Tablet for student

[sorin]

Hi, I'm currently looking to get a Tablet PC for intense school usage. I've never used a tablet before, except for the HP tx1000, which I absolutely hated because of the passive screen technology and the pressure I had to put to write normal notes. So I'd like to know also how different the active is from the passive and how different it is from writing on an actual piece of paper.

The tablets I've been considering so far are:
1. Fujitsu Lifebook T4220
2. Lenovo Thinkpad X61 with X6 Ultrabase
3. Gateway C-140XL

1. What is your budget?
If possible, not more than $2000CAD. $2500CAD top

2. Do you prefer a Slate, Convertible or Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC)?
Convertible

3. What size Tablet PC would you prefer?
12.1" to 14"

4. Which country do you intent to purchase from?
Canada

5. Do you have any preferences to brand loyalty or dislikes?
Not really...

6. How many hours battery life do you require?
At least 3.5 hours

7. What do you intend to use the Tablet for?
Almost everything that deals with school.

8. Do you have an OS preference?
No

9. What software and tasks do you intend to run?
Microsoft Office, music & video playback, and the occasional photo & video editing

10. Do you intend playing Games. If so please list.
No

Screen Specifics

1. Do you prefer standard or widescreen?
No preference

2. What resolution do you prefer?
I would go with WXGA but I don't think it really matters that much.

3. Do you require an Indoor only or Indoor/Outdoor screen option?
Indoor only is fine

4. Do you require a Passive or Active Digitizer?
Active all the way.

5. Do you require Wacom or Finepoint Technology?
Wacom all the way.

Component Specifics

1. What size Hard Drive and Memory do you require?
At least 1.5GB RAM and 100GB HD

2. Do you require an Optical Drive?
Yes, CD/DVD

3. Do you require ability to add a second Battery or Hard Drive (Modular Bay technology)?
Yes

Thanks in advance!

[maxout]

in my opinion

1. Fujitsu Lifebook T4220
2. Lenovo Thinkpad X61 with X6 Ultrabase
3. Gateway C-140XL


Fujitsu is the best choice small. light weight and reliable.

lenovo i like it but no optical drive is just bs. i don't like the idea of buyin the extra base just for that optical drive. anyway its just my opinion.

gateway is also a good choice but 14" screen and heavy so you can't carry it around everyday. but price wise its the cheapest with some quality.

[Concentrate]

I'd also go with the T4220, reviews seem to say that it is a pretty powerful durable package.

[sorin]

I think that's what I'll go with.

Also, what do you think about the HP Compaq 2710p? Is it a reliable option even if it doesn't have an optical drive?

Thanks!

[moeman]

I got my Fujitsu T4220 in the middle of August, and have been using it for school all semester. I am in Dental school, and spend about 4-6 hours in didactic classes every day. I have absolutely loved my fujitsu, and have had absolutely no issues. I have Vista buisness, 2.5GB of ram, and a 100GB hard drive.