Tablet PC, Advice on buying?

[Roach]

I haven't been keeping up the latest tablet PC, but you should choose one that uses Wacom technology...here's the link (http://www.wacom-components.com/english/partner/index.html). Other things includes:

look for dedicate video card (and not intergrated)
edge (where screen meets frame) of screen should be smooth, so you pen and wrist doesn't get blocked or rubbed.
fastest HD you can get.
screen size depends on how often you want to carry this thing. Smaller screen lets you use it like a drawing pad. Bigger screen if you're going to use it pretty heavy.
slate with detachable keyboard is the best, but this design is rare.
lots of button on the side for hotkeys during slate mode.
you would want to get one that works in sun light so you can doodle when your outdoors like the beach...ahh, this is life!
2 gig ram.
get sketch book!

Good Luck!

[davijin]

the problem with most of the tablets out there is that they dont make them with a decent dedicated video card inside. but its been a couple months since I looked around so just search and hopefully you can find something good.

you can go to wacoms site and they have a list of tablets that use their technology because honestly those are the only ones that are any good from what ive seen.

[gamedeveloper]

http://www.tabletpcreview.com/reviews/

I think you'd be happiest with a slate tablet with a separate wireless (or usb) keyboard and mouse. However, I'm not aware of any slates with great mobile GPUs. So they'd only be optimal if you were primarily doing 2D work and lowpoly 3D.

One of the most affordable and powerful systems is a convertible from Gateway... Sadly it's pretty heavy. But I think it has the specs you need for the most part. You can find the review below, along with a review for a much lighter HP model without dedicated graphics.

http://www.tabletpcreview.com/default.asp?newsID=935
http://www.tabletpcreview.com/default.asp?newsID=905

I suggest a slate tablet because I think you'll eventually want it to do extra duty as an eReader (pdfs, rss feeds, etc) and as a large portable media player. In these roles anything above 3 pounds is really a bit too heavy.

I almost want to tell you to take that $2000 and drop $600 on a used/refurb tablet off eBay, and use the other $1400 to purchase a separate desktop system. Thats how I'm rolling and couldn't be happier!

[TommyRose]

Thanks guys, really appreciate the feedback. I've been researching too and think that I'll probably get a cheap ebay tablet and then save the rest for a desktop/laptop depending on if my college allows desktops. BTW, tabletpcreview was incredibly helpful.

[gamedeveloper]

As far as eBay tablet's go, the TC1100 is an incredible buy. Try to get one with a docking station and 1.5-2GB RAM. I've seen these selling on eBay for $500-$700 depending on extras.

Also take a look at the Fujitsu Stylistic st4110. It makes a nice digital sketchpad and tends to sell CHEAP on eBay ($350-$500).

[Saurus]

As far as eBay tablet's go, the TC1100 is an incredible buy. Try to get one with a docking station and 1.5-2GB RAM. I've seen these selling on eBay for $500-$700 depending on extras.

Also take a look at the Fujitsu Stylistic st4110. It makes a nice digital sketchpad and tends to sell CHEAP on eBay ($350-$500).

I'm with game developer on TC1100. I got one and I know two other people who has one _ one of then has two! If my breaks and no one release a similar design, I will probably look for another used TC.

Look for one with 2 gig and 7200 HD. And if you can afford a solid state HD, get one.

[DrSnooze]

everyone seems to rave about the tc1100 as a 2d tablet pc solution.
But before i get one, two questions:

is it wacom/pressure sensitive technology?
how bad is the lag? (i know it can be improved through drivers/ OS/ 7200HD but what is it like out of the box?)

Cheers for any help

[gamedeveloper]

Wacom 256 levels pressure sensitivity.

Out of the box Pentium M 1GHz will not be laggy in most 2D apps that aren't extremely resource intensive during pen stroke. Large soft brushes paired with complex layer effects will introduce some lag due to CPU utilization. However, if you're using vector apps or doing ideation with pen/pencil equivalents you should not have any lag at all.

NOTE: all of CS3 will be relatively slow to load without a 7200rpm drive and PS Extended could have problems with the 32MB onboard memory (think it needs 64 for some functions). I use CS3 and the only glitch I've seen is when playing quicktime video over CS3 the CS3 interface flickers. Not a showstopper, but I'm still researching the cause.

Can you be more specific about your intended use and suite of apps you'll be installing?

[Saurus]

everyone seems to rave about the tc1100 as a 2d tablet pc solution.
But before i get one, two questions:

is it wacom/pressure sensitive technology?
how bad is the lag? (i know it can be improved through drivers/ OS/ 7200HD but what is it like out of the box?)

Cheers for any help

Yup: wacom tech

No lag out of the box, unless you're working with heavy scenes. 512 memory is too low for anything CG. I got 7200HD and 1.5 memory running Vista and it runs good!

[DrSnooze]

Great, cheers for the advice. I'll be setting it up with a minimal spec. Probably just photoshop, aftereffects and Mirage. Leave all the heavyweight work for the desktop.

Cheers for your comments, i think the tc1100 is for me!

[CyborgChicken]

Toshiba Tecra M7 is the best tablet in the universe, nuff said.

