Tablet PC's with decent power?

[AmbiDextrose]

Hey Joe,

Kamusta? Anyways, if you're looking to buy a Tablet PC now with some decent kick, the new Toshiba M400 with Intel Core Duo is probaably your best ticket. It has options for a wide-angle 12" SXGA+ screen, has Wacom-based tablet technology (512 levels of pressure, me thinks), and supports up to 4GB of memory. The only drawback to this unit, IMO, is that it doesn't have a discrete graphics card- only an on-board Intel GMA950 which uses shared memory and has poor 3D performance. Although this unit should be Vista-ready (if that's another one of your concerns), I didn't like the screen response when I tried it out two weeks ago and loaded Softimage|XSI on it, especially with fairly complex models. However, since I do primarily mechanical modeling, I didn't get the chance to check ZBrush's performance with this unit.

Now, if you can afford to wait a while (probably near the end of the third quarter), Toshiba is supposed to refresh it's Tecra line with the M500- the successor to the M4 tablet PC (which I currently own). Although reports are sketchy, some people are saying that Toshiba is considering using the new NVidia Go 78XX chipsets on these beasties. The current M4 has a 14" SXGA+ screen driven by an NVidia Go 6600 (or Go 6200, if you wish). Rumor has it that the refreshed model will have a 15.1" SXGA+ screen. Personally, I'd settle for the 14" SXGA+ as long as they make it a wide-angle viewable, shave a few ounces off it, and extend battery life for more than 2 (or even 3) hours. The other benefit to waiting until later is the advent of Intel's Merom chip which is supposed to outperform their current mobile chip offering by around 30%. Although it's not certain if Toshiba will put Merom chips in the new M500, it's still something I'm watching out for.

Still, in the end, it's up to you. If you need one NOW, the M400 is a great machine with a few minor limitations. If you can find a local distributor who is willing, I urge you to try it out first. BUT eventhough you're settled on this machine, I think it would benefit you if you can hold off until May or June as Intel is supposed to do a price reduction on their processors come April or May.

[hamu73]

any word, when the new Toshiba will be released?

It is looking great.

[gamedeveloper]

Hmmmmn. I'd avoid an Intel graphics solution. Not really suitable for Vista, serous gaming or 3D graphics work.

I'm running those apps (and playing games) on an HP TC1100 with 1Ghz Pentium M, 1GB RAM, and a GeForce GO 420 (32mb card). I'm getting stuff done, but I'd definitely recommend a bit more beef... The TC1100 has a great form factor (removable keyboard, light weight, shatterproof glass screen, etc), but the specs are getting a little long in the tooth.

Right now I'd recommend the Acer http://global.acer.com/products/tablet_pc/index.htm

Tried one out and loved it.

[AmbiDextrose]

Hmmmmn. I'd avoid an Intel graphics solution. Not really suitable for Vista, serous gaming or 3D graphics work.

It actually runs Vista with the full AeroGlas suite pretty well. The unit is still on my desk waiting for the Toshiba rep to pick it up so I've been using it as an adjunct to my workstation. I've also been told by people in the know that Microsoft recently bought a boat load of M400 after they certified it for Vista.

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