13. Viewsonic Tablet PC V1100

Viewsonic offers a typical slate representative with its V1100. Although the device only has a 10.4" TFT display, it is 200 grams heavier and considerably larger than the HP model. But Viewsonic makes exemplary use of the broad edge around the display: the numerous shortcut buttons for functions like the Windows menu, rotating screen contents, key combinations [Ctrl Alt Del] or display keyboard are very practically placed. Moreover, the V1100 has a navigation key complete with a replacement mouse button (see picture above), like a Pocket PC. It allows the user to navigate quickly through menus or scroll through documents without using a stylus.

System performance is also decent: 14.4 dots in CCWS 2002 make it the second best in the test panel. The combination of the 866 MHz CPU, 20 GB hard drive and Intel 830 graphics chip (48 MB shared memory) works very well. Only the Toshiba tablet PC, with its 1.3 GHz CPU, is faster. The high level of performance of the V1100 has its downside: at two hours and 19 minutes, it has the worst battery life in the sample. This holds back its efficiency compared to its rivals: HP uses a somewhat weaker battery (3600 mAh, 11.1 volts; Viewsonic: 3900 mAh, 7.4 volts), and yet manages a better battery life.

Despite the good system performance and features of the Viewsonic V1100, experts favor the devices from Fujitsu or HP. They offer significantly better ergonomics at only slightly higher prices.

The pictures show the left and right edges of the display of the Viewsonic V1100, with its numerous and useful shortcut buttons and navigation key.