Hitachi and Codehost to sell Linux-based tablet systems

Posted Mar 19, 2003 15:56 UTC (Wed) by rjamestaylor (guest, #339) [Link]

This could be very interesting. I'm currently experimenting with a WindowsXP-based Toshiba Tablet and have to admit the Journal application is extremely compelling for conference note-taking, GUI design over lunch with a graphic designer (the only way to have time is to get out of the office; thank goodess for T-Mobile HotSpots), ERP process implementation with our CFO and crew, etc. (The special pen is really a boon as well as my hand doesn't register when I rest it on the pad...and I'm so conditioned to the "eraser" function by turning the pen over that I unconciously wipe the eraser residue!)

But otherwise it is a normal computer--and somewhat awkward at that. The onscreen keyboard is "too wide" and requires a lot of hand/pen travelling to type in incidentals. Of course the Toshiba is a convertable, allowing long bouts of typing can be accomplished with a real keyboard, but the handwriting recognition, while amazing in its ability to learn my scribble, is quite a bit slower than typing. The right mix is somewhat difficult to master, but it is still a compelling platform.

I say all the above to give an indication of what I think makes the WindowsXP Tablet Edition Tablet (as implemented by Toshiba) a sucess. But, my heart (and head) is with Linux. our company has a relationship with Sharp to deploy the Zaurus as the mobile component of our LAMP-based ASP-model application. Our customers are beginning to request Tablet-sized devices and I hadn't seen anything from a Linux perspective in this space. I would like to present a Linux-based solution on the handheld and tablet.

Posted Mar 19, 2003 17:48 UTC (Wed) by kyle_hayes (guest, #7904) [Link]

Er, the handwriting recognition must be pretty incredible. Have you seen doctors' handwriting?!?