Fujitsu Siemens Computers unveils revolutionary Tablet PC

The Stylistic ST Tablet PC will also be unveiled in Abu Dhabi on November 19, 2002.

The new generation Tablet PC from Fujitsu Siemens Computers coincides with the launch of the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC edition, a new version of Windows XP professional, that permits direct writing on the screen using a digital pen, taking handwritten notes with electronic ink and saving the notes in handwriting format. Specially designed for mobile professionals in the healthcare, sales, insurance and government sector who spend much of their working day on their feet, the Stylistic ST enables the user to look up records from a database, scribble down client information and inform them about their transaction history all at the same time.

'The Stylistic ST Series Tablet PC is the closest to a merger between a PC and a conventional notepad making it possible to use the PC as a clipboard, with the facility to take down notes as one would on a piece of paper,' said Dirk de Waegeneire, Vice President International Sales, Fujitsu Siemens Computers. 'The Stylistic ST series enables a user to use the computer, collect data or navigate easily through any Windows application even while standing or walking, thus ensuring true mobility. The PC then becomes a non-intrusive, social device, with no forbidding screen separating the user and the audience. It heralds the era when people will use the computer like a very intelligent piece of paper.'

'Leveraging years of research in designing and manufacturing pen-enabled computers, Fujitsu Siemens Computers has produced the ultimate Tablet PC that brings advantages that were hitherto not possible with these kinds of PCs,' added Dirk. 'Thanks to the enhanced features of the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, the Stylistic ST Series Tablet PC provides everything one can expect in a mobile PC, allowing users to be productive at one's desk, in the hallway, at a meeting or while walking.'

Abdullatif Almulla, General Manager, Microsoft South Gulf, said: 'The Tablet PC is the next generation evolution of the Notebook PC that allows you to use your computer in new and different ways. We believe that the Tablet PC will reinvigorate the PC business and will take it to new heights. The Tablet PC can now bring the full power of a PC to situations where a keyboard and mouse are inconvenient or inappropriate.'

'This is an important evolution in the history of computing, as it delivers a level of freedom never before offered to PC users. We think that over the next two years, we will see hundreds of different types of users who will switch to the Tablet PC form factor, such as students, reporters, doctors and any type of mobile information workers,' he added.

'We welcome the edition of the Tablet PC, which is powered by Intel's Pentium 3 mobile processor,' said Gilbert Lacroix, General Manager Intel ME. 'We have already noticed the growing trend in the country in retail purchasing where seven out of every ten computers that are bought are laptops and notebooks. So, we think that this product will get an extremely fertile reception from the market.'

Notebooks and laptops have typically been designed for horizontal sectors using a wide variety of productivity software. However, the Tablet PC which combines the capabilities of the notebook with those of desktops, targets the diagonal user who uses vertical as well as horizontal applications.

The advantages offered by the Stylistic ST Series Tablet PC are numerous. It allows the user to take notes electronically, making it easy to capture text, diagrams and pictures one would normally create using pen and paper. It also incorporates technology that recognizes handwriting, making it possible to search for one's handwritten notes and edit them easily.

The new Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition has the full capabilities of Windows XP Professional, plus additional features to enable pen-based computing. It offers all the security features of Windows XP Professional and supports secure logon and the Encrypting File System as well as access control feature.

The Stylistic ST 4000 integrates electronic ink into everyday business applications. The user can add ink comments in Microsoft Word 2002 documents and write and send ink e-mail with Microsoft Outlook 2002. It also makes it possible to share handwritten documents with other PC users, regardless of whether they have a Tablet PC or not. In addition, users can extend existing applications with pen and ink and develop new applications using this technology.

Using Tablet and Pen Settings controls, the Stylistic ST 4000 Tablet PC can be customized and optimized for left- or right-handed operation, the pen can be calibrated and the hardware buttons can be programmed to complete specific actions, such as opening an application. The user can write directly on the screen and save the notes in his handwriting or convert them into typed text for input into other applications. In addition to entering text, the digital pen can do things done typically with a mouse of keyboard such as opening applications, selecting text or displaying menus.

The new Tablet PC integrates easily into normal working space. In combination with docking stations, it is possible to connect the Tablet PC to external keyboards and monitors, transforming it into a normal workstation with the usual peripherals business applications.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers have already begun to receive and accept orders for the Pen Tablet PCs.