Just thought of a big problem with writing on tablets?

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snots · #1 Post by **snots** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 2:53 pm

I haven't actually sat down for > 1 min with a tablet, but 1 problem I just thought of:

Writing on paper on a flat desk (even a notebook), your hand rests on the surface and you can write from left to right with your hand flat on the desk and paper. Your hand is fully supported by the table surface.

If you write on a tablet, your hand rests on the tablet screen which is ~1" above the desk! That means you lose hand support as soon as you move your hand halfway past the screen (halfway past the vertical middle of the screen that is)!!

This seems like a HUGE problem; it is an analogous problem to a paper notebook, but paper notebooks are 1/3 the thickness of a tablet.. (so it is not an issue for paper notebooks)

Thoughts?

DRTigerlilly · #2 Post by **DRTigerlilly** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 8:34 am

i've been using tablets for almost 3 years now, and its a non issue.

fuscob · #3 Post by **fuscob** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:54 am

I had my (previous) X60 tablet for a year and recently got a new X61t. I have never found that to be an issue and I use the tablet to take handwritten notes frequently.

Trekk69 · #4 Post by **Trekk69** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 1:14 pm

Been inking on my notes since November of last year when I picked up my tablet, and haven't noticed that as an issue (or even thought about it).

snots · #5 Post by **snots** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:39 pm

Trekk69 wrote:Been inking on my notes since November of last year when I picked up my tablet, and haven't noticed that as an issue (or even thought about it).

Hmm yea, I agree with you guys. I don't have my tablet yet but I stacked up a few notebooks and wrote to the edge; its not too bad

crashnburn · #6 Post by **crashnburn** » Thu May 08, 2008 10:47 pm

I tried my hand on one at the local Microcenter. I loved the tablet. I loved drawing on it. BUT!!!!!... I cant seem to get used to writing on it (only tried couple mins). Its as if there isnt enough friction or something. Its like the time you try to use a pen to write on a glass surface and feel no traction.

Can you guys take real notes in 'cursive' handwriting? Almost like using it as a notepad.

Do share your experiences.

snots · #7 Post by **snots** » Thu May 08, 2008 11:22 pm

crashnburn wrote:I tried my hand on one at the local Microcenter. I loved the tablet. I loved drawing on it. BUT!!!!!... I cant seem to get used to writing on it (only tried couple mins). Its as if there isnt enough friction or something. Its like the time you try to use a pen to write on a glass surface and feel no traction.

Can you guys take real notes in 'cursive' handwriting? Almost like using it as a notepad.

Do share your experiences.

still setting up my brand new x61t, so no real "long writing sessions yet"

however, i have:

1) installed the Writeshield from PPCTech.

So far, it is an amazing screen protector. I have re-seated it many times and it sticks just as well and seems extremeley durable. $60 is alot but for peace of mind its worth it.

The writing surface of the Writeshield is more frictiony than the bare screen. It feels good. Imagine writing on something like scotch tape, but somewhat less resistive.

2) I installed the felt pen nibs that I ordered off Wacom.com. Its $5 for a set of 5 felt tips. The felt tips will degrade over time, unlike the plastic nibs, since they seem to be made up of some sort of compressed felt material.

The felt tips feel like writing with a felt pen, or if you prefer, a charcoal-ish pencil.

With Writeshield + default x61t plastic nib pen, it feels great already.

With Writeshield + felt tip nib pen, it feels even better.

Here is a thread on pen tips for Wacom Pen-abled tablet pc pens, on gottabemobile:

http://www.gottabemobile.com/forum/foru ... D=588&PN=1

hope that helps.

Trekk69 · #8 Post by **Trekk69** » Fri May 09, 2008 2:34 am

Thanks for the update.
I've just been using mine w/o a screen protector and with the default nibs.
But, after hearing the experience from you, I think it may be a worthy, 5$ upgrade for some felt tips--I think I would like that 'feel' of the pen better (and maybe a little more protection for the screen)

VietNinjaXTC · #9 Post by **VietNinjaXTC** » Tue May 13, 2008 12:29 am

I only have the arm rest issue when I get to the bottom of the tablet (in portrait mode)...but even then it's not that much of an issue. I usually use my tablet for mathematical notes/writing, all other note taking I do in laptop mode. I only switch over if I need to copy down a diagram or something.

I have a question about the pen tips though...when are you supposed to change the one that comes in the pen? I noticed Lenovo gives you a few extras and what looks like a removal tool?

Trekk69 · #10 Post by **Trekk69** » Tue May 13, 2008 12:34 am

I've been inking with mine solidly now since November and have yet to change the ones that came with it,
I don't know if I should be, but oh well?

snots · #11 Post by **snots** » Tue May 13, 2008 8:00 am

Right. I don't find the arm rest issue an issue at all now that I've actually used the x61t.

Firstly, there is a 1-2" thick portion of the screen (with all the buttons) to rest on when you get to the right edge. In addition, with the 8-cell installed, it sticks out the back end and you can kind of use it to rest too.

I don't know about the standard nibs since I basically uninstalled them right away, but the felts I've been using for about 3-4 days and I've wore them down a bit. Its hard to say how much but maybe half a mm to a mm, maybe 2 mm? I've been doing alot of writing, however.

crashnburn · #12 Post by **crashnburn** » Tue May 13, 2008 1:34 pm

This felt nib thing makes sense. Probably give more traction.

Just thought of a big problem with writing on tablets?

Just thought of a big problem with writing on tablets?

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