Wednesday, 27 April 2005 | Levent OZLER
Innovative New Experiences for Tablet PCs
Longhorn
Innovative New Experiences for Tablet and Mobile PCs
The third decade of Windows will usher in similarly profound changes in PC hardware.
Gates urged hardware-makers to embrace some of the latest innovations in mobile PC technologies to create a more natural PC experience and provide easier access to information, as well as to differentiate their products.
In addition to highlighting recent releases from Toshiba TAIS Digital Products Division and HP that integrate Tablet PC technology into mainstream notebook PCs, Gates shared next-generation mobile Tablet PC features and hardware designs from Taiwan-based manufacturers Acer Inc. and ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (ASUS), and a prototype of an "ultra-mobile" Tablet PC. Details include the following:
Carry everywhere. An ultra-mobile concept PC set for 2007 makes the PC more personal, offers multiple modes of natural interaction, a 7-inch-wide screen and all-day battery life, and is always connected.
Always available. Acer's next-generation Tablet PC quickly converts from a laptop to a slate-like computer and is ready for use instantly.
Auxiliary displays. An ASUS-designed auxiliary display concept for mobile and desktop PCs and peripheral devices, such as cell phones, remote controls, keyboards and watches, offers immediate access to calendars, recent e-mail, digital media and other data. It would also offer updates on the status of the PC while the machine is turned off or the lid of a mobile PC is closed.
Microsoft and hardware-makers are displaying many of these and other technologies that take advantage of "Longhorn" functionality in the Hardware Showcase and 64-bit Fast Lane booths at WinHEC.
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