In undergrad (circa 2000-2004) I saw a few students using Tablet PC's in class and around campus. At the time they were relatively new and pricey (the tablets, not the students). As a gadget freak I was definitely interested in them, but they didn't seem all that practical. They were very expensive, had limited software, and seemed pretty bulky and awkward to handle.
Fast forward five years to April/May 2009 and my pending purchase of a new laptop for BSchool. When I started looking around I kept a pretty blank slate (yes, pun intended) and tried to be open to all alternatives. As I researched options the tablet alternative popped back on to the radar. There were a number of models that were reasonably priced, so I took the next step of doing a bit more due diligence. I wanted to get a feel for the interface, writing feel and overall effectiveness of using a digitizer screen and a pen. I also looked into what the main software packages were that tablet crazed folks use. Microsoft OneNote clearly jumped off the page as having a cult following, among tablet and non-tablet users alike. I was pretty impressed with what OneNote could do, and that it was included (and often overlooked) in the professional version of MS Office. I was pretty impressed, excited and a little irked that I hadn't considered it in the past. Needless to say I was more interested in the Tablet option now.
I next researched all the models I could get information on. To save you a long description, I arrived at a Lenovo X200 Tablet. It was a little pricier than the outgoing X61, but I thought the upgrades to be worth the price (I also purchased off the Lenovo Outlet site and saved like 45%). They also seemed to be the clear leader in the field. Sure they look a little utilitarian, but it's what on the inside that counts, right? My one dislike with the process is you really can't find many tablets in retail outlets, so it's difficult to get a first hand feel of the tablet use. Props to GottaBeMobile for having a proliferation of video reviews.
Now, about two months in I've been very happy with the X200. I'm using it for notes in all but one class (Leadership - where notes really aren't taken frequently.... mainly an open discussion). Even homework assignments are easy to assemble and print out via OneNote. The one thing I was most concerned with in going to electronic notes was data backup. However, with OneNote's constant saving and backing up off site with ElephantDrive+MIT wifi it has been a flawless experience. And thank goodness, because I recently had a recent experience with the screen going out (I'm 1/4 Murphy, so if it's going to happen to anyone it will happen to me). MIT Tech services managed the repair and it cost nuthin', so no harm no foul. With ED (that's ElephantDrive folks, not requiring cialis) I was able to jump on any computer and work on my files. There are many similar alternatives in cloud storage, but since they've already proved invaluable I figured I better throw a plug there way.
I've had a lot of fun using the tablet and learning how to best take advantage of its resources. As I learn more I'll be sure to fill you in if I find anything else worth sharing.
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