Toshiba's R10 Tablet PC: A Step Backwards for the Industry

Strategic Insights -

The recent release of Toshiba's R10 tablet PC has left many industry experts and enthusiasts feeling underwhelmed. Weighing in at a massive 2.8 kg, the R10 fails to meet the bar set by IBM/Lenovo's ThinkPad X41 tablet PC, which tips the scales at a more manageable 1.8 kg. While the X41 may lack the R10's spacious 14.1-inch display and optical drive, it makes up for it with its ability to fold the keyboard under the display, creating a truly portable device. With a 1.5 GHz Pentium M processor and 512 MB of RAM, the X41 is certainly no workhorse, but it's specifically designed for tablet PC use, making it a worthwhile investment for those who need it.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ThinkPad X41 tablet PC is a more compact and portable option, weighing in at 1.8 kg, compared to Toshiba's R10, which tips the scales at 2.8 kg.
  • The X41 has a 12.1-inch display and a range of ports, including USB2.0, PC card slot, and SD memory card reader.
  • The device comes with Windows XP Pro, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth, and a built-in fingerprint reader.
  • The X41's display automatically switches to portrait mode when in tablet mode, with the power and function buttons still accessible on the bezel around the display.
  • The device uses an electro-magnetic stylus, but lacks a touch screen and vertical scroll capability.
  • The X41 does not come with OneNote, but includes Sticky Notes and requires an additional $150 for OneNote 2003.
  • The microphone is covered when the device is converted to tablet mode, which is a disappointing oversite for those using OneNote's voice recording features.

Statistics:

  • The ThinkPad X41 tablet PC weighs 1.8 kg.
  • The R10 tablet PC weighs 2.8 kg.
  • The X41 has a 1.5 GHz Pentium M processor and 512 MB of RAM.
  • The device has a 12.1-inch display and prints at up to 25 ppm monochrome and 5 ppm in color.
  • The X41 retails for $3999.
  • The device has a range of features, including gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth, and a built-in fingerprint reader.

Sources:

  • ThinkPad X41 tablet PC specification sheet: lenovo.com/au/en
  • Review of ThinkPad X41 tablet PC: [no external reference]
  • Sony's VAIO VGPWKB1 wireless keyboard and mouse specification sheet: sony.com.au
  • Epson's AcuLaser CX11NF specification sheet: epson.com.au
  • Print Audit 5 specification sheet: printaudit.com
  • Iomega StorCenter Pro NAS 300r specification sheet: iomega-asia.com/ap