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debiken
04-03-2003, 06:27 AM
Hi All-
I am a software developer in my day job, but am looking to write an application for a Tablet device for my husband's business, and eventually offer to others in our vertical market. Here are the requirements:
1) Outdoor viewable, fairly weather resistant
2) Wireless (will transmit data back to server)
3) Handwriting recognition capable (so prefer XP Tablet OS)
4) 10.4 size screen
5) Miniumum 4 hour battery life
The problem is, I need to get my hands on a tablet to play with, but haven't found any vendors that offer evaluation programs (our business is very small). Anyone have any advice on product or vendor that is willing to work with developers?
Thanks in advance for your help!
[?]
wraith808
04-04-2003, 03:01 AM
Well, you can check with Motion Computing http://www.motioncomputing.com. They have a developer program (which I took advantage of for the same reasons that you are talking about) that gives a pretty deep discount. Not the same as free, but better than nothing...
wraith808
04-04-2003, 03:01 AM
Well, you can check with Motion Computing http://www.motioncomputing.com. They have a developer program (which I took advantage of for the same reasons that you are talking about) that gives a pretty deep discount. Not the same as free, but better than nothing...
markpayton
04-05-2003, 03:46 AM
While I'm partial to the Compaq TC1000, which would probably meet your requirements, you should probably look at the Electrovaya Scribbler. It has a signicantly longer battery life than other models do. It's pretty ugly, but as a developer that isn't the first concern. There are numerous ruggedized Tablets being made, too, that would be weather proof, but you will pay for this.

You could also simply get a digitizer and plug it into an existing notebook with either Windows 2000 SP3, or Windows XP Pro. The MS development tools are available to work under this configuration to lessen the cost of entry into development. It's not the same as using it on a tablet, but everything will work under that configuration and you are looking at entry costs in the $100-$800 range rather than $2000.

Mark
Spencer
04-05-2003, 06:23 AM
Actually though Mark, handwriting recognition will not work in the Windows 2000 or Windows XP Pro enviorment. If the application you will be developing will include handwriting recognition controls (like InkEdit), you will need to have a Tablet PC.