Microsoft to promote Tablet PC at Comdex

From...

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates is expected next week to launch the promotion for a Microsoft tablet PC, announced a year ago

by Ephraim Schwartz

(IDG) -- Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, at the Comdex conference in Las Vegas next week, will launch a promotion for a Tablet PC, the marketing seeds of which were planted at least a year ago.

Microsoft officials confirmed on Tuesday that Gates would display and talk about the work being done to create a Tablet PC that would incorporate pen-based and voice-based computing with handwriting recognition as well.

The prototype was first discussed by Microsoft at its Forum 2000 event in Redmond, Wash. last June and at succeeding Microsoft sponsored events thereafter.

	ALSO
Users show some sympathy to Microsoft over security Microsoft case in political limbo as votes counted

Microsoft officials at that time stated that the unit was at least two years away. The unit will integrate wireless capability and incorporate instant messaging, paging functionality, and Web browsing and is meant to be used as a fully functioning PC.

"We don't believe users want another companion device. They want the same functionality as they get from a notebook computer," said a source at Microsoft who asked not to be identified.

Last June, a developer working with Microsoft on the project said the device will offer data, video, and voice conferencing. If this is the case, it may explain why the product, according to a Microsoft representative, is at least a year or more away. In order to accommodate video and voice conferencing with nationwide wireless coverage, the system will need to wait on the next generation of cellular service.

MORE COMPUTING INTELLIGENCE

IDG.net home page

InfoWorld home page

Microsoft developing PC tablet device

Hitachi puts Windows on the tablet

Comdex 2000 goes wireless, portable

Reviews & in-depth info at IDG.net

E-BusinessWorld

TechInformer

Questions about computers? Let IDG.net's editors help you

Subscribe to IDG.net's free daily newsletter for IT leaders

Search IDG.net in 12 languages

There has been speculation that Microsoft's tablet device may use Transmeta's low-powered Crusoe processor. Transmeta officials recently whispered that such a deal was in the works. But Microsoft has not appeared committed to the processor.

"Microsoft has not selected a processor. We are still in the early, early early stages of development and I emphasize that what will be shown at Comdex is a prototype," said the Microsoft source.

The Crusoe is a hybrid processor that uses both silicon and software to execute applications.

Tablet computers are not new, and companies like Fujitsu PC have been marketing them as niche solutions for years.

Fujitsu's Stylistic 3400 pen-based system uses a full implementation of the Windows operating system and runs various Intel Pentium processors. The units typically come with a built-in modem and, according to a Fujitsu representative, will also soon include wireless connectivity.

Microsoft wary of court tutorial in antitrust case
October 30, 2000
Interview: Corel's Linux VP on the Microsoft deal
October 16, 2000
Microsoft reinvigorates handheld PC
September 20, 2000
Microsoft becoming a player in burgeoning online music business
September 15, 2000
Microsoft launches PC version of its software for e-books
August 10, 2000

Microsoft developing PC tablet device
(InfoWorld)
Hitachi puts Windows on the tablet
(PC World)
Comdex 2000 goes wireless, portable
(InfoWorld)
Aqcess Technologies ships Qbe computing
(InfoWorld)
Wireless Web tablets due this year
(PC World)
Orasis has strong niche appeal
(InfoWorld)
Transmeta goes public as vendors evaluate chip
(IDG.net)
Compaq rejects Transmeta's Crusoe processor
(PC World)

Microsoft Corp.
Fujitsu Limited
Transmeta Corp.
Comdex

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.