Tablet Review: HP tx1000 series
Michael Elliott, Aul & Hatfield Appraisers
I have an HP tx1000 series convertible notebook, which was one of HP's first tablet devices designed for Windows Vista. While heavier and not nearly as "sleek" as a UMPC or slate tablet, they are a good compromise as a "one machine to do everything" approach, or for someone who is only in occasional need of the tablet function.
A convertible notebook varies from UMPCs and slate tablets in that in their standard/open format they are almost indistinguishable from a traditional laptop. You can sit and type at them like you would with a normal laptop computer - no need for special docks, hooking up an external keyboard, etc. You get the full power of a laptop (including CD/DVD drives, card slots, etc.). When you're ready to go to tablet mode, you simply swivel the screen around and lock it flat - and presto, you have a slate-style tablet. Since Vista already has tablet tools built into it, there's no applications or other software to start the "touch screen" functions.
Like most notebooks, the tx1000 can be configured with high amounts of RAM (4 gig in mine) and hard drive space (300 gig in mine). This presents a slight advantage over the UMPC designs which are typically restricted in this regard- particularly hard drive space. A convertible notebook can therefore be your "primary" computer as well as your field inspection device.
The screens on the tx1000 series do not have an "active pen" design (there is a slot for the plain plastic stylus in the side) which leads to slightly less accuracy. With a little getting used to, however, given the larger screen size I've found it to be no problem operating programs that were designed for the pen such as Windows Journal or Davinci. The built-in Bluetooth on the tx1000 paired very easily with my Disto Plus laser measuring device.
As for handling it in the field, one of the best things about Vista in this regard is the quick access to the power options. With one click of the option in the system tray, you can switch the tablet into "power saver" mode- which will keep the bottom of the case from melting to your arm as you carry it. The weight is definitely a consideration on a convertible notebook – while the tx1000 is sleek and light compared to many notebooks - it's quite heavy compared to even a slate tablet. One hour of carrying around a convertible notebook will likely make your arm go numb. To this end, however, there are many companies out there (such as thepouch.com) that will custom-design carrying cases for tablets and convertible notebooks, making this issue almost a mute point. From a usage standpoint, since the tx1000 is also my "primary" computer, it is always booted up and ready to go. This means I can use it for things like meeting notes when clients stop by, etc. Yet another way to keep even simple things like notes "digital" (and thus always where I need them and backed up) rather than on a series of legal pads scattered around my office.
The tx1000 does suffer from some of the same minor headaches as its non-convertible cousins in the HP line - primarily related to Vista. The built-in HP webcam, while a very attractive feature at first glance, suffers from ongoing driver issues (due to differences in how Vista handles webcams) which are a problem on many of HP's notebooks. Battery life is another concern. Even in power saver mode, I am lucky to get 2 to 2.5 hours of use without a charge. Because it is a "full sized" laptop under the hood, you will get about the same life as you would expect from a notebook. So multi-inspection days will require a way to charge the laptop while on the go in between inspections.
While a convertible notebook is certainly a much heavier machine to carry on an inspection, they can be a good compromise for someone who wants to maintain a laptop as their primary computer but doesn't want to spend an extra $1,500 on a tablet in addition to it. You also do not have two computers to deal with at that point . This includes two computers that need to be charged, two that need anti-virus software subscriptions, two that need updates, etc. - not to mention the "data transfer" hassle. With the convertible notebook, you kill two birds with one stone and keep everything on one machine. With a properly "accessorized" convertible notebook you can mitigate the weight issue in the field. While not for everyone, and certainly not the smallest or most nimble field inspection device, a convertible notebook is a good choice for someone who takes a laptop with them anyway but just needs to add "tablet" capability to it.
