For years PC and notebook manufacturers have tried to develop a pen tablet
that could also be classified as a ”mainstream computing device,”
featuring everything today’s professional requires – portability,
computing power and a compact form factor – but without the keyboard.
Research shows that the pen tablet market is a sleeping giant, with users
attracted to the flexible data input options of touch screen and pen technologies.
As we forge through this digital age, professionals want a solution to draft
contracts, create spreadsheets or input updates to project timelines electronically
from their desk or "on-the-go" with equal results.
So why isn’t the pen tablet rolling over notebooks and desktops as
the ultimate mobile mainstream machine? The answer is based on perception.
One of the major obstacles to market dominance is the misconception that
pen tablets lack sufficient computing power or are misclassified as merely
Web-based appliances.
However, for more than 10 years one company – Fujitsu PC Corporation
(FPC) – has emerged as the undisputed leader in pen tablet technology
with 67 percent of the market according to published reports by International
Data Corporation (IDC). Among its competitors, it is the only company that
holds the vision of the pen tablet as a mainstream computer.
Several factors have led FPC to this mindset, including the combination
of its pen tablet solutions, the market’s renewed commitment to developing
practical and conventional software applications geared specifically for
this portable solution, and FPC’s ability to understand the needs of
its customers.
As a result, all of the company’s pen tablets incorporate leading-edge
technologies such as high-performance processors, larger capacity hard drives,
increased memory, multiple display options, long-lasting batteries and the
adoption of industry-standard operating systems.
This commitment has led FPC’s customers, many of which are Fortune
500 companies, to purchase multiple generations of its pen tablets and seamlessly
integrate them into their existing infrastructure. FPC has been able to
develop this loyalty from its customers because of the impact its pen tablets
deliver on overall productivity and most importantly, profitability.
Although FPC’s portable solutions feature many of the same components
as its notebook and desktop brethren, the pen tablet market has always been
viewed by industry experts as one that is geared specifically for industries
such as sales force automation, healthcare, insurance, warehousing, merchandising
and utilities. Even though industry analysts predict long-term growth in
the vertical space for pen tablet manufacturers, FPC sees the future of
its solutions expanding throughout the mainstream-computing world.
 FPC
doesn’t plan to abandon its vertical market presence. In fact, it believes
the pen tablet’s transition into the mainstream will provide an even
higher rate of return to its current users by eliminating the need for multiple
computing platforms to perform their duties.
Another hurdle pen tablets must overcome is the fact they are often mistaken
for Web pads. Web pads are being touted for their stand-alone, easy “plug
and play” capabilities and seem to be a cost-effective solution. They
are primary geared for sending and receiving email, managing calendars,
browsing the Web and minimal note-taking services. However, they cannot
be considered or marketed as a total computing solution because of their
storage and mobility limitations.
FPC has designed its pen tablets with a broader view. A notebook computer
exhibited all of the features and functionality required to effectively
contribute in the workplace; its form factor and input capabilities fulfilled
user requirements. However, professionals today want to be able to move
freely within his or her workplace to input and access data whenever and
wherever they are during the workday, all in an easy-to-handle design.
FPC, as a leading developer and manufacturer of notebook computers, understands
the importance of notebooks in the professional marketplace. However, it
also recognizes that professionals want a solution that combines features
from both a desktop and notebook in a unique form-factor. It has categorized
these two professionals as “road warriors” and “non-road
warriors.”
For road warriors, who travel from city-to-city conducting business, notebook
computers will continue to be their preferred choice. This professional
typically requires a computing solution with a keyboard to handle the high
quantity of office-level productivity required during their travels. So
a notebook makes the most sense for them.
While “non-road warriors” functioning in the same markets still
perform a high volume of data input from their desks, they don’t necessarily
require the all-in-one functionality of a notebook computer. Although their
mobile needs aren’t as demanding as their counterparts, the “road
warriors,” these professionals still would like a secondary solution
for note-taking or presentation purposes, which until now was identified
as a notebook. Still, many corporations found they couldn’t justify
the additional expense of outfitting their non-road warriors with a mobile
solution.
