Introduction to Tablet PC Edition.

   One of the most exciting product that was released from Microsoft is the Tablet PC. This represents the evolution of the notebook personal computer and marks a new era for the PCs, adding pen-based technologies to existing PC functionality. This is the beginning of a new concept known as Ink Support for the current operating system. The Tablet PC is among the most versatile PCs ever made, with high-powered and efficient processors, lightweight designs, built-in wireless capability, and pen and speech input capabilities. The Tablet PC is not a new operating system built from scratch but a new superset of the famous operating system Windows XP Professional with a new architecture known as Ink Support which is a new set of APIs build on top of Windows XP Professional. This gives the user a familiar way to work with the existing applications as well as to take advantage of ink support in the existing applications as well as the future applications that will be build to take advantage of the Tablet PC architecture and hardware.

   The Tablet PC is more than just a great notebook. The greatest power is that it enables information workers to take the power of their business PC into more places than ever before — using all the same Windows XP-based software they use on their office PC or notebook PC today.

   All Tablet PCs are powerful PCs and can be attached to standard keyboards, monitors and mouse products for easy computing at the desktop. Windows XP Tablet PC Edition is also a rich platform for developers who want to create new applications or extend their current applications in innovative ways to take advantage of the Tablet PC’s unique pen-and-ink capabilities.

   Support for existing applications.

   Microsoft Office 2003 and the Microsoft Office OneNote™ 2003 note-taking program deliver even deeper ink integration for the Tablet PC, elevating inking to a native, out-of-the-box capability. In addition, Office XP will continue to offer a free downloadable add-on for the Tablet PC that provides Office integration features. Windows XP Tablet PC Edition also includes the Microsoft .NET Framework. The .NET Framework class library is a comprehensive, object-oriented collection of reusable classes that developers can use to easily create applications for the Tablet PC.

   Redefining Mobility

   The Tablet PC provides everything that users expect in a mobile PC. First it comes in a lightweight form that allows them to be productive in more places than ever before. Some examples include taking notes while commuting, giving a presentation or taking notes in a meeting, at their desk, or simply on the go. Some important features include fast startup from a standby state, surprise docking and undocking. In addition the Tablet PC can be used as a primary desktop machine, providing the full power of the PC.

   Enhancing Productivity

   Windows XP Tablet PC Edition enables users to interact with their PC more naturally by writing directly on the screen using a digital pen in addition to using a traditional keyboard and mouse. This enhances several avenues for new usage for the PC, such as taking handwritten notes with digital ink using the new Windows Journal utility or OneNote 2003. The Tablet PC’s natural handwriting experience combines the simplicity of using pen and paper with the power of the PC.

   Users can apply the power of handwriting recognition technology to convert their handwritten notes to text and can be more productive with their handwritten notes by performing a powerful search using keywords. In addition, they can use the power of digital ink to annotate and edit documents electronically. The Tablet PC also provides an improved reading experience, which is made even better by cutting-edge LCD screen technology and enhancements such as ClearType® display technology that ship as part of the operating system.

   Users also can take advantage of rich Tablet PC functionality included in a growing number of third-party applications. More and more applications are being developed now a days to support ink format for the Tablet PC.