I am just so interested in the new NEC slate!

[welwyngc]

I am just so interested in the new NEC slate!

However, I am confused - and obviously wrong!

just looking at the stats on the front page - over 75% of the tablet PC users who responded use their tablet predominantly in slate mode -I just don't get it.

I have a Toshiba, and have had an Acer and a Compaq (interesting similarity in choice [eureka]

I really do like the Compaq hybrid approach - and thought it the best of both worlds - but found this edition of the Compaq too slow.

For surfing the internet, reading and scribbling notes/working in Journal I have my tablet in slate mode - and I love it BUT

when I am working in say MS Office or writing an email,or other character/number intensive applications, I (very quickly) switch to keyboard mode as I find it faster, more efficient and more effective. And all in one unit.

I am trying to visualize being in a meeting with the NEC (or any pure slate) and needing to access the keyboard.

I set up the stand/docking station
plug in the keyboard
Place the slate in front of me (hiding my face)

It just seems counter productive...

I guess the above example is actually applicable to any time that I want to access the keyboard.

Please humour me...

[Bishop]

I've only used my keyboard a half dozen times since I got my slate 2 months ago. One of those was to activate XP, another was to boot to safe mode.

I'm away from my desktop most days taking notes or marking up documents in meetings and other situations where I can't/won't put the traditional laptop screen in the middle of the social interaction.

Therefore for me, the choice is slate or paper notepad. With the slate, my notes are always with my computer. I'm not the victim or my own failure to put the right notepad/notebook into my brief case, or the loss of a loose sheet of paper at the most inopportune moment. I also don't lose time trying to get info from my handwritten notes into my laptop/desktop. The tablet is my Single Point of Information ©.

[brammerf]

If have more then a few sentances to write I go to a keyboard, but I can do the majority of my daily work without extensive writing. My hand writing is getting better and faster, but it will never be at 100+ words a minute.

[brammerf]

If have more then a few sentances to write I go to a keyboard, but I can do the majority of my daily work without extensive writing. My hand writing is getting better and faster, but it will never be at 100+ words a minute.

[twills]

welwyngc, the Toshiba was the first TPC I got (actually on the launch date Nov 7) followed by the Fuji and the Compaq. For the first three weeks with only the Toshiba, I found myself using the laptop mode 95% of the time, and 5% tablet - and primarily showing others the rotating screen and pen interface - not for true work.

That wasn't good enough and that's why I went after the pure slate form factor. I wanted a dramatic and real change in how I work with a computer. I like the Fuji the best because of the reliability, built in button features and IRDA, plus the keyboard is wireless. But I'm on my 5th week not using a keyboard. And I don't just use the ink feature for notetaking. I'm doing my Notes email, web email, Word docs, ppt, MindManager, etc, with the slate.

It was more of a mental transition as to how I integrate my business processes, applications and the computer. I don't even travel with the keyboard anymore. I didn't buy the docking station with the Fuji or Commpaq.

This worked for me, but my situation accomodated the change. It was/is a real change. Even little things, like my desk setup at the office. and that's a good thing.

[twills]

welwyngc, the Toshiba was the first TPC I got (actually on the launch date Nov 7) followed by the Fuji and the Compaq. For the first three weeks with only the Toshiba, I found myself using the laptop mode 95% of the time, and 5% tablet - and primarily showing others the rotating screen and pen interface - not for true work.

That wasn't good enough and that's why I went after the pure slate form factor. I wanted a dramatic and real change in how I work with a computer. I like the Fuji the best because of the reliability, built in button features and IRDA, plus the keyboard is wireless. But I'm on my 5th week not using a keyboard. And I don't just use the ink feature for notetaking. I'm doing my Notes email, web email, Word docs, ppt, MindManager, etc, with the slate.

It was more of a mental transition as to how I integrate my business processes, applications and the computer. I don't even travel with the keyboard anymore. I didn't buy the docking station with the Fuji or Commpaq.

This worked for me, but my situation accomodated the change. It was/is a real change. Even little things, like my desk setup at the office. and that's a good thing.

[Gromit]

I've only used a slate (Motion), but I think I would prefer it to a convertible. Every morning, I put my tablet on it's stand and plug in the keyboard. I use the keyboard a lot, but only when I'm sitting at my desk. When I go to a meeting or want to surf the web at home, I don't have the keyboard plugged in at all.

For me, the docking station and the included keyboard (USB) is all I need. I still have to order the docking station though.

[Gromit]

I've only used a slate (Motion), but I think I would prefer it to a convertible. Every morning, I put my tablet on it's stand and plug in the keyboard. I use the keyboard a lot, but only when I'm sitting at my desk. When I go to a meeting or want to surf the web at home, I don't have the keyboard plugged in at all.

For me, the docking station and the included keyboard (USB) is all I need. I still have to order the docking station though.

