Hi,

I'm looking forward to buy a Tablet PC since summer 2003. Back then, I
waited for a second generation device. Right now, there's still the same
product line-up from Toshiba, Acer, HP, ... and on the software side,
there's not much new.
If I buyed a Tablet PC now, I'd pay almost the same price as I would have
if I buyed it last fall and next generation Intel mobile CPUs are coming
not before fall 2004.
Finally, IBM still doesn't offer a Tablet PC (apart from that pseudo IBM
in Asia).

So, what (killer) software applications (better onenote, better OS, better
Acrobat, ...) can we expect do come on the market this summer/fall?
When do we see the next series of Tablet PCs from the better companies
(HP, Acer, Toshiba, ..., IBM??)?

TIA - Andy

Pretty loaded question, Andy. First, I'd suggest you visit Tablet PC MVP
Terri Stratton's web site and look at her comparison charts:
http://thetabletpc.net . She's the original independent Tablet site on the
web, and has all the latest announced products, the specs, etc., listed.
You'll find there are second generation models which are less expensive than
first generation.

You're right about the "next" CPU, but that's a situation where we all need
to make a decision when purchasing a computer. The "next best" will
normally be released about a week after we pay "too much" for slightly less
hardware. That's pretty much a given in the world of computers. 8-)

As for a "new operating system" that won't change until the codename
Longhorn comes out, probably more than a year ago. The Tablet PC Edition
2005 superset, improved Tablet Input Panel and handwriting recognition, is
included with Windows XP Service Pack 2 which is current in beta (and
downloadable in a release candidate form). Windows XP Pro remains as the
operating system.

As for applications like OneNote, there is a free download for trial on
OneNote's Service Pack 1 currently, which is very much improved. As for
additional companies joining the Tablet PC market, that would be up to them
to announce when they wish to do so. Currently, there are nearly 30
different hardware manufacturers and more than 30 software companies as
partners with Microsoft.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"Andy Staudacher" <ast@gmx.ch> wrote in message
news:OM0NiOIWEHA.1164@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> Hi,
>
> I'm looking forward to buy a Tablet PC since summer 2003. Back then, I
> waited for a second generation device. Right now, there's still the same
> product line-up from Toshiba, Acer, HP, ... and on the software side,
> there's not much new.
> If I buyed a Tablet PC now, I'd pay almost the same price as I would have
> if I buyed it last fall and next generation Intel mobile CPUs are coming
> not before fall 2004.
> Finally, IBM still doesn't offer a Tablet PC (apart from that pseudo IBM
> in Asia).
>
> So, what (killer) software applications (better onenote, better OS, better
> Acrobat, ...) can we expect do come on the market this summer/fall?
> When do we see the next series of Tablet PCs from the better companies
> (HP, Acer, Toshiba, ..., IBM??)?
>
> TIA - Andy
>