Happy Birthday Tablet PC!

07 Nov

Posted by Aaron J. Walker as Microsoft, Windows Talk

GottaBeMobile has a great little write up on the today being the introduction of the Tablet PC concept by Microsoft and the early PC manufacturers.

I agree with them, what a ride it has been.

Your friendly neighborhood Windows writer got my hands on a tablet for the first time almost two years ago and continue to have a love affair that grows stronger every day.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, beats being able to pick up the digital pen, swivel a screen and "ink" everything you do, including e-mails (sorry to our esteemed editor) while at the same time having the option of using a keyboard when you want/need. Even on XP Tablet edition, handwriting recognition is pretty good (hear it's even better in Vista) and there are all kinds of pen-specific applications available. Hand writing is far more natural than typing and picking up a pencil-like device to interact with my computer fits the way I envision using technology for the future.

My first tablet was a Toshiba M200 that was a joy to use. It firmly confirmed my thoughts on how much I would enjoy the form factor. When I finally let my M200 give up the ghost, I tried the "Origami" concept that evolved into what are called UMPCs today. Same operating system (Windows XP Tablet PC Edition) but they are miles apart in feel and usage scenarios (more about that in a later post).

Now I am the happy owner of a Fujitsu Lifebook T4020D, easily the best tablet (and laptop) I've ever owned. (UMPC headed back to eBay in the near future.)

With so many rumors about Apple making a "tablet" that I've mentioned before and our editor mentioned more recently, it's still nice to know a few more people may give the concept more than a passing thought.

I still believe Apple will make a "tablet" at some point but it will probably be more touch based than pen based. I see it more of a natural evolution of the iPod Touch and iPhone than anything else.

But today I'll focus on congratulating Microsoft (and Bill Gates, more specifically) with the getting the Tablet PC concept rolling and keeping it rolling for the last five years, regardless of who joins the party hereafter.