no pressure sensitivity? Seems a bit dumb to go backwards in features. Also, the custom pen means you can't use the Cross pen.
Maybe I will do a full review soon, but I just g
Maybe I will do a full review soon, but I just got my hands on a new M280. (I love it when I get a new Tablet!)
I mainly have this one to load the current build of Windows Vista on to do a little beta work, which I will probably start doing next week sometime. So far I have only had time to turn it on and look around a bit. One thing I noticed right away is the absence of all the JUNK that vendors are putting on computers. It has the Tablet OS, NAV 2005, MS Works, Nero, WINDVD, and that's about all. AWESOME. I hate it when they load them up with junk. No media included, just a recovery partition.
The model I have has a small issue with having to press the pen a little too hard, but Gateway knows this and is issuing new pens (not a computer issue, a pen issue), so thus far the pen experience feels a little "draggy" (new word there :-)). Note that it has a Finepoint active digitizer as opposed to Wacom as well. <s>No pressure sensitivity</s>(CORRECTION - does have PS, see my post on page 2 of this topic!), requires a battery, and no eraser tip on the pen. There is circuitry in the pen that makes it go to sleep if garaged or not used for a while, so you have to tap it somewhere prior to use to wake it up, but it it easy and this makes sense considering the battery. The barrel button is pretty good, as is the weight and feel of the pen itself. The widescreen is AWESOME as well when in notebook mode. It certainly is not light, and it is large in general, but when you sit it on your lap in tablet mode, it feels pretty good. Not great for one who carries it around a lot, but it will work great for when you need to go to a meeting and want to take notes, etc. No autorotation on the screen either.
Basically it is a laptop with tablet functionality as a feature, and the configuration supports that. I think it will sell, and it feels very solid.
More later, but wanted to give my first impressions! If you have specific questions, post them and I will try to get answers. I'm traveling a bit this week, so could be a little sporadic on posting....!
no pressure sensitivity? Seems a bit dumb to go backwards in features. Also, the custom pen means you can't use the Cross pen.
I thought that these tablets used Wacom technology. I have a CX200 on order. However, if these computers do use Finepoint instead, that might just be a deal breaker for me. I've already ordered (and received) a Cross executive pen, and was looking forward to using it. I am sick of proprietary styli (coming from an Averatec C3500) that don’t support an eraser end or pressure sensitivity. This development probably explains the low price point and the reasoning behind labeling them “convertible” instead of “Tablets.”
EDIT: I looked at the product manual and did not find any mention, such as directions to change the battery, of the pen having a battery. I assume that it uses a AAAA battery...Grrr...this really sucks.
So you've alread received it then? When did you order it. I just purchased a S-7200C(small business version). Wacom pens won't work w/ the new Model??!!! What fix are they making to fix the pens? I added to an extra set of pens with my tablet should I cancel that and way until this error is fixed, or is it like a firmware upgrade?** How are they fixing the pen problem ...do you need to request a new pen to be sent to you?
You also said no monitor rotation? I was looking in the 280 has a montor rotation button it.
did the m275's have a pressure's senstivity?
Nope, Wacom pens will not work, so therefore neither will Cross pens. If pressure sensitivity and pen top eraser is an issue for you, you do not want this model. I cannot tell easily about changing the battery (I checked), but it is supposed to be a 5 year battery.
The pen issue is basically that you have to press a little hard, or you do not get good consistent ink on the screen. It is my understanding (from a good source, but not confirmed) that they will replace the pens, but I have yet to identify the process, so if anyone does, please post for all to know! I am confident they will address this issue, I think it was just with some of the early models shipped. I would expect they will not ship defective pens if you order extras, but do not know for sure. This by no means renders the tablet unusable, just not the best pen on screen experience I have ever had!
I received mine through a special program outside of regular channels (don't ask), so can't help you on timing questions for delivery in general direct purchase.
Yes, there is a monitor rotation button that works fine, it just does not "auto" rotate when you swivel the screen, like the Toshiba M200 or other models.
Do not despair people! This is a solid computer, with a new, exciting, and fresh approach of adding tablet functionality to a nice notebook PC package, which is the general direction of tablet anyway ("Tablet PC, the EVOLUTION of the notebook PC"). It is a solid feeling machine and is operating well, I'm just outlining for you a couple of minor issues I have experienced so far as a quick first impression.
My main reason for getting this one is to load up and beta test Windows Vista, so needed this much hardware to do good testing. It is not a tablet for those who want to carry it around all day in the crook of your arm, it is just too large and heavy. It is however, a nice notebook PC with a nice widescreen.
Other questions, bring them on!
I guess my next questions is, what are we missing with no pressure senstivity? I'm have problems with my hands therefore the news that I have to press hard to write ..is not good, did you say think this is a overall bug or a design feature?
I know this sounds stupid, but what does presure sensitvity mean. I am look forward to this tablet, but is it going to feel like writing on a PDA, or a piece of paper. I write like crap on a PDA, so that wont work for me. Please someone help me!!
I'm sort of surprised this hasn't been mentioned before, since it seems to me like the lack of a Wacom digitizer is a rather big issue, something that would be a deal-breaker for a lot of people (it would be for me).
I realize that this is meant to be a more mainstream tablet, but the nonstandard digitizer seems excessive. Is the Wacom digitizer really THAT much more expensive?
TabPCMan, any idea why the did away with pressure senstivity and the wacom compatible drivers? I mean if its not broke why fix it?? This is extremely frustrating and possibly the reason why I'll be canceling my order!
At this point it's almost worth trying to find a refurbished m275 unless they made huge improvement after removing some nice features.
PS.
So how would I find out if I'm going to be getting semi working pens or not. I just ordered mine on the 29th ..or do you mean the extreme early models? Does your source know if the problem has been fixed on the new production models?
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