VANCOUVER, WA, JUN 25 - Wacom Technology Corp., the world's leading maker of interactive pen displays and electronic pens, today welcomed the beta release of Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC operating system, a major developmental milestone in bringing the benefits of pen input and other technologies to the next generation of mobile PC users. "The performance, features, and reliability of Wacom's patented batteryless pressure-sensitive pen technology is ideal for Tablet PCs, especially for taking handwritten notes in meetings for later reference or conversion to text, as well as annotating documents using digital ink," said Joe Deal, president.
"Microsoft is pleased to see industry-leading companies like Wacom Technology supporting the Tablet PC," said Alexandra Loeb, vice president of the Tablet PC division at Microsoft. "Working together, we can deliver the true vision of the Tablet PC to information workers, enabling them to experience the productivity gains that the Tablet PC offers in their everyday work."
For Tablet PCs, Wacom has two new higher-resolution digitizer sensor boards, in addition to its current 10.4" design, that provide up to 2,500 lines per inch maximum resolution, up 2.5 times from the 1,000 lines previously available. These allow OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to use Wacom's award-winning pen sensing technology in both Tablet PCs and PDAs (personal digital assistants). A 12.1" diagonal sensor for Tablet PCs and vertical market PCs has dimensions of 260.6 x 196.4 mm and 3 mm thickness including connectors and weighs 68 g. An 8.4" diagonal sensor has dimensions of 138.8 x 192.6 mm and weighs 29 g.
Also new is Wacom's Executive Pen for Tablet PCs. It is of metal construction and features a high quality feel and styling. It provides 256 levels of pressure and has a single side switch with no eraser. The side switch can be programmed to be a right mouse click.
Wacom's patented cordless, batteryless, pressure-sensitive pen technology is used in more than 2 million graphics tablets and interactive pen displays worldwide.
A major advantage of Wacom sensors for Tablet PCs is that the technology mounts behind the display. This allows 100 per cent luminous transmission, resulting in a clearer display. It also increases reliability and durability because the sensor is physically protected from harmful influences such as dirt and moisture. Another advantage is low power consumption with advanced power management, both essential to improve battery life. The pens are batteryless and cordless, thus providing a higher reliability pen.
The Wacom's LSI integrated sensor system consists of: A wide range of cordless, batteryless and pressure-sensitive pen designs in a range of sizes, features and industrial designs. All Wacom pens include at least one side switch. Erasers are available as an option, and pens are available in numerous design configurations. Wacom pens for Tablet PC s can sense 256 levels of pressure, thus duplicating the look and feel of a real pen on paper.
The sensor is a very thin and flexible glass epoxy material, and versions using PET and FPC are also available. A range of sensors is available in rectangular formats measuring diagonally 3.5", 4.0", 8.4", 10.4", and 12.1".
An integrated W8001 chip, which measures only .39" (10 mm) x .39" (10 mm) x 0.5" (1.2 mm) to offer maximum efficiency in the smallest space.
