A pen mouse can turn that laptop or desktop into a tablet PC, but does it really work?

Hantech Corporation claims that it can turn your laptop into a tablet PC by incorporating its SiSo Tablo pen mouse. The device can be used in two ways: on a piece of paper, or directly on the screen like a stylus. A USB receiver, clamped at the top of the screen, makes this happen by using ultrasonic sound technology to pinpoint the pen's exact location; its infrared ray system picks up the right and left mouse buttons.

"Tablo supports perfect tablet compatibility with Microsoft Windows XP and Vista and provides the finest handwriting, drawing, sketching, and illustration with simple touch," the company said. "This excellent pen mouse allows to maximize its convenience while using following software; Microsoft Windows Live messenger, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Journal Note, and Sticky Note and Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, PDF, and many more programs where mouse is normally used."

The product description states that the pen mouse can be used for direct input on the screen, or in the air like the Nintendo Wii with "emotional handwriting." The device covers an area up to 15.4-inches, possibly making it ideal for consumers who don't want to shell out big bucks for a Wacom tablet. The pen mouse also incorporates speed pressure technology, allowing users to create unique brush strokes or accurate signatures.

ABC News wrote a brief "review" of the SiSo Tablo here, saying that the device could be used with inexpensive netbooks with 10-inch screens. However, according to the article, the overall experience of the device needs work. Apparently, the pen isn't as precise as a tablet PC, and the overall setup isn't as convenient either.