Andrew T. Duchowski : School of Computing : Clemson …



The Tablet PC: A Primer

Sarah Peck CPSC 414, spring 2006

INTRODUCTION

In the foreword for Building Tablet PC Applications [7], Ben Keely, an architect of the Tablet PC describes it as “creating better paper.” You might say, How can you improve on pen and paper? Keely goes on to say that the Tablet PC improves on paper because it is interactive, connected to others, and can hold a higher capacity of information.

You still may be skeptical. This paper is designed to inform you about all aspects of the Tablet PC. It begins by describing what exactly a Tablet PC is, and then discusses who makes them and what they cost. Next, it talks about the differences between the Tablet PC and the traditional UI, as well as new UI metaphors introduced by the Tablet. Finally, it describes software available specifically for the Tablet PC.

WHAT IS A TABLET PC?

A Tablet PC, or a tablet computer, “is a thin stand-alone general-purpose computer with an integrated interactive screen. It typically has a large screen and accepts a special pen (a stylus) as an input device.” [7]

The Tablet PC is not merely a device used to display; it is a full-fledged personal computer, part of a subset of laptop computers, with some new features [7, 19]. The screen is equipped with a digitizer, which allows the user to interact directly with it using a special pen, technically referred to as a stylus. This allows the user to rest his hand and arm on the screen, as the digitizer only interacts with the pen [19]. The pen acts just like a mouse, allowing the user to control the on-screen cursor, while also acting as an alternative to the keyboard by allowing handwritten input [17, 19]. Tablets are generally thin, on the order of ¾ of an inch thick, and have screens approximately the size of a sheet of paper. They are also made to be light as possible, though screen size and battery life make it difficult [7, 5]. Most expect a Tablet PC to run Windows XP Tablet PC Edition [8].

Tablet PCs come in two general models: the slate model and the convertible model [17]. The slate model Tablet PC does not have a permanently attached keyboard, and therefore tends to be thinner and lighter. The convertible model Tablet PC looks nearly identical to a regular laptop computer, but its screen can rotate 180 degrees to lay flat on a surface for more comfortable and natural reading and writing [19]. The Convertible models are generally more expensive. There are also “ruggedized” models available, which are more durable and intended for people who need to take their computer into dangerous conditions [19].

[pic] [pic]

Fig 1. Slate [11] and convertible [13] models.

Microsoft has also defined a set of hardware guidelines to which manufacturers must hold when producing Tablet PCs. The first guideline deals with the digitizer. Most Tablet PCs are equipped with electromagnetic digitizers, which are made with a thin conductive film, which picks up low-powered radio frequency signals emitted by the pen. They can detect hover, when the pen is close to but not touching the screen, which is one of the guidelines. They can also be mounted below the LCD screen, thus not interfering with the brightness of the display. The digitizer must also be able to sample at least 100 times per second [7]. The second guideline declares that a Tablet PC must be able to resume from standby in two seconds or less. This allows for “grab-and-go” computing. The third guideline requires the Tablet PC to have the ability to switch from landscape to portrait mode (and back), without having to reboot. Many Tablets do this automatically when they are converted from laptop to slate. Lastly, the guidelines require that the user be able to perform a ctrl-alt-del action while the Tablet is in slate mode [7].

I’M THINKING ABOUT BUYING ONE, TELL ME MORE…

Microsoft is by no means the first to try out the Tablet PC idea. However, they have a core group of people, including Bill Gates himself, who believe that Tablet PCs will revolutionize the mobile computing market [7].

Despite this, Tablet PCs have not yet reached the mainstream market since they first were sold in 2002. They are somewhat prominent in vertical markets like healthcare, real estate and insurance [21, 8]. There are signs that the market is growing, however; the research firm IDC estimated that 640,000 Tablet PCs were shipped in 2004, and 1.2 million in 2005, about 2 percent of the global portable PC market [20]. Many research companies, like In-Stat predict a steady growth of Tablet PC sales from now until 2009, reaching a predicted $5.4 billion [8]. IDC also predicts 9.7 million units to ship in 2008, or about 11 percent of the notebook PC market [20].

The reason behind this growth is probably connected with price. Microsoft is determined to lower the price of Tablet PCs to within $100 or $200 of comparable laptops. As of 2005, prices had already dropped well below $2000. The release of its new operating system, Windows Vista in early 2007 will also most likely boost sales even more, as all pen and Ink capabilities will be included in all grades of the operating system, removing the need for a separate Tablet PC operating system [8].

