Compaq tc1100
Best. Tablet PC. Ever
I
f you’ve read Maximum PC for any period of time, you know we have
a fetish for pen-based computing. Sure, tablet PCs have some minor
flaws—like the fact that text and voice recognition are inconsis-
tent—but if you spend lots of time taking handwritten notes, a tablet can
revolutionize your world.
Like all the other tablets we’ve tested, the Compaq tc1100 uses the initial
revision of Windows XP Tablet Edition. The big difference is that the tc1100’s
hardware is superior to those other tablets in almost every way. The tc1100
uses a standard slate design but also includes a sturdy removable key-
board. When the keyboard is attached, it can be stowed under the main
body of the tablet by twisting it around and latching it into place. We
have only two complaints with this design. First, in the stowed posi-
tion, the keyboard doesn’t provide any protection for the screen, so
you’ll need to keep the tc1100 in a protective sleeve. Second, using the
keyboard on a flat surface works well, but because the screen includes all the
workings of the PC, it’s so top-heavy that the keyboard and mouse nub are dif-
ficult to use if you’re sitting with the tablet on your lap.
Aside from these minor quibbles, Compaq’s tc1100 represents the pinnacle
of first-gen Tablet PC design. The 10.4-inch XGA screen has the best viewing
angle we’ve seen on a tablet yet—content looks crisp and clear from just
about any vantage point—and its pressure-sensitive design makes it easier to
sketch and write clearly than with other tablet PCs.
On the equipment front, the integrated 1GHz Pentium M CPU is adequate
but won’t break any speed records. And the mere 512MB of included memory
and tiny 40GB hard drive feel a bit anemic. We dig the integrated Bluetooth, but
we would have preferred an 802.11g wireless adapter instead of the integrated
802.11b card.
All in all, however, this is the
tightest tablet PC we’ve seen
to date. We’re looking forward
to a hardware and software
revision later this year, but if
you can’t wait, the tc1100 is the
tablet to buy.
—WILL SMITHThe Compaq
tc1100 looks
ungainly, but
it’s the most
useful, versatile
tablet PC we’ve
tested to date.Amazing viewing angles on the screen, and the
most comfortable stylus we’ve used.CUNEIFORMHIEROGLYPHS
The screen is unprotected, even when the keyboard
is attached. Unbalanced when used on your lap.
$2,300, http://www.compaq.comMAXIMUMPC VERDICT 9
Reviews
10.75“8“8“