Lycoris makes three tablet-specific tweaks to the OS, but it’s not enough. The first Linux-based tablet, Desktop Evolution’s $1900 De-Tablet, is a good effort, but its software needs additional refinements before it will please the tablet-toting masses, says PCWorld.
First Linux Tablet PC Doesn’t Fare Well
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Eugenia Loli
Ex-programmer, ex-editor in chief at OSNews.com, now a visual artist/filmmaker.
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After reading the article, the Linux tablet pc DOES not even have hand writing recognition? I would say for $1900, this is very expensive and should at least come with this feature.
On my tablet pc, Windows tablet OS, the handwriting recognition is the main reason why I purchasd it. This is the best feature, plus the functionality of the product and software that is available.
That should be “fare” well..
If it had handwriting recognition, would you consider buying it? I doubt it, since you’ve been trolling these comments sections for a week decrying how Linux is not ready for the desktop, etc.
So honestly, are you just picking this up as an excuse to bash Linux, or would you consider buying the Linux tablet PC if it came with handwriting recognition (which is planned for next release)?
I’ve had some experience with sending products in for review and must say that editors tend to be sympathetic… (overly sympathetic, really) to products (in hopes of future ad revenue, products to review, etc.). Judging by this review, we (the linux community) must be pretty far away in terms of a Linux based tablet pc. Dammit, where’s Alan Cox when you need him?
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Microsoft will continue to lead in this venue as they have the availble cash to put into the R&D, whereas Open Source based companies don’t have the disposable revnue on hand to finance such underatkings.
I really doubt you will see a viable tablet PC running Linux anytime soon.
Well, with NO handwriting recognition, what purpose does this Linux tablet pc accomplish? It is nothing more than a notebook pc, this in a way is false advertising because this is a ‘tablet’ pc and one writes on a tablet….
Lastly, I was under the assumption with ‘open source’ one does not need money for R & D purposes. You pole the wide array of knowledge from the community. Hence, this reinforces the fact that Linux is NOT ready for the laptop/tablet pc market yet.
“Microsoft will continue to lead in this venue as they have the availble cash to put into the R&D, whereas Open Source based companies don’t have the disposable revnue on hand to finance such underatkings.”
PenWindows aka PenPoint. Thank you GO Corporation for that innovation.
“software needs additional refinements before it will please the tablet-toting masses, says PCWorld.”
What “tablet-toting masses”? I have yet to see anyone even care about these devices no matter what OS is on them.
Check out this web page for a viable Linux TabletPC example:
http://tmb.voxel.net/index.cgi/Linux+on+Tablets
But perhaps Lycoris should have taken a little more time to release their distro. Not including any handwriting recognition is not a good idea, especially when there are actually quite a few handwriting recognition projects for Linux/*nix:
http://www.xstroke.org/
http://www.stressbunny.com/wayv/
http://www.hellkvist.org/software/index.php3#XMerlin
There’s aslo quite a few on-screen keyboard programs that can be used instead:
http://www.gok.ca/
http://member.nifty.ne.jp/tsato/xvkbd/
Another interesting idea for text input on TabletPC is Dasher:
http://www.inference.phy.cam.ac.uk/dasher/
Of course, the anti-Linux trolls will continue doing MS’s PR for them, at no cost. I guess rooting for the bullying monopolist is a “safer” position than encouraging diversity and competition…
What “tablet-toting masses”? I have yet to see anyone even care about these devices no matter what OS is on them.
That’s a very good point. For all the hype coming from Redmond, TabletPCs have actually been a disappointment as far as sales are concerned. This goes to show that not all “innovation” actually meets with market success.
What “tablet-toting masses”? I have yet to see anyone even care about these devices no matter what OS is on them.
On the contrary, I want one pretty badly for when I kick back at home after work. Acer and Toshiba and a few others have swivel designs for notebooks that converts into Tablet PC’s that I’m drooling over. They’re currently offered at about $2200. After those prices drop down to about $1200 next year (or the year after), I’ll pick one up.
On the contrary, I want one pretty badly for when I kick back at home after work.
I like the concept as well, and may eventually buy one, but the reality is that TabletPCs are selling way below expectations. As such, the OP was right that there aren’t any “tablet-toting masses” as of yet – so it’s not a big deal if Linux tablet PCs are still lacking in a few areas.
If I want a tablet PC, then it seems to me one of the major criteria is being able to grab a stylus and write on the screen. If it can’t do that, then it’s 1900 better spent on a dell or powerbook.
I agree, that’s the whole point. Which is why I provided links to handwriting recognition apps for Linux. I agree that Lycoris should have waited until they had integrated handwriting recognition in their distro. But the fact that they didn’t integrate it doesn’t mean it’s not available. In other words, you can install it yourself (or wait for the next upgrade for their TabletOS).
“I really doubt you will see a viable tablet PC running Linux anytime soon.”
I’d rephrase that as “I really doubt you will see a viable tablet PC anytime soon.” I don’t feel that Tablet’s will ever become truly viable. Handwriting is slower than typing.. Just the form factor is more convenient. I have a feeling that after 1 – 2 years, Tablet PC’s will be gone and be replaced by laptops with the same screen capabilities as Tablets. That way you would primarily use the keyboard/mouse and then use the pen as needed.
