Meanwhile, I'm about to evaluate gadgets to go along with my Tablet PC.
Here's what's on my list so far
- Spare Pen (I ordered Toshiba, considering a Cross/Wacom)
- Toshiba Portfolio case for the M4
- USB Headset/Mic (Logitech M300 or Plantronics)
- Mobile Scanner: Visioneer Strobe XP 100 or Plustek OpticSlim M12
- Book Scanner: Plustek OpticBook 3600 Book Scanner for my desk
Update: I forgot to mention that I've purchased the new Toshiba superdock, which supports M200 and the M4. I'll add the Cross Pen w/Cap to the list.
Discussion/Comments (19):
Hi Eric - not sure if there's one available for your tablet, but I have a Toshiba M200 - and I find the docking station fantastic - so nice not to have to link in all the peripherals every morning, and disconnect in the evening (and before meetings).
Enjoy the Tablet PC !
Nick
Posted at 04/29/2005 4:04:36 by Nick
Eric: I second Nick's recommendation - if a docking station or port replicator is available, get one. Also, I have one of the Cross pens - very nice. It has much better "heft" and is more confortable to use for lengthy ink sessions.
Posted at 04/29/2005 4:50:19 by Marc Orchant
Ditto on the Cross pen. I love the feel of it both for productivity and also just when I feel like relaxing with my Tablet. I have the capped version. Also don't forget a backup/disaster recovery solution. I also find having an extra battery key to my usage. And here lately, I'm loving Levenger's Lap Desk. You can see a picture of it on my blog.
Posted at 04/29/2005 6:34:02 by Warner Crocker
For my Fujistu, I ordered a docking station, a spare battery, will get a portable scanner as well and a 3G/EDGE/GPRS PCMCIA card for Net access everywhere. Not sure yet for the desktop, but I'll guess, I'll have an LCD screen connected to the docking station as well as mouse & keyboard and a USB Harddrive.
Posted at 04/29/2005 8:51:43 by EZToms
I use a Treo 650 with Sprint PCS. This way, I have phone, PDA, and unlimited internet access (via Bluetooth).
Posted at 04/29/2005 10:06:51 by Eric Mack
I'm not too familiar with networks you have there.
Although, about the scanner, I'm wondering if a sheet feeder scanner is not a little limitating. I mean, you can't scan a magazine or a book or anything a bit bigger. Or you always need to separate any handout or report you are given. I've found the Canon LiDE 500F to be a good compromise, much bigger though, but still quite portable.
Posted at 04/29/2005 11:01:11 by EZToms
Oh and I'm sure it's quite suited for books as well, for the desktop I'll go the automatic feeder way HP5590.
Posted at 04/29/2005 11:03:10 by EZToms
Eric: If you have any luck finding one of the capped Cross pens, please share your source. I've been backordered at Buy.com for several weeks, and the last time I checked the Cross site it showed out of stock as well. Guess they can't make them fast enough to meet demand ;-)?
I'm going to follow your experience with the Tecra with great interest. I acquired an M205 6 to 8 weeks ago for home use, and am fascinated with the technology, but haven't gotten up to speed as rapidly as I would like due to time constraints. If I can prove to myself that the Tablet will increase my productivity as much as I suspect, then I'm going to try to get one for work use as well, and the Tecra specs do look terrific. So much new software to try to integrate into my routines, and I'm still trying to get all the tools in place.
Have fun, and thanks for sharing!
Posted at 04/29/2005 12:03:39 by Cathy Lewis
On the software side, if you buy / trial Franklin Planner Plan Plus For Windows XP or GoBinder, be sure to download the NKJV from TabletBible.com - free. I've got a lot of other books on there as well. After importing it, give it a while to index the text - it'll crank for an hour or two. Nothing beats being able to ink on your Bible - New King James Version at that.
Back on topic to the gadget stuff, I can't think of too much else than what has already been suggested. Not sure if you've read it or not, but be sure to get Seize The Workday
{ Link }
Posted at 04/29/2005 12:08:52 by Rob Bushway
forgot: wireless mouse / keyboard - bluetooth of course.
Posted at 04/29/2005 12:09:34 by Rob Bushway
On the SprintPCS Network, I routinely achieve speeds of 100-120K. The nice part is that it works almost everywhere. Apparently, EVDO is MUCH faster, however, I wanted everything integrated into my phone and the Treo650 was the best option at the time.
Posted at 04/29/2005 14:38:42 by Eric Mack
EZToms, I have a Canon flatbed scanner that is small enough to pack in my briefcase. I may do that to get started; in the long run, I plan to pick up a small scanner for fast, single page scans. I want something I can put in my bag.
Scanning books works best with a scanner designed for the job. You owe it to yourself to check out the book scanner by Plustek. It has a unique that allows for full page book scanning without the normal black shadows in the center of the book. You also don't have to damage the book while trying to get a flat page scan. This should allow for fast scanning and, hopefully, easy creation of eBooks from dead trees. HTH.
Posted at 04/29/2005 14:43:15 by Eric Mack
Thanks, Rob, for the recommendation of TabletBible. I saw the mention on Michael Hyatt's blog a few weeks ago and I bookmarked your site. It looks like an excellent resource.
I like the idea of being able to do markup on the tablet. I'm still trying to decide upon an ideal markup color scheme. (Know of any?)
On the tablet front, I'm curious to see how my pastor reacts to guy with a 14" tablet in the front pew. He might like it; our church has just installed a vary large podium with a Tablet [PC] inside. This will allow him to annotate his slides during the sermon.
Posted at 04/29/2005 14:50:23 by Eric Mack
Rob,
Any recommendations for a top quality keyboard/mouse with Bluetooth support? I prefer the IBM TrackPoint keyboards; however, those are not available in Bluetooth versions.
Of course, if Marc's right, I'll hardly use my keyboard at all.
Posted at 04/29/2005 14:52:20 by Eric Mack
Logitech Dinovo works fine, both in BT and proprietary protocol. The last one is somewhat smaller, which is easier on the move. I keep BT at home, and radio in the office.
Also, just order Wacom Favo Bluetooth pen, being the pen maniac I am.
Posted at 04/29/2005 17:49:58 by Tom
Another vote for Di Novo, got one at home, very nice product. Although, I've seen you could get a little combo for laptop wich consist of the numerical pad of the dinovo and a small mouse. Unfortunately it's not bluetooth.
{ Link }
Got your point for the scanner, if you already have a small canon, I'll guess you won't find a smaller flatbed. Digged a little on the optibook, it's in fact very well designed for that with the glass and lamp getting very near the edge.
Posted at 04/30/2005 2:31:43 by EZToms
I havn't looked at the Dinovo, but I tend to prefer the Microsoft keyboard and mice:
{ Link }
Posted at 04/30/2005 8:14:30 by Rob Bushway
I'm looking for a Bluetooth Stereo Headset/Mic to add to my gadget list. Is anyone aware of one?
Posted at 04/30/2005 9:49:53 by Eric Mack
This one looks nice
{ Link }
There's one from HP as well but I'm not sure there's a mic. The other seems to have one, that plugs in (see accessories on bottom).
Posted at 05/01/2005 13:24:20 by EZToms
Discussion for this entry is now closed.