I'm a high school senior in Orange County, Calif

[cfulback32]

I'm a high school senior in Orange County, California and have been doing a lot of research on tablets for college next year, but to really make a decision I need to actually try one out in person. Where would be the best place to try out a tablet? I would go to a gateway store... but they're all closed down now. Do places like Best Buy and Circuit City have good selections? somewhere else? Any input would be very appreciated! I really want to try one out!

Andy

P.S. This site is great! There is a ton of information that has already helped me a lot. Thanks!

[ra_naes]

Hey, welcome SC! I grew up in So. Cal. (Orange County, CA). Try your local Circuit City, they should carry one. Also, you can try Fry's since they usually have some good technology available. Microwarehouse in Santa Ana may also carry the tablets (way back at the start of the PDA world they had the latest -- that was when I was in college!) Also, some Costco's have had the Averatec tablet. This would be good to look at for general tablet form, but don't buy it!! They have had a lot of problems.

Truthfully, when looking at tablets, the biggest decision is whether you can spend the money. They can do the same things as laptops, depending on the configuration (I use a convertible at home for this reason) but have an added advantage. So, if you are looking at a laptop vs. tablet, ask yourself if handwriting recognition is worth the extra dollars.

PS. PM me if you want to chat more about this.

[digitaldoc]

Hi Andy,

If you get desperate and want to take a <s>35 minute </s> 35-65 minute drive North (reality check care of Ranaes ;)), http://www.digital-doc.com/C2/map.htm you can play with an Acer C110 convertible and an Electrovaya Scribbler, while sitting in an air conditioned office, while kicked back in a leather antigravity chair and listening to music. Sorry, no alcohol ;)
Give me a call first.

[ra_naes]

Is that 35 minutes rush hour or non rush hour? Boy, I don't miss LA traffic!

[harleyxlc]

CompUSA carries two models, there is one in Orange, I think it's in Laguna Niguel.

[aboo]

I teach in OC [CSUF] and have become a local "expert" on tablets. Have two EXCELLENT sales reps from different companies that serive OC.

Email me off list if you'd like their contact info.

[cfulback32]

Thanks for all the input! You guys are really helpful!

I went to Circuit City and saw the Averatec, which was alright. It was still running on 2002, the pen wasn't configured properly so the mouse was slightly off, and I couldn't access onenote, but it did give me a chance to actually try a tablet pc.

Digitaldoc, thanks for the offer. It is about a 1 hour drive for me, so if I can't find what I need locally, I'll give you a call. Thanks!

Aboo, you've got mail!

Andy

[commsoft]

I think the Fry's over in Fullerton (or is it Anaheim? It's right off the 91.) has M200s on display, and they used to carry the HP tablets as well but didn't have them the last time I was there (last week). I also have a VY11 you can try if you feel like driving over to the La Palma/Buena Park area.

[paulrr]

Hi,

The Notebook Shop also carries TPCs...they have a number of stores in the LA area...

Paul

[portman]

Frys in fountain valley has a Fujitsu dont remember what model
Circuit City down Edinger next to Barnes and Noble (huntington beach i think) has a Avertech
Best Buy in westminster carry the M205's (where im going to get mine)