Looking for a Slate

[Zeuxidamas]

I am in the market for a TabletPC to use for work. I would like to spend as little as $660 (to make sure it is a decent used tablet if that is the way I have to go), but will stretch to $1300. I would prefer a slate, although I am also considering the Asus R1E-D1 and the Gateway C-143XL. Whichever form-factor it is, I need it to be greater either 12 or 13 inches. I am an Engineering Manager and Program Manager, and will primarily using the slate at work and on travel.

I typically run MS Project, Visio, Outlook, Word, Power Point, Excel, iTunes, sync to a WinMo smartphone, OneNote, Stickies and Windows Journal, an additional email Client (Windows Mail or Thunderbird), Picasa, VLC Media Player, FoxIt Reader, MS FrontPage, Sierra 3G Watcher (for cellular data modem), and will not be using this unit to play games.

I would like a Widescreen display, with a eitehr SXGa or WXGA resolution. I does not require a "View Anywhere" type of screen, but it does need an Active Digitizer; I need to be able to rest my palm or forearm on the screen without that touch being registered as an input, only the pen should register.

I would like 2GB of RAM and a 80GB or larger hard drive, but I have done after-market upgrades on notebooks before, so adding my own RAM or upgrading the HD myself is not an issue if it helps keep the unit under the price caps ID'd above. I don't have to have an optical drive


Whatever guidance you can provide would be great. Sorry for all of the trouble. Thanks.
- Vr/Zeux..>>

[Steve S]

Zeux: I suggest that you consider a refurbished Dell XT. Using the occasional 20% discounts available on Twitter, prices should be close to your notional $660 target (...actually, closer to $800, but close enough for engineering accuracy!...)

The latest round of Dell driver updates seems to have largely fixed the early N-trig digitizer issues, so I think you will find the XT a reliable platform. It's already built to be quite rugged.

Just my 2 cents...

[Zeuxidamas]

Thanks a lot for the input Steve. I, admittedly have my heart set on a slate, having been on both a convertible and a slate before.

While I explore the Dell pricing, what would you recommend in a used slate, based on my earlier requirements?

I've spent some time looking at the Motion Computing LE1600. LE1700's and even Fujitsu ST5112's (used) do not seem to be going for much less than a new model.

I've somewhat resolved that I am willing to go into a used slate now, to keep immediate costs down, and then look to upgrade to a new slate in 12 months. One of the cost efficiencies I have considered is that if I invest in accessories for an LE1600, they should be usable with an LE1700 purchased next year. I am hoping that Motion tech refreshes the LE1700 sometime in the next year, or intros an LE1800.

Your thoughts?
- Vr/Z.

[John Hill]

We have some LE1600s for sale. They have the View Anywhere display, 1.5Gb RAM and 60Gb HD.

http://www.alltp.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=&idproduct=972

We also have used FlexDocks ($95) so you can get a system for just a little more than your $660 budget. I think that one of the nice things is that we offer our our warranty with them.

[Zeuxidamas]

Thanks a lot , guys. I have seriously been considering an LE1600 for a couple of weeks. If it is not too much trouble, though, I have some specific questions with regards to this model and what it would mean to buy one now.

Could you head over to my query thread over in the Motion Computing area (unfortunately I can not post the link yet) and let me know what you think about my concerns? Thanks.
- Vr/Z.>>

[Steve S]

<<...unfortunately I can not post the link yet...>>

Zeux: If you wish, PM the link to me and I will post it for you...

[John Hill]

Zeux,

I increased your post count to 15 so you can post links now. It is a safeguard against spammers who create an account and then post inappropriate links.

[Zeuxidamas]

Thanks a lot John, and thanks, too, Steve for the willingness to help out. Looks like you guys found my post over in the Motion Forums so I am going to check out your responses.
- Vr/Z..>>