Tablet PC Purchasing Guide:
Recommendations for Second Quarter 2009-2010

Some Intel-based notebooks are Tablet PCs - in other words, they support Windows Vista and/or they support Microsoft's Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, which is a pen-based superset of Windows XP.

Tablet PCs tend to weigh between three and five pounds and have 12.1-inch screens. In performance, they tend to be relatively close to last year's desktop recommendations, but contain fewer features. Examples of such notebooks are the Dell Latitude XT2, the Lenovo ThinkPad X200 Tablet, the HP EliteBook 2730p, and the Toshiba Portégé M750.

Footnotes:

1. Processor speed is no longer considered important, but the class of processor is. A more detailed University-centric perspective on AMD and Intel processors is available from ISC's Processor Guide.


2. Some manufacturers make Tablet PCs with 14-inch displays. ISC believes that heavy users of Tablet PC-specific functionality are better served by smaller, lighter 12.1-inch models.


3. Windows Vista Service Packs 1 and 2 (32-bit and 64-bit Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions) are supported and recommended for general use.
   
   ISC does not recommend, but does support the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista Home Premium Service Packs 1 and 2. Home Premium is missing important networking and security features, such as domain-based authentication, that are essential to many Schools and Centers in the University.
   
   ISC does not and will not support any version of Windows Vista Home Basic. Home Basic is missing many important networking, maintenance, and security features that are critical to many Schools and Centers at the University.

   Windows XP Tablet PC Edition Service Pack 3 (32-bit) is supported for new systems, though it will become extremely difficult to purchase in FY2010. Note that Windows XP Service Pack 3 will face retirement within this current four year life cycle.

4. Estimated prices for these Tablet PCs include three-year service plans from the manufacturers, which ISC strongly recommends. Note that the three year warranty is an extra cost for some Tablet PCs and that this cost is reflected in the estimated price.
   
   Pricing is generated using the online configurators available from Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, and Toshiba and is for general reference only. Support providers will often be able to generate more competitive pricing using various means, such as purchasing components (RAM, etc.) seperately and taking advantage of vendor bundles and rebates.
   
   Media slices, port replicators, and docking stations are not included in this pricing - they can be expected to add to the estimated price in these amounts:
   • Media slices; $100 - $200
   • Port replicators; $150 - $200
   • Docking stations; $450 - $550

These specifications are sometimes revised in mid-quarter when major changes in configurations from Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, and Toshiba become generally available. When this happens,the revision date is highlighted in red.

Other than some differences in peripherals, support for notebook computers is generally little different than for desktop computers.

Tablet PC manufacturers that ISC has had good experience with include Lenovo and Toshiba.

If your school or center is considering a Tablet PC purchase, ISC strongly recommends a consultation to weigh pros and cons in today's rapidly changing environment (contact John Mulhern III in ISC, mulhernj@isc.upenn.edu; 573-3567).

Tablet PC change history

Desktop Recommendations