256 video ram
PenAbled
Core 2 Duo 2ghz

My only gripe about it is the extreme lack of 64 bit driver support. I am currently running OSX86 on it though and it flys in zbrush, and adobe programs. I swap over to ubuntu for maya.

[gamedeveloper]

Damn, the M7 has good power for a tablet pc... But it weighs 6lbs if I'm not mistaken.

I'd love to see something with that power 1.5lbs lighter and in a hybrid form factor.

Perhaps the Apple AirTablet?

;-)

[CyborgChicken]

compared to a 5lbs dumbell its really really light.. I dont think it's more than 3lbs. I mean, as far a weight goes.. its never been an issue for me. I am on the go a lot too. I fly out to meet clients, have to get art work done in-route, and its got enough power to replace a desktop.

I have about 2tb of external storage. I just drop what ever i need on the main HD, grab it and go. So I'm never tied down to a wacom tablet, cintiq or desktop, and I dont feel like I am loosing or having to scrafice anything in the bargan. Except maybe the 6D art pen..

When I have some money I "do" plan on modding a macbook pro so I can use it as a tablet. If you don't have thoes technical know-how and about 4,000 dollars to sport arround on, I couldnt recommend any pc more than a Tecra M7

[Saurus]

Toshiba Tecra M7 is the best tablet in the universe, nuff said.

256 video ram
PenAbled
Core 2 Duo 2ghz

My only gripe about it is the extreme lack of 64 bit driver support. I am currently running OSX86 on it though and it flys in zbrush, and adobe programs. I swap over to ubuntu for maya.

I like the power on that Tecra M7, but form factor TC1100 is the best design. Its both a slate and a convertible. The way I use it, I leave my keyboard at home. I'm all hand writing recognition and it works awesome. TC is small & light and carry mine like a drawing pad that happens to be a full blown computer. 2d programs run good, I upgraded to 1.5 gig and a 7200HD. It can run Maya and it can view heavy scenes, but I don't recommend working on it.

You're OSX86, I heard OSX writing recognition is unreliable. Whats your experience? Would you use your machine without a keyboard like Axiotron's Modbook.

[CyborgChicken]

I don't use handwriting recognition. I only use my pen for art work. I type, give or take, 120 wpm.

I've been using photo shop forever, and I use the keyboard short cuts like second nature. I do not use my keyboard on my Tecra though.. I have a mac-pro wireless keyboard that has been cut up and made into a side panel so I can work the keyboard shortcuts with my thumb and fore-finger (ctrl, shift, and alt are on the back, other keys are on the front so I can operate it with one hand easily) The default buttons on the front are nice, but not enough for a Maya or photo shop user.

I can get away with less keyboard short cut use with Alias Sketch Book Pro, and I do use this for doing my base sketches and put them over to photo shop.

P.S.

This system is my workhorse, I have no other system, and don't need one.. except maybe a moded up mac book pro.

[Saurus]

I don't use handwriting recognition. I only use my pen for art work. I type, give or take, 120 wpm.

I've been using photo shop forever, and I use the keyboard short cuts like second nature. I do not use my keyboard on my Tecra though.. I have a mac-pro wireless keyboard that has been cut up and made into a side panel so I can work the keyboard shortcuts with my thumb and fore-finger (ctrl, shift, and alt are on the back, other keys are on the front so I can operate it with one hand easily) The default buttons on the front are nice, but not enough for a Maya or photo shop user.

I can get away with less keyboard short cut use with Alias Sketch Book Pro, and I do use this for doing my base sketches and put them over to photo shop.

P.S.

This system is my workhorse, I have no other system, and don't need one.. except maybe a moded up mac book pro.

Well I'll show a Leopard vs Vista writing recognition comparison...LINK (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCHqMENtKkA)

Pen is all I use to navigate & write and my hand writing is worst than the guy in the video.

[gamedeveloper]

I have a Nulooq attached to my TC1100 when I use it as a drawing tablet (sans keyboard).

Chopped up wireless keyboard? You have GOT TO post pictures of that. U R A BORG!

;-)

[CyborgChicken]

Well I'll show a Leopard vs Vista writing recognition comparison...LINK (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCHqMENtKkA)

Pen is all I use to navigate & write and my hand writing is worst than the guy in the video.

If you are a hand-writing type of person I can't give you any advice or comment as I do not use the feature.

[madyak]

This one from Acer looks promising but I have no idea how to purchase at this time.
http://global.acer.com/products/tablet_pc/tmc210.htm

[CK]

Get that skinny arse Apple that crams into an envelope- I don't even use apple LOL- looks like a giant pop tart!

[Saurus]

This one from Acer looks promising but I have no idea how to purchase at this time.
http://global.acer.com/products/tablet_pc/tmc210.htm

Yeah, that Acer has pretty good spec. The only issue with it is that the screen angle is locked. But it might work to your advantage if you like drawing on a solid (non movable) angled surface.

[madyak]

Looks like the Acer is an older model - and yet, seemingly... the only tablet PC I've tracked down with a higher-end Nvidia graphics card. I was hoping to find a tablet PC that would allow me to run StarCraft II when it comes out (and maybe do some light 3D work). I wonder if I'd be able to use the pen for playing SC II? Now that would be slick. :)

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