George Bardissi

It seems that with all the hype and buzz around Apple's new toy the iPad many people seem to think that tablet computers never existed before now. That's absolutely not the case! In fact, the term Tablet PC did not really become popular until Bill Gates, our favorite Windows Founder, announced that Microsoft had come out with a Pen-Enabled device running on a new version of Windows XP called Windows XP Tablet PC Edition all the way back in 2001. Tablet computers have had many variations and if I am counting correct there are four main styles of this style of computer which we will touch on. Let's take a look at different styles of tablet pc's so that you have an idea of what may be coming down the pipeline.

The first tablet style is called the Slate computer. I started with this style first because this is the style that Apple used for its iPad device. Slate computers are supposed to resemble writing slates and do not come with a dedicated keyboard. To enter text, users would have to use a digital keyboard on the touch screen with either your finger or a pen like device called a stylus. Slate computers usually have small screens and are very light in weight and in the past have mostly been incorporated in verticals such as health care and education. Apple has somewhat re-invented the slate from other versions that had been around previously due to the many apps or applications that are being designed just for the iPad. This is a similar business model that was taken with the very popular iPhone which many believe is one of if not the sole reason why the iPhone was such a hit. Microsoft, along with HP, is soon releasing their own re-worked version of the slate computer running a version of Windows 7 that has even more capabilities than the iPad including the ability to plug in a USB device such as a jump drive, keyboard, mouse, etc. in the same price range of the iPad. Keep in mind slate pc's do not accommodate monitor ports, DVD/CD drives, printer ports, and other normal options that regular notebook or laptop computers usually have to cut down on weight and size. This style seems to start at the $400-$500.00 range and go up from their based on different options you could purchase such as the wireless model versus the cellular internet equipped model.

The second style of tablet computer we will touch on is the Convertible tablet computer. For much of this past decade this was by far the most popular type of tablet computer available on the regular consumer market. This style looks like a regular notebook or laptop computer however the screen can swivel and rotate 180 degrees to convert over to be a touch screen device. The real benefit to this style is that you can choose to use the computer as a regular notebook or tablet on demand with a keyboard available rather than having to purchase two different devices. Logically, this made sense to buyers out there since it basically gives you a two for one special and who doesn't like that deal? This style of tablet is usually a little bit heavier than the slate pc because of all the extra weight of the regular notebook items such as a DVD/CD player, multiple USB ports, keyboard, faster processor, monitor out port, and so on. This style usually was around 30-50% more than the cost of slate PC's on average.

The third style of tablet computer is the Hybrid computer. This style is very similar to the slate PC. One of the most popular versions of the hybrid PC was the HP Compaq TC1000 Series which was released back in 2003 and it won several awards. The hybrid's main difference from the slate is a detachable or rotating keyboard and can fold into the back of the unit. This makes the hybrid work similarly to the convertible PC in that manner. However, the hybrid still is not as powerful and diverse as the convertible. Hybrid PC's should not be confused with a slate PC that you simply plug an external keyboard into.

Finally, the last style of tablet computer is the Booklet PC. This style of tablet is a dual touch screen system that folds like a book. These systems generally are more expensive than the other three tablet pc's and do not come with a built in keyboard. You would enter text into this style of computer with either an on screen keyboard or pen/stylus just like the slate and hybrid version of the tablet. This computer style is meant to be not just a laptop, but it also works as a day planner, internet surfing unit, project planner, music or mp3 player, digital video display, live TV, and of course e-reader which is similar to the other tablet models. I can't remember the last version of this style of computer that I have physically seen however I am really excited for what I have been reading online about the Microsoft Courier. Apparently, news has been circulating the internet about the prototype booklet tablet computer that Microsoft has been working on even before news of the iPad had come out. For me, someone who is constantly on the road creating proposals and handling technical type issues, this could be really useful and basically eliminate the need for physical paper. This type of computer can basically act like a notebook where you can write directly onto the screen, on a virtual type of paper! I think this could be a winner if and when it ever becomes a reality.

The reason is it important to understand what the tablet PC is and the different features it can provide for you are because a study has already been released by Gartner that by 2015 the majority of kids under the age of 15 will be using computers that feature a touch screen monitor or display. A representative from Gartner is firmly predicting that over 50-75% of school districts will opt for touch screen displays within the next five years. Gartner also believes that enterprise or large businesses will see a very large increase in touch screen computer adoption as well.

Bardissi Enterprises would like to extend our sincere thanks to our new customers who have contracted with us for the provision of managed information technology solutions and service. We are pleased to be providing IT Solutions for the following new companies:

• Business Development University
  Ambler, PA
• Morningstar Fellowship
  Quakertown, PA
• Aflex-Hose USA
  Pipersville, PA
• Starr Insurance
  Chambersburg, PA
• The Coulter Law Offices
  Pittsburgh, PA
• The Den of Lahaska, Inc.
  Lahaska, PA
• Raab Enterprises
  Westville, NJ

Washington, DC, the bastion of American Politics and of the Governmental monuments that go along with it, is where we will find this month's business that we will spotlight.

When you talk tourists and souvenir's, in Washington, DC, all roads lead to Souvenir World DC located in downtown Washington, DC at 1004 F Street Northwest, Washington. The establishment is incredibly stocked with every type of souvenir possible and they all relate to the rich history of DC and its prolific political and monumental history both past and present.

The store prides itself on being clean, well stocked and so very inviting to both the out of town tourist and the local residence of DC as well. You can find any and everything to buy for souvenir gifts for friends and family or to add to your own collection of Washington, DC memorabilia. Whatever your desire is, be it souvenirs or memorabilia related to the goings on in our nation's capital, make sure you visit Souvenir World DC and say hello to Vinh Ygo, the owner.