Module 1: Meet the Tablet PC
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In today's ever-changing technology landscape, there are different types of computer available to purchase and use. This module will highlight some of the key differences between the tablet PC, the traditional desktop or laptop PC, and the tablet (i.e. Apple iPad or Samsung Galaxy).
Tablet PC vs Traditional PC The tablet PC offers essentially the same functionality as a traditional PC, including both desktop and laptop types. The tablet PC is truly a PC computer. All productivity tasks, such as using Microsoft Office, can be accomplished with a tablet PC just like they are with a desktop or laptop PC. The real advantage of the tablet PC is its capability to accept input with digital ink. The tablet PC uses a stylus to digitally input electronic ink as shown in the image to the right. The tablet PC uses a digitizer pen so that the user can handwrite virtually anything and capture it to a file on their tablet PC. Although the mouse and keyboard are indispensable input devices for a computer, sometimes it is more applicable to be able to handwrite the input, such as for solving a math problem. There are two key types of tablet PCs. The first type is the convertible-type tablet PC. This tablet PC has an attached, external keyboard like a laptop PC, but it's monitor can be rotated. This allows for the monitor screen to be rotated and laid flat, allowing the user to write on the screen like a notebook. The second type of tablet PC is the slate type. This tablet PC does not have a separate keyboard, and it looks very similar to a tablet. Tablet PC vs Tablet In many ways, the tablet is similar to the tablet PC. It also has the functionality of electronic inking with a stylus, and the tablet tends to be more affordable than either the tablet PC or traditional PC. However, the tablet has several distinct disadvantages when compared to the tablet PC. A tablet does not have a separate keyboard like the convertible-type tablet PC does. A tablet user must depend on the Input Panel (to be discussed in Module 2) to enter text. This shortcoming can be addressed by purchasing a keyboard attachment for the tablet. However, it is convenient to have a separate, built-in keyboard as a standard hardware feature. The tablet PC enjoys the full range of software functionality that a traditional PC has. The tablet PC can used for all productivity needs, including writing reports, creating presentations, and working with spreadsheets. The tablet tends to be more limited in its productivity capabilities. Lastly, the tablet PC has the same central filing system as a regular PC. Files can be easily accessed from the central location and be easily transferred from device to device. Conversely, the tablet lacks a standard, central filing system and stores files with the application used. Emerging Technology As computer technology continues to evolve, the lines of demarcation are blurring between the traditional PC, tablet PC, and tablet. Many PC computers, especially laptops, are starting to offer touch-screen technology to interface with the computer, for uses such as launching applications, working with Windows, and inputting handwritten text with a capacitive stylus. Many tablets are starting to become much more robust and can now offer the capability of performing productivity tasks, such as using Microsoft Office applications. For example, the Microsoft Surface 3 is essentially a PC computer, tablet PC, and tablet all in one. It offers the robustness of the PC computer. It has the digitizer pen technology when using a stylus to handwrite input to the computer and it offers the lightweight portability of the tablet. It is very exciting and confusing at the same time to be a consumer trying to buy a computer with all the features and benefits that you might need or want. I hope this module has been educational on the key differences between the traditional PC, tablet PC, and tablet. |