Tablet PCs Have Arrived With Broad Industry Support Page 2
Windows XP-Based Tablet PCs Arrive With Broad Industry Support
Next-Generation Mobile PC Enables New Levels of Productivity for Information Workers
London— 7 November, 2002 — The long-held industry vision of pen-based computing today became a reality as Microsoft Ltd. and a broad range of computer, software and chip companies announced the availability of Tablet PCs. Nick Barley, Director of Marketing at Microsoft Ltd. was joined on stage by corporate customers and partners to showcase the capabilities of the Tablet PC as the evolution of today’s laptop PCs. Tablet PCs combine the full power of the Windows XP Professional Tablet PC Edition operating system with the ability to use a digital pen in addition to a keyboard or mouse. The result is a computer that can be used more often, and in more places, than traditional laptop PCs.
“The launch of the Tablet PC marks a crucial stage in the evolution of business computing,” said Nick Barley. “The combination of Windows PC and functionality such as Digital Ink offers users a much more natural experience through a more versatile device. Organisations of all types can gain real productivity benefits from the Tablet PC, whether they are offices, schools, hospitals or banks, the list is endless.”
Hosting the Tablet PC launch in New York, Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect of Microsoft said; “The launch of the Tablet PC marks an exciting new era of mobile computing that is limited only by the imagination of its users.” “The Tablet PC is a great example of how computers are adapting to how people really work, whether they’re taking notes in a meeting, collaborating wirelessly with colleagues or reading on screen. We’re just scratching the surface of what is possible.”
“The Tablet PC concept not only represents the evolution of the mobile computing form factor, but also combines the familiarity of the Windows PC operating environment with a truly pervasive and interactive device which offers greater versatility than anything previously offered in the mobile space”, said Andy Brown, Research Manager for Mobile Computing at IDC.
Underscoring the flexibility of the Tablet PC, Nick Barley was joined by representatives from key Tablet PC customers, including Nationwide Building Society, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust and Greenwich & Kent Schools. At the Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust the Tablet PC has increased the productivity of both clinicians and administrative staff by enabling them to access and share information regardless of their location. Teachers in the Cornwallis School, Kent and the Millennium Primary School, Greenwich use the Tablet PC as a highly versatile classroom education tool; and at the Nationwide Building Society the Tablet PC is being used to redefine excellence in customer service.
New Hardware, Software Shown
Attendees at the launch event were able to view shipping hardware designs from Acer, HP Compaq, Fujitsu-Siemens Computers, Toshiba and RM plc. Tablet PCs are available in two primary designs: One features an attached keyboard and can be configured in the traditional laptop “clamshell” mode, and the other uses a variety of detachable keyboard designs in a so-called “slate” form factor. All Tablet PCs are designed to be a user’s primary business PC, recognising input from a keyboard, mouse or pen. Tablet PCs are powered by chips optimised for low power consumption and longer life from Intel Corp., Transmeta Corp. and Via Technologies Inc. Tablet PCs are available at a variety of retailers throughout the UK. Final retail prices are being announced by each manufacturer.
Microsoft demonstrated several new software applications for the Tablet PC, showcasing the power of the platform. Tablet PCs ship with extensions to Microsoft’s Office XP suite that bring the power of digital ink to key Office XP applications such as the Outlook® messaging and collaboration client, Microsoft® Word, Excel, and the PowerPoint® presentation graphics program. With a Tablet PC running Office XP, users will be able to incorporate the comfort of handwriting into everyday tasks such as creating e-mail, annotating word documents and marking up PowerPoint presentations.
For on-screen reading applications, Microsoft announced the availability of Microsoft Reader for Tablet PC, the latest version of Microsoft’s eReading application, optimised to take advantage of the Tablet PC. Purchasers of Tablet PCs from select manufacturers will be able to take advantage of a special promotional offer that enables new Tablet PC owners to download an engaging selection of free eBooks* targeted to business professionals. A link to the promotional site will be preinstalled on Tablet PCs from participating OEMs.
In addition, Microsoft announced that several prominent newspaper and magazine publishers, including, Forbes, The New Yorker and the Financial Times are working with Microsoft's Advanced Reading Technologies group to make their publications available to Tablet PC users.
