Windows Tablet PCs

[hamudm]

So I manage a team of people that run a proprietary software that audits product information at retail stores, i.e. prices, # of facings, takes photos, answers survey survey questions, etc... These devices are used anywhere from 6-10 hours a day on a single charge.

Anyway, for the last 5 years, we've run on HTC mobile devices running a version of Windows Mobile 6. The problem is that for what you get, they're very expensive. Limitations are:

- High price point (around $500 each)
- tiny touch screen
- small keyboard for taking detailed notes

I need to start replacing some of these units (we currently use HTC Touch Pro's) and was thinking of replacing it with a tablet of some kind. These would give us better screen real estate and would be easier to use for long periods of time. HOWEVER, the problem I'm seeing is that there's nothing in the $400-$600 price range that

- runs windows 7
- has a camera built in
- has around 8 hours of battery life

I've only really looked at a few places

- futureshop
- best buy
- onthegosolutions.com
- Google

Would anyone be able to recommend to me a device that could fit my criteria? I've found several decent options, but the problem is that they all run Android only! Unfortunately, having our software rewritten to accommodate Android is not an option.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ares93]

hmm, unless you opt for touchscreen capable notebook computers, you really dont have much to choose from. there are very few tablets that run Win7.

HTC Shift is a possibility, but its getting a bit old now. and it runs Vista...

and i know there is a swedish company (Paddytek) that has a tablet with just about those specs that you need. but all other machines i can think of are over your price range.

EDIT: Acer Iconia and MSI WindPad are two others i can think of. Maybe even Archos 9, but i'd stay clear of that one if i were you.

 

[hamudm]

Thanks

The Shift is interesting, but doesn't have a solid state hard drive... I'm surprised at how expensive the the thing still is though!

As for the Paddytek, it's definitely piqued my interest although I have yet to confirm battery life and price point.

The Iconia is actually an Android device.

Thanks for the advice

 

[Robert Maxwell]

What you are looking for doesn't exist for the money you're willing to spend.

Fujitsu has done slate devices for several years and I've seen them used in hospitals. Their latest one seems to fit your needs but it costs more than your budget: Stylistic Q550.

 

[hamudm]

I'd even be willing to spend a little more perhaps if nothing can or ever will fit my budget.

One other thing about these Windows tablets, I'm hoping they start/restart like the ipad, i.e. you don't have to reboot the whole thing every time you turn the screen off.

Checking out the Fujitsu one right now

Viewsonic makes one that fits what I need, but unfortunately it too runs Android

 

[Lindley]

I don't suppose anyone has made a Windows emulator for the tablet market yet, have they?

 

[ares93]

Thanks

The Shift is interesting, but doesn't have a solid state hard drive... I'm surprised at how expensive the the thing still is though!

Yeah, price is pretty high, but its a good machine. I used to have one, but the boss decided to apple-ize everything and buy macs and ipads (much to my chagrin)

As for the Paddytek, it's definitely piqued my interest although I have yet to confirm battery life and price point.

I can look around a bit. Its a swedish company after all. i'll PM you if i find anything.

The Iconia is actually an Android device.

Damn... thats strange. showed up as Win7 when i did a search. (Hides under the table. Embarrassed by his poor google skilllz..)

I don't suppose anyone has made a Windows emulator for the tablet market yet, have they?

nope, and probably never will. most tablets are arm based. aside from WinMo, there is no windows version capable of running on an arm unit.

 

[hamudm]

^Thanks so much ares

I know you'll probably hate to hear this, but I'd love to run our team on iPads! They're idiot-proof and I have a lot of people who have very limited technical skills. If I could dummy them down and only have one or two apps running on the thing, I'd be in heaven!