MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Tablet computing wins another convert

Bob Russell · 06-09-2007, 10:50 PM

I've never owned a tablet PC before. Until now. I just broke down and spent what feels like my life's savings on a Lenovo X61 tablet convertible. It won out over my other alternatives: a Q1 Ultra or the yet unreleased Asus T83.

Some of you may wonder why I would choose a bulkier X61 over a UMPC, when I clearly love the advantages of a lighter device with a 7"-10" screen size.

The decision was based mostly on the quality and power and years of service it should give me versus a Q1 Ultra. How could I compromise features with the Q1 just to cut the size in half? I am hoping that the additional size and weight of the X61 is somewhat offset by the ability to use it as a slate on my lap. As wonderful and useful as the Q1 would be, it seemed a bit too much like an underpowered toy, and I preferred a convertible form factor. In addition, I know that UMPCs are going to be revolutionized in price, features and power over the next couple of years anyway, so it just seemed too early to get one.

I suppose the Lenovo tablet might be "overkill", but I know it's got the power and storage I need, and now I get to see how both active and passive digitizers work as well as getting a larger screen. That should give me a much better basis of experience for making decisions about future UMPC purchases. (You know... somewhere around the year 2020 after my gadget budget recovers from this purchase!)

I prefer the Q1 size, but I just didn't feel that the UMPCs are quite mature enough to spend all that money on one. I do still long for a UMPC in addition to my X61 because I think the portability would revolutionize my computing life. But at this point a UMPC is going to have to wait. Maybe in 2020!

Obvious warning: Don't assume that the X61 is the right choice for everyone. It was the right choice for me, but a UMPC might be your perfect choice. As they always emphasize about tablet devices over at JKonTheRun, for example, these devices all involve trade offs. No single product is going to be best for everyone.

Obvious question: Will the X61 also be useful as a ridiculously expensive and overpowered e-book reader? I hope so!

06-09-2007, 10:50 PM	#1
Bob Russell Recovering Gadget Addict Posts: 5,381 Karma: 676161 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Device: iPad	Tablet computing wins another convert - me! I've never owned a tablet PC before. Until now. I just broke down and spent what feels like my life's savings on a Lenovo X61 tablet convertible. It won out over my other alternatives: a Q1 Ultra or the yet unreleased Asus T83. Some of you may wonder why I would choose a bulkier X61 over a UMPC, when I clearly love the advantages of a lighter device with a 7"-10" screen size. The decision was based mostly on the quality and power and years of service it should give me versus a Q1 Ultra. How could I compromise features with the Q1 just to cut the size in half? I am hoping that the additional size and weight of the X61 is somewhat offset by the ability to use it as a slate on my lap. As wonderful and useful as the Q1 would be, it seemed a bit too much like an underpowered toy, and I preferred a convertible form factor. In addition, I know that UMPCs are going to be revolutionized in price, features and power over the next couple of years anyway, so it just seemed too early to get one. I suppose the Lenovo tablet might be "overkill", but I know it's got the power and storage I need, and now I get to see how both active and passive digitizers work as well as getting a larger screen. That should give me a much better basis of experience for making decisions about future UMPC purchases. (You know... somewhere around the year 2020 after my gadget budget recovers from this purchase!) I prefer the Q1 size, but I just didn't feel that the UMPCs are quite mature enough to spend all that money on one. I do still long for a UMPC in addition to my X61 because I think the portability would revolutionize my computing life. But at this point a UMPC is going to have to wait. Maybe in 2020! Obvious warning: Don't assume that the X61 is the right choice for everyone. It was the right choice for me, but a UMPC might be your perfect choice. As they always emphasize about tablet devices over at JKonTheRun, for example, these devices all involve trade offs. No single product is going to be best for everyone. Obvious question: Will the X61 also be useful as a ridiculously expensive and overpowered e-book reader? I hope so!