Absolute Beginners Guide to Tablet PCs

The Tablet PC gives you more options for input than any other mainstream computer. In addition to the traditional keyboard and mouse, you can use voice and pen input. There are also many complementary devices that can extend the functionality of your Tablet PC, which I discuss in Part 7, "Extending Your Tablet PC."

Keyboard

Of course everyone understands how to use a keyboard, but doing so is optional for the Tablet PC. That said, few people can escape using their keyboards entirely, so be prepared to connect and disconnect one unless you have a convertible Tablet PC.

Note

If you do use a keyboard with your Tablet PC, it will be USB-based, as opposed to using the round PS/2 connector that you may be used to. USB offers more flexibility for the keyboard, as well as auto-detecting the connection state (that is, detecting whether the keyboard is plugged in or not). Some USB keyboards even act as USB hubs, allowing other USB devices to connect to the computer through the keyboard. This may be a great option for you if you often leave your Tablet PC docked or somewhat distant from your keyboard.

Some Tablet PCs have docking stations that can have a keyboard constantly attached, so that as soon as you dock your Tablet PC, you'll have access to the keyboard.

Bluetooth keyboards are now available to eliminate the need for wires. You can use this keyboard with a Bluetooth mouse and a wireless network connection, and you'll have a wireless configuration on your desk. Just note that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi don't always work together perfectly. For more information about Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, refer to Chapter 17.

Mouse

The Tablet PC does not have the heavy dependence on the mouse that other Windows machines do. For most users, however, a mouse is still a necessity when working with a keyboard, and especially when the Tablet PC is docked or in use as the primary display.

Mice come in different configurations, have different numbers of buttons, come with or without scroll wheel, and so on. My favorite and probably yours too is the optical mouse. This device has no ball to get fouled up, and works on most surfaces better than a ball-based mouse does. If you have a glass-top or shiny work surface, however, the optical mouse is not for you unless you place it on a mouse pad or some other opaque surface. The optical mouse is perfect for the Tablet PC, though, because it allows for more portability. You can use it on airline tray tables just as effectively as on your mouse pad at home. And you never get the "stickies" that can result from the rollers inside the ball-based mouse getting gunked up with dirt, lint, and other nasties.

One more note on mice: Bluetooth-based mice are now available. This eliminates the need for cords, and even eliminates the mouse "base station" that's required for traditional wireless mice. The Bluetooth mouse can help keep you wire-free and ultimately mobile. Note, however, that your tablet may not have shipped with Bluetooth built-in, so you may need a Bluetooth adapter to use this feature. Some adapters are extremely small USB-based devices that are no bigger than your thumb.

Headset

With the Tablet PC, you have voice recognition and control ability. This is a phenomenal boon to many people. Being able to control your Tablet PC and applications through voice command allows you to speak commands while you use your keyboard, mouse or pen, increasing your productivity. You can also dictate to your word processor. Most people use a headset to dictate or issue voice commands. An example of a headset is shown in Figure 4.5.

Headsets can be useful, but a bad headset can be worse than no headset at all. If you're interested in using your Tablet PC's voice recognition and control features, a noise-canceling headset is what you need. These types of headsets filter out ambient noise and give your Tablet PC the best chance at recognizing your words. If the computer can't understand you, it will frustrate you to no end as you repeat and correct your dictation or commands in a virtually endless loop.

Tip

Pen/Stylus

The pen is the new input device of choice for many activities dealing with your Tablet PC. You can write with it, input text, draw, use it as a mouse, and more. Since you will be using it quite a bit, it makes sense to have a pen that fits you well. Some of the pens that come with Tablet PCs are uncomfortable or too basic and should be used only if you can't find a better pen.

Remember that you cannot get just any pen for your Tablet PC, though. Some Tablet PC manufacturers use the Wacom electromagnetic digitizer, which does not require batteries in the pen. Some other manufacturers use other means, and you may need to get a pen that is self-powered.

Check with your Tablet PC manufacturer to see what kind of pen you can use with your Tablet PC. There are numerous pens available, including some made by traditional pen manufacturers such as Cross; a joint effort between Wacom and Cross has yielded the creation of the two pens shown in Figure 4.6.

Just as there are different types of pens, there are also pens with different capabilities. Some pens are pressure sensitive, some pens have erasers on the end (like a pencil), some have clips for easy storage in a shirt pocket, and some pens have buttons on the barrel. Some pens have all these options, and some have none. Find a pen that fits your hand, your preferences, and your style of working. If you have to fight with your pen, you will not enjoy the Tablet PC experience nearly as much.

Tip

Fortunately, some manufacturers understand the pen feel issue, and provide their Tablet PCs with a good-quality pen to start with. Others try to save money, including a pen that you may want to use only as a last resort. The Acers that I've seen actually ship with two pens a small one that fits in the tiny slot in the system, and a larger, more comfortable one that includes a side switch and eraser. I would use the small one only if I had no other choice.