FOR those who want something different to the traditional laptop but with the same core business features, it is well worth considering a tablet PC.

Tablet PCs have been promised for decades, with television programmes like Star Trek showing concept versions, though some say it was Moses himself who originated the idea.

A tablet PC is simply a laptop with a touchscreen which allows you to operate the computer with a digital pen or your fingertip. With the keyboard out of the way it assumes the same shape as a notepad and gives you similar functionality.

Recent improvements in handwriting recognition technology mean your scribble can be interpreted by your computer. Speech recognition software also means most tablet PCs can accept voice commands.

But for the unitiated, the majority of tablet PCs also allow you to use a keyboard.

We've scoured the net for reviews of some of the best tablet PCs available to Irish people.

Fujitsu-Siemens T4210 This is one of the cheapest tablet PCs available in Ireland. Reviews for this are mixed but there do not seem to be any serious issues with it.

It costs Euro1612.83 from Laptops Direct.

Specifications: Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor 1.83 GHz RAM: 512 MB Disk space: 60 GB DVD Dual Layer Drive 12.1" WXGA widescreen TFT screen Integrated fingerprint sensor Weight:2.1 kg Review: (http: //www. engadget. com/2006/07/14/fujitsulifebook-t4210-convertible-pcreviewed/):

"The T4210 gives it to ya both ways, as a tablet and as a traditional notebook, but it's not remarkable at either - the 12.1inch device weighs a bloated 4.5 pounds and only managed two hours of battery life in testing. . . the biometric security features including a finger print scanner are a plus, but the faults of the T4210 literally outweigh the positives.

"If you have no use for decent battery life and like your ultraportables on the bulky side, then the T4210 is available" Acer TravelMate C213TMi A little more expensive but with more disk space - though not as much processing power - is the Acer TravelMate C213TMi Tablet, which costs Euro1775 from LaptopsDirect. ie.

Specifications: Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 - 1.66GHz (x2) RAM: 1024MB Disk space: 100GB 12.0" XGA screen DVDRW Super Multi Double Layer Fingerprint Reader Weight: 2.8 kg Review: (http: //lifekludger. net/2 006/05/26/acer-c200-seriestablet-a-lifekludger-review/):

"If I had to get a laptop tomorrow that runs Windows, I'd buy this Acer, no question, on layout alone. There is no other notebook (with a keyboard) on the market that gives an alternative layout from the common big palm rest with keyboard at back and touchpad design. Alternatively I'd consider a Slate option with no keyboard, provided it had built-in CD."

HP Compaq tc4400 The real powerhouse of tablet PCs is the HP Compaq tc4400 and this is reflected in the higher price. For sheer processing ability, the tc4400 would win the race. It costs Euro2,732.40 from Elara. ie.

Specifications: 2GHz Intel Core Duo T2500 processor RAM: 512MB Disk space: 80GB Optical Drive Optional Weight: 2.1 Kg Review: (http: //laptopmag. com/ Review/HP-Compaq-tc4400Tablet-PC. htm):

"The HP Compaq tc4400 is a good choice for speed demons who demand dual-core performance in a compact design.

If you can live without an integrated optical drive, this notebook/tablet combo is a solid choice."

Toshiba Tecra M7 If it is screensize you require than it's worth considering the Toshiba Tecra M7. Many people complain that tablet PCs don't offer as much choice in screen sizes as laptops.

A 14-inch display with the Toshiba should satisfy those who want screens equivalent to traditional laptops, and the price is good value considering the size of the screen. It's the heaviest of the bunch though:

you may find your biceps getting bigger the more you use it. It's Euro1,793.96 from Elara. ie

Specifications: Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 - 1.66GHz (x2) RAM: 512MB Disk space: 80GB 14.1" TFT screen DVDRW Super Multi Double Layer Battery life (depending on use): 3.3 hours Weight: 2.8kg Review: (http: //www. tabletpcreview. com/default. asp? newsI D=605):

"This is my first time using a Tablet PC and I love everything about it. The Tecra M7 is a powerful convertible notebook computer that is great for editing photos and taking notes easily (when the Tecra M7 is in Tablet PC mode).

After using the Tecra M7 it has been a tough transition back to the conventional notebook PC for me."

(http: //www. gottabemobile. com/ToshibaTecraM7Tablet PCHardwareInkShow. aspx):

"For those who desire a large screen tablet PC, one of the choices that should be on your shortlist is the Toshiba Tecra M7 Tablet PC. At 14", Core Duo, and sporting a widescreen display, it offers a lot of punch and plenty of writing space."

Lenovo X60 The favourite of magazine editors and most review sites, the Lenovo X60 seems to be a tablet PC designed to make most people happy. Likewise it is the winner for us where value, power, weight and support are concerned.

Higher-priced than some of the others on the list, the interface, design and light weight are a plus. It is only a pity that the outside design is not as modern as the thinking behind making it. The price starts at Euro2,370.

Specifications: Processor Speed: 1.66 GHz RAM: 1024 MB Disk space: 100GB Weight: 2kg Screen size: 12.1 inches Primary optical drive: External Review: (http: //www. tabletpc2. com/FirstLook-LenovoThinkPadX60TabletPC-Article 901114. htm):

"Those who waited months for the release of the Lenovo X60 Tablet PC will not be disappointed. Cutting-edge technology, light weight and easy to use. There is no question that the Lenovo X60 Tablet PC will be an excellent choice for students, doctors, field workers, road warriors and home users alike."

Modbook For Mac lovers there is a tablet device which takes a MacBook and moulds it into a pretty tablet. About to go into production, this could be a musthave for those who want something special. (http: //eshop. macsales. com/shop/ModBook) Speci"cations: Mac OS X 10.4 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Built-in iSight Apple Remote 802.11g and Bluetooth 512MB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM 60GB 5400-RPM Hard Drive Combo DVD & CD RW AnyView' 13.3" Wide Screen GPS Reviews: Not yet reviewed.