The Tablet PC comes in these basic styles or forms: Convertible, Slate and Hybrid. The available models differ in size, processing speed, design, etc. to meet anyone's needs. It depends basically on the users and the kind of tablet PC's they prefer in accordance to their needs or requirements.  Tablets are being manufactured by major companies, such as Hewlett Packard, Fujitsu, Toshiba and Acer, and run on Microsoft's Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system. Any applications you use with Windows XP will work on a Tablet PC.

Three different styles of Tablet PCs are the following.

Convertibles

Figure 1

 

 

 

 

The convertible Tablet PC has an attached keyboard attached to the base body. It looks much like a conventional laptop PC but is quite heavier than other types. The screen can be rotated by 180 degrees as the base is attached using a rotating hinge and folding it flat over the keyboard for a more comfortable reading and writing experience as if it were a slate. They are the most popularly used tablet PC's as we have the choice to switch either between keyboard or touch screen.

Example: Panasonic Toughbook 19

Slates

Figure 2

 

 

 

 

 

As the name suggests, slates are the tablet PC's which are lightweight, slim and resemble writing slates. They do not have dedicated keyboards. They are attached using USB or wireless connection. Those tablet PC's are comprised mainly of a full-sized LCD screen. They are designed keeping the focus on mobility, that is, the less to carry, the better. So they are quite popular with fields like health care, education, and field work. Rugged tablet PC models are usually in the slate form factor because without a keyboard, there are fewer moving parts to break.

Hybrids

Hybrid Tablet PC's includes the feature of the slate and convertible by using a detachable keyboard which operates in a similar fashion to a convertible when attached. Those keyboards used in slate models do not rotate around to allow the tablet to rest on it like a convertible.

Example: HP/Compaq TC1000 , TC1100 series

Features of Windows XP Tablet PC Edition software include that Microsoft Windows XP Professional.

The Windows XP Tablet PC Edition software is written entirely in C# and 8 developers spent 15 months from scratch to the final product.

Handwriting Recognition and Conversion: It is integrated software, using that which one wrote in his or her own handwriting and later converting it to typed text. It is used in sending emails, making notes, and prints. Because of the development of advance processors and voice recognition technology, it has become far more practical and reliable.

Screen Rotation: You can quickly rotate your screen by 360 degree as per your convenience.

Pen Input: Using a special digital pen that comes with it, you can write directly on the screen and save notes in your handwriting or convert them to typed text.

Input Panel: Input Panel is an on-screen (virtual) keyboard and writing pad. With Input Panel, you can type text without using your standard keyboard. But standard keyboards can be attached as per our need. 

Speech Recognition: Most of the tablet PC's have built-in speech-recognition features that act as speech to text converter.

Microsoft Windows Journal: The Windows XP Tablet PC Edition comes with a note taking utility called the Microsoft Windows Journal. With it you can create and organize handwritten notes.

Document Annotation: You can add explanatory notes to or supply with critical comments to the imported or downloaded documents with a Tablet PC stylus.

Reading: Tablet PC uses Microsoft ClearType technology; readers may employ this technology in reading their electronic version of your favorite books on their tablet PC's and a high-resolution display.

Gestures: You can use your Tablet PC pen to make "gestures.” Gestures are movements with the pen that complete common tasks.