What is a Tablet PC?

Asking which model is the Best Tablet PC is like asking what flavor of ice cream is best: Everyone has their own opinion.  What is a Tablet PC? Which ever tablet offers the features that best suit your needs is the best tablet for you.

Tablet PCs are mobile PCs with something extra: a screen that you can write on or interact with by using a tablet pen instead of a standard keyboard and mouse. When you write on the screen, you can convert your handwriting to typed text or leave it as ink. Advancements in the Windows Operating System have made Tablet PCs even easier to use, with improved handwriting recognition features, ink recognition for more languages, and other features.

Slate Tablet PCs

Slate Tablet PCs have no lid or keyboard, which makes them slim and lighter in weight compared to most convertible Tablet PCs.   You can hold a slate Tablet PC in one hand and write on the screen with the other hand—like a clipboard. If you want to use an external keyboard and mouse, you simply attach them to the Tablet PC. A slate Tablet PC can rest easily in the crook of your arm while you write so that you can take notes, fill out forms, or read and write an e-mail with ease while on the go, sitting in a meeting or class, or relaxing on your couch. You can also lay it flat on a table or desk to do your work.

Tablet PCs

You can use a tablet pen to select, drag, and open files, browse the Internet, draw freehand diagrams, add numbers and symbols, and more.

On some Tablet PCs, you can also interact with the screen by using your finger. Most Tablet PCs are small or moderately sized. They range from 2 to 4 pounds and have screens that range from 8 to 15 inches. There are two types of Tablet PCs: slates and convertibles.

Convertible Tablet PCs

Convertible Tablet PCs are notebooks that give users the best of both worlds by allowing them to be used in either in tablet mode or laptop mode.

In laptop mode, you can use the integrated keyboard and mouse or the tablet pen to navigate and write.

To use it in tablet mode, you rotate the screen and lay it flat over the keyboard so that you can write on it like a clipboard. Both positions enable you to work and write with a tablet pen.

The Apple iPad

The iPad is a computer companion device, which means that when you take it out of the box, before you use it for the first time it has to be hooked up to a computer. 

 It's fine for surfing the web, checking email, watching movies, and reading books.  If your home on the sofa, traveling or out and about it's an easy way to stay in touch.

However, if you need  to use your PC apps like, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Dreamweaver or view a web site that is flash based... your out of luck.  There are no USB ports on an iPad and the only way to install programs is through the iTunes store.