As far as the screen goes, the VGA display is crisp and actually quite generous at 5 inches wide. Those comparing text readability of the Model 01 to the displays of a full size notebook or desktop display are missing the point.

The option of using it as a stand up unit with included sturdy metal, rubber gripped support and built in thumb-board or as a portrait slate/ digital pen option is truly convenient. The thumb-board itself is surprisingly capable of text entry despite the initial impression of tiny, closely spaced keys, shown in Figure D.

FIGURE D


The tiny fold away thumb-board is surprisingly functional. Roll over picture for a larger image.

However due to the responsive, snappy, click feedback of each key depression, the process of data entry is fairly effective (as indicated by this review which was written on the Model 01).

Using the Trackstik and left and right click buttons mounted turned out to be very natural and made mousing less of a chore than it might have been in a unit so compact. The digital pen, however, wasn't quite as responsive.

As it is a true digital pen (as opposed to a stylus/touch screen combination found on most PDAs) this unit traces movement of the pen on-screen just by pointing the tip of the pen in the screen's direction. Not a fault in its own right, the problem is that often the cursor isn't exactly where you would expect it to meet the pen tip when it does actually connect with the screen to double click or highlight and drag.

In addition, connection with the screen produced an outwardly spreading water droplet effect around the point of contact. To further add to the versatility of the function options, Windows XP includes an easy to use on-screen keyboard, shown in Figure E, which proved especially beneficial for closed screen tablet work.

FIGURE E


With the screen closed, the digital pen and on-screen keyboard can come close to Tablet functionality. Roll over picture for a larger image.

The accessories included in the $2,000 package are an interesting blend of form and function and to some degree, actually push the marketing of the Model 01 into another class of computing: the desktop replacement.

The docking cradle shown in Figure F is a unique configuration of connectivity within itself.

FIGURE F


Here's a side view of the Model 01 in its included desktop stand. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Rather than riddle the device full of connectivity ports, the docking cradle itself contains (in the order closest to the unit first): Firewire (1394), power supply input, USB port (1.1), audio output (3.5 mm headphone jack), Ethernet port, and VGA output for connection.

The intention, of course, is to provide the ability to connect an external optical drive through the Firewire, to allow the unit to be plugged into a wall outlet, connection with a USB keyboard/mouse, speaker installation, Ethernet network setup, and connection to an external monitor to transform the portable device into a functioning desktop.

Although a bit sluggish for home use and appearing as a contradiction of function in removing the unit's main asset (its portability) you may be wondering about the benefit. It is in the business environment that this setup begins to make perfect sense. Professionals looking to detach from their work space and bring their actual desktop right out into the field will find this quick detachment system brilliant.