HI everyone!

The medical office I am practicing in is currently implementing an electronic medical records system. We a looking at hardware options, specifically tablet pcs. A sales rep promoting PC Notebook equipment (not necessarily a true tablet, but it does convert) was recommending an external wireless card, stating that the internal card does not get as good reception. Does anyone have any opinions/experience with this. It sounds like a red flag to me, but thought I'd ask around before jumping to conclusions. Thanks!!!!

Before we start, what type of wireless are we discussing? And what type of Tablet PC are you considering?

802.11 b or g?

In the meantime, you may want to read the article, Appendix A : Antennas - Going the distance

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it is a PC Notebook Tuffcat (small company in southern Idaho). As far as what kind of wireless, it has to be compatible with Cisco wireless access, and has an 802.11b card. Is this enough info? My apologies, but sadly enough my severely limited computer knowledge is the best in this office. As I stated previously, this PC Notebook model is technically a true notebook, but converts to a tablet. I am also interested in the Motion Computing M1400, but trying to convince my colleagues it's worth the additional $$$........ Thanks again!

Is this the correct company?

We all have to start somewhere and it reads like you have the abilities to ask the right kinds of questions.

OK, now here is where I can really help :D

(1) Motion Computing M1400 is a pure slate. It's weight is low for handling in the office and hallway. It could easily travel around the office and from patient to patient easily.

(2) Visit www.motioncomputing.com and "talk" to them about a software developers / resellers who work with the medical profession. They can customize the software and hardware combination so that your ROI is greater.

(3) Keep in mind the following potential benefit - if the motion is implemented with ink-enabled software, the handwriting recognition will allow the staff to input patient records directly into the computer rather than pen records and then re-typing them. It'll save hours of labor.

Let me know if you are talking about the tuffcat in the link I provided. That link shows the internal wireless LAN is optional - suggesting it is an aftermarket addition. At that point I'd strongly suggest you follow the local consultant's advice because he'd be on the hook if anything goes wrong.

BTW: Don't forget to check out the other wonderful slates on the market. HP and Electrovaya.

Let us know.

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The link you attached does not work, but that is the correct company. I have heard that the Compaq(HP) tablets do not work that well with the software we are getting, but I have not looked at the Electrovaya. Some of the features we are most interested in are voice-recognition (motion has Speak Anywhere, which I believe is based on Dragon), as well as easily viewed screens, portability, and reasonable keyboard options. By the way, do most tablets come with a docking station/keyboard, or are they sometimes bought separately? Thanks again!

Docking stations are usually optional equipment. It completely depends on the manufacturer. Lora maybe can give more details (Hint hint Lora - she was online earlier maybe she missed this message.)

Defintely check out Electrovaya because they have some good battery capabilities. I've used the tablet (Tatung) and wrote up a first look article and it was published today.

Let us know.

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Layne P. Heiny / Administrator for Tux Reports Network

Please do not send private messages requesting technical support. Place your request in the proper forum and hopefully someone can help you.

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You want an internal card, not external because other benefits and convenience will take priority.

Today most Tablet PCs use Intel Centrino Technology, which creates the base for an ultra mobile PC with a combination of Intel Pentium M processor, Intel Pro 2100 or 2200 wireless LAN, and chipset. A notebook or Tablet PC has to have the wireless card and antenna installed internally to qualify for "Intel Centrino Technology".

Why does this matter? Why should you care? ;)

Centrino Technology really sets the optimum standard for mobile PCs today. You're going to get a better battery life, don't have to mess with pulling a PCMCIA card in and out, and better system performance when relying on the battery power. So, you're going to get 4 - 7 hours of battery life versus 1 1/2 to 3 with older technology or desktop technology used in a mobile PC.

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That's good to know, and confirms what I was suspecting with a logical explanation - Thanks!

My experience with a Toshiba M205 (Centrino 1.5 with 802.11a, b, and g) is that the reception is every bit as good as the external PC cards I used to use in my last laptop. One thing to watch out for is the compatibility issue though. My company has standardized on 3COM wireless access points for high security. Unfortunately, the Centrino does not support the strong AES encryption 3COM uses for "best" security so I cannot use the built-in to access this WAP. I have to use an external 3COM card. My tests suggest that the power drain caused by the card translates into about 1 hour less battery time over a 4.5-5 hour period compared to the built-in (this is with pretty aggressive power saving settings).

Many of the reviews you will read about the Tablet PCs include some information about the WiFi performance. Laptop Magazine is especially good in this regard.

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