ViewSonic's Tablet PC V1100 may be a portable computing solution, but its similarity to a conventional notebook ends there. Unlike a notebook, the Tablet PC V1100 dispenses with a traditional keyboard in favor of a stylus-activated tablet that allows users to enter data and run applications via handwritten input. And, at just 9.9 by 11.3 by 1.1 inches and a mere 3.4 lbs., the unit is substantially less cumbersome than a conventional mobile computer.

When compared to other portable computers in its price range, the Tablet PC V1100 is not particularly powerful. The system is equipped with an 866 MHz Mobile Intel Pentium III processor, 256 MB SDRAM, and an embedded 4X AGP video chip, which certainly won't be enough horsepower to drive high-end games or graphic design packages. It is, however, suitable for most day-to-day notebook purposes and business applications.

In fact, the Tablet PC V1100 is best used to enter, store, and share notes, ideas, and concepts that might otherwise be kept in a paper format. Sporting solid handwriting recognition capabilities and useful software such as Microsoft's Office XP Pack and Windows XP Tablet PC edition, the featherweight Tablet PC V1100 instantly improves coworker collaboration, from airport to boardroom.

The unit features a surprisingly large 20 GB hard drive, a high-luminance XGA 10.4-inch TFT LCD viewing screen, and dual display orientations (portrait and landscape). With integrated support for wireless and wired networking, connectivity to the Internet, LANs, and e-mail is ensured under any circumstance. Other features include a PC Card slot, a 56K modem, two USB ports, and a single FireWire connection for outboard peripherals such as CD drives and digital cameras and camcorders.