ViewSonic Tablet PC V1100 (866-MHz Pentium III-M, 256 MB RAM, 20 GB Hard Drive)

Early Adopters Pick: December 2002. First true tablet-format PC supporting the Tablet PC operating system.

ViewSonic's Tablet PC V1100 may be a portable computing solution, but its similarity to a conventional notebook ends there. Unlike a notebook, the Tablet PC V1100 dispenses with a traditional keyboard in favor of a stylus-activated tablet that allows users to enter data and run applications via handwritten input. And, at just 9.9 by 11.3 by 1.1 inches and a mere 3.4 lbs., the unit is substantially less cumbersome than a conventional mobile computer.

When compared to other portable computers in its price range, the Tablet PC V1100 is not particularly powerful. The system is equipped with an 866 MHz Mobile Intel Pentium III processor, 256 MB SDRAM, and an embedded 4X AGP video chip, which certainly won't be enough horsepower to drive high-end games or graphic design packages. It is, however, suitable for most day-to-day notebook purposes and business applications.

In fact, the Tablet PC V1100 is best used to enter, store, and share notes, ideas, and concepts that might otherwise be kept in a paper format. Sporting solid handwriting recognition capabilities and useful software such as Microsoft's Office XP Pack and Windows XP Tablet PC edition, the featherweight Tablet PC V1100 instantly improves coworker collaboration, from airport to boardroom.

The unit features a surprisingly large 20 GB hard drive, a high-luminance XGA 10.4-inch TFT LCD viewing screen, and dual display orientations (portrait and landscape). With integrated support for wireless and wired networking, connectivity to the Internet, LANs, and e-mail is ensured under any circumstance. Other features include a PC Card slot, a 56K modem, two USB ports, and a single FireWire connection for outboard peripherals such as CD drives and digital cameras and camcorders.

The ViewSonic Tablet PC V1100 is a fully functional network-ready PC in a convenient tablet form factor featuring integrated WAN, LAN and Wi-Fi. Compact and lightweight at only 3.4 pounds, this innovative device improves the efficiency of the mobile professional both in the office and on the road. With solid handwriting recognition capabilities and compatibility with Microsoft Office applications, this product instantly improves co-worker collaboration. The V1100 is the perfect PC to meet the expanding demands of the mobile professional: from office to airport. For an on-the-go PC that really performs, choose the ViewSonic Tablet PC V1100.

1 Awesome, Intuitive, and Indispensible
This thing ROCKS! I've had it 9 months and use it every day. It was easy to use right out of the box. The handwriting recognition is surprisingly accurate, the virtual notepad is incredibly useful, and the form factor is great. And it is robust. I've dropped it and carted everywhere without problems. (Onto carpet. But still.)

It's not good for high end games, but it runs turn-based strategy games. (Sims, CivIII.) I recommend an extra battery and a spare stylus for emergencies.

2 Awesome
I've experienced a demo of this very machine, and I must say that I'm impressed. I was skeptical, until I held it for myself. The handwriting function to create documents does take some getting used to, but a sneaky use of it is to put notes on standard documents for later review.

The best use at home is to remotely connect to my MP3s and MPEG videos across my wireless network. I do that with a laptop computer now, but the tablet form would be so much easier.