It looks like some information about the first devices based on the Microsoft Tablet PC is slowly trickling out. Even though the devices look pretty well stocked (with everything from GPS to WiFi), i’m still skeptical due to 3 basic facts I have seen as a long time Microsoft Embedded developer:

1) Reading. I just don’t buy the whole e-book thing. Most people I found in the PDA world still carry books around, and they’re not going to read a 1000 page novel on a screen. People like paper.

2) Writing. Text input on pen devices traditionally is NOT easy nor comfortable, regardless of what the Top 10 Benefits of the Tablet PC claims. I have tried. Time and time again, I just cant take notes on them, and always defer to the old pad and paper. See #1 - People like paper.

3) Price. Unless the price is reasonable people will opt for laptops. Microsoft made this mistake with the H/PC-Professional edition, which were excellent travel companions (not to mention light), but at $700+, inexpensive laptops make more sense.

Don’t get me wrong, I think this is a pretty cool form factor that will definately find a niche in certain places, such as hospitals and inventory management.

Thoughts?