Tablet PC

In general terms, tablet PC refers to a slate- or tablet- shaped mobile computer device, equipped with a touchscreen or stylus. This form factor offers a more mobile computer. Tablet PCs may be used where notebooks are impractical or unwieldy, or do not provide the needed functionality. The term Tablet PC was made popular in a product announced in 2001 by Microsoft, and defined by Microsoft to be a pen-enabled computer conforming to hardware specifications devised by Microsoft and running "Windows XP Tablet PC Edition" operating system or a derivative thereof.

Booklets

Booklet PCs are dual screen tablet computers that fold open like a book. A typical Booklet PC is equipped with multitouch screens and pen writing recognition capabilities. They are designed to be used as a digital day planner, internet surfing device, project planner, to watch videos, live TV, play music, and for e-reading.

Slates

Slate computers, which resemble writing slates, are tablet PCs without a dedicated keyboard. For text input, users rely on handwriting recognition via active digitizer, touching the screen with a fingertip or stylus or by using an external keyboard which can usually be attached via a wireless or USB connection. These tablet PCs typically incorporate small (8.4–14.1 inches/21–36 centimetres) LCD screens and have been popular for quite some time in vertical markets such as health care, education, and field work. Applications for field work often require a tablet PC that has rugged specifications that ensure long life by resisting heat, humidity, and drop/vibration damage. This added focus on mobility and/or ruggedness often leads to elimination of moving parts that could hinder these qualities.

Convertibles

Convertible notebooks have a base body with an attached keyboard. They more closely resemble modern laptops, and are usually heavier and larger than slates. Typically, the base of a convertible attaches to the display at a single joint called a swivel hinge or rotating hinge. The joint allows the screen to rotate through 180° and fold down on top of the keyboard to provide a flat writing surface. This design, although the most common, creates a physical point of weakness on the notebook. Some manufacturers, however, have attempted to overcome these weak points. The Panasonic Toughbook 19, for example, is advertised as a more durable convertible notebook. One model by Acer has a sliding design in which the screen slides up from the slate-like position and locks into place to provide the laptop mode. Convertibles are by far the most popular form factor of tablet PCs, because the convertibles still offer the keyboard and pointing device of older notebooks, for people who are unsure about the practicality of using the pen as the primary method of input.

Hybrids

Hybrids, coined by users of the HP/Compaq TC1000 and TC1100 series, share the features of the slate and convertible by using a detachable keyboard which operates in a similar fashion to a convertible when attached. This is not to be confused with slate models that have a detachable keyboard—detachable keyboards for pure slate models do not rotate to allow the tablet to rest on it like a convertible. With a loyal following, the hybrid form factor has recently received updates after the TC1100. HP has launched an array of tablet pc convertible notebooks over the last few years, the latest being the tx2 which brings multi-touch capabilities to a consumer-aimed notebook.