Hi Michael G.

Any chance of MoI running on this tablet?

http://na.blackberry.com/eng/#

Just curious.

Michael T.

Hi Michael T - probably not too likely, because that tablet probably does not run the Windows operating system. It probably doesn't even use the same kind of Intel-type CPU that regular desktop and laptop type systems use.

Systems like that can't just run any already existing program, they only can run programs that are specifically developed just for that system. So for MoI's case that would likely mean making a completely different version for that system which is quite a lot of work.

- Michael

Hi Michael G.

Thanks for the answer. Kinda like writing the software to run on a Mac?

Not worth the manpower.

Thanks again,

Michael T.

Hi Michael T,

> Kinda like writing the software to run on a Mac?

Sort of like that, but actually even a bigger step since the Mac actually has the same kind of CPU as a Windows machine even though the software operating system environment is different.

But being based on the same CPU makes it possible in some circumstances to run the same code, as long as it is more self contained and does not rely on a lot of services from the operating system.

- Michael

Thanks Michael G. for the explanation.

Michael T.

I'm planning on getting one of these in a few weeks:

http://computers.shop.ebay.com/PC-Laptops-Netbooks-/177/i.html?_nkw=Compaq+TC1100&_catref=1&_dmpt=Laptop_Adapters_Chargers&_fln=1&_sc=1&_sop=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282

It doesn't use the typical Intel graphics chip, it has an NVidia GeForce 4 Go 420 32MB chip, so it should be okay for lite sketching and some 3D work on the go.

On another forum an ArtRage user said he's used this tablet with ArtRage and MoI successfully.

Hi Kurt, re: HP TC1100 - that's like 7 years old, which is fairly ancient technology wise but it should still work for light/moderate duty stuff.

One thing to watch out for is that some of those models seem to come with only 256MB of system RAM which would probably be pushing it, you would want 512MB or better yet one with 1GB system RAM.

So keep that in mind - if the one you decide on is a 256MB one you'll probably also need a RAM upgrade along with it to make it run better.

With only 256MB there is too much of a chance that you'll swap memory to disk too much and that will slow things down more than anything else.

An older machine like this can actually be pretty serviceable as long as it has enough system RAM in it. And an older machine that has nVidia or ATI graphics on it helps it out quite a bit as well.

Sometimes batteries on old systems like these are worn out and you may want to find out if you can get a new battery pack for it or not.

- Michael

Thanks Michael. Any modern alternatives?

So far the market really hasn't created anything that can surpass that TC1100 or a Toshiba M4. (Though the M4 was reported being a bit heavy for lugging around.)

Someone needs to make a modern processor, modern os, solid state drive, NVidia graphics, wacom enabled, pen tablet p.c. Trouble is it would probably be as much as a stand alone desktop system. I'm hoping to get the TC1100 for under $300.oo. Even if I get a new battery and upgrade to Windows 7 I'll still be ahead.

Don't know if the TC1100 can be upgraded to a solid state drive. It would improve battery life and system speed if possible.

Hi Kurt,

> Any modern alternatives?

I haven't really kept all up to date so I'm not really the best source for info.

There are various kinds of Tablet PCs out there, but they're usually way more expensive than what you're targeting here, and more of them are the laptop style ones and not slate style or lighter sized.

The new HP Slate that was talked about and then canceled seems like it could have been a fit. I guess ASUS is working on an Eee pad that would probably be less expensive like their other Eee PC stuff. There will probably be a round of new Tablet PC slates generally coming out in response to the iPad though, so there may be some new options in not too long.


> Don't know if the TC1100 can be upgraded to a solid state drive.

Possibly, but you'll have to be careful because it looks like the TC1100 uses an older style IDE interface for the hard disk. It looks like you might be able to find a SSD that will support that but the majority of them will be set up for a SATA hard drive interface instead which would not work.

That can be one of the problems with getting equipment more than few years old, a lot of times the interfaces on things have changed (especially over the course of 7 years, that's a long stretch) and brand new equipment won't be compatible.

But also some manufacturers will make stuff that is compatible with the old stuff as well, you just have to be careful to get the right ones.

- Michael