The most noteworthy Tablet-specific inclusion is without question the Windows Journal application shown in Figure C, which is basically an ink-based, note-taking, document management system that functions in conjunction with the stylus, appearing as a college ruled sheet of lined paper.

FIGURE C

The Windows Journal application presents itself as a sheet of paper. Click picture for a larger image.

Of course, it includes toolbars loaded with various pen types, color selections, highlighting tools, even templates and document defaults.

Interestingly, the Journal allows simple highlighting of the handwritten text, which can be copied and pasted in the traditional manner into Notepad, emails, or just about any other text-based application. However, be forewarned, those with illegible handwriting will trick the text converter, allowing for some interesting typos if you aren't careful in your editing.

In addition to the Journal, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition also includes a Sticky Note application. If Journal were a pen and notebook, Sticky Note would be a pen and yellow Post-It pad. This function doesn't deal with documents, but rather notes, reminders, memos, and even on the fly audio recording.

Some unplugged users may be wondering exactly what about XP Tablet justifies pulling an all-nighter in initial feature exploration. Well the answer, in its simplest form, is the Tablet PC Office Pack--which as the name suggests, packs many of Microsoft's wonderful Office applications into the specifics of the Tablet PC's unique interface.

Tablet Word users are offered the ability to enter ink (stylus handwriting) directly into their documents using a virtual canvas that also allows for written comments in document revision mode. Outlook allows even more stylus-based individuality in the form of handwritten email capabilities, as well as Contacts, Appointments, and Tasks that can be linked through Windows Journal (allowing the user a choice of original ink or type-converted characters).

PowerPoint makes great use of the interface, allowing the user to annotate live presentations with ink. Extremely useful, this feature works best when the user first saves the completed presentation, then makes annotations live, over the original. The user is immediately transformed into a sports caster during a football game, with a light pen to highlight plays on national television replays.

After many hours of careful feature exploration it's clear the Tablet PC indeed fills a gap in the mobile computing market, justifying Microsoft's push in the market place. There are situations where banging away on a laptop keyboard, while attempting to balance the flip top case (while standing up) simply isn't an option. Likewise, there are also situations in which the handheld units simply don't suffice (as in putting on a PowerPoint presentation), where the Tablet PC fits into the equation like the final piece of a jigsaw puzzle.

Skeptics and naysayers are quick to point out that Tablet PC's are generally overpriced, considering they still come equipped with mid to lower high-end component selection. However, to those seeking the unique options and mobility the Tablet offers, it's probably redundant to assemble a pros/cons rundown, as the good simply outweighs the bad.