Question about the ST5112

[Kurohio]

Hi, I'm considering on getting a tablet lately but I have some questions. I'm pretty much set on getting a slate since it does everything I want. The ST5112 sounds like a good fit too and I heard the build quality is superb. My main purpose is to use it to take notes, read pdfs and maybe watch some movies on it.

I noticed most slates only have a XGA screen, I was wondering how bad is the resolution? Does it really affect things such as taking notes or reading pdfs? Is there a reason that slates are usually only XGA while comparable 12in convertables can have WXGA?

Also can anyone give me any feedback on how inking on the ST5112 is? Being new to tablets I've read there are 3 types of screens. Touchscreen, Active Digitizer and Dual Capacitative? (N-trig). All I know is that Active Digitizer is good for my purposes, but what about Dual Capacitative?

Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[Steve S]

<<...I noticed most slates only have a XGA screen...>>

Kurohio: Over the course of time, XGA has established itself as a good "standard" resolution for slates. Companies like Motion have tried SXGA+ screens, and I believe that you can still get them, but newer offerings have returned to XGA. The resolution is not bad; I think it is actually quite compatible with the size of typical inking (it doesn't affect note-taking) and that is one reason why it is such a common resolution.

Regarding WXGA, the primary difference is the screen aspect ratio. Many of these screens are 12.1", so they simply end up being taller but narrower than a 12.1" XGA screen. I'm glossing over a few details, here, that others may regard as important, but in my opinion, there is littlepractical difference between XGA and WXGA, although the latter is certainly nicer if one of your primary uses is to watch videos / movies...

<<...can anyone give me any feedback on how inking on the ST5112 is?..>>

...The inking is very good. The ST5112 uses the Wacom digitizer and pen; both are very mature both electronically and mechanically, and they provide the kind of inking experience that one would hope for and expect.

<<...what about Dual Capacitative...>>

...I own and use both and there's no question in my mind that N-trig's DuoSense digitizer represents the next wave in tablet development. Their touch experience is very harmonious with their pen experience and the whole effect is very seductive. But it is (essentially) only available on the Dell XT, a convertible. The Motion LE1700wt was the only slate expected to have capacitive touch and it has since been withdrawn (and is unlikely to be marketed).

Right now, the promise of touch is largely diminished by the lack of any touch-based applications to exploit this new capability. Thus, you lose little by choosing a conventional active digitizer for now. If touch takes off, there will be plenty of time over the next couple of years to upgrade your slate and join the revolution in progress!

[Kurohio]

Steve, thank you so much for your thorough reply! You really answered all my questions completely.

Just a few more questions if you don't mind. How warm does the ST5112 get after prolonged use (say 3+ hours continuously on battery or plugged in)? Will it get unbearably hot on the lap or arms? I know they put some heat insulating material on the back to help diminish this and the reviews I've seen have generally said it was decent, but they seem to only reflect their conclusions on short term use.

I heard that the standard 6 cell gives about 5 hours of wifi + inking usage, is it safe to assume that the 9 cell will give around 7.5? Also how much and how does the the extended battery stick out? I have not been able to find any pictures of the extended battery to be honest. The length of the ST5112 is already kind of long, and I don't want it getting cramped if I stuff it into my shoulder bag.

The reason I'm thinking of a slate is because I have a desktop, so I don't really need a keyboard. I want something as light and sleek as possible while still comfortable to read/write/ink with. I am currently set on getting a ST5112, but does anyone have any advice or opinions that might help me with my decision? Once again any info is greatly appreciated!

[Steve S]

<<...How warm does the ST5112 get after prolonged use...>>

Kurohio: I have owned and used two Fujitsu slates, an ST4120 and an ST5022. Both slates got warm during use, as one would expect, but neither slate got hot or even uncomfortably warm. Part of this has to do with the suede backing that you already know about; it is very effective for its intended purpose, and it gives that back side of the slate a nice feel, too. Note, too, that the heating on the back is somewhat localized, so that it's possible to avoid the hottest areas (by shifting your hold) if you are so inclined...

<<...is it safe to assume that the 9 cell will give around 7.5?..>>

...I hope you know by now that all battery life claims are somewhat inflated. I haven't tested a current ST5112 with a 9 cell battery, but I would expect that such a combination would last about 4-5 hours if used continuously. If used for intervals (say just during the major part of classes or periodic business meetings during a day) you could very well get a full 8-hour day of battery life. But not continuous. Also, if you can plug in or dock, even for an hour over lunch, you'll probably be OK.

<<...how much and how does the the extended battery stick out?..>>

...The extended battery plugs into the short side of the slate (on the same side as the screen offset) and simply extends the length by about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. It's well integrated with the shape and not an eyesore like on some designs...

<<...I have not been able to find any pictures of the extended battery to be honest...>>

...You may have actually seen one and not noticed the difference; the visual impact is not that marked...

<<...The length of the ST5112 is already kind of long...>>

...I will say that the ST's are not that long; their overall dimensions are not markedly different from other tablets (for example, those with WXGA screens). Note also that the offset screen on the ST allows for a very convenient place to rest your palm when you write at the bottom of the screen in portrait mode... It's a very smart design...

<<...does anyone have any advice or opinions...>>

Fujitsu, Motion and TabletKiosk are all fine companies with products to match. The ST5112, the LE1700 and the i440D would each be a satisfying choice in their own right. I think you can choose any of them and be happy. Remember that you can demo Motion and TK by way of the AllTP demo program at http://www.alltp.com . The only disruptive comment that I have for you is that you ought to at least take a look at the Dell Latitude XT. I have found it to be a persuasive argument for why convertibles are the current form factor of choice among consumers. See the Dell forum at http://www.GottaBeMobile.com .