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GPSolo Magazine - December 2003

Product Review
Compaq TC1000 Tablet PC

Reviewed by Alan Pearlman

With the advent of the Compaq Tablet PC TC1000 from Hewlett-Packard, your law office workload will soon become bearable. This new item from the now-blended HP/Compaq organization is an incredible piece of work. It combines the best of all worlds to perform as a laptop, slate-style tablet, and desktop. (The Tablet PC TC1000 sells for approximately $1,700 and can be found on the web at www.hp.com/country/us/eng/prodserv/notebooks_tabletpcs.html.)

The new design uses Microsoft Windows XP pro Tablet software and software designed specifically to make use of the tablet’s handwriting capabilities. The item should appeal especially to lawyers who never have made peace with computing, typing, or even getting close to a PC.

Several companies have come out with similar units recently, but the TC1000 stands far above the rest. It has a 1 GHz processor, four- to five-hour battery, built-in high-speed 802.11b wireless support, a full-sized keyboard, and an ultra-cool flip screen that easily and quickly converts the item from a slim laptop to a digital writing pad with an 8.5- x 11-inch screen. The device also allows you to make handwritten notes with a digital pen, highlight, and annotate and edit documents, all right on the flip screen. You may never have to type again, which by itself may be a big selling point for older, senior counselors. The screen is made of tough automotive glass that does not shift at all while you write, which is a big design plus. Most other units do not perform well in this particular category.

When it comes to versatility and easy use, the TC1000 outperforms and even goes the extra mile. I suggest you test drive this unit ASAP; you’ll find new uses for it every day.

Alan Pearlman is a practicing attorney in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. He is the author of the nationally syndicated column “The Electronic Lawyer” and a frequent speaker at national legal technology seminars. He can be reached via e-mail at Pearlman@theelectroniclawyer.com or on the web at www.theelectroniclawyer.com.