Niche Tablet PC Applications

These applications are more for specific industries or niches. Because they are so specific in nature, I will not cover them other than to tell you what they are and where you can find more information about them. This is not a comprehensive list, but rather a list of the applications that I have looked into that appear to be valuable for specific users. For more complete coverage of available applications, go to my Web site at http://www.TabletGuru.com and look under the Software section.

Table 18.1. Niche Tablet PC Application List

Application	Industry/Purpose	Web Link
Allscripts TouchWorks	Physician office automation	http://www.allscripts.com
ColeConnect OrderPad 2003	Sales order processing tool	http://www.coleconnect.com
Criterion Real Estate Dashboard (R.E.D.)	Real estate	http://www.cc-re.com/red_tablet.htm
Cubistix MapSlate	Location analytics	http://www.cubistix.com/solutions-MapSlate.php
CX Cyberplex/WEBfront Tablet PC Home Appraisal	Home appraisal	http://www.webfront.net/news/devtemplatedetail.asp
Filbitron WriteTRAC	Sales-force automation	http://www.filbitron.com/software.htm
Finale Notepad	Sheet-music creation and editing	http://www.finalemusic.com
MindGenius brainbloom	Brainstorming tool	http://www.ygnius.com
mTuitive Tablet ABC	Inspection and interviewing data-collection tool	http://www.mtuitive.com
Pen&Internet riteForm	Form tool for handwritten forms	http://www.penandinternet.com
Pen&Internet riteMail	Ink-based email and notes	http://www.penandinternet.com
Pen&Internet ritePen	Improved handwriting recognition	http://www.penandinternet.com
ScanSoft RealSpeak	Text-to-speech	http://www.scansoft.com
SketchUp 3D	3D sketching tool	http://www.sketch3d.com
TabletBlogger	Creates Web logs, or blogs, with Ink	http://tblogger.jrj.org/
xThink Calculator	High-end calculations using only a pen	http://www.xthink.com/product.html
xThink MathJournal	Math equation solving and graphing with only a pen	http://www.xthink.com/mathJournal.html

The Absolute Minimum

Here are the key points to take away from this chapter:

• Numerous free applications can make your Tablet PC use more enjoyable. Download the applications and see if you like them.

• Tablet PC electronic document (and eBook) readers enable you to read digital content with your Tablet PC easily and comfortably. Keep all your reading materials with you in digital form.

• Your Tablet PC is the perfect platform for graphics work because you can use a pen for more natural painting and sketching. Try some of the available graphics applications if you have the need.

• Gesture tools, such as inDirect and Symbol Commander, help you access applications and tasks quickly through pen gestures.

• Movie Maker is a tool that can help you turn home video into good-looking and enjoyable video presentations.

• Colligo and Groove can help you connect to others. Both applications approach the issue from different perspectives, although there is overlap. If you work in a team that needs to communicate a lot, check them out.

• Computrace can help you locate a stolen machine, as well as protect that machine from data thieves. Use it as part of your data-security plan.

• TabletPlanner is the electronic version of the Franklin Planner for Tablet PCs. It can help you manage your life mission, roles, and goals, as well as keep up with tasks and appointments. Its synchronization with Outlook means you don't have to enter data twice.

• Mi-Forms by Mi-Co is a terrific tool for automating forms. Mi-Co has thoroughly thought through the process of forms design, completion, and data storage. It is one of the most complete solutions on the market for enterprise-level forms management.

• Streets & Trips is great for traveling and planning trips. It helps you get from point to point with all the stops in between. You can tie it into GPS receivers as well for following maps in your car.

• MindManager and brainbloom can help you generate ideas and think through issues more completely by utilizing mind-mapping tools. I highly encourage you to try one of these tools.

• Naturally Speaking can improve speech-recognition ease of use and capabilities. Use it if you find Input Panel's speech tools too limiting.