The medical office that I am part of will be starting to use an Electronic
Medical Record (EMR) very shortly. The physicians will be getting
convertible Tablet PCs. I am sort of going nuts trying to compare and
contrast these and since I have never used one I am not sure the pros and
cons. We are mainly looking at Fujitsu and Gateway. What I can tell is the
Fujitsu is better and is lighter, but has a 12 inch screen where as the
Gateway, not too sure of their reliability, is heavier, but has a 14 inch
screen. For someone who will be doing some typing in the patient rooms, but
mainly writing with the digital pen, what is better, the 12 inch or 14 inch
screen? I realize that the extra pound or so with Gateway may be an issue,
but as far as writing and viewing a 12 inch screen...? What do people have
to say?

Ron, for overall comparison charts, take a look at Tablet PC MVP Terri
Stratton's web site: http://thetabletpc.net where she has comparison charts
for Convertible, Slate and Hybrid models, including the screens and weights
of each. To throw a little curve in your selection ideas, the convertible
Toshiba M200 has a 12.1" screen and is a pretty awesome workhorse. 8-)

You might also be interested in the case study information and other
articles here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/t...e/default.mspx
Additionally, check out Tablet PC MVP Fritz Switzer's web site
(www.abletpfactory.com) where he has some awesome Special Interest
Dictionaries (SPIDs) and the specialized programs for Medical professionals.
Fritz has done a lot of work within the medical field, and I'm sure he'd be
happy to assist you if you contact him from the link on his web site.

My opinion on screen size: the 12.1 screens are very good. The resolution
capabilities, rather than the physical acreage, is something you should be
looking into in the selection. Plus, you may want to contact Motion
Computing, which is the current leader in screen viewing with their M1400
View Anywhere offering.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"Ron" <Ron@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:422D71AD-5463-4E24-9285-F4192C7B1FDC@microsoft.com...
> The medical office that I am part of will be starting to use an Electronic
> Medical Record (EMR) very shortly. The physicians will be getting
> convertible Tablet PCs. I am sort of going nuts trying to compare and
> contrast these and since I have never used one I am not sure the pros and
> cons. We are mainly looking at Fujitsu and Gateway. What I can tell is
> the
> Fujitsu is better and is lighter, but has a 12 inch screen where as the
> Gateway, not too sure of their reliability, is heavier, but has a 14 inch
> screen. For someone who will be doing some typing in the patient rooms,
> but
> mainly writing with the digital pen, what is better, the 12 inch or 14
> inch
> screen? I realize that the extra pound or so with Gateway may be an
> issue,
> but as far as writing and viewing a 12 inch screen...? What do people
> have
> to say?
>

Thanks for the help Chris. I've seen several of your other posts and they
are quite helpful. May I ask if you have 12 or 14 inch screen size on your
Tablet PC?

"Chris H." wrote:

> Ron, for overall comparison charts, take a look at Tablet PC MVP Terri
> Stratton's web site: http://thetabletpc.net where she has comparison charts
> for Convertible, Slate and Hybrid models, including the screens and weights
> of each. To throw a little curve in your selection ideas, the convertible
> Toshiba M200 has a 12.1" screen and is a pretty awesome workhorse. 8-)
>
> You might also be interested in the case study information and other
> articles here:
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/t...e/default.mspx
> Additionally, check out Tablet PC MVP Fritz Switzer's web site
> (www.abletpfactory.com) where he has some awesome Special Interest
> Dictionaries (SPIDs) and the specialized programs for Medical professionals.
> Fritz has done a lot of work within the medical field, and I'm sure he'd be
> happy to assist you if you contact him from the link on his web site.
>
> My opinion on screen size: the 12.1 screens are very good. The resolution
> capabilities, rather than the physical acreage, is something you should be
> looking into in the selection. Plus, you may want to contact Motion
> Computing, which is the current leader in screen viewing with their M1400
> View Anywhere offering.
> --
> Chris H.
> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
> Associate Expert
> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>
>
> "Ron" <Ron@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:422D71AD-5463-4E24-9285-F4192C7B1FDC@microsoft.com...
> > The medical office that I am part of will be starting to use an Electronic
> > Medical Record (EMR) very shortly. The physicians will be getting
> > convertible Tablet PCs. I am sort of going nuts trying to compare and
> > contrast these and since I have never used one I am not sure the pros and
> > cons. We are mainly looking at Fujitsu and Gateway. What I can tell is
> > the
> > Fujitsu is better and is lighter, but has a 12 inch screen where as the
> > Gateway, not too sure of their reliability, is heavier, but has a 14 inch
> > screen. For someone who will be doing some typing in the patient rooms,
> > but
> > mainly writing with the digital pen, what is better, the 12 inch or 14
> > inch
> > screen? I realize that the extra pound or so with Gateway may be an
> > issue,
> > but as far as writing and viewing a 12 inch screen...? What do people
> > have
> > to say?
> >
>
>
>