Slate models of the Tablet PC are manufactured by ElectroVaya, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard, Itronix, Amtek, Motion Computing, NEC, ViewSonic and range from $900 to $1300, depending on processor, RAM and hard drive size. Convertible models of the Tablet PC are manufactured by Acer, Averatec, Hewlett-Packard/Compaq, Fujitsu, Gateway, Lenovo (IBM), and Toshiba. These can range from $1200 to $1800. Comprehensive lists of links can be found at [10, 15].

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Fig 2. The most popular Tablet PCs. [16]

WHAT DISTINGUISHES TABLET PC USE FROM THE TRADITIONAL WIMP UI?

The most obvious difference between traditional computers (specifically laptops) and the Tablet PC is the pen. Users have the additional functionality of interacting with the computer screen using a stylus. This introduces many new abilities to computer interaction.

Having a pen as input affords writing on the screen, allowing users to create and save handwritten documents. Handwritten words can either be translated into typewritten text, or kept handwritten, since the Ink itself is a data structure. In either case, the document can be searched in either format, as the Tablet PC can recognize handwritten words to understand, but not to translate [5, 24, 7].

Conversion from handwritten to type is also very easy. The Tablet PC Edition of Windows XP includes a widget called the Tablet Input Panel, or TIP. This tool can follow the cursor anywhere on the screen, opening where ever the user needs it. TIP dynamically translates text as you write, using context to translate certain text more accurately, such as URLs or e-mail addresses [5].

[pic]

Fig 3. The Tablet Input Panel [18]

The ability to hand write words on the screen makes taking quick notes easy. This feature is useful both for business people in meetings and students in class. Because they are electronic, not only is there no need to search for paper, they can be organized all in one place, and searched later [24]. In addition to being able to create handwritten documents, the user can also add handwritten annotations to previously existing documents created in with the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and PowerPoint, as well as documents imported into OneNote from many other applications [5, 24, 17].

Pen input is also more natural than indirect methods like mice or keyboards. With a pen you can directly manipulate objects on the screen, which utilizes much less hand-eye coordination. Nearly every person has used a pen and paper some time in their life, so people who normally consider themselves “computer illiterate” are able to feel comfortable interacting with the Tablet [7, 24].

Lastly, the Tablet PC enhances the social environment associated with laptops. Usually, a person taking notes on a laptop during a lecture or a meeting is cut off from the speaker by the wall created by the laptop screen. The Tablet PC screen can be folded horizontally, so as not to interfere with personal interaction. The Tablet PC may also be used while standing [7, 24, 19].

WHAT NEW UI METAPHORS DOES THE PEN AFFORD THE USER?

The ability to hand write and interact with a pen makes the computer seem like paper; people know how to interact with paper, and transfer that knowledge over to interacting with the Tablet PC, making the mobile computer feel more ubiquitous. There isn’t any special alphabet to learn, nor does it matter if the user is left-handed, or if he writes lightly or heavily [5].

In this same vein, the Tablet PC’s Ink data structure is extremely customizable, so as to enhance the feeling that the user is actually writing in pen. The Ink from the pen can take different shapes, from a rounded tip, to a square one, to an elongated one, simulating calligraphy. The Ink thickness also varies, simulating a ballpoint pen, a felt-tip pen, a pencil, or a marker, and can even change according to pressure. The transparency of the Ink can be defined, simulating highlighters, and of course the color can be set to any one in the rainbow. Most Tablets also support back-of-pen erase [7].

The gestures done with a mouse or keyboard can also be completed using the pen, getting the same results. Many standard keys have pen gestures associated with them, including Backspace, Space, Enter and Tab [23]. Digitizers in Tablet PCs allow for hovering, or holding the pen over the screen with out touching it, and moving the pen while hovering creates the same effect as moving the cursor across the screen with the mouse. A tap, or short touch of the screen (without moving more than a few pixels) of the pen creates the same effect as a left mouse click, and a double tap simulates a left double click. Many pens have a button on the barrel; when pressed, taps have the same effect as right mouse clicks. Placing the pen on the screen and moving produces the same result as a mouse click-and-drag. An entirely new gesture known as the lasso had to be created for Ink selection, as most user-input Ink is not organized in straight lines like text usually is. The lasso gesture uses the pen to draw a circle around all Ink to be selected [7].

HAS THERE BEEN ANY NEW TABLET-SPECIFIC SOFTWARE DEVELOPED?

