| LindowsOS Tablet PC to launch in early 2003 |
Nov. 13, 2002
[Update 3:30 PM PST] -- Michael Robertson's latest column unveils a new LindowsOS-based product -- a Tablet PC. To be priced at around $500 (US), the just-announced Tablet PC comes on the heels of Microsoft's unveiling its own operating system for Tablet PCs last Thursday in New York City.
Newcomer, StepUp Computing, has announced plans to release a DocuNote model for the Lindows 3.0 operating environment in 'the early part of 2003'.
Robertson, Lindows.com CEO and founder, projects that Tablet PCs will not supplant traditional desktop PC computing. Teaming up with StepUp Computing, Lindows.com is delivering affordable computing options to consumers for both the desktop and mobile computing.
Launched on November 12, StepUp Computing announced the 'DocuNote' -- a sub-$1000 Tablet PC. According to Step Up Computing's website, they will be releasing a model of this device for LindowsOS.
The DocuNote is based on a 667MHz Transmeta Crusoe TMS5600 processor with 256 MB memory, and a 20GB hard drive. The device is 10.1 x 7.9 x 1 in. (W x D x H) and weighs approximately 2.5 lbs. with battery. The display is an 8.4 in. SVGA TFT full color LCD touch screen. Key features of this device include a built-in digital camera and wireless connectivity via a PCMCIA slot.
Pattie Adams, spokesperson for StepUp Computing, offered a few additional details in this short Q&A with DesktopLinux.com. . .
DesktopLinux.com: What are you planning in terms of supporting people who buy their Linux systems if they have installation/configuration/usage issues/problems?
Pattie Adams, StepUp Computing: We will directly support the Linux VARs/system integrators who implement their Lindows.com applications.
DL:Why did StepUp Computing embrace the Linux OS right out of the gate -- you just officially launched yesterday?
Adams: The Linux market does not presently have a solid hardware platform provider,so that is a great opportunity for StepUp Computing to fill this requirement. As you know, the major PC manufacturers are well intrenched with their Microsoft relationships. Therefore, it is much harder for them to expand into alternative OS solutions, such as LindowsOS. StepUp Computing, being a new company, affords us the flexibility to provide robust, fresh solutions to VARs, system integrators and the end customers.
DL: What has been the response so far (not including the Linux fanatics, like us)?
Adams: We are pleased to see the initial positive reception to the announcement of StepUp Computing and our DocuNote Tablet PC. We are receiving many inquiries already!
DL: What are the device specifications? Size? Any special modifications for Linux?
Adams: Just the software drivers to support LindowsOS. Otherwise, all of the technical specifications are the same. (See specs here).
DL: What about handwriting recognition software?
Adams: Our DocuNote supports true pen computing. It uses Pen Office to support handwriting recognition. The user can write on the touch screen with a regular stylus, and that writing will be translated to text in their documents. It works very well now and we will continue to fine-tune our pen input going forward.
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