If you want to use your laptop to write as well as type, a Tablet PC is the perfect fit. Our buying advice will help you pick the perfect convertible notebook.
PROCESSOR
Look for a model powered by Intel's Core 2 Duo processor, which provides long battery life, strong performance, and cool running temperatures. If you're interested in an AMD-based laptop, go with one using the Vista-friendly Turion 64 CPU.
MEMORY
Inadequate system memory can drastically reduce overall performance, so don't be frugal. 512MB is the absolute minimum requirement for running Windows Vista; if you can afford it, we recommend 2GB of DDR2 SDRAM, which will boost overall performance considerably. Also, be on the lookout for any free memory upgrades at time of purchase—many PC makers offer specials that double the amount of installed RAM. Some vendors may offer the option to add Intel Turbo memory to your system. These flash-memory modules, available in 512MB or 1GB varieties, reduce the time it takes for your computer to power up, access programs, and write data to the hard drive.
GRAPHICS
Coupled with at least 1GB of RAM, Intel's latest GMA X3100 graphics chipset does support Windows Vista and its graphics-intensive Aero interface. If you use graphic-intense apps at work—or you want to use your machine to play games after hours—go with a dedicated graphics card from ATI or nVidia. For maximum stability and business-optimized performance, look for notebooks with nVidia’s Quadro NVS series; be sure the card you choose has at least 128MB (preferably 256MB) of dedicated video RAM.
HARD DRIVE
When it comes to storage space, the more gigabytes you can get, the better— especially if you save lots of large documents and PowerPoint presentations on your PC. We’ve seen tablet PCs with drives as large as 320GB. While slower 4,200rpm hard drives cost less, opt for one with a rotational speed of 5,400rpm.
In addition to standard hard drives, some vendors have introduced solid-state drive (SSD) options. These flash-memory-based drives, which have no moveable parts, offer faster boot times, lower weight, and increased resistance to shock. This technology is currently quite expensive, however, and drive capacity is usually limited to 32GB or 64GB. Unless having the added durability is a must, we recommend sticking with a traditional hard drive.
OPTICAL DRIVE
Smaller convertible notebooks often don't include built-in optical drives. Of those that do, some include internal DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drives or multiformat (DVD±RW) DVD burners, which write to both plus- and minus-format DVD media. A few allow you to swap out the optical drive for an extra battery.
CASE
You won’t find too many flashy-looking tablet PCs out there—most manufacturers opt for black or gray cases that, though a bit staid, blend in well in a professional environment. As for weight, tablet PCs tend to range from around 2.5 to 6.5 pounds. What size you choose should depend on your need for portability, but always look for a case made of magnesium and other molded-metal enclosures, which are more durable and dissipate heat better than plastic cases.
WIRELESS CONECTIVITY
Integrated Bluetooth and 802.11 wireless networking (Wi-Fi) are essential. Look for a notebook with a Wi-Fi card that supports the 802.11a, g and Draft N wireless standards. Draft N makes use of multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) technology, which reduces signal interference and provides greater range and throughput, up to a theoretical maximum bandwidth of 300Mbps.
Bluetooth is also standard on many laptops, though some configurations provide it only as an option. For maximum compatibility with other Bluetooth devices, make sure your laptop supports Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate (EDR). If you want to be able to get online when you’re out of range of any Wi-Fi networks, look for notebooks that can be configured with a built-in WWAN module, which lets you tap into a cellular mobile broadband networks from Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T for a monthly fee.
DISPLAY
Tablet PC screens can be as small as 8.9 inches or as large as 14.1 inches. The smaller the screen, the more portable the system will be; the trade-off is that accurately selecting menu icons and other items on an itty-bitty display can be tough. Likewise, while tablets with bigger screens require less prodding with the stylus, you may wind up with a heavy machine that isn't comfortable to use as a slate for long stretches. Go with a notebook that has a display size and system weight that strike an appropriate balance based on your needs.
Touch screens react to input from a stylus or finger only when pressure is actually applied to the screen's surface, making writing onscreen more difficult (it's natural to lift the pen at the end of strokes) and navigation less precise. Look for notebooks that feature a digitizer, which can sense when the stylus is hovering over the screen and also register different strokes based on the amount of pressure with which you write. Be aware, though, that in some systems, the digitizer may detract from the screen's overall clarity. Most tablets use displays with a wide-screen aspect ratio; avoid the few systems still fitted with square, standard-aspect displays.
Many screens now come with a reflective coating that provides a better viewing experience for movie-watching. Some people don't like the reflectivity of these glossy screens, however, and they can be especially distracting in a brightly-lit office environment; be sure to check out the display in person before you buy. If you want to use your notebook for video conferencing, opt for a system with a Webcam built in to its display bezel.
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