Ron, I've got three Tablet PCs at present, ranging from 10.4 to 12.1"
screens. Like I said, the resolution of the screen to me is more important
than the physical size. It is like early computer monitors which couldn't
go beyond 640x480. Although there are only around five main screen
manufacturers, no matter the Tablet PC, resolution capabilities (depending
on the graphics "cards" used in the specifications of the Tablet brand) are
mostly moving to 1025x768 now, with a few (like the Toshiba M200) capable of
1280x1024 and even 1400x1050.

The size of the real estate doesn't necessarily equate "better," whereas the
quality of the display does make a difference. Remember the early monitor
capabilities used to be amber or green on black, then went to a whopping 256
colors? Most Tablet PCs have both 16- and 32-bit capabilities (in millions
of colors), and the current generation Tablets are more flexible in
resolution, too.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"Ron" <Ron@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:8E14ADDA-16AD-49DB-9A51-D669CADDE516@microsoft.com...
> Thanks for the help Chris. I've seen several of your other posts and they
> are quite helpful. May I ask if you have 12 or 14 inch screen size on
> your
> Tablet PC?
>
> "Chris H." wrote:
>
>> Ron, for overall comparison charts, take a look at Tablet PC MVP Terri
>> Stratton's web site: http://thetabletpc.net where she has comparison
>> charts
>> for Convertible, Slate and Hybrid models, including the screens and
>> weights
>> of each. To throw a little curve in your selection ideas, the
>> convertible
>> Toshiba M200 has a 12.1" screen and is a pretty awesome workhorse. 8-)
>>
>> You might also be interested in the case study information and other
>> articles here:
>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/t...e/default.mspx
>> Additionally, check out Tablet PC MVP Fritz Switzer's web site
>> (www.abletpfactory.com) where he has some awesome Special Interest
>> Dictionaries (SPIDs) and the specialized programs for Medical
>> professionals.
>> Fritz has done a lot of work within the medical field, and I'm sure he'd
>> be
>> happy to assist you if you contact him from the link on his web site.
>>
>> My opinion on screen size: the 12.1 screens are very good. The
>> resolution
>> capabilities, rather than the physical acreage, is something you should
>> be
>> looking into in the selection. Plus, you may want to contact Motion
>> Computing, which is the current leader in screen viewing with their M1400
>> View Anywhere offering.
>> --
>> Chris H.
>> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
>> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
>> Associate Expert
>> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>>
>>
>> "Ron" <Ron@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:422D71AD-5463-4E24-9285-F4192C7B1FDC@microsoft.com...
>> > The medical office that I am part of will be starting to use an
>> > Electronic
>> > Medical Record (EMR) very shortly. The physicians will be getting
>> > convertible Tablet PCs. I am sort of going nuts trying to compare and
>> > contrast these and since I have never used one I am not sure the pros
>> > and
>> > cons. We are mainly looking at Fujitsu and Gateway. What I can tell
>> > is
>> > the
>> > Fujitsu is better and is lighter, but has a 12 inch screen where as the
>> > Gateway, not too sure of their reliability, is heavier, but has a 14
>> > inch
>> > screen. For someone who will be doing some typing in the patient
>> > rooms,
>> > but
>> > mainly writing with the digital pen, what is better, the 12 inch or 14
>> > inch
>> > screen? I realize that the extra pound or so with Gateway may be an
>> > issue,
>> > but as far as writing and viewing a 12 inch screen...? What do people
>> > have
>> > to say?
>> >
>>
>>
>>