FPC's pen tablets are
powerful enough to be classified
as desktop replacements and
more mobile than notebooks.
Unlike the mainstream adoption, FPC’s vertical market customers were
forced to purchase two solutions, a pen tablet for the “field”
application and desktop for office work. The reasoning was primarily because
the pen tablets of the past were not powerful enough to handle both field
and office functions. This is where FPC’s current pen tablet’s
functionality is a welcomed addition.
 Today,
FPC’s pen tablets are powerful enough to be classified as desktop replacements
and more mobile then notebooks, while still offering the unique features
set of a pen tablet. They are proving to be the ideal solution for both
professional and vertical users because of their cost-effective capabilities
and high return on investment for a company, which today could be the difference
between success and failure.
Imagine sitting in a brainstorming session and capturing an image or
diagram by actually drawing it! In the past, taking notes in a meeting
required the user to record the image on paper and scan it to produce
an electronic file. Or worse, the user would have to try and describe
the image or diagram in words with the potential of losing data somewhere
in the translation. Using FPC’s solution, the user can sketch the
image on to the pen tablet and have an immediate electronic version of
the image or thought without missing a beat. And if the user wishes to
share his or her note with a colleague they can be sent electronically
via email.
With the right suite of software applications and a docking station, FPC’s
pen tablets are effective and productive computing solutions, which can
be easily transitioned into a “mainstream-computing device.”
The integration of leading-edge technologies will provide both professional
and vertical users with the flexibility to create and compute from their
desks, while still being able to roam throughout the office and work.
 Analysts
predict the arrival of pen tablet-based software applications is on the
horizon. During Fall Comdex 2000, Bill Gates delivered a keynote address
in which he announced Microsoft’s support for “Tablet PC.”
He also referenced it incorporating a next generation of Windows®
technology similar to that of high-end notebooks.
Through adoption of specifically designed pen tablet software applications
FPC envisions its solutions being integrated by professionals – road
warriors and non-road warriors alike as a “mainstream-computing device”
to draft memos, develop sales spreadsheets or input updates to a database
from the comfort of their desks. They still have the flexibility of pulling
the pen tablet from its docking station for taking notes in staff meetings,
graphically capturing thoughts during a brainstorm, or electronically
signing documents away from their desk.
Comparisons will be made to determine which computing device – the
pen tablet, notebook or desktop – is the better solution. One feature
that sets FPC’s pen tablets apart from the other solutions is the
integration of digitizer and pen technology. These input capabilities
are major differentiators for FPC’s pen tablets and are the most
engaging features to current and potential users.
FPC currently offers a complete range of professional pen tablet solutions
to answer the broadest range of user and application requirements. The
current generation of high-performance full-feature pen tablets includes
the recently unveiled Stylistic™ 3500, as well as the Stylistic LT
C-500 and PenCentra 200™.
FPC’s innovative pen tablets combine advanced processors, industry-standard
operating systems, full desktop connectivity and superior power management
technology in some of the smallest and lightest form factors ever achieved
for this class of products. Technology strengths combined with key corporate
strengths—global financial staying power, joint design and manufacturing
between the United States and Japan—enable FPC to differentiate itself
within the market and deliver products and services that will transcend
today’s mobile computing experience.
As the undisputed leader in the pen tablet marketplace, Fujitsu PC Corporation
understands the importance of consistently developing leading-edge and
full-feature solutions that deliver a high rate of return on investment
for its customers. FPC plans to continue pushing the envelope in developing
future generations of its pen tablet product lines with advancements in
areas such as connectivity, processor speeds, hard drive size and form
factor. All to ensure FPC’s pen tablets are the best mobile solutions
available and easily transitioned into a “mainstream computing device”.
Fujitsu Pen Tablets
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Fujitsu and the Fujitsu logo are registered trademarks of Fujitsu
Limited. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective
owners. The statements provided herein are for informational purposes only
and may be amended or altered by FPC without notice or liability. FPC disclaims
liability for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions in the press release.
Copyright 2001 Fujitsu PC Corporation. All rights reserved. |