"The Tablet PC really has prompted us to think about new ways of working with technologies and software - and we are committed to making the most of these developments even at the very beginning of their lives. As the publisher of one of the leading business dailies in the UK and Europe, we have to anticipate and deliver to our readers' preferences as they evolve. The Tablet PC is a device that adds a whole range of new ways for our readers to use technology; our aim is to make sure that the FT is available to them in the best format possible as they adopt these new habits," said Olivier van Calster, Commercial Director at The Financial Times.
Microsoft demonstrated new third-party applications from several companies developed for the UK market, including Compass Software Ltd. (Retail), Corel Corp. (graphics and business productivity), Accenture (field operations productivity solution), Gael Ltd. (Mind Mapping & creativity solution) and iSOFT Group plc. (Healthcare).
Below is a full list of companies that have developed applications for the Tablet PC.
· Adobe Systems Inc., network publishing solutions
· Alias|Wavefront, drawing
· Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc., mobile clinical automation software for physicians
· Autodesk Inc., design solutions
· Corel Corp., graphics and business productivity applications
· ESRI, mapping
· FranklinCovey, personal and collaborative planning and scheduling
· Groove Networks Inc., collaboration solutions
· Iteration Software Inc., real-time event-driven reporting
· Keylogix International Ltd., document automation
· Microsoft Office XP, business productivity suite
· Microsoft Reader for Tablet PC, eReading
· Microsoft Visio®, business drawing and diagramming solution
· SAP AG, business processes
· Siebel Systems Inc., eBusiness applications software
· Stentor Inc., medical imaging
· WebEx Communications Inc., Web-based whiteboard/conferencing
· Zinio Systems Inc., digital magazine technology and services
Ends
Notes to Editors
Please find below quotes from Microsoft, customers, partners and third parties about the Tablet PC:
“The launch of the Tablet PC marks a crucial stage in the evolution of business computing. The combination of Windows PC and functionality such as Digital Ink offers users a much more natural experience through a more versatile device. Organisations of all types can gain real productivity benefits from the Tablet PC, whether they are offices, schools, hospitals or banks, the list is endless.” – Nick Barley, Director of Marketing at Microsoft Ltd.
“The Tablet PC concept not only represents the evolution of the mobile computing form factor, but also combines the familiarity of the Windows PC operating environment with a truly pervasive and interactive device which offers greater versatility than anything previously offered in the mobile space.” - Andy Brown, Research Manager for Mobile Computing at IDC.
"Intel is excited to be working with Microsoft in delivering the foundation for Tablet PCs and developing the market segment. The majority of Tablet PCs, which are based on low voltage versions of the Intel Pentium III processor - M and incorporate Microsoft's Tablet PC operating system, offer business users the performance and power to maximise the productivity benefits of pen-based computing." - Rick Skett, Director, Intel UK & Ireland.
“Notebooks have long been a standard tool for today’s business professionals. But there are many situations where inputting via a keyboard is inconvenient, obtrusive or even impossible – in the middle of a meeting, for example, or maybe on the train or in an airport lounge where a table top isn’t available. With the TravelMate C100 you simply swivel the screen through 180 degrees, fold it over the keyboard, then just pick the pen up and write directly onto the screen. Not only is it exceptionally easy to use, but it improves person-to-person communication because it means you’re not hiding behind a screen and keyboard all the time.” - Scott Dodds, Managing Director UK and Ireland Operations at Acer.
“Tablet PCs are set to revolutionise mobile computing, and will be a key driver in the important shift from previous generation ‘travelling portability’ solutions - where notebooks served as productivity tools for stationary workers - to an exciting new era of ‘working mobility. We believe that Tablet PCs operating as interactive decision support devices for mobile workers will play a key role in supporting the growing number of users who need anytime, anywhere PC functionality while they stand or walk. - Mel Taylor, Marketing Director for Fujitsu Siemens Computers in the UK.
