Tablet real world USEABILITY Survey-Questions

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jack NYC · #1 Post by **jack NYC** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 9:33 am

This question is slightly more conceptual in nature. I'm curious as to the realworld usability of the Tablet. Aside from the specs and tech, is the tablet concept actually something that has enhanced your computing? Has it limited it? What in particular do you find frustrating (not the machine but the user experience) What do you find enhancing, something you never did or could do before you had a tablet? I really want to to get the X tablet but I'm worried that it will be a 2k mistake. Not that IBM has not delivered, but that the nature of tablet computing is less than it's cracked up to be. After the newness has worn off, does it really deliver?
Thanks everyone,
Jack

artuero · #2 Post by **artuero** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 9:55 am

I did not think I would use the tablet features much but thought why not have it. The price for me with a bundle was $1600 or so, and it was better priced than a similiarly configured regular X41.

I've only had it for a week but the thing that makes a big difference for me is that I actually use the tablet when on the go. I used to just lug my laptop from one fixed location to another but basically used it only in my office, home or hotel room. This thing I actually bring with me to meetings, and use while travelling. You can use the tablet pc in a lot more positions than the laptop.

I'm still getting used to it but I find it very useable. It's great to be able to markup documents on the screen more or less like on paper but with the benefit of electronic storage. For me that is a huge benefit as I often don't have a printer but would prefer to markup documents by hand.

I also imagine that the pen input will be useful for other things, like photoshop and similar apps, but haven't loaded those yet. As an option it is great to have.

bhtooefr · #3 Post by **bhtooefr** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 10:16 am

I don't own an X41 Tablet, or any other tablet, so I won't vote in this poll.

However, I'll comment.

First, artuero: what was your previous laptop? I found myself taking my X21 everywhere when I switched to it, but avoided moving my Inspiron 1100 (8 pounds of pure crap) around.

Now, as for the original question: I know that I would definitely use a tablet, and want one, and not just because it's "cool". OneNote's tablet-specific features alone would justify it (I use OneNote all the time for, umm, notetaking). That said, there's some things that I would have used a tablet for, that my shiny new PDA (a Sony Clie PEG-SJ22 - OK, so it's not actually NEW, but it's never been used until I got it) does better. In fact, when I do a service call (it's all within the building), I usually just take the PDA, unless it's a network or user problem (in which case I bring the laptop for diagnostics, and for adding/modifying users using Remote Desktop Connection to the server).

artuero · #4 Post by **artuero** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 11:35 am

I was using a trustworthy 600E until last week. Not as portable, but pretty compact (around the same size but thicker and heavier). I had a PDA (an HP Ipaq 5555) but don't really use it, not sure why. Seems like I either want a laptop with full features or else I just use my Audiovox SMT 5600 MS Smartphone, which is awesome and small.

The Counterpart · #5 Post by **The Counterpart** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 3:02 pm

The ability to write naturally as if you are writing on a paperback notebook is unbelievable. I am sold. Especially, my notes can be better organize and I don't have to find and search for the information I have jotted down a week ago if I have written it on a piece of paper.

Try to find a retailer/school book store with the tablet on demo and test it out. Once you have realized how easier it will make your bussy life style more organize, you won't go back.

bhtooefr · #6 Post by **bhtooefr** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 4:35 pm

Myself, I'd get the tablet for things like sketches and diagrams to supplement typed notes. I would NEVER get a slate, because I do only about 10 WPM handwriting, but 70 WPM on a keyboard.

artuero · #7 Post by **artuero** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 4:41 pm

I agree about not getting a slate except would never say never because of the possibility of getting a bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Use the slate while moving, the keyboard and mouse when stationary.

#8 Post by **aamsel** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 1:19 am

It may take my getting more used to it, but...
My biggest issue with using the X41T in Tablet mode is the pain that I am getting in my neck!
I am using the thing either flat on a table, in my lap, or in my arms, and I can't keep from looking down.
It is truly killing my neck.

If I prop it up more, then it is awkward to use the pen.

Anyone else have any kind of similar issue?

Andrew
Austin, TX

Tablet real world USEABILITY Survey-Questions

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Tablet real world USEABILITY Survey-Questions

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