On Fri, 7 Jan 2005 08:57:08 -0800, Ron <Ron@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>The medical office that I am part of will be starting to use an Electronic
>Medical Record (EMR) very shortly. The physicians will be getting
>convertible Tablet PCs. I am sort of going nuts trying to compare and
>contrast these and since I have never used one I am not sure the pros and
>cons. We are mainly looking at Fujitsu and Gateway. What I can tell is the
>Fujitsu is better and is lighter, but has a 12 inch screen where as the
>Gateway, not too sure of their reliability, is heavier, but has a 14 inch
>screen. For someone who will be doing some typing in the patient rooms, but
>mainly writing with the digital pen, what is better, the 12 inch or 14 inch
>screen? I realize that the extra pound or so with Gateway may be an issue,
>but as far as writing and viewing a 12 inch screen...? What do people have
>to say?

I would suggest one additional parameter to consider is viewability under the
light in your office setting.

I know that two units I tried out in a store were not readable under the store
fluorescent lights.

I have the M1400 with the View Anywhere option and it is viewable under office
lighting. But others may serve you as well. I needed mine to also be viewable
out doors in sunlight, which the M1400 is.


--ron

Chris H. wrote:
> Ron, I've got three Tablet PCs at present, ranging from 10.4 to 12.1"
> screens. Like I said, the resolution of the screen to me is more important
> than the physical size. It is like early computer monitors which couldn't
> go beyond 640x480. Although there are only around five main screen
> manufacturers, no matter the Tablet PC, resolution capabilities (depending
> on the graphics "cards" used in the specifications of the Tablet brand) are
> mostly moving to 1025x768 now, with a few (like the Toshiba M200) capable of
> 1280x1024 and even 1400x1050.
>
> The size of the real estate doesn't necessarily equate "better," whereas the
> quality of the display does make a difference. Remember the early monitor
> capabilities used to be amber or green on black, then went to a whopping 256
> colors? Most Tablet PCs have both 16- and 32-bit capabilities (in millions
> of colors), and the current generation Tablets are more flexible in
> resolution, too.
I may be mistaken because I have yet to purchase one due to finalizing
on the screen size vs resolution issues.

I am thinking it is important to consider if it will be used as paper
where you may want to do a lot of digital inking like drawing charts
diagrams and such (not portait pictures), or more converting ink to text
( as in forms and such). It is a difficult decision, because many of us
want the power of the m200 and the size of a 14 inch (more or less).

Am I wrong with the following statements:
1. For digital notes where you are more interested in just leaving most
of your jots and diagrams as ink as you do with paper (can't convert
paper), resolution doesn't matter, only the screen size. That is because
the physical screen size determines how much you can write/ink, like
once you get to the edge of the screen like paper, you are out of space
and resolution won't change that. Scrolling can be done regardless of
the size of the screen.

2. For converting ink to text for forms or similar application
interfaces, resolution may be a factor if the form can't be fully viewed
at 1024x768. Then a higher resolution regardless of the screen size will
minimize or solve such problem.

Try this, if on your current PC, if you happen to have lots of programs
installed as reflected in your start bar and you happen to be running at
1280x1024, you may find as I did when switching to 1024x768, you cannot
view and get to the programs to launch them. One solutions it to
organize the programs in your start/launch bar by categorizing and
nesting them.

In addition, if you already have a certain class of applications to run
like let's say medical forms or just forms in general, you might try
setting your resolution to 1024x768 to see if the presentation of your
current applications looks is usable at this resolution.

Chris, does this make sense or am I missing something?

If so, I hope it helps. I am leaning towards the m200 for the
resolution, but I planned to do more freehand which means my paper size
will be smaller. Seems like I am backwards, but I still need the
resolution and will sacrifice for the screen size and deal with scrolling.

L4CES

Makes sense to me. 8-) The main thing to consider with a Tablet PC is that
it is more personal than probably any other real computer you've ever had.
I say that because the whole thing is in our hands most of the time.

