Ricoh Integrates CD-ROM into Pen Tablet

Multimedia is Making its Way to Pen-Based Computing

While multimedia has been all the rage in notebook systems for nearly two years, its adoption as an integral part of pen computing systems has been less prodigious. Part of the reason is clearly due to cost—pen computing systems already carry a premium over their notebook counterparts, making the addition of any new part the focus of additional scrutiny. However, other forces are at work as well.

Notebook systems have fast become desktop replacements, not only while on the road but also back at the office. As CD-ROM based distribution of information has become commonplace, so too has the need for this type of drive. Notebook computers are also increasingly the platform of choice for today’s high-level presentations, all but replacing the venerable overhead projector. This has necessitated the adoption of multimedia hardware as part of the mobile platform.

Mixing Pens and CDs

Pen computing systems, on the other hand, have tended to gravitate towards more vertical solutions, often staying clear of the hands of many classes of mobile professional. Whether you’re entering inventory information, or collecting gas meter readings, CD-ROMs are not very likely to form a core requirement for completing the task. Or are they?

“Ricoh took a step in redefining pen computing by integrating an internal double-speed CD-ROM and other multimedia capabilities such as stereo sound.”

Ricoh Corporation, perhaps best known for its family of office copiers, took a step in redefining pen computing by introducing the G-1200S pen-based tablet at COMDEX featuring an internal double-speed CD-ROM and other multimedia capabilities such as stereo sound. The G-1200S’ drive is capable of accepting both standard 12 cm CDs, along with the smaller 8 cm disks.

Powered by a 486DX2 processor running at 50 MHz, the G-1200S won’t set any speed records. However, the 9.5-inch color LCD brings to life a range of multimedia content and allows interaction through the use of a passive pen.

Hard disk storage is accommodated through the use of a removable PCMCIA 340 MB drive occupying a Type III slot. Another Type II slot is available for any standard PC Card including LAN, SCSI, or wireless communication.

Weighing only 4.4 lbs., the G-1200S is designed for portability, backed up by lithium battery cells capable of running the unit for four hours of continuous use; 2.5 hours when the CD-ROM is also being constantly accessed.

The Ricoh G-1200S is available now and carries a suggested retail price of US $3,995.

A Handy Combination

Integrating CD-ROM, and other flexible new mass storage systems, on a pen tablet is an idea whose time has come. As the cost of recordable CD-ROMs continue to drop, more and more firms are realizing the benefits of equipping their mobile (and stationary) workers with complete information, thereby decentralizing the decision making process and improving service and support.

The availability of systems such as the G-1200S opens the door to a spectrum of new pen-based mobile applications. It’s not hard to imagine emergency management personal using such a tablet in conjunction with GPS (Global Positioning System) and GIS (Geographic Information System) software stored on CD-ROM.

Another scenario could have an insurance agent performing advanced decision support comparing present conditions against volumes of historical data stored on CD. Clearly, vendors should make integrated CD-ROMs available as options for their current platforms.