We are often pessimistic about multi-function devices. Mobile phones that are cameras and MP3 players rarely provide the features or quality you actually require. But the fusion of two: the tablet PC and notebook is already flourishing. Hewlett-Packard’s new Compaq tc4200 is evidence of this with its healthy order book for Kent schools.
Versatility and flexibility are essential in offices and schools and both are apparent throughout the tc4200’s clamshell design. Converting from notebook to tablet is simple; swivel the screen through 180 degrees and tilt the display downwards onto the keyboard until it clicks into place (a feature already employed by Toshiba). An eject button coolly shoots the tablet pen out and you’re ready to scribble away.
Three touch sensitive-buttons below the screen allow you to: quickly change the screen orientation from portrait to landscape; display and hide the tablet input panel; and launch a useful Quick Menu that can be programmed to access common tasks or programs (a jog dial allows you to navigate and access these Quick Menu items speedily).
Switching back to notebook mode, the screen automatically adjusts to the appropriate landscape view. HP’s slogan “Use your PC how you want, when you want and where you want” is further emphasised through a choice of decent pointing devices. The touchpad has a unique scroll area to its far right that allows you to scroll any document instantly. The pointing stick is a nice alternative with its own left and right buttons.
Thankfully, HP didn’t compromise on power either; the tc4200 is sufficiently armed with a 1.86GHz processor, 1Gb Ram and a 60Gb hard drive. It is capable of dealing comfortably with most applications although perhaps not for high-end graphics needs.
The laptop is Bluetooth and wifi compatible and has built-in modem and network capabilities. You can also connect to peripheral devices through a variety of ports except, strangely, FireWire, and sadly there is no optical drive. Accepted that you don’t need to use a CD or DVD daily in an office or classroom, but installing new software and file backup will then always require a network connection. This is the tc4200’s main flaw for teacher use, although it does keep the weight down.
Weighing only 2.08kg, the tc4200 is lightweight and a decent size. The screen is made of glass and therefore able to withstand most everyday scratches. Anti-shock technology prevents damage to the hard drive while its charcoal-grey magnesium casing and a sturdy swivel hinge are a robust combination. HP also provides a three-year warranty.
A few worthwhile extras make the tc4200 a smart device. An ambient light sensor adjusts the display brightness based on the lighting conditions. A Presentation Mode button allows you to instantly open existing presentations and adjusts the video and power settings for optimal viewing - useful for classroom or office discussions. Finally, battery life is excellent and a Quick Check button and battery power gauge allow you to check remaining battery life without having to turn on the device. This subtle touch, much like the feature on old Duracell battery packs, can be found on the underside.
Aside from having no FireWire or optical drive, the only other real criticism is the keyboard. Most of the keys are ergonomic but the cursor, tab and function keys are small and at times awkward to use. Screen quality, while not the sharpest, is by no means poor and, important, viewing doesn’t deteriorate much at wide angles horizontally and vertically. This could be particularly important in classrooms if students need to share.
Using notebooks in classrooms can be noisy and is sometimes considered somewhat anti-social, with students peering over the tops of their screens to acknowledge teachers. The tc4200 solves this with the ability to transform into a tablet. Students and teachers can benefit from the natural feel of writing on a tablet, much like writing on a piece of paper.
For so little flaws and so much good, the price is reasonable at £945 (exc.VAT). The tc4200 is exactly the same as HP’s nc4200 except the latter is just a notebook and, oddly, only £100 cheaper.
Combined with Microsoft OneNote, you take class notes, create to-do lists and gather research, all in one indexed electronic notebook. It’s possible to search for specific writing in handwritten notes just as you can search in a normal document. Another great feature is the ability to add recordings (or other media) to text. This is a great aid for simplifying the learning process as you can re-create lessons in their entirety; a student could have their written notes together with a recording of what the teacher and class discussed while they were taking those particular notes.
In Microsoft Office 2003 you can also mark up documents and presentations with handwritten notes and annotations. The Microsoft Experience Pack makes tablet life simple. The Ink Desktop allows you to write notes anywhere on the desktop. This is useful if you need to quickly jot down something important as the notes are saved automatically until you decide to delete. Even more useful is the Snipping Tool that allows you to seamlessly cut any part of the screen, annotate it and then either send the snipping via email or paste it into another document. So you could cut a section of a road map, highlight a particular place or add an arrow and send it all within a minute. This is highly effective and practical.
Tablet/notebook combinations like this could find a regular place in schools, just as they could revolutionise some business practices. HP has managed to amalgamate the tablet and notebook with little compromise.
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Details
HP Compaq tc4200
Tablet/notebook PC with Intel Centrino technology including Pentium M750 processor (1.86GHz), integrated Intel wireless networking (802.11b/g), 60GB hard drive, 1GB memory, 12.1-inch XGA WVA Screen, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, built-in network and modem, Bluetooth, Infrared, 3 USB connectors, S-Video-out, external monitor port, PC card and digital media slots.
Price from £945 ex VAT.
www.hp.com
Microsoft Experience Pack, Office 2003 and OneNote
www.microsoft.com
Ratings
Fitness for purpose 5/5
Ease of use 4/5
Features 3/5
Quality 5/5
Value for money 5/5 |
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