[yvilla]

I actually headed here just now to start a new topic, welwyngc, and saw you beat me to it. :D

I have been really fascinated watching this latest poll. I think the strong and steady showing of a very high percentage of slate only use is very significant, and shows how off mark many of those Tablet PC disparaging tech columnists truly are.

I've used my keyboard even less than Bishop. In fact, although I was reluctant to let him use it at first, once I gave in the first time, my Motion keyboard has become a permanent fixture attached to my 14 year old grandson's PlayStation 2! It's the perfect size for him.

[yvilla]

I actually headed here just now to start a new topic, welwyngc, and saw you beat me to it. :D

I have been really fascinated watching this latest poll. I think the strong and steady showing of a very high percentage of slate only use is very significant, and shows how off mark many of those Tablet PC disparaging tech columnists truly are.

I've used my keyboard even less than Bishop. In fact, although I was reluctant to let him use it at first, once I gave in the first time, my Motion keyboard has become a permanent fixture attached to my 14 year old grandson's PlayStation 2! It's the perfect size for him.

[Big Lar]

I find myself attaching my keyboard more and more these days. After all, I paid for it, why not use it. When I first got my tablet I was all about slate only, but I'm softening this position. A ton of text entry simply calls for the keyboard. If the tablet was my primary work machine, I'd use the keyboard over 50% of the time. As it is, I'm in the 60-70% slate group.

-Lar

[Big Lar]

I find myself attaching my keyboard more and more these days. After all, I paid for it, why not use it. When I first got my tablet I was all about slate only, but I'm softening this position. A ton of text entry simply calls for the keyboard. If the tablet was my primary work machine, I'd use the keyboard over 50% of the time. As it is, I'm in the 60-70% slate group.

-Lar

[Slate]

I have been using my TC1000 in slate mode for reading and much of my e-mail work, however when it comes time for the task I do the most -- programming -- the keyboard is the only solution. If I didn't program, my slate time would jump from the 25-4O% category up to 80-100.

[Slate]

I have been using my TC1000 in slate mode for reading and much of my e-mail work, however when it comes time for the task I do the most -- programming -- the keyboard is the only solution. If I didn't program, my slate time would jump from the 25-4O% category up to 80-100.

[Appraiser]

My use is probably 50/50 slate/keyboard. I'd feel lost without the keyboard for much of my work, because it's just more accurate and faster. I do use it mainly in slate on home viewings, but work ups use the keyboard.

[Appraiser]

My use is probably 50/50 slate/keyboard. I'd feel lost without the keyboard for much of my work, because it's just more accurate and faster. I do use it mainly in slate on home viewings, but work ups use the keyboard.

[Dennis Rice]

One way does not fit all. Once again, we see that different people have different needs. I Cannot actually say I do one way more or less, I do what I need to at the time. When I take notes, I use slate, when I code, I use keyboard, etc.... That is the beauty of the tablet, you have a choice!

[Dennis Rice]

One way does not fit all. Once again, we see that different people have different needs. I Cannot actually say I do one way more or less, I do what I need to at the time. When I take notes, I use slate, when I code, I use keyboard, etc.... That is the beauty of the tablet, you have a choice!

[MooseMaster]

"One way does not fit all..." That is the epitome of the TabletPC design.

[MooseMaster]

"One way does not fit all..." That is the epitome of the TabletPC design.

[Big Lar]

Well said Dennis. Well said. It was an interesting poll, but I think you've summed up how useless it really is. Each individual's needs are going to be so different, that their own balance of keyboard to slate use is the only factor that will matter to them.

The poll would be useful for software developers. They can see the standard usage pattern of the majority of people and gear their products toward that pattern.

I wholeheartedly agree; it is all about choice.

--Lar

[Big Lar]

Well said Dennis. Well said. It was an interesting poll, but I think you've summed up how useless it really is. Each individual's needs are going to be so different, that their own balance of keyboard to slate use is the only factor that will matter to them.

The poll would be useful for software developers. They can see the standard usage pattern of the majority of people and gear their products toward that pattern.

I wholeheartedly agree; it is all about choice.

--Lar

[Traveller]

It's the reason I bought the Compaq. I use the whole Office XP Suite as well as Visio and MS Project, so the keyboard is handy. I travel a lot so the Compaq and keyboard combo is light and easy to carry. Of course, I separate the keyboard when in slate mode during meetings, note taking,drawing, and wet surfing.

[Traveller]

It's the reason I bought the Compaq. I use the whole Office XP Suite as well as Visio and MS Project, so the keyboard is handy. I travel a lot so the Compaq and keyboard combo is light and easy to carry. Of course, I separate the keyboard when in slate mode during meetings, note taking,drawing, and wet surfing.

[Gadfly]

Here is my perspective. I own a Motion Computing slate-only tablet that I purchased with my own funds. I've had the tablet for 60 days now.

Background:
I do software development but my job involves a lot of meetings with 3rd parties, organizational groups, and other groups inside the company. My handwriting is awful, but i type quite fast. I haven't tried OneNote yet. I work in an environment that has enough wireless connectivity that I'm essentially wired all the time. I previously carried a Thinkpad.

