Toshiba Offers Impressive Color Tablet

When Toshiba introduced its first pen tablet—the T100X in Fall 1992—it was a decidedly underpowered device that was nonetheless cleverly constructed in a very tempting package. At CeBIT ’94, Toshiba rectified this major concern, and added a stunning color display that makes its new line of T200 series pen computers a serious contender in the corporate and vertical application pen computing market.

The first instances of this series, the T200 and the T200CS, demonstrate that Toshiba is still very much interested in expanding and leading this market. Any description of these machines, however, must first focus on their two major highlights: the processing power and the option for color.

The T200CS is powered by a speedy 40 MHz Intel SL Enhanced 486DX2, making it the fastest pen tablet on the market today. The performance of Windows for Pen Computing applications is crisp and very addicting, while graphics operations are additionally enhanced by the inclusion of a VESA local-bus connection and a built-in Windows-optimized graphics accelerator.

While a monochrome version with 64 grey scales—known as the T200—is available, the striking T200CS color model displaying 256 colors at 640 x 480 resolution deservedly received the most attention at CeBIT. Both models use a 9.5″ (241 mm) transflective Advanced (double-scan) STN display, which is comfortable to view at a range of angles.

The T200 computers feature the same smooth, rounded styling of the earlier T100X which gives it a professional, finished look, while providing a comfortable grip for holding in a variety of positions. Toshiba also includes a cordless, passive stylus that requires no batteries for operation. This means that you will never be out in the field with a non-functioning pen—not due to dead pen batteries at any rate.

Toshiba also incorporated the latest in light-weight battery technology into the T200 series computers. Until recently only available in newer model Sony camcorders, rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries feature a higher charge density, and are free from the perceived or real memory effects of standard NiCad rechargeable cells.

Toshiba also appears to be cleverly positioning the T200 series to compete against conventional, paper-based applications rather than the nebulous notebook replacement market. Toshiba is focusing its energy—we believe correctly—on providing a platform that streamlines the electronic interface to the enterprise database.

This makes their message very clear and allows them to sidestep the range of industry and mainstream press criticism of the pen computing market that never was. One notable omission, however, is an explanation of how wireless communication integrates with the T200 strategy.

Toshiba Europe (I.E.) GmbH
Hammfelddamm 8,
41460 Neuss
Germany
+49 2131 15801
+49 2131 158558 (fax)

Summary: T200 Series

• Dimensions: 11″ x 8.3″ x 1.6″ (270 x 210 x 41 mm)
• Weight: 4 lbs (1.8 kg) for T200, 4.4 lbs. (2 kg) for T200CS
• CPU: 3.3 V, SL Enhanced Intel 486DX2, 8 KB cache on chip
• Screen: 9.5″ (241 mm) transflective Advanced (double-scan) STN LCD
• Resolution: 640 x 480 16 grey scales, or 256 colors (VESA local bus, and Windows graphics accelerator)
• Memory: 4 MB (up to 20 MB)
• Storage: 80 MB hard drive, external 1.44 MB 3.5″ floppy
• PCMCIA: Two PCMCIA 2.0 slots, 1 Type II, 1 Type III
• Ports: parallel printer, 9-pin RS-232C serial, PS/2 keyboard, SVGA RGB port
• Battery: Lithium Ion, up to 3-3.5 hours battery life
• Pen: Cordless, passive pen (no batteries)
• Software: MS-DOS 6.2, Windows for Pen Computing