

[Gromit]

Yes, it includes the wireless card (internal, not a card you insert).

The 2 bundles that Dell sells are the same as the 'Mobile Plus' and 'Power Mobile' bundles sold by Motion. Check Motion's site for details of what you get.

I bought the more expensive bundle from Dell, which is the Motion 'Power Mobile' bundle. It includes: 40 gig hard drive, 512 megs of ram, integrated 802.11, hard cover, keyboard, stand, DVD reader/CD-RW burner and some software (virtual drive, etc).

No regrets at all after 1 month. The obvious benefits have been great: portability, note taking, etc. What I didn't count on was how much I love being able to browse the web from any room of my house. My laptop has a wireless card, but it's just not the same. Reading tabletpcbuzz.com from the couch or bed is great. :)

[brammerf]

Add a Sprint PCS card or similar and work from anywhere. I was able to check a system out this morning from a diner after bible study. I've had to skip this social session with my friends before because a computer called, not any more!

For me this technology is a God send!

[Raymond]

I've visited the Dell site ... where are you folks getting these great deals on M1200?

[Gromit]

Follow the link from earlier in the thread. Earlier in the week, Dell was having a 15% off sale. Not as good now (same as Motion's prices), but Dell will probably have another sale next month.

[joselacon]

Yes it looks like dell stop their 15% off but you may still get 10% off. Sign up for dell e-mail alerts, according to dell within 45 days they will send you a voucher for 10% that you could use to purchase software and peripherals. The questions is whether the tablet falls into this category and you have a good argument that they do because when you do a search in their web site thats were you find them. http://www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/topics/segtopic_direct_deals.htm this is the link

good luck

[Raymond]

Thank you Gromit and Joselacon.

[TheSlayer]

Anyone order it from Dell? Is there a choice of end caps? Or is just the black ones?

[Gromit]

Unless something has changed recently, Dell doesn't offer endcap choices (black only). They just have the 2 bundles.