What tablet to buy?
6/3/2008
I'm looking for another tablet to buy later this year. Unfortunately, there is a very limited variety in tablets, especially with the criteria I am looking for. Can you make a suggestion?
Requirements
- Convertible - As much as I love the tablet platform, most software is just not ready. So the tablet must be a convertible with a comfortable keyboard.
- Battery - At least 4 hours of battery life. With an extra battery this will enable me to have 8 hours. I make a lot of long haul flights that are 8 to 12 hours.
- Small - Currently I have an LS800 and it is about the perfect size. Fujitsu U is too small.
- Screen - 1024x768 or higher.
- Preferably not a Toshiba - Toshiba makes durable laptops, but they are designed with some of the worst ergonomics I have ever seen.
- SSD - Should be able to be purchased with a 64 GB SSD hard disk as an option, or at least user servicable enough that I can replace it myself.
- Widescreen Preferred
- Weight - As close to 1 kg as possible. (2.3 lbs)
- Screen Size - To keep the tablet small, I prefer a screen approximately 10" in size.
Close Calls
Here are some tablets I have considered or have been recommended, but no not meet the requirements.
- Fujitsu U2010 - I am a big fan of Fujitsu computers, and they have been making tablets a long time. But the U2010 is too small. The screen is 5.6".
Current Candidates
| Model | Weight | Screen Size | Screen Resolution | Battery Life | CPU | Availability | Other |
| Dell Latitude XT2 Slightly heavier than I'd prefer at 1.5 kg, but still within tolerances. I would much prefer the 1 kg footprint of my current LS800. I would also prefer a 10" screen to save size rather than a 12". | 1.5 kg | 12.1" | 1280x800 | Centrino 2 | Nov 2008 |
| |
Gigabyte M912 - Very interesting. Slightly heavier than I would like, but definitely within limits. Also it has no mention of tablet capabilities or pen. Is it just a touch screen? | 1.3 kg | 8.9" | 1280x768 | 3.5 hrs | Atom 1.6 GHz | Soon | |
| Lenovo X61s - X61s is lighter than the X61. Weight is good, size a little bigger than I'd like. SSD only available by after market modification. | 12.1" | Core 2 Duo 1.6 GHz | Now | ||||
| Lenovo X200 Tablet The X200 is official, but a rumored tablet version is surfacing based on some possible leaks. | 1.3 kg | 12" | 9.6 hrs | Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz | ? | ||
| Kohjinsha SX Series
- This one is nearly perfect! Having
bought non brand names before though has caused a lot of headaches. I
have never heard of Kohjinsha before, but it is tempting.
| 8.9" | 1280x768 | 4.2 hrs std, 8.4 hrs extended | Atom 1.33 Ghz | July 2008 in Japan |
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