Recommending a Tablet PC

I’m getting excited: In the last couple weeks, three colleagues and friends have asked me for suggestions on which Tablet PC to buy. I’m kind of stuck though. I know what I’d get for myself, but what should I suggest to others considering all the different Tablet PCs out there and the ones that may ship “soon?” Where’s Lora when you need her?

Which Tablet PC makes sense depends on how the person wants to use it (I’m going to assume indoor use for everyone). These are some of the heuristics I’m balancing out for each of the people that have asked for recommendations:

* If you’re interested in exploring the Tablet PC, but see yourself using it as your primary notebook, go with a convertible, such as the Toshiba, Acer, HP.
* If you’re going to use it as a primary computer and your eyes aren’t what they used to be , go with a larger screen: Toshiba or Motion.
* If you’re going to use the Tablet PC a lot standing up or carrying it around a lot, go light: NEC, Motion, Acer.
* If you want to really experience the Tablet PC concept, let’s say to be inspired by new product and usage possibilities, I’d suggest a slate with a good docking station or keyboard support, such as the Motion or NEC. HP is OK, but lacks pressure sensitivity which is OK for non-artistic uses.
* If cost is extremely important, I’d suggest HP, FIC SlateVision, and Acer.
* If a student, I’d go HP, Acer, or FIC SlateVision.
* If interested in drawing, skip the HP since it doesn’t have pressure sensitivity.
* If you want to use it as a “business” machine (spreadsheets, for instance), go with a larger screen: Toshiba, Motion.
* If you need long use, go HP or SlateVision.
* If you’re replacing a desktop or notebook, go with a convertible: Toshiba, Acer, Motion, HP.
* Should I wait? It depends on your needs:
    * If you’re a student and getting a notebook, go with a Tablet PC.
    * If you want to use it for experimentation, now is a good time. There will always be “better” machines. You’ll wait forever otherwise.
    * If this will be your only computer and you need multi-GHz performance or a large display, you may want to wait. But expect to wait awhile.
    * If you want to use a Tablet PC for meeting notes and presentations, I’d be comfortable recommending any of them.

There are other Tablet PCs, but these are the ones I know well and feel comfortable recommending. I’d really like to spend some time with the Fujitsu Tablet PCs, for instance, but I haven’t had a chance yet. I’m sure others have some recommendations too.