Shouldn’t I then buy a Tablet PC instead of a laptop which lacks digital ink?
A Tablet PC can do everything a laptop can do, and more (digital ink). But, as in most things in life, there are trade-offs for the ability to use digital ink: • Tablet PCs are more expensive. The current premium is about $200, though I expect that amount to decrease with time. • Tablet PCs are more delicate. Laptop screens should not be touched, whereas Tablet PC screens are by the pen and stylus. Also, as discussed below, a convertible Tablet PC has only one hinge hinge, not two, between the screen and keyboard, which makes the connection weaker and more subject to failure. (This is not an issue with a slate). • Tablet PCs give you less choices, perhaps because, due to the lesser (for now) market for Tablet PCs, there are fewer models than for laptops. To me, the trade-offs are well worth it for being able to use digital ink. I don’t anticipate buying another laptop in the near future.
