I could not "repair" the installation. I tried to repair the OS
installation using the Windows XP OS CD, but it wouldn't do it. Apparantly
the partition was gone.

Here's exactly what happened.

I installed MS Encarta, without problems.
I then ran XP's disk defrag utility. No problems.
I then put the machine into hibernate mode - and that's
where it failed. It couldn't write the file. My desktop
was still visible. I rebooted - and that's when I got the
message of "Operating System not found".

Since then, I have reinstalled the XP operating system and Service Pak 3.
The disk still works, but I have to start all over. This shakes my
confidence.

I called Transcend. The technician couldn't really help me, he said he
hadn't heard of the problem before. He confirmed my suspicion that you
really don't have to defrag a solid state disk. I did it just to test the
drive, and, I suppose, because I just like knowing everything is
"organized". I don't think I will try to defrag again. However, I don't
really know if that was the problem. Did the drive just short? Who knows.

I have to say, since going back to my physical 7200 rpm drive, the system
seems to be slower. It's somewhat bothersome. Funny how you get used to
minor performance improvements and don't want to go back.

How does this relate to tablets? - My ideal tablet would be able to turn on
instantly, have a long battery life, and be very lightweight. I was hoping
the solid state drive would address those issues. The more a tablet meets
those criteria, the more they will be used.