"instant on"?

[Lil e]

do tablet pc's turn on fast, like a handheld? or slow, like a laptop? I am curious as to why this isn't a test measurement for computers, generally. Is it because they all take about the same time to start up, generally? for laptops, I can't believe that I am the only one that would like something that could turn on promptly after I have a thought to input, leading me to believe that they all have a significant delay? Correct? If not, any recommendations for a fast turn on model - or the factors associated with this factor - would be appreciated. My primary interest is a tablet that i can use for writing - basic word processing features of word .... thanks much

e

[SimsHsia]

Tablet PCs are like notebooks computers where they usually will have to boot up into either Windows XP or Windows Vista (or if you forego installing Linux, then the thousands of flavors of *inx out there), so by your classification, it will be slow.

If you want something close to instant on, a Tablet PC with SSD storage, rather than a mechanical hard drive, will boot into Windows (or *inx) faster.

I do agree, however, that handhelds and PDAs boot much quicker when compared to laptops because their OS is stored in onboard RAM or flash memory, thus their "instant-on" functionality to boot into their OS quicker.

[Lil e]

thanks. Getting past "on," what would you suggest as best (or good) for my intended use: documents/writing and outlook? I am a fairly fast at typing, but enjoy writing on my Palm TX. I assume tablets have "word complete" software, do they also have ability to personalize grafitti? Could you describe factors to consider between tablet and ultraportable?

e

[SimsHsia]

For your intended use, any Tablet PC could do. I'd suggest you look at convertible Tablet PCs since you mention you will type and write/ink. Could you click the Tablet PC Buying FAQ/Questionnaire then copy, paste and answer the questions there in a new reply? That would help narrow down the list of possible Tablet PCs down to ones that will fit your budget. Thanks!

I assume tablets have "word complete" software, do they also have ability to personalize grafitti?

Some Tablet PCs come with Microsoft Office OneNote installed/included, a pivotal piece of software that is great for a Tablet PCs. The complete Office suite, however, must be bought with the purchase, or elsewhere through a third party retailer.

With Windows Vista, one can customize the handwriting recognition engine to personalize the recognition engine to your handwriting.

Could you describe factors to consider between tablet and ultraportable?

Well, there are Tablet PCs that are desktop replacements (C-140X as an example), mainstream/portable (Asus R1F, Fujitsu LifeBook T4220, as an example), and ultraportable (Fujitsu LifeBook P1610, as an example). Really, if you compare a notebook to a Tablet PC, they are not that much different, other than the key feature of the Tablet PC is having a digitizer that has an active digitizer, requires a special stylus pen to interact with the screen; a passive (touchscreen) digitizer, similar to a PDA's touchscreen; or incorporates both an active and passive digitizer - the best of both worlds, in a way.

[nikecar]

if you want it turned on faster, Put your tablet into hibernation, as opposed to the normal shutdown process.

My tablet boots quicker from hibernation than a normal powerup.

If I know I'm going to be away from home where i don't think i'll have wifi, i'll turn off the wifi radio before I put it into hibernation.

If I'm home, I'll usually have it in the sleep mode, or hibernate.