“The Compaq Tablet PC gives users the power to decide how they want to use their PCs. For those who prefer the pen and paper to capture ideas or take notes in a meeting, the Compaq Tablet PC combines writing and computing into a notebook that works for them.” - Jude Meadows, vice president and general manager of HP’s Personal Systems Group in the UK & Ireland.
“Because Toshiba has focused on mobile computing and solutions for more than fifteen
years, we have a unique understanding of what our customers’ want and need for a new era of mobile working. The product is a direct result of listening to our customers and delivering a product that will add functionality to their traditional notebook, and add productivity to their business.” - Willem Poterman, general manager of Toshiba’s European Computer Systems Marketing Division.
“The schools we have shown Tablet PCs to have been really excited about the product and can see great use for it in schools. I am delighted that we have been both able to source and deliver such a piece of leading and innovative technology at a price point that is not prohibitive to our customers. By working with schools we are learning the real potential of Tablet PCs in the classroom and see this product as making a real impact on teaching and learning in the coming months and years’. - Tim Pearson, RM chief executive.
“The Tablet PC is a fantastic piece of equipment that will revolutionise the IT industry. This incredible innovation will spearhead Time’s leap into the forefront of technology, benefiting business, education and consumers alike.” - Martin Allington, General Manager of Time Education
“The Tablet PC is set to become the next biggest evolution in the history of the PC. The ViewSonic V1100 Tablet PC gives business users the full power & mobility of a notebook – but with the freedom and versatility of digital inking, digital pen and paper. The V1100 encompasses all of these technologies and promises to deliver the most indispensable device for mobile computing.” - Aaron Fright, European Product Marketing Manager at ViewSonic.
"This device really has prompted us to think about new ways of working with technologies and software - and we are committed to making the most of these developments even at the very beginning of their lives. As the publisher of one of the leading business dailies in the UK and Europe, we have to anticipate and deliver to our readers' preferences as they evolve. The Tablet PC is a device that adds a whole range of new ways for our readers to use technology; our aim is to make sure that the FT is available to them in the best format possible as they adopt these new habits.” - Olivier van Calster, Commercial Director at The Financial Times.
“This Tablet PC is an exciting new option designed to empower mobile workers. Field service and other remote users can now take advantage of the standard, paper-sized screen and the selection of input alternatives, including pen, keyboard, or voice. The Microsoft Windows XP operating system allows a wide array of connectivity alternatives, and when combined with the Compaq Tablet PC, should provide a platform for increased productivity and usability.” - Steve Mankoff, Accenture partner.
“Windows XP Tablet PC Edition is spawning an exciting new breed of applications for mobile professionals. Working with Microsoft, we’re providing professionals with more than the freedom of mobility, we’re empowering them to creatively express and share their thoughts in real time to increase productivity and foster collaborative workflows. This represents an incredible milestone in the evolution of mobile computing, and we’re delighted to work with Microsoft to make it happen.” - Ian LeGrow, executive vice-president of product strategy for Corel Corporation
“This is an important step towards Gael’s objective of becoming a Global brand representing excellence in personal, team and organisation productivity. As a part of our MindGenius product range, brainstorm utilises the best of breed in both Microsoft and Gael Technology.” - Donald Maciver, Managing Director, Gael Limited.
“This partnership is of enormous significance to the efficiency of healthcare in the UK and has the potential to create considerable cost-savings for the NHS. iSOFT continues to develop solutions which will enable doctors and nurses to work with accurate up-to-date information and to provide a more effective service to their patients at the point of care, making it an essential tool for medical practitioners going forward.” - Patrick Cryne, Chief Executive of iSOFT.
About the Tablet PC
Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition enables next-generation personal computers to be optimised for mobility, convenience, reduced weight and comfort. The Tablet PC operating system enables Windows-based applications to take advantage of various input modes, including keyboard, mouse, pen and voice. With software developed and optimised by Microsoft for the new platform, the Tablet PC can function as a sheet of paper. Handwriting is captured as rich digital ink for immediate or later manipulation, including reformatting and editing. The link between the pen input process and a wide range of Windows-based applications will give users new ways in which to collaborate, communicate and bring their PCs to bear on new tasks. Its high-resolution display makes Tablet PC ideal for immersive reading and rich multimedia applications.