I'm not really sure if I'm posting in the right

[YS]

I'm not really sure if I'm posting in the right section (if I'm not, let me know and I'll move this thing)Basicly I'm and international exchange student who likes to doodle on the computer. I finally got my tablet about 2 weeks ago, which is a happy older-model Toshiba Portege 3505 and here are my impressons and experiences in a slightly long and strange review

When I first held it, it seemed a bit heavy, I wasnt sure if it was going to be a problem. I took it out of the box and turned it on, and played a bit with the twirling screen (my host family found that kinda cool), then went into photoshop etc. etc. about 15 minutes later the battery started to die on me. So, left it overnight to charge. The next day I used it at school, mostly for not paying attention in class (I don't really know what the teacher is saying anyways) doodleing, and trying out my kanji. But the battery life was horrible, by lunch time there was nothing left. So I kinda left it behind and instead of looking like `an intelligent exchange student who had a funky computer`, I went back into the `stare at the teacher for an hour with a dumb expression on your face` look.
After school and club activities, I had to ride the bus to the international center to have spanish lessons. I had the Tablet plugged in and I was writing notes when it suddenly turned off. I double checked everything and turned it back on (I was a bit mad) And happily discovered that journal had saved my notes. How nice. However, on the way home (shortly after everyone told me to buy a case for it) I droped it and cracked the case (can't believe I dropped it on the second day..). I was a bit suprised because the bag I had it in was padded (with gym clothing.. now I have a smelly cracked tablet..) but it was a relief to find out nothing was really badly damaged, although now the crack has grown into a hole. I've been carrying the thing back and forth from school and I've found the weight to be a big problem, because added to the tablet I have to carry around 3 or 4 Japanese text books, clothing, and my lunch.
Later on, I discovered that It couldn't play DVDs without a codec, and I couldn't download anything because I don't have access to the internet and I cant afford it. I bought a USB cord but it didnt work, I ended up downloading everything onto CDs and moving them to my computer. And that was really confusing because everything is in japanese.

thats basicly all of the fun adventures I've had with my tablet

As an exchange student - I found it very useful. I use the tablet for names addresses and phone numbers, scheduled event like BBQs meetings and conventions, taking notes in language classes, as a japanese english dictionary, kanji practice, keeping a diary in japanese, and just as my regular diary (I also use it for slacking, but hey). I also use it for keeping track of my money. I only get 10000 yen a month and that isnt very much. Especially with all of the classes I take and clothing in Japan is very expensive.
I find it rather heavy to carry around everywhere, and it seems a bit bulky. It seems a bit big for me in all directions.

As a traveller - When going on a trip somewhere I end up using it to relieve myself of bordom. Also use it to keep track of money. I've saved quite a bit thanks to my tablet. It also lightens the load (dispite its weight) because normally I'd end up taking a bag of paper with me.

As an artist - Unfortuently my favorite program wont work. And when i first started drawing I had no pressure sensitivity. However, this is one of the best purchases I've made (acutally its a christmas present from my family, but I asked) concerning my art. In Canada I have a wacom attatched to my computer, But I couldnt exactly take the entire set up with me. and I was too worried about losing the wacom or the pen or something going wrong. Not to mention that the host family might not have a computer or the setting might be off.. in other words, too many problems. So thats why I got the tablet. Its really the only reason. In some ways its worse then the wacom tablet (pressure sensitivity, weight, low colour, sometimes a bit hard to work with) and in some ways its better (portability, the fact that its a computer, being able to use it for things other then as a drawing tablet). Even with the battery life and the fact that its a first generation model, I'm still very happy with it. However, in a few years when they get all the kinks out, I will probly get a new one.

Good Points
-Nice design
-Portable drawing tablet
-handwriting and recognition is nice (don't know how I lived without it)
-convertable
-quiet (im my opinion anyway)
-nice and warm in winter :P (nothing better then curling up with your tablet and a hot cup of hot chocolate and reading your favorite ebook after a looooonnng day of slacking)

Bad Points
-bit slow
-a little large for me
-low battery life
-gets pretty hot
-a little heavy
-alot of talk about the digitizer getting disconnected although I havn't had a problem yet.
-fragile

Thats my review on the now discontinued, fairly old, Toshiba 3505. If you've never had a top of the line computer, are willing to settle for less because you cant afford one of the brand new computers, and need something right away, I do suggest this computer. In fact, just about all the people I've shown this to in Japan are looking to buy one, (they dont really care much for the m200 for some reason). and finally, I am very comfortable with this tablet since it was really cheap and is fairly old. I'm not afraid of using it for everything and taking it everywhere. I think its very nice.

As for tablets in general, as someone said on this forum before, If you need a portable computer, you need a tablet pc.

first doodle on the tablet pc -->>> http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/12136546/

Thanks for reading

[flashfireopal]

What programs are you using in which you expect to use pressure sensitivity? In the case of programs like Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, etc. you need to download the tablet pc Wacom driver. In other programs designed for the tablet pc -- Alias Sketchbook Pro & ArtRage no driver is required.

-flashfireopal

[YS]

I use alot of programs. but i dont really need presure sensitivity. the picture i linked was done without. but i downloaded the driver anyways

[Trev]

Yo,
I love your penguin artwork. I have new wallpaper.

[pkhuong]

Is your 3500 new? If not, I suspect you got an old battery, meaning that you'll have to buy a new one to get a decent battery life.

[YS]

Trev - Thanks :D

Pkhuong - that will increase the battery life? I didnt know that... thanks alot