ExPo computer form factors
Computers that are useful in the cab of an adventure travel vehicle take several shapes. Here's a description of the differences between netbook, tablet and slate computers. All run standard Windows software and have GPS available, so you have several choices for navigation and route-finding software, as well as for general computing.
Netbook
The netbook is a class of portable computer that is lightweight, inexpensive, and smaller than standard laptops. The netbook form factor has a hinge connecting the LCD screen to the back of the keyboard. When closed, the LCD screen and keyboard face each other, providing protection.
Today, a 10 inch diagonal screen is common for netbooks, but they can be found with 7, 8.9, 11.6 and 12 inch screens, too. Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI, and Samsung are just a few of the companies that sell netbooks.
Netbooks require a relatively large space in the cab of a vehicle. It's useful for the mount to rotate from side to side so both driver and passenger can use the computer.
Tablet computer
When the LCD screen is mounted on a swivel rather than a hinge, the layout is called a tablet computer. The swivel allows the the screen to be rotated 180 degrees, so it's visible when the case is closed. Since you can't use the keyboard when the screen is closed on top of it, a touch-sensitive screen is employed. You use a stylus or your fingertip to control the computer when the keyboard is hidden.
Tablet computers are designed so you can use them while standing. One arm cradles the computer, leaving the other hand free to make notes and control programs. Since a tablet computer is used while walking around, the screen tends to be smaller than a netbook, which is generally placed on your lap or on a table.
Tablet computers you can buy today include
Asus EEE PC T91 (9 inch screen)
Gigabyte M912X (9 inch screen)
Kohjinsha SC3 (7 inch screen)
Announced but not yet available are:
Asus EEE PC T101 (10 inch screen)
Kohjinsha SK3 (7 inch screen)
Because tablet computers can be used without the keyboard sticking out, they take less space in the vehicle cab. Substituting a touch screen and finger for the conventional touchpad also can be lead to easier operation while the vehicle is moving.
Slate computer
When the computer has no keyboard at all, it's called a slate. When you need to type, slate computers display a virtual keyboard on the touch-sensitive LCD screen. Most of the time, you control the slate using a stylus or finger on the touch-sensitive screen.
Slate computers are thinner and lighter than tablets or netbooks. Some are small enough to hold in two hands and type with your thumbs. Or you can hold the slate with one hand, and use the other hand to execute programs with a finger or a stylus.
Many slate computers include a Bluetooth radio, so you can use a Bluetooth-attached portable keyboard when you need to do more typing.
A slate computer can be mounted into or on top of the dashboard of your vehicle. Korean manufacturer Viliv includes a stand for its slates that uses a big suction cup to mount onto the dash or the windshield, like a Garmin or Magellan car navigation gadget does.
Examples of slate computers on the market today:
Viliv S5 (4.8 inch screen)
Viliv X70 (7 inch screen)
Slate computers that have been announced, with delivery to start this Fall:
Archos 9 (9 inch screen)
Two slate computers that don't run Windows deserve mention.
The Crunchpad (12 inch screen) probably will run a version of Linux to keep the price down to $300. Details are expected later in July.
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/06/03/crunchpad-the-launch-prototype/
There are rumors that Apple will release a version of the iPod Touch with larger screen, possibly called the "iSlate." This would seem to be a no-brainer for Apple. There are many thousands of applications available in the iTunes store for the iPod Touch.
Chip Haven