Depending on the application, you may already have "ink" in a form on the
desktop. Office 2003, for instance, supports "handwriting." It isn't
digital ink as you have with a Tablet PC, nor do you have the recognizers
available, but you can use a Wacom pad.

The main difference between a writing pad and the Tablet PC Ink is the
digital screens sample the Ink on a Tablet about four times "faster" than a
writing pad. The writing pads for the most part sample at the same rate as
a mouse, so the Ink experience you'll have on a Tablet PC is much improved
in accuracy and speed. Desktops either need a "digital" writing pad or
digital display capabilities.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"Dave P" <Dave P@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:45972C62-7366-4D23-A88A-49F5096E9636@microsoft.com...
> First, I realize that Windows XP Tablet PC Edition is not available for
retail sales and that Microsoft has no announced intention of changing that.
>
> Second, I realize that my license does not allow me to install my Tablet
PC's OS on my desktop.
>
> Having said that, I have a desktop computer with a Wacom digitizer pad
attached. Does anyone know if there is a technical reason why the Tablet PC
version of Windows XP would not work on such a machine if Microsoft changed
their mind and offered a retail version?
>
> Also, are the ink enabling extensions such that they could be installed on
a Windows XP Pro machine as a component (similar to voice extensions)?
>
> If the answer to either of those is yes, would somebody please tell Bill
Gates that, judging from the number of posts here and elsewhere, there is a
definite market for ink on the desktop.
>
> Dave
>
> Dave
>