I'm in the market for a new laptop, and someone suggested a tablet PC. I've been looking at the Gateway CX210X. So...do you think a tablet PC is a good idea? Why or why not?
The CX210X is a "convertable". Like Ken said, I suggest a PDA with bluetooth and a better laptop as a combination purchase to my customers. The vesatility of the spin monitor can also be a nightmare. That video connection is very fragile. One mistake and your looking at a $400 repair bill. I suggest a good Sony Viao for a laptop with a PDA or one of the newer portable bluetooth displays. Leave your laptop in the car and carry just the screen up to 300 feet away. http://www.mobilintel.com/CF08.html Your other option for portability is a cell phone/PDA combined with a good laptop.
Thank you Ken. Yes, I should have said convertible laptop. I would use it as a laptop probably about 80% of the time, and a tablet 20%. I've priced the Gateway to a comparable Dell 1501 Dual Core and tried to match up the features identically, and the price difference is less than $100 difference. I like the idea of being able to do some things graphically with a stylus pen as well as using the tablet with the MS One Note. It sounds like you have mastered your PDA! Using it as a remote control for tv/dvd is a great idea! You could have some fun walking through Circuit City! Thanks for your insights, Ken. This helps!
Thanks for your help! After considering everything including the advice given by some folks in this forum, I am punting the convertible laptop idea. I just purchased a Dell Inspiron E1505 (not the Sony Vaio, I know, but I'm working on a limited budget...), and with a coupon code I found on dealsea.com, I got it for 20% off! That saved me $300 there (which I turned around and put back into upgrades on the processor, hard drive, and video card). I will probably dive in and get the Dell Axim x51v before it's all said and done, and mysimon.com has pointed me to a great price on it! Thanks to those who offered their help via this forum!
I just got a Gateway convertible. cx2620 for $750 at TigerDirect. Refurbished. I like it so far. I haven't tried out the writing much. I just installed a trial version of Microsoft Office One Note. My doctor uses a convertible and my wife liked it.
I've liked mine so far because its easy to take notes and read in tough locations. Its easier to use on the plane. Its handy for me taking notes in the laboratory for making quick diagrams.
We deployed a handful of those to a test group at work. They all fell out of grace with the general population, except for one. He loves it, and holds on to it to this day... for the same reasons you give. They need either a niche, or a fan to be successful. If you know going in that you like it, it's a great choice. If you're looking at a laptop or tablet, but have never used the latter, it's not a good choice for your money.
http://www.woot.com/ It changes frequently, but right this second it is: Gateway M275 Tablet Convertible PC $549.99