Plus, all the tablets so far have been flawed pretty badly.. be it battery life, lack of software, or poorly developed software.
I’d prefer that to the handwriting thing anyway. i type much better than i write, even one handed. plus, it’ll be about a thousand more years before any company can produce software that can recognize my handwriting!
They have the on-screen keyboard included, so I don’t see what the fuss is all about.
Download one of the other apps for doodling memos, etc, and it’s just about perfect IMO, though too darn expensive yet to be practical.
“What “tablet-toting masses”? I have yet to see anyone even care about these devices no matter what OS is on them”
Tablet PC’s are going to become common place as more apps such as InfoPath (which was just released) come to market.
“I have a feeling that after 1 – 2 years, Tablet PC’s will be gone and be replaced by laptops with the same screen capabilities as Tablets. That way you would primarily use the keyboard/mouse and then use the pen as needed.”
You do realize that most all tablet PC’s come wtih a keyboard and pointing device, don’t you?
“As such, the OP was right that there aren’t any “tablet-toting masses” as of yet – so it’s not a big deal if Linux tablet PCs are still lacking in a few areas.”
Of course it would be a big deal if thier was a Linux based tablet PC and Windows based one.
I completely agree with lycoris user (IP: 216.94.24.—). I can’t see a program recognizing my handwriting since it’s so awful that humans have trouble with it. I think I am stuck with typing until someone invents wrist interface plugs. I’ll take a pair, plus mirrorshades
Tablet PC’s are going to become common place
Maybe, maybe not. The form factor is a problem for many people. I agree with the other poster that a laptop with TabletPC capabilities is a more interesting option.
wait a minute….that’s what all these things are already. laptops that can twirl their monito and have pressure sensite screens for data entry.
doesn’t explain why they’re soooooo expensive compared what with their crappy specs and all.
these things are just glorified laptops. i’d like to know how much the pressure sensitive part is worth, cause it seems to me that these tablet makers (toshiba, acer) are just bandits overcharging for the hype and not much else.
Handwriting recognition is probably necessary for such a product, but I doubt that Tablet PC’s goal was ever to eliminate keyboards from PC’s and word processors. I look around my desk and see notes that I take – flowcharts, printouts with annotations, … there are a lot of things that I wish I had access to using both hand and keyboard.
“Maybe, maybe not. The form factor is a problem for many people. I agree with the other poster that a laptop with TabletPC capabilities is a more interesting option.”
You do realize that most all tablet PC’s come wtih a keyboard and pointing device, don’t you.
Yeah, that seems to be the new standard. So basically they’re laptops with touchscreens, right?
Yep, but wait a few years until you can run Linux on them. Then they will be worth paying attention to, right.
Sour Grapes
Why wait a few years – you can run Linux on them right now! Didn’t you check the links I provided?
Yes but I am not talking about jus handwriting reconigtion I am talking about an OS that has been modified to run on a tablet PC. I am talking about apps for that OS. Like this
http://www.microsoft.com/office/preview/infopath/demo.asp
Don’t worry I am sure ther will be a Linux work alike called OpenPath .09 or some such thing.
They are small underpowered laptops with touchscreens. Ugh. This is the silliest trend I have seen in awhile.
The idea of adding touchscreen features to a laptop is NOT innovative. IBM thunkpads 740T and a number of Fujitsus have had this for years. Someone though in marketing though needs a medal because there is one gadget whore in every office that will have to have one of these things.
No I will not care if Linux runs hot on one of them. Just like I don’t give a flip about running linux on a playstation as some kiddie l33ters do.
Lycoris was stupid. The idea of shipping an OS on a touchscreen laptop without handwriting recognition is silly.
This is coming from a linux fan.
You want to talk about Windows features most linux users want and then you get into stuff like the new WinFS and will the Storage and the Reiserfs metadata changes come into place fast enough to keep up and will this new paradigm in data organization work better practically than hierachal organization? Those are some real questions that matter to both sides of the OS fence.
BTW InfoPath is kind of interesting and I can see where handwriting in the forms would be nice. However, do a freshmeat search on xml authoring tools. They exist. Conglomerate for example for the gnome set.
That was the phrase from Microsoft’s previous campaign to sell Tablet PCs with their manufacturing partners.
Some nonsense about how it would be the perfect device for the multi-tasking office jockey, hustling down a hallway surrounded by flunkies while clutching all sorts of nifty portable devices and having five conversations at once.
So has anyone in the business world seen these corridor warriors stalking their building?
Of course it would be a big deal if thier was a Linux based tablet PC and Windows based one.
I’m not exactly sure what you mean by this sentence.
I am talking about an OS that has been modified to run on a tablet PC. I am talking about apps for that OS. Like this [Infopath]
Nice looking app – though I fail to see how this is related to TabletPCs. This is an app that will mostly be used on Desktops.
Don’t worry I am sure ther will be a Linux work alike called OpenPath .09 or some such thing.
Calm down – your avowed dislike of anything non-Microsoft is clouding your judgement. Contain your anger, young jedi.
Meanwhile I’ll probably be able to use this app with Crossover Office in a couple of weeks…