From: Dylan Stewart (rxs015500_at_utdallas.edu)
Date: Wed May 14 2003 - 12:38:55 PDT
I have only been able to play with MS Tablet PCs in Fry's or other stores,
but they had recognition comparable to the Newton's. I think that the
recognition engine that MS uses was developed in-house, but I have no real
reason to believe that, let alone evidence to back it up. That's just the
impression that I got using it.
Windows xp Tablet Edition DESPERATELY needs mouse gestures, but it seems
that the HWR software hasn't advanced that far yet. They still need to make
it full screen, instead of in the Journal app. Once they've done that, then
mouse gestures could make using the UI a lot easier.
They also need to get rid of right-clicking. Do you have any idea how hard
it is to right-click (let alone hover) with a stylus? Several companies
have gotten around that by placing a modifier button on the case of the
device. That's hailed as being innovative and all, but last I checked,
MacOS has done that for years.
The idea of Tablet PCs is great, but the current implementations all leave
quite a bit to be desired. They use an inefficient UI on top of an
inefficient OS.
I would guess that the reason that Windows wasn't modified much is that they
wanted to retain compatibility with the existing library of software. They
still could have thrown out portions that Tablet PCs will never use such as
serial port and ISA drivers. I wonder if they stripped any code or if they
just repackaged Windows xp with the Journal app.
I do like the idea of using Wacom digitizers, but several companies have
gone a different route. The Compaq Tablet PCs actually need a battery for
the stylus!
Dylan Stewart AC5ZH
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