We hold them as a paperback book, rather than a bound, large-print novel.
The screen isn't "over there" as on a desktop, or a laptop which really
needs to reside on a table or other supportive platform. They're more like
a sheet of paper we hold in one hand while writing using the other.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"L4CES" <L4CES@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:%23rRAkJU9EHA.2124@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
> Chris H. wrote:
>> Ron, I've got three Tablet PCs at present, ranging from 10.4 to 12.1"
>> screens. Like I said, the resolution of the screen to me is more
>> important than the physical size. It is like early computer monitors
>> which couldn't go beyond 640x480. Although there are only around five
>> main screen manufacturers, no matter the Tablet PC, resolution
>> capabilities (depending on the graphics "cards" used in the
>> specifications of the Tablet brand) are mostly moving to 1025x768 now,
>> with a few (like the Toshiba M200) capable of 1280x1024 and even
>> 1400x1050.
>>
>> The size of the real estate doesn't necessarily equate "better," whereas
>> the quality of the display does make a difference. Remember the early
>> monitor capabilities used to be amber or green on black, then went to a
>> whopping 256 colors? Most Tablet PCs have both 16- and 32-bit
>> capabilities (in millions of colors), and the current generation Tablets
>> are more flexible in resolution, too.
> I may be mistaken because I have yet to purchase one due to finalizing on
> the screen size vs resolution issues.
>
> I am thinking it is important to consider if it will be used as paper
> where you may want to do a lot of digital inking like drawing charts
> diagrams and such (not portait pictures), or more converting ink to text
> ( as in forms and such). It is a difficult decision, because many of us
> want the power of the m200 and the size of a 14 inch (more or less).
>
> Am I wrong with the following statements:
> 1. For digital notes where you are more interested in just leaving most of
> your jots and diagrams as ink as you do with paper (can't convert paper),
> resolution doesn't matter, only the screen size. That is because the
> physical screen size determines how much you can write/ink, like once you
> get to the edge of the screen like paper, you are out of space and
> resolution won't change that. Scrolling can be done regardless of the size
> of the screen.
>
> 2. For converting ink to text for forms or similar application interfaces,
> resolution may be a factor if the form can't be fully viewed at 1024x768.
> Then a higher resolution regardless of the screen size will minimize or
> solve such problem.
>
> Try this, if on your current PC, if you happen to have lots of programs
> installed as reflected in your start bar and you happen to be running at
> 1280x1024, you may find as I did when switching to 1024x768, you cannot
> view and get to the programs to launch them. One solutions it to organize
> the programs in your start/launch bar by categorizing and nesting them.
>
> In addition, if you already have a certain class of applications to run
> like let's say medical forms or just forms in general, you might try
> setting your resolution to 1024x768 to see if the presentation of your
> current applications looks is usable at this resolution.
>
> Chris, does this make sense or am I missing something?
>
> If so, I hope it helps. I am leaning towards the m200 for the resolution,
> but I planned to do more freehand which means my paper size will be
> smaller. Seems like I am backwards, but I still need the resolution and
> will sacrifice for the screen size and deal with scrolling.
>
> L4CES

ROn is the view anywhere a transreflective screen? I used one of these and
yes I could see it in the daylight but yet when inside the colors were
considerably muted compared to the regular indoor screen.. ( this was on an
older Panasonic tough book)

ed
"Ron Rosenfeld" <ronrosenfeld@nospam.org> wrote in message
news:d3ptt014chkpj84ielamuan58gfdvdkh2v@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 7 Jan 2005 08:57:08 -0800, Ron <Ron@discussions.microsoft.com>
> wrote:
>
>>The medical office that I am part of will be starting to use an Electronic
>>Medical Record (EMR) very shortly. The physicians will be getting
>>convertible Tablet PCs. I am sort of going nuts trying to compare and
>>contrast these and since I have never used one I am not sure the pros and
>>cons. We are mainly looking at Fujitsu and Gateway. What I can tell is
>>the
>>Fujitsu is better and is lighter, but has a 12 inch screen where as the
>>Gateway, not too sure of their reliability, is heavier, but has a 14 inch
>>screen. For someone who will be doing some typing in the patient rooms,
>>but
>>mainly writing with the digital pen, what is better, the 12 inch or 14
>>inch
>>screen? I realize that the extra pound or so with Gateway may be an
>>issue,
>>but as far as writing and viewing a 12 inch screen...? What do people
>>have
>>to say?
>
> I would suggest one additional parameter to consider is viewability under
> the
> light in your office setting.
>
> I know that two units I tried out in a store were not readable under the
> store
> fluorescent lights.
>
> I have the M1400 with the View Anywhere option and it is viewable under
> office
> lighting. But others may serve you as well. I needed mine to also be
> viewable
> out doors in sunlight, which the M1400 is.
>
>
> --ron

