I'm anxious to purchase a TPC but am debating on whether to hold off for gen 2.
Questions
1. Is generation 2 both hardware and software upgrades?
2. Can I buy a TPC now and update to the new TPC XP OS next year and be considered a gen 2 system?
3. Any news on new TPC coming out in the next couple of months that I should consider? If so, can you send me links to that info?
4. Any thoughts on the Fujitsu TPC SP4000 series?

That's it for now.

Thanks

These are great questions so let's take them one at a time. I'll give my opinions and then others can chime in ...

First, Microsoft’s Windows XP for Tablet PC and the present generation tablets are extremely stable and useful now. Therefore, if you need to use your tablet for work then you will need to consider the cost of purchasing today and getting your work done faster.

Here is how I figure it. If you can earn the money back back in a few months with increased productivity then the purchase should be done now. If, however, it takes more than six months to earn the money back in productivity and you have something right now that works then I suggest you search for the best hardware/software combination with as much power as your budget will allow. I've used this "formula" for years and haven't seemed to go wrong.

There are definitely both hardware and software changes on the horizon. Look for tablets with longer battery life, larger screens, and more peripherals. Next, consider the weight. In terms of software, it will only get better with time. In the late 80's and early 90's, desktop computers were changing so quickly that it was exciting. This is exactly how the tablet market is shaping up. It just gets better and better !

Boy oh boy. The ole upgrade question. I'd look at my first 'intro' paragraph to my philosophy. The idea of upgrading doesn't always sit well. Just in case, go with the negative and assume you can't. Will that upset you? Then you probably should hold off and wait for gen2.

Tons of great stuff are on the way !

Comdex is next week and I'll be there. Please keep watching this site because it is designed as a way to provide links with information as well as great discussions regardings questions like yours.

I'm sorry I don't know about this model because I've never touched it and the website only shows ST4000 series. You might visit thisLink and see about the specs and then this article about the newer models. The article was published Oct 28 and has some good information.

But seriously, I've decided on an Acer that is a convertible and has a CDRW. I'm just saving my money. And dang I wish ASUS would get back into the game. They can really put together some great stuff. And then there is Motion.

Gesh, so many choices !

Thanks for your responses. Gives me a lot to think about. I'll wait to see you report from Comdex.

Cheers

Some Random Thoughts:

With the announcement by Microsoft that it will wait until summer 2004 to release the updated OS, I'm sure more and more people will be wondering if they should wait.

The hardware purchase will be the key. Do you purchase a convertible or a slate? Do you need a CDRW or DVD drive? Do you need easy access to a keyboard? Is performance a BIG deal?

These are just some of the questions you will want to ask yourself before buying. However, the new OS will be a free upgrade and so you'll not have to worry about needing to wait for it. You'll be able to use it on the hardware you purchase. (very cool)

Now, I've added links to specifications on the front of the site to help anyone pick through the new hardware. Hopefully they will help. I'm still leaning toward the Acer convertible, however, Toshiba has the M200 which is looking impressive and I spent time with the Gateway and didn't want to put it down.

I have to agree with all your points. After doing some research I have also narrowed it down to the Acer C300 and the Toshiba M200. I'm impressed with the internal drive on the Acer, except it all adds up--in weight and cost. I can't tell you how many times I wish I had an internal DVD drive on my current Dell Inspiron laptop. Anyway, I'll take a look at the Gateway and then make the investment. I'm pretty confident that my productivity at work will increase 10-fold. Then I'll be able to say... who needs Post-it notes and those reams of scratch pads with tons of meeting notes--hopefully that isn't wishful thinking:)

I thought this article was interesting:

COMDEX 2003: The Little Big Show