I have read these and other forums a great deal,

aamsel · 04-11-2005, 06:30 AM

I have read these and other forums a great deal, but only posted a few times.

I am considering switching from a laptop to a convertible Tablet PC, but have a couple of questions:

From everything I have read, I want a Tablet PC with a Hydis panel.
However, since I do a lot of typing, I seem to be left with the Fujitsu T4000, or waiting for something new, unless I missed something?

If I go with a T4000, just a question about the Hydis display when used in "notebook mode":
Are the "layers" that are added to a Hydis panel for pen use substantially detrimental to the viewing enjoyment in notebook mode?
In other words, would looking at a Hydis panel in notebook mode be as pleasurable as any other pure notebook screen?

I am not convinced that I will use the tablet functions regularly:
Or, put another way...is there a notebook that I can buy right now that has a display as good as the Hydis Tablet PC display? (yes, I know this is a TPC discussion, just an honest question). I don't know what the real negatives are of a TPC display (such as the Hydis) when a convertible TPC is used in "notebook mode".

I don't like the "glare (glossy) screens" such as the XBrite very much, and I know that the Hydis has a similar gloss.

I have been purchasing IBM Thinkpads with SXGA+ displays, and although I like the overall build quality of the Thinkpads, the displays are extremely disappointing, mediocre quality at best.

If I get a convertible Tablet PC, it needs to have a decent keyboard.

Finally, I had read that Longhorn will require a DirectX 9.0 capable video card to run. If this is the case, won't many or all of the current Tablet PC's fall short of this requirement, since they run the older Intel integrated graphics? Or, am I mistaken about this requirement?

Hope this isn't too many questions for one post. If so, I will break it up later.

Thanks a lot!

Andrew
Austin, TX

chaimberbell · 04-11-2005, 10:41 AM

Hi Andrew ^_^. I see you're in Austin, TX, which is where I happen to be as well. If you'd like to see an Acer 302 I could let you test drive mine, and while it's not the Fujitsu, it may give you an idea of what a convertible tablet with a decent display (very bright, just not the best viewing angles) looks like and how it feels to actually use a convertible.

If you want to, send me a note: chaimberbell at gmail dot com

aamsel · 04-11-2005, 01:48 PM

I appreciate the offer, but I have seen several convertibles....

I have also seen a Hydis panel on a Motion M1400 tablet, and chose and helped purchase them for several people where I work.

I would be most interested in the answers to any or all of my questions.

Without repeating them all, my main concerns are:
1.) What would a Hydis panel be like to work from day-in-and-day-out in notebook mode with a convertible?? What negatives, if any would exist using a Hydis TPC panel in notebook mode with a convertible???
2.) Is there a notebook that currently has a better display than the Hydis?? (prefer non-XBrite, non-glossy displays, but which is truly the best? In other words, if I wanted the very best display (14.1" or smaller) and didn't care if it was attached to a convertible Tablet PC or a notebook, which one would it be in your opinion???
3.) Is DirectX 9.0 a requirement for Windows "Longhorn" version (which I have heard that it is)?? If it is, then would a current Tablet with Intel integrated graphics be able to run that OS when released??

If anyone has answers or opinions about these questions I would more than greatly appreciate your replies!!!

Thanks!!
Andrew
Austin, TX

aamsel · 04-12-2005, 04:22 AM

Anyone with any answers to the above ????

Thanks,
Andrew
Austin, TX

KenMagel · 04-12-2005, 07:56 AM

I think the Hydis is currently the best available screen for your purposes. Everyone who I know who uses this screen day to day as a laptop mostly is satisfied. They do not find any disadvantages.
I don't know what the requirements will be for Longhorn in fifteen or more months when it finally comes out. I am not sure anyone can give you a definite answer this far in advance.

aamsel · 04-12-2005, 08:57 AM

So, the Fujitsu T4000 would be the only convertible with Hydis panel that is currently available ???

Is there a regular notebook (not TPC slate or convertible) that has a display that you (or anyone here) would consider superior to a Hydis display ??? What I am driving at here is that switching to a TPC is not a requirement or need for me, and, more than anything I want the best display (14.1" or smaller). If that is a Hydis on a TPC, great, and if that is some other display on some notebook, fine also.

My understanding was that the DirectX 9.0 requirement for Longhorn was a known at this time. Even though release date is unknown, the program is in pre-Beta (or Alpha, or whatever) and the coding for it dictates those requirements for it to run.

Andrew
Austin, TX

quote:Originally posted by KenMagel

I think the Hydis is currently the best available screen for your purposes. Everyone who I know who uses this screen day to day as a laptop mostly is satisfied. They do not find any disadvantages.
I don't know what the requirements will be for Longhorn in fifteen or more months when it finally comes out. I am not sure anyone can give you a definite answer this far in advance.