Checking Out Your Options

To some extent, Tablet PCs aren't exactly a keyboard revolution. The truth is that many Tablet PC models come with a standard keyboard, either built in so that they resemble traditional laptops (such as the Toshiba Portege 3500 or Acer TravelMate C100), or as a detachable feature in slate models (also called slab because they resemble, well, I guess, a slab of slate), such as the Fujitsu Stylistic ST4000 or Motion M1200.

And all models have the on-screen keyboard. Although the on-screen keyboard (discussed later in this chapter) is a viable option for entering short notes, it may be frustrating to a speed demon. If you have a lot of text to enter - or time is of the essence and you want to exercise your blazing normal typing speed - then eschewing the on-screen keyboard might be a wise thing to do. Sometimes you've just gotta have a standard keyboard attached to your Tablet PC.

Do you own a convertible?

If you own a convertible Tablet PC (also called a clamshell style), then you already have a slightly smaller version of a standard keyboard built in (check out the Potege 3500 by Toshiba - www.toshiba.com - to see a really cool convertible).

Your user's manual shows you exactly how to unclip and rotate the computer to change from tablet mode (where the unit folds down to a single tablet panel with the keyboard hidden) to PC mode (in which your Tablet PC looks strikingly like a notebook computer with both screen and keyboard available).

The configuration of built-in keyboards varies slightly from model to model, but most built-ins use a Function key to toggle to additional functions to save keyboard space.

 Remember  Using a built-in keyboard doesn't limit your options: When you have your computer in PC mode, you have the choice of using either the on-screen keyboard, the pen, or the standard keyboard for input.

Adding a keyboard to your slate-style Tablet PC

If you have a slate-style Tablet PC (one with no keyboard attached), you will probably want to hook it up to a standard keyboard on a somewhat regular basis - especially if you use keyboard entry frequently or are using your Tablet PC as your main computer.

Some Tablet PC models come with a detachable keyboard; others offer a detachable keyboard as an option. In addition, you can always attach any old USB keyboard (such as the one from your desktop computer) if you just like the familiarity of old coffee stains and snack-bar crumbs among the keys.

You can use the USB (Universal Serial Bus) port built into most Tablet PC models to hook up any USB keyboard device to your tablet, from portable folding keyboards to the desktop variety.

In most models, the USB port is hidden under a rubber flap on one edge of your unit and sports a USB icon (which looks like a solid circle with three lines coming out of it to the right). Some Tablet PCs have one USB port, others offer two for connecting more than one device at a time, such as keyboard and monitor.

 Tip  You can get USB adapters for attaching serial devices. Check at any computer supply store or visit your manufacturer's online store to see whether they offer such accessories for your Tablet PC.

 Warning!  When you plug a power supply - or any add-on device - into your Tablet PC, be careful not to hold or place that edge of the device on a desk or other surface or you could disconnect (or worse, damage) the plug or Tablet PC. Instead, rotate the display so the bottom is along an edge of the computer that has no cords connected to it.

 Tip  You can also use your USB port to connect other peripherals, such as a monitor, printer, or scanner. See Chapter 3 for more about adding USB devices.