Tarsus introduces the Compaq Tablet PC TC1000 - the road warrior`s sugar-coated pill

The long-awaited CompaqTablet PC, manufactured by HP, has arrived in SA and Tarsus Technologies, the value-add distribution arm of MB Technologies, will have stock available from December.

This is the second Tablet PC available to the local market and although it will generate a great deal of interest, says HP PSG product manager at Tarsus Technologies, Jason McMillan, it is likely to remain a relatively niche item for the time being.

"I foresee the bulk of the immediate demand coming from `techno-junkies` and that it will be used for niche applications that require this type of mobility," he adds.

So what is it exactly that sets the Compaq Tablet PC TC1000 apart in terms of mobility and performance?

The Compaq Tablet PC combines the power of a full-function PC with the convenience of a notepad and the simplicity of a natural, pen-based interface in a thin and lightweight design - 1.4kg light to be precise. It extends the capabilities of today`s laptop computers by allowing users to interact with their computers in exciting new ways and significantly increases the value of the PC in the workplace. With the Tablet PC, users are able to take hand-written notes in meetings for later reference or conversion to text, and also annotate documents with digital ink.

Fully Windows-compatible, the Compaq Tablet PC TC1000 deploys the power of Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, a superset of Windows XP Professional, to offer outstanding performance, standard 30GB SMART hard drive storage capacity and speedy access to local files and applications.

"With a focus on mobility and versatility, the TC1000 features a removable keyboard, to change from tablet mode to notebook PC mode with the flip of a switch," McMillan continues. "Mobility is maximised through an integrated wireless LAN and the innovative, flexible docking system expands usability without the need for synchronisation. With a 10.4-inch TFT display, the Compaq Tablet PC TC1000`s visual, graphics and audio quality meet the presentation and performance needs required in the conference room or at a meeting."

The on-screen writing capability allows users to take hand-written notes, create drawings, annotate documents, store this information as "digital ink" and then wirelessly share it. The ink-to-text utility can be used with any Windows application.

"Maximum functionality can be achieved by adding a full-function monitor, mouse, keyboard and MultiBay options. The Compaq Tablet PC TC1000 can also be utilised as a monitor," McMillan concludes.