Eric Mack On-Line

This afternoon, I used a book scanner to scan in several chapters from one of my management texts. Next, I created a searchable PDF file for each chapter. Finally, I sat on the couch, with the Tablet PC on my lap, and studied. I used the M4 jog joystick (or whatever they call it) to scroll through the document. I used the markup feature of  Adobe Acrobat 7.0, to highlight sections of interest. Other than the learning curve to make the book scanner to PDF process work, the process was very productive. Now, I can leave my texts on my bookshelf. The weight reduction will help offset the M4 and accessories. I'm glad that I waited for the 14" high-resolution screen. It makes for a bigger tablet, but it sure is nice to have room to work with. I've learned to tilt the screen to avoid glare from overhead lighting. It's not ideal, but I can live with it.

I still have a long way to go to fully migrate my remaining applications and data to the M4, however, I'm greatly encouraged by what I've accomplished this evening.

In the course of setting up the M4, I've discovered many features, some by accident, that I like about the Tablet PC and the M4 in specific. As far as the features I don't like, I've got a list, but I've already crossed several things off.  Fan and power issues remain a challenge. The fan can be loud of you are running in high-power mode. Fortunately, Toshiba has an excellent power management utility. I now have a profile that works for me. I'd like to find a way to keep the DVD drive powered down at all times unless I wake it. This would prevent the door from being opened accidentally and it would save power, too. There is an option to disable power to the DVD drive, however, it is a temporary setting until the next standby, hibernate, or power-cycle. I wish this could be made a part of the power management profile. [hint] At this time, the only real disappointment that I have is in the portfolio case. (My recommendation: don't buy it. I'll explain soon.)

I'm not yet YABHTU, but I'm getting closer. I'll post updates as time permits. Perhaps I'll even invite Kathy back as a guest on a future podcast.

I'll leave you with this powerful feature: the button marked "OneNote" on the side of the M4 serves not only to launch a program, but also as an "instant on." When your tablet goes into "sleep" mode (not standby or hibernate) this button will cause it to resume in a matter of seconds. I like this instant on capability. It makes the tablet operation closer to paper and pencil, especially with OneNote loaded. Somehow, in the course of installing software, Lotus Notes now launches whenever I press the OneNote button. Go figure. I'm sure that there's a setting for this, but I'm not complaining. I would like to see someone develop a pop-up utility for this button that would allow me to choose between two or three applications, including the most recently used application.  That would be helpful. As for the button itself, I would have named it the "instant on" button, however, I don't have the influence of Microsoft.

Thank you to everyone who has sent me emails to offer encouragement or assistance. If any of your end up purchasing an M4, let me know. It would be great to connect.