News Week of July 20, 2008

PC yearns to be touched

The company's handsome new line of all-in-one TouchSmart PCs makes liberal use of a mouse-keyboard alternative you always have with you: your fingers. You can launch applications, play music, crop photos and handle other tasks, just by pressing against the screen.

The machines went on sale in retail stores last week. HP says early sales are trending above forecasts. The $1,499 TouchSmart IQ506 that I've been testing - the more expensive of two new models - may already be difficult to come by, says Vickram Bedi, HP's product management director for worldwide consumer PCs. (Source: Edward C. Baig, USA TODAY, INDYSTAR.COM)

Microsoft looks to mimic Apple success, says Ballmer

Historically, Microsoft's role in deciding what goes into a PC, or how PCs are priced, has been minor. "Microsoft may have had a major role at times, the Tablet PC is one, but really it relies on forward-thinking partners like HP, who would take a change on Microsoft's designs on software," said Helm.   (Source: Gregg Keizer, ComputerWorld)
Posted Friday, July 25, 2008 by ChrisD
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MacBook Touch: An expert view

But even Bill Gates, who has long been a champion of tablet PCs,has not managed to convince the public that the technology is ready yet, and although hybrid tablet/traditional laptops have sold fairly well, it would take something special from Apple to turn the fortunes of the touchscreen laptop around. (Source: Michael Browne, TechRadar.com)
Posted Thursday, July 24, 2008 by ChrisD
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Fujitsu LifeBook T1010 tablet-convertible PC

The LifeBook T1010 adopts Intel's Centrino 2 platform with Core 2 Duo processors (Penryn) and is Windows Vista compatible. The notebook also features DDR3 memory (1066MHz).   (Source: Digitimes)
Posted Thursday, July 24, 2008 by ChrisD
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A Mac tablet? Not just no, but 'heck no'

I've also used a tablet PC before, which was frustrating. It had a stylus, which was okay, but the display was pressure-sensitive and not touch-sensitive. So precision movements with the stylus were nigh-on impossible. Typing using the stylus on an on-screen keyboard was ridiculous, unless I wanted to type like I was in third grade again.   (Source: TUAW.com)
Posted Thursday, July 24, 2008 by ChrisD
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A Student's Survival Guide to Tablet Computing

Whether it’s working with peers on time-sensitive team projects or reading hundreds of PDF’s and online articles, computing plays a crucial role in today’s demanding academic and professional environments. With increasing popularity, both students and professionals alike are discovering the features and uses of Tablet PCs in their daily lives.

Check out part one of this all-in-one-guide to learn how to successfully use a Tablet PC for your everyday activities as a student or young professional. Learn what makes a Tablet PC different, what you should consider before buying, how to fully utilize your tablet and much more. Read along as Shaun Mahal explains his experiences using a Tablet PC as a college student for a year, and find out how using a tablet can improve your academic or professional life today!   (Source: Shaun Mahal, TabletPCReview.com)

Tablets with Innovating Handwriting Recognition

Ritescript and ESP Solutions are working together on a new pen-based tablet that targets both paramedics and firefighters, basically anyone involved in the EMS field. This tablet will utilize a "medic-friendly, cost-effective electronic patient care reporting (ePCR) software and billing services for EMS and Fire organizations nationwide."  (Source: Ubergizmo)
Posted Monday, July 21, 2008 by ChrisD
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Illinois State Fire Marshal is mobilizing State Inspectors with TradeMaster’s MobileEyes™

Innovative system handles customized reports for 15,000 annual inspections

TradeMaster, Inc., the creator of MobileEyes™ mobile inspection software, recently completed a significant project for the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).  The OSFM Division of Fire Prevention includes 15 inspectors across three regions who conduct 15,000 inspections annually.

“Not only do these inspectors have a demanding inspection load, they conduct approximately 70 different types of inspections, each with a customized checklist,” said Tom Gorman, vice president of TradeMaster. 

The process before MobileEyes™ was quite labor and paper intensive; inspectors now spend far less time handling paper and doing clerical work.  

“One of the key requirements for selecting MobileEyes™ was to help them eliminate a cumbersome paper-based system,” added Gorman.  “We’ve easily accomplished that. No longer do they have to use and carry around 70 different carbonless checklist forms; now everything’s available through MobileEyes™ from their tablet PC.”

The new system helps the inspectors increase the number, accuracy and timeliness of inspection reports.  It also helps to reduce the rework and trips back and forth associated with code research and report preparation.  In addition, MobileEyes™ helps to escalate the resolution of code violations. 

Schedulers for each region of the OSFM respond to numerous inspection requests from state agencies and individual businesses on a daily basis.   The tablet-PC and web-based MobileEyes™ system includes a scheduling tool that facilitates a simple process for inspectors who work from different locations throughout Illinois.  The workflow moves seamlessly from the person in the regional office scheduling the inspection, to the inspector in the field performing the inspection, and on to the supervisor in the regional office who approves the inspection. 

Typical of large-scale software projects, the success of the Illinois implementation had as much to do with customer support as it did with technology.  Joe Krehel, TradeMaster president and CEO said, “Projects like this one really allow us to showcase our strengths.  We have very innovative software solutions, yet beyond that our team is exceptional at providing the support services and managing the details that make or break the success of any large project.” 

As an example, it was very important for the Illinois inspectors to have easy access to thousands of past inspection records that reflect years of inspection history. TradeMaster’s support team was able to accomplish that requirement saving OSFM hundreds of hours had they attempted to rekey everything.   In addition, TradeMaster ensured that the inspectors were well supported by delivering on-site training at the primary OSFM regional offices, then following up with weekly coaching sessions with a certified MobileEyes™ trainer. 

Inspectors will also save valuable time when new fire codes are adopted, because MobileEyes™ has the built-in capability to transfer each customized checklist to its newer edition.  It is estimated that prior to implementation, a task like this could easily have taken two to three weeks.  Now, it can be done in two to three hours.

Krehel added, “It’s really gratifying to take part in projects like these—helping state and local government organizations as they improve the way they work.  Working together with OSFM, we’ve helped to save time, paper, and fuel.  At the same time, inspectors can complete more and better inspections which will potentially save lives and property.”    (Source:  Press Release)