Tablet PC for Travel

[Jayjayel]

Hi,

I'm looking to buy a small tablet pc (mostly for the touchscreen capability) + keyboard to do the following things:

- write articles (need keyboard)
- taking notes (can't live without Evernote, so probably keyboard heavy activity)
- surf websites
- upload photos (need sd card reader)
- update websites
- email and messaging
- reading e-books (portrait mode on tablet)
- Touchscreen navigate Google Maps (I plan to get the Sprint GPS wireless broadband service)
- portable music device

The reason I'm thinking of tablets is so that the screen can swivel around & fold down so I can use it for reading and google maps using my fingers instead of maneuvering a laptop screen + keyboard.

That's pretty much it. I have my primary laptop which I'll use for the heavy stuff, so this is mainly a touchscreen netbook type device for reading, google maps + gps, light web activities and email that I'm researching to buy.

No budget limit, as I have no idea what I wrote above might cost. I'm a smaller framed female, so it would help if the device wasn't too heavy.

Thanks!

[wn5pmr]

Good afternoon and since your starting out go with a HP TC1100 and get an idea of what you want. With the exception that its uses a styli and isn't touch I think it would meet your needs. Others may weigh in with other opinions. Which ever way you go I think you will find tablets fun.

Mike WN5PMR :clap2:

[John Hill]

Another choice could be a Fujitsu P1610/20/30. The screen might be a bit smaller than you like but it fits all the other requirements and is "purse sized". Just 2.2 pounds, touch screen, 8.9" diagonal display that is indoor/outdoor rated. The keyboard is a little small for some people but based on your described stature shouldn't be any problem.

[Jayjayel]

Thank you both so much for the tip. I'll go look into both of those devices. :)

[negative1]

jay,

i have had a hp tc1100 (1.2 mhz) model for a couple of months now.
i have done most of the things you are looking for.. no its not touchscreen.

but other than that. it has been able to run every application i use on
my windows xp machine easily. even most games work really well.

i really enjoy using paint programs/music programs too.

i've tried reading pdf's, and writing a lot of notes also. works great.
i watched movies/music videos, and tv shows on it too..

it's got a keyboard built-in, which is excellent, and the weight/battery
life is good.

all around, its lived up to all the basic uses i want for it.

later
-1

[fedx95]

Here are some basic quotes for some tablets mentioned and not mentioned (ebay, used):

HP TC1000-(>$250) Performance is limited, I had one of these, I didn't really like its performance. Amazing hybrid form factor, allowing it to be a convertible or a pure slate, depending if you wanted keyboard attached or not. Just like TC1100, except completely different specs. Screen=1024x768 @ 10" 3lbs without keyboard, 4lbs with. Extremely loud speakers.

HP TC1100- ($250-$400)Depends on configuration and luck of the day. Haven't had one of these. Had the TC1000. According to that, this should be a very nice machine, as it has all the pluses of the old one + wacom digitizer, Intel Processor, faster ram, better vid card, etc. Screen=1024x768@10" Same weights as TC1000 i think, someone else correct me if i'm wrong. I think it has the same Extremely loud speakers as the TC1000.

Fujitsu P1610-($450-$700) Haven't looked into these very much. I have seen them >$500 frequently, p1630 is dual core, more expensive too.

Toshiba M200- ($250-$350)Readily available for under 300. Has an SD card reader, high resolution screen swivels, good performance(mine was the 1.8ghz model), can't tell you about battery life as my battery was broken and would die at 50%. Weighs 4.4lbs, Screen=1400x1050@12". Speaker(not speaker's') is sad, especially when in tablet mode and it's covered by the screen. Not very nice for music.

Tommorow my Fujitsu LT-P600 arrives. Negative1 has one apparently. Maybe he could elaborate on it, as it is a true touchscreen in the sense that it does not require a pen. Got mine for $65, but usually on ebay they are around $200-$250, because of scarcity. Weighs 2.6 lbs. Screen=800x600@8.4". They come with optional IR keyboards.

Thats my 2cents. Good Luck Jay.

[chibitrunks9]

When traveling, i almost always take my Fujitsu Lifebook U820. Considered more of as a UMPC than anything, its a convertable tablet / touchscreen as well with 8 hour battery life. 5.7" screen, comes with built-in GPS with Garmin navigation software, as well as most come with built in AT&T WWAN. its a great little device.

http://store.shopfujitsu.com/fpc/Ecommerce/buildseriesbean.do?series=U820

[Steve S]

Another possibility: the recently discontinued OQO devices...

[negative1]

Another possibility: the recently discontinued OQO devices...

as neat as those look,
it seems like they have a lot of issues with hardware/software.
and they are really pricey (even now)..

i thought about looking into them, but now, unless they
were incredibly cheap i wouldn't consider them..

especially if you have an issue with them..

later
-1

[chibitrunks9]

OQO's are underpowered. Your best bet for usability is someting with an Atom processor or better...