Tablet Personal Computer or Tablet PC

For tablet devices released with other operating systems than Microsoft Windows XP/2000/7 installed, like iOS or Android, see Tablet computer. HP Compaq tablet PC with rotating/removable keyboard

A tablet personal computer or tablet PC is a tablet-sized computer that also has the key features of a full-size personal computer. A tablet PC is essentially a small laptop computer, equipped with a rotatable touchscreen as an additional input device, and running a standard (or lightly adapted) PC operating system like Windows or Linux.

The term was made popular with the Microsoft Tablet PC concept presented by Microsoft in 2001.Today, the term tablet is also used to refer to computer-like devices operated primarily by a touch screen but not intended to run general PC operating systems or applications.

The History of the Tablet PC

In a few days, Apple will be introducing its iPad computer to stores everywhere. While this device is expected to help bring the tablet PC market further into the mainstream it's hardly the first such device to be offered in recent decades.

While we wait these last few days until the iPad's big release, we've decided to trace the long lineage of tablet PCs. From the earliest tablet input devices and concept sketches to the most recent hybrid models, we explore the long, winding, interesting history this unique type of computer has had.