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| GeoCommunity Mailing List |
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| Mailing List Archives |
| Subject: | GISList: TabletPC -- First Impression |
| Date: |
11/09/2002 09:21:37 PM |
| From: |
David Nealey |
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Although some industry experts are saying that the vote is still be out on
the new TabletPC®, the device offers us GIS users a powerful mobile
computing tool for data collection and verification that will be more
convenient to use than existing devices. And with ESRI already developing
software for the TabletPC, you that other GIS software manufacturers will
soon follow.
One of the features that any GIS user should appreciate on the TabletPC is
that it runs an enhanced version of OfficeXP®. With Office onboard GIS
users will have the full power of AccessXP®, the native database for several
desktop GIS applications.
Where the TabletPC will provide extra benefits for GIS users is in the
field where infrastructure and asset information is captured. It should be
the best way for telecom and public works personnel to capture information
with or without a keyboard, with or without a pen, or with or without using
the speech recognition device. In addition, field technicians will be able
to obtain the signatures of customers on the spot.
Unlike laptops, which typically take several minutes to boot up, the
TabletPC fires up almost instantaneously. Field personnel will not need to
wait thirty seconds to use the device each time they reach another station
or worst yet have to fumble with the device while driving just to save a few
minutes each day.
And for GIS specialists who need to develop customized applications for the
TabletPC, the object-oriented language seems to be just as easy to use as
other OO languages. TabletPC applications can be partially developed
without access to the device using any PC and digitizing tablet such as one
of Wacom's inexpensive devices. Recognition functionality does require a
TabletPC.
My personal opinion is that the TabletPC will quickly take over the laptop'
s market. Why would anyone purchase a mobile PC in the future that doesn't
let them use handwriting, speech, and a keyboard as input devices?
After seeing the TabletPC yesterday, I have put one on my Christmas list.
Dave Nealey
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