On Sat, 8 Jan 2005 13:48:04 -0700, "ed sharpe" <esharpe@uswest.net> wrote:

>ROn is the view anywhere a transreflective screen? I used one of these and
>yes I could see it in the daylight but yet when inside the colors were
>considerably muted compared to the regular indoor screen.. ( this was on an
>older Panasonic tough book)

Ed,

They do not use a transreflective solution for the very reason you cite. They
use something they call an enhanced transmissive display along with some kind
of anti-glare coating. It works quite well both indoors and out.

See a discussion of it at
http://www.ngtvoice.com/products/har...on/display.htm
--ron

many thanks I shall go read it!

I think the best bet is to find someone in az that has one for sale and
play...
"Ron Rosenfeld" <ronrosenfeld@nospam.org> wrote in message
news:8vv0u0d02fhfgm9ul7vm7upsqrmrrjuq8j@4ax.com...
> On Sat, 8 Jan 2005 13:48:04 -0700, "ed sharpe" <esharpe@uswest.net> wrote:
>
>>ROn is the view anywhere a transreflective screen? I used one of these
>>and
>>yes I could see it in the daylight but yet when inside the colors were
>>considerably muted compared to the regular indoor screen.. ( this was on
>>an
>>older Panasonic tough book)
>
> Ed,
>
> They do not use a transreflective solution for the very reason you cite.
> They
> use something they call an enhanced transmissive display along with some
> kind
> of anti-glare coating. It works quite well both indoors and out.
>
> See a discussion of it at
> http://www.ngtvoice.com/products/har...on/display.htm
> --ron

You might want to look for posts in this newsgroup from Hal Hostetler. He's
a Microsoft MVP, and works in the Tucson area.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"ed sharpe" <esharpe@uswest.net> wrote in message
news:uTGxeue9EHA.4004@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> many thanks I shall go read it!
>
> I think the best bet is to find someone in az that has one for sale and
> play...
> "Ron Rosenfeld" <ronrosenfeld@nospam.org> wrote in message
> news:8vv0u0d02fhfgm9ul7vm7upsqrmrrjuq8j@4ax.com...
>> On Sat, 8 Jan 2005 13:48:04 -0700, "ed sharpe" <esharpe@uswest.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>>>ROn is the view anywhere a transreflective screen? I used one of these
>>>and
>>>yes I could see it in the daylight but yet when inside the colors were
>>>considerably muted compared to the regular indoor screen.. ( this was on
>>>an
>>>older Panasonic tough book)
>>
>> Ed,
>>
>> They do not use a transreflective solution for the very reason you cite.
>> They
>> use something they call an enhanced transmissive display along with some
>> kind
>> of anti-glare coating. It works quite well both indoors and out.
>>
>> See a discussion of it at
>> http://www.ngtvoice.com/products/har...on/display.htm
>> --ron
>
>

Ron,

Vision is an issue here as well as weight, form factor comfort and battery
life. I use both an Acer C110 convertible with 10.4" screen at approximately
3 pounds. My main TPC that I use is a 12" Scribbler at the same weight, no
attached keyboard, 7 hour battery.
The 12 is "easier," to see but the form factor on the convertible is
actually more convenient. Equally important is the specific EMR that you are
using, which may or may not like your TPC resolution. Additionally some EMR
screens might not be adjustable. This could conceivably leave you with text
cut off unless you pan or scroll. I would do as Jeff Hawkins did with his
wooden Palm. Get two books the same weight. One 10" and one 12", that will
help with the form factor. As far as viewing is concerned talk to your EMR
vendor and get some TPC referral client/docs.


Chris Wilkerson, D.C.
www.MedicalTabletPC.com
Editor-in Chief