Tablet PCs ship with many tablet-specific applications installed. Windows Journal is a program imitating a notebook, filled with lined paper on which the user may write. Sticky Notes is an Ink Post-It Note application. On the more fun side, InkBall is a game that involves Inking to direct balls into holes. Microsoft OneNote is another note-taking product that simulates a binder, joining many folders, or “notebooks” into one central place [7, 22].

Microsoft also supplies a Tablet PC software development kit (SDK) which includes a plethora of application programming interfaces (APIs) through which third parties may use digital Ink features in programs they create, as well as documentation on how to use the SDK [7].

A large amount of third party software exists, perhaps for this reason. There is software available for many uses; here is a sampling of what is out there. Autodesk Architectural Studio recreates the physical feel of a studio, sketching and designing with a pen. Corel Grafigo is one of many paint-type programs, simulating the feel of drawing or painting on canvas. FranklinCovey Planner is a personal organizer for the Tablet PC. Mind Manager is a unique tool for jotting down ideas and relating information together. RitePen is a commercial handwriting recognizer, which is able to translate handwritten input from anywhere on the screen in English, German, French, and Russian [14].

There has also been a large amount of third party software developed specifically in the area of education. Agilix GoBinder is another note-taking program that organizes all notes both into notebooks and collectively into a binder. It also integrates notes with to-do lists, as well as calendars [14]. DYKnow and Classroom Presenter are both collaborative note-taking applications that create an interactive classroom environment. They allow for instructor and student views of slides, to which both the instructor can add broadcasted annotations, and the student can add individual notes. The instructor may also pose questions to the students, who can Ink their answers and submit them real-time [1, 2]. Brian Dean of Clemson University has created an application called LectureScribe which gives an instructor a tool to record mini-lectures using Ink. Not only is the Ink recorded, stroke by stroke, voice may be recorded alongside, as well as gesturing [4]. Tablet PC programs have also been created to teach language, including Japanese and Russian. The Japanese language program is used to teach students how to form kanji properly [6]. The Russian language program was created by Sarah Peck of Clemson University, initially as part of a class on developing software for the Tablet PC platform. Russian Tutor allows students of Russian language to practice many necessary skills, including writing in Cyrillic, vocabulary, and grammar, outside of class [12].

Other students in the same class also created educational programs, whose applications include the demonstration of data structures and finite state automata, drawing mind maps, and statistics and calculus [3].

CONCLUSION

Hopefully, this paper has revealed just what all the fuss is about with these Tablet PCs. The market for them is still small, but it is growing. Tablets are available for many different price ranges and with many different hardware capabilities. The ability of pen input also affords the user new ways of interaction. Third parties see the usefulness of the Tablet PC and have created a large and varied array of applications specifically for the Tablet PC. Hopefully, you have been convinced of the usefulness of Tablet PCs as well!

REFERENCES

1. Anderson, Richard, Ruth Anderson, Oliver Chung, K. M. Davis, Peter Davis, Craig Prince, Valentin Razmov and Beth Simon. “Classroom Presenter – A Classroom Interaction System for Active and Collaborative Learning.” (2006). 5 pp. On-line. Internet. 26 April 2006. Available WWW:

2. Berque, Dave. “Pushing Forty (Courses Per Semester): Pen-Computing and DYKnow Tools at DePauw University.” (2006). 5 pp. On-line. Internet. 26 April 2006. Available WWW:

3. “CPSC 481/681.” n.pag. On-line. Internet. 26 April 2006. Available WWW:

4. Dean, Brian C. “Beyond Screen Capture: Creating Effective Multimedia Whiteboard Lectures on a Tablet PC.” (2006). 5 pp. On-line. Internet. 26 April 2006. Available WWW:

5. “FAQs.” n.pag. On-line. Internet. 26 April 2006. Available WWW:

6. Itoh, Reiko. “Use of Handwriting Input in Writing Instruction for Japanese Language.” (2006). 5 pp. On-line. Internet. 26 April 2006. Available WWW:

7. Jarrett, Robert and Philip Su. Building Tablet PC Applications. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Press, 2003.

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20. Williams, Martyn. “Gates Still Roots for Tablet PCs.” PC World. (27 June 2005): n.pag. On-line. Internet. 26 April 2006. Available WWW:

21. Williams, Martyn. “Will Tablet PCs Replace Textbooks?” PC World. (21 April 2006): n.pag. On-line. Internet. 26 April 2006. Available WWW:

22. Williams, Martyn, Joris Evers, and Tom Krazit. “Tablet PC Turns One.” PC World. (17 November 2003): n.pag. On-line. Internet. 26 April 2006. Available WWW:

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