Which Tablet Or Ultra Mobile PC Is For You?
Since releasing DaVinci as a labs prototype we're asked frequently for our recommendations on what mobile hardware is best. Being a software company, not a hardware vendor, we decided to let users post their own reviews of tablets and mobile devices as a resource to other appraisers who are shopping around. What better resource than those actually using the mobile devices in the field already! If you have a tablet or ultra mobile PC and want to write up a short review to be posted here (we'd love it if you did), write it up and e-mail us at labs@alamode.com.

Types of hardware
DaVinci is specifically designed to run in the field on tablet or ultra mobile PCs. They range in price depending on your options, and don't forget that you'll want to consider screen visibility when outdoors. If possible, try to find a retailer in your area with demo units. Tablet PC resellers like Allegiance Technology Partners have a temporary "test drive" program where you can try out a device before purchasing.

Tablet PC's typically have a larger screen than a UMPC, and what's called an "active" screen, which uses an "active" stylus. Simply touching the screen with your hand won't do anything. You have to use the stylus. A "touch" screen, on the other hand, reacts to anything touching the screen.

Slate Tablets
A slate tablet resembles an electronic clipboard, and doesn't have a keyboard attached. You can typically attach one via a USB or wireless method if you choose. They're typically smaller and lighter than convertible tablets, which we'll discuss in a moment. Examples of slate tablets include the Motion LE 1700, Motion F5 , Fujitsu Stylistic ST5112, and the TabletKiosk Sahara i440D.

Convertible Tablets
Convertible tablets are easily identified. They look like a laptop PC with a swivel hinge on the screen. They typically weigh a little more than a slate tablet, but the hinge allows it to work like a laptop, or rotate and lay flat so you can write on the screen like a tablet.

Convertibles are popular because they're highly configurable, and can act as a laptop. For additional information about tablet PCs, check out the Wikipedia article. Examples of convertible tablet PC's include the Lenovo X61, HP tc4400, and the Fujitsu Lifebook T4220.

UMPCs are a relatively new entry into the mobile device market and they're usually cheaper and smaller than tablet PCs. There are a couple of key points to consider when looking at a UMPC.

UMPC's typically have a touch screen interface as opposed to a tablet PC's active screen, and they're usually smaller as well. Also, most UMPC's have a considerably lower screen resolution (800x480) than laptops or tablet PC's. We've made sure all of the screens in DaVinci fit in this lower resolution.

UMPCs are typically more lightweight than tablet PCs as well. An average UMPC is usually 8-10 inches long and about 5-6 inches tall. And they don't include keyboards or optical drives, and usually contain fewer inputs (such as USB ports) around the edges. Examples of UMPCs include the TabletKiosk EO, Samsung Q1, and the Fujitsu P1620.

1. Before you buy a tablet or UMPC, decide how you plan to use it. Will it be a replacement for a laptop, or a supplemental piece of gear you take with you "on the go."
2. Are you going to be carrying it around in your hand a lot? Weight will be a factor. So make sure and compare the weight of the various units you're looking at.
3. Is the screen viewable outdoors or in direct sunlight? (Sometimes you'll see this described as being "transflexive".) Also, decide whether you want an active or touch screen unit.

The reviews below are from users just like you. Feel free to browse through them and use them to come to your own conclusions as to which model and type are best for you. If you have a tablet or ultra mobile PC and want to write up a short review to be posted here (we'd love it if you did), write it up and e-mail us at labs@alamode.com. They can be as brief or as in-depth as you'd like.