X41 tablet vs. LE1600

[froody8]

Anyone ever try out the Motion LE1600? I know that the LE1600 is a slate, but it has an attachable keyboard that serves as a cover. How would that compare to the X41 tablet?

[ozone]

Never tried the Motion LE. I did have a Compaq TC1000 however - slate style with a detachable keyboard. This was the main reason I gave up on it: I could type much faster than I could write and so if given the choice, why write? I'd be in conferences or seminars and start writing but then I wished I had the keyboard. However, there would be a few occasions where writing was better or more appropriate, such as in smaller meetings or presentations where you wanted to draw a picture. So, from my view, it depends on whether you're a keyboard or pen centered person. For me, if I had to buy another, I'd probably get a convertible like the X41. I had an X31 previously and it was a great little notebook. I don't know what Motion's keyboard is like, but I doubt it's better than IBMs.

The other thing to consider is how fast the unit comes out of suspend/hibernation. The faster, the better. If it takes a long time, you've missed the what you wanted to write down. This is why I regret the Windows CE platform for handhelds (not PocketPC) did not progress further: nothing beats a larger sized, instant on device for taking notes.

[froody8]

That's why I'm looking at the LE1600, because it's sort of like a convertible in the sense that the keyboard, while not actually permanently bonded to the screen, is built in such a way that it snaps onto the slate as a cover or as a backplate, depending, while not being used as a keyboard.

[ozone]

It's down to personal peference then. The Compaq's keyboard could not only stay and be permanently attached and swivel, it could also be completely detached when needed. The problem was that when it was attached, the unit was too thick and the keyboard, quite frankly, wasn't that great. So, for me, the arrangement became an annoyance. I've had a lot of these sort of pen input devices, ranging from Palms to HPCs to the tablet and after a while, I've gotten very particular about how they should perform: the little things really bug you over the long term. But, your mileage will vary depending on your needs and tastes. For me again, I just know I prefer to type when I can, and use the pen when I can't and I think the convertible arrangement of the X41 might just fit the bill.

Either that, or else I'm going waaaayyyy different and buying a Mac!

[froody8]

I have an R50p right now, but I've found that I take notes significantly better writing than typing, as well as create tasks and appointments. There are obviously certain things I do better typing, such as email, documents, etc.

It's a tough choice, and I'm probably going with the X41 tablet, but I was wondering if anyone had good or ill to say about the LE1600.

[eigh]

The other thing to consider is how fast the unit comes out of suspend/hibernation. The faster, the better. If it takes a long time, you've missed the what you wanted to write down.

ya and unfortunately the x41 uses a super small 1.8" hd, which only comes in speeds of 4200rpm, and 40 or 60gb. i plan to outfit my tab with 1.5gb ram so paging file will be non existant, but standby or hibernation will suck because of the slow drive. thats really my only dislike about it, the hd is almost one of a kind.



other than that, i think it will be the win.