Dell vets get behind tablet PC

A group of former Dell Computer executives is putting in motion a new company to tackle the tablet PC market.

Motion Computing, launched Monday, will manufacture tablet PC devices starting later this year

The tablet PC is a next-generation notebook computer that resembles a laptop screen and uses a stylus as the primary input device. Tablet PC software, developed by Microsoft, seeks to provide a new take on an old idea: How to combine a Windows-based "pen tablet" and a notebook computer. With few exceptions, such devices have so far met with little success.

Microsoft hopes to counter skeptics with a version of its Windows XP operating system that sports a pen interface and handwriting-recognition software. The OS--Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition--will be combined with special displays but otherwise use standard notebook processors and other PC components, which will help to cut down on costs.

Motion Computing, based in Austin, Texas, is the latest company to hook up with Microsoft on tablet PCs. Computer makers including Compaq Computer, Sony and Toshiba are planning to market such devices, and chipmakers Intel, Transmeta and Via Technologies are also working in this area. Each is working with several manufacturers, and Intel and Via have built prototype Tablet PCs as well.

News source: C|Net's News.com