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Notebook computers are the best selling sector of the PC market due in part to their mobility, wireless capability and processing power. Another segment of the notebook market, the Tablet PC promises to take the notebook computer segment a little further in market penetration. The TabletPC has been around for several years, with current models already in their second and sometimes third generations. TabletPCs are unique in that the LCD screen in which you view your computer's content also serves as a digital input device as well, meaning that you can control the computer directly on the screen with a stylus. This capability opens a whole new realm of possibilities, especially for those who are digital artists or just sketchers.
For an introduction to this relatively new category of computer, we took at look at the Fujitsu T Series LifeBook T4010. The LifeBook employs the Wacom serial Pen HID Tablet as the display. Wacom technology is the premiere provider of graphics tablets and graphics displays. The display swivels clockwise and then down to enable you to work directly on the display. In this position, the keyboard is covered by the display. A locking mechanism that enables you to lock the display when it covers the keyboard is convertible, meaning it locks the display when not in use, as well as when you are working with the LifeBook in Tablet mode.
The Specs
The LifeBook T4010 is built around an Intel Centrino Pentium M processor running at 1.8GHz. It features a 12-inch XGA TFT display powered by Intel 855 GM graphics, 512 MB DDR 333 SDRAM memory, 60GB hard disk drive, built in 56k modem and 10/100/1000 Base T/TX Ethernet, Bluetooth Wireless PAN, SMC infrared port, multi-format DVD writer, 6-cell battery, and Microsoft Office OneNote 2003 notepad software. There is a sliver thin LCD readout on the front bezel of the display that indicates battery status, hard disk activity, and wireless activity. Five buttons are located in the lower right section of the bezel, which offers functions to rotate the information on the screen in a horizontal or vertical position, adjust the Tablet and pen settings, scroll up and down, FN key and Alt key.
The Connections
Tthe LifeBook T4010 includes several connections and ports on the sides of the unit. the left side includes a PCMCIA card slot, a 1394 FireWire port and a USB 2.0 port. An exhaust fan is also located on this side of the unit. The right side of the notebook features the multi function DVD writer and a Kensington lock port. The front of the notebook include a pair of speakers, power status LED, headphone and microphone port, and a Memory Stick Pro/SD card slot. The underside of the LifeBook features seven feet that keeps the unit elevated to allow for heat to dissipate, as well as the battery bay and access to memory modules for upgrades. The port replicator connection is also built into the underside of the unit as well. The rear bezel features a USB port, infrared port, AC power port, modem and Ethernet port, and VGA connector. Available options include a port replicator, modular lithium ion bay battery, and convertible bump case.
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| The Fujitsu LifeBook T4010 Tablet PC sports a 12.1 inch Wacom Penabled display. |
Navigation
The LifeBook T4010 is easily enough to navigate around thanks to the Windows XP Tablet PC Edition software which is what makes everything come together nicely. In lieu of a keyboard, when in TabletPC mode, (the display is folded down you use the TabletPC input panel, which can be accessed in the tray. This gives you full access to all key functions that you would normally have with a traditional keyboard. In addition to the keyboard capabilities, the TabletPC Input Panel also features a writing pad and a character pad. The writing pad enables you to write with the stylus as if its a pen, while the character pad employs handwriting recognition technology that attempts to recognize what letters you are writing with the stylus. This technology is much improved, with it recognizing virtually all of the characters that were input into the character pad.
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