Tablet PC - Toshiba

I have had several colleagues ask me about my Toshiba tablet PC. I tell them that it is one of the most useful technologies that I have purchased. I want to share some details on how I am using this technology, but first here are the specifications on my machine.

Here is what I purchased:

• Toshiba Portege M400 with an Intel Core 2 processor running at 2.00 GHz with 1 GB of RAM.
  
• Toshiba Express Port Replicator (docking station) that allows for a quick connection to the network and my external monitor (highly recommended).
  
• Toshiba slice expansion 6-cell Li-ion battery pack. I recommend an additional battery for this machine. I have used this battery pack often as meetings and lengthier classes tend to require longer battery life. This battery pack works but charging requires planning - as it can only be charged- when it is attached to the laptop.
  
• Additional Toshiba pen (I leave one pen in the computer's "garage" (a nice built-in slot for storing the pen) and I leave one attached to my Port Replicator. It is nice to have an extra pen. Remember the pen is required to operate the touch screen functions of this computer. This is ideal as it allows you to touch the computer's screen (resting your hand on the screen) while writing with the pen). However, if you misplace the pen you will not be able to use the tablet functions of the computer.

Here is how I am using the technology...

• Tablet PCs allow you to place electronic ink (called "inking") on many different types of documents (see example below). The "inking" function on the Toshiba M400 is excellent, providing a nice feel (feeling of writing) and look (appearance of written words).
  
• I take my tablet with me to all meetings and use it to take notes. This allows me to retrieve my meeting notes when I need them.
  
• I am using Microsoft's note taking program called OneNote (2007). This application is great and I would argue a necessary addition to any Tablet PC. I keep handwritten notes and store them within OneNote's filing system. I also print .pdf documents directly into OneNote and then I take notes directly on that newly created OneNote document using my tablet pen (see image below of .pdf document with "inking").

• I read documents while holding the tablet as though I am reading a book. I find that it is comfortable to hold the tablet on my lap or at arms length and read documents (dissertations, newspaper posts, RSS feeds, .pdf journal articles, for example). I typically print these documents into OneNote and take notes while I am reading.
  
• I have been using the "inking" function in Microsoft Word to edit various academic documents (you can "ink" on the top of any MSword document) . I then send that inked document to my students for review.
  
• I have also been using the "inking" function in PowerPoint. As I am presenting, I use my pen to circle important bullets, to draw illustrations, and to facilitate and take notes during open discussions.

One final note: several computer companies make tablet PCs. I did some research and found that the Toshiba M400 consistently received favorable ratings. If you are interested in finding additional reviews and information you may want to look at http://www.tabletpcreview.com/. In addition, I found that Toshiba's sales staff was extremely helpful. Jacob Wozniak (Sales Representative -University sales) was great to work with. If you are looking to purchase a Toshiba tablet I would recommend that you give him a call (888)625-3276 x7077. I don't get any commissions from Jake - it is just nice when you find someone that provides excellent support.