How to Use a Tablet PC Efficiently

PCs that use "pens" to write directly onto the screen, commonly called tablet PCs, are becoming increasingly popular because of their versatility and potential for one-touch usage without keyboards or mice. Motion Computing, a leading supplier of tablet PCs, says that "tablet PCs are playing an increasingly significant role" in assisting health-care sector productivity. Tablet PCs also are useful in home and school environments, allowing for quicker hands-on writing and one-touch informational display. Unfortunately, while tablet PCs offer quick computing for those familiar with the computing method, a novice tablet PC user may find the platform a bit cumbersome. However, with the right tips and tricks even a first-time user can compute efficiently on a tablet PC.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Experience Pack for Tablet PC

Instructions

1. Make sure you've installed the Microsoft Experience Pack for Tablet PC to enhance your tablet PC experience for maximum pen-computing efficiency. The Microsoft Experience Pack is available for free download from Microsoft's website (see Resources). The full pack includes six programs designed specifically to make tablet PCs more user-friendly. Of the six programs, three are most crucial for efficiency: "Ink Desktop" lets you take notes right on your desktop, the "Snipping Tool" lets you copy pieces of Web pages using your tablet PC pen and "Ink Art" allows for painting with the tablet PC's pen. Once installed, open one of the six programs to enjoy its features.

2. Don't be afraid to rest your hand directly on the screen. Hold the tablet PC's pen just like a normal ballpoint pen and place your hand wherever it feels most comfortable. Many people use tablet PCs inefficiently because they're constantly worrying about "bumping" the screen---your hand will not affect the screen, only a pen stroke or a pen tap will influence the PC.

3. Use the quick-launch bar for more efficient tablet PC desktop usage. Microsoft's Jeff Van West says "navigating hierarchical menus" can be slower with a pen than with a mouse, so efficient tablet PC usage requires regular use of shortcuts. You can add small shortcuts to the quick-launch bar by tapping and dragging icons into the quick-launch area.

4. Pin items to the Windows Start Menu by dragging the icons onto the menu. Such "pinned" items will remain on the Start Menu's main screen, making it easier to get at them with a simple tap of your tablet PC's pen.

5. Hide notification area icons, as recommended by Van West. The "notification area icons" appear at the lower-right-hand side of the screen. Hiding these icons frees up taskbar space for more commonly used items, allowing for more efficient, one-tap access using a tablet PC pen. To hide the icons, right-click (see Resources for pen right-clicking) on a blank portion of the taskbar, tap "Properties," then tap the "Taskbar" tab. Tap on the "Hide Inactive Icons" option, followed by "Customize" and "Always Hide." Tap "OK" to confirm the change.

References

• Motion Computing: "Leading Healthcare Executives Cite Emerging Trends."
• Microsoft: "Customize Windows XP for Power Tablet Use," by Jeff Van West.

Resources

• Microsoft: "Microsoft Experience Pack for Tablet PC."
• Microsoft: "Right-Clicking with a Pen."