Delighted to see that Media Center and Tablet PC functionality will be part of the mainstream versions of Windows Vista, as opposed to separate editions (confirmed in a press release at the weekend). I used to have a Tablet PC whilst working at Microsoft, and I became quite enamoured of it. I have to say though, most people – even inside Microsoft – only used their Tablet as an ordinary laptop.
‘Tablet’ computing is definitely the way to go, especially if you’re in the creative business. I picked up a Trust wireless tablet (with mouse too) for just over £20 at Tesco’s a few weeks ago, and after a short period of adaptation, I love it to bits. The key was remembering that (ordinary) Windows XP includes an option to replace double clicks with a single click. Open up Windows Explorer, click on ‘Tools’ then ‘Folder options’ – and click on ‘Single-click to open an item’. It makes all the difference. (I also find it helpful to switch on underlining when I hover over a link.)
Once you’ve used a pen, you’ll wonder why we ever had the mouse in the first place.