In these scenarios, the Slate works great:
* Taking notes in meetings -- my notes are better, and i flag anything that represents an action item. I refer back to them and extract useful data. In fact, my desktop now is really just a directory of the notebooks in which i spend most of my tablet time besides reading mail.
* Writing comments on a document where those comments only need to be communicated orally to the document author.
* Reading mail
* Browsing the web
* Reading documents
* Reading books (though i think it is a bit large for this)
* Sketching out designs, design issues, etc.
* Social aspect -- I don't feel like i'm hiding behind my laptop in meetings anymore.

In these scenarios, the Slate has issues:
* E-mail generation -- With my handwriting, I find that I experience significant problems writing more than non-trivial e-mail e.g. a sentence or two. That sentence also involves a lot of corrections. This experienced limitation means that I either don't respond to e-mail until I reach my desk or am forced to send replies that lack the sublety and editing that I'd achieve on a keyboard in half the time. I often receive mail that is unanswerable on the tablet due to the time/energy/care/frustration necessary to produce an effective reply on a pure slate.

Further, I won't send anybody inkmail. I personally think it looks odd and informal compared to all of the text mail i get from everyone else. Also, my handwriting limits the effectiveness of this.
* Document generation - I can outline a document on the slatebut not write one. This means that all document generation is now a desk-bound activity preventing me from taking advantage of other lulls in activity.
* When i have to send written comments to someone, i feel i need to do this with text markup rather than ink markup to make sure i'm being clear.
* Software development/debugging is not practical without a keyboard. I can't do much more than browse some code.
* Stress or Fatigue -- Handwriting recognition clearly goes down when i'm stressed or fatigued. There is a similar but not as pronounced effect on keyboard interaction.

I have no issues with the Motion Computing platform itself.

I'm not willing yet to give up the tablet experience for the scenarios in which it works well. I'm considering selling the slate and replacing it with a convertible -- I'm interested in seeing Centrino convertible designs for instance. I'm also planning to try OneNote on a traditional laptop to see if the free form notebook experience can be achieved on a keyboard.

I do agree with some of the other responders that your usage model/environment probably defines whether a pure slate works for you. Ex. If i was in academia, the slate might work better since the usage mix would be different.

regards,
Gadfly

[Gadfly]

Here is my perspective. I own a Motion Computing slate-only tablet that I purchased with my own funds. I've had the tablet for 60 days now.

Background:
I do software development but my job involves a lot of meetings with 3rd parties, organizational groups, and other groups inside the company. My handwriting is awful, but i type quite fast. I haven't tried OneNote yet. I work in an environment that has enough wireless connectivity that I'm essentially wired all the time. I previously carried a Thinkpad.

In these scenarios, the Slate works great:
* Taking notes in meetings -- my notes are better, and i flag anything that represents an action item. I refer back to them and extract useful data. In fact, my desktop now is really just a directory of the notebooks in which i spend most of my tablet time besides reading mail.
* Writing comments on a document where those comments only need to be communicated orally to the document author.
* Reading mail
* Browsing the web
* Reading documents
* Reading books (though i think it is a bit large for this)
* Sketching out designs, design issues, etc.
* Social aspect -- I don't feel like i'm hiding behind my laptop in meetings anymore.

In these scenarios, the Slate has issues:
* E-mail generation -- With my handwriting, I find that I experience significant problems writing more than non-trivial e-mail e.g. a sentence or two. That sentence also involves a lot of corrections. This experienced limitation means that I either don't respond to e-mail until I reach my desk or am forced to send replies that lack the sublety and editing that I'd achieve on a keyboard in half the time. I often receive mail that is unanswerable on the tablet due to the time/energy/care/frustration necessary to produce an effective reply on a pure slate.

Further, I won't send anybody inkmail. I personally think it looks odd and informal compared to all of the text mail i get from everyone else. Also, my handwriting limits the effectiveness of this.
* Document generation - I can outline a document on the slatebut not write one. This means that all document generation is now a desk-bound activity preventing me from taking advantage of other lulls in activity.
* When i have to send written comments to someone, i feel i need to do this with text markup rather than ink markup to make sure i'm being clear.
* Software development/debugging is not practical without a keyboard. I can't do much more than browse some code.
* Stress or Fatigue -- Handwriting recognition clearly goes down when i'm stressed or fatigued. There is a similar but not as pronounced effect on keyboard interaction.

I have no issues with the Motion Computing platform itself.

I'm not willing yet to give up the tablet experience for the scenarios in which it works well. I'm considering selling the slate and replacing it with a convertible -- I'm interested in seeing Centrino convertible designs for instance. I'm also planning to try OneNote on a traditional laptop to see if the free form notebook experience can be achieved on a keyboard.

I do agree with some of the other responders that your usage model/environment probably defines whether a pure slate works for you. Ex. If i was in academia, the slate might work better since the usage mix would be different.

regards,
Gadfly