Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

Windows XP Tablet PC Edition is an edition of Windows XP intended for specially-designed notebook/laptop computers called tablet PCs. Windows XP Tablet PC Edition is compatible with a pen-sensitive screen, supporting handwritten notes and portrait-oriented screens. A retail version cannot be purchased separately from a tablet PC, but is avaliable to Microsoft Developers Network (MSDN) subscribers.

Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
File:Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.jpg Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
Developer	Microsoft
OS family	Windows XP
Working state	Current
Source model	Shared source
Latest release	2005
Kernel type	Hybrid kernel
Default user interface	Graphical User Interface
License	Proprietary EULA
Official website	Windows XP Tablet PC Home Page

Included Software

Windows XP Tablet PC Edition is based on Windows XP Professional and includes all the software provided in it. In addition it includes some of the following software:

• Windows Journal
• Sticky Notes
• Ink Ball
• Experience Pack: Ink Art
• Experience Pack: Ink Crossword
• Experience Pack: Ink Desktop
• Experience Pack: Media Transfer
• Experience Pack: Snipping Tool 2.0
• Education Pack: Equation Writer
• Education Pack: GoBinder Lite
• Education Pack: Hexic Delux

It is often also bundled with OneNote 2003

Versions

There are two versions of Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.

• Windows XP Tablet PC Edition - The original release.
• Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 - The Tablet PC equivilant to Windows XP Service Pack 2.

The 2005 edition is avaliable as a service pack upgrade, or as a new OEM version.

There will be no new versions, as tablet PC functionality is included in the Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista.^[1]

Upgrading to Vista

Despite the inclusion of Tablet PC support in Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista, it is only possible to upgrade to Business and Ultimate editions. This is because Tablet PC edition is based on Windows XP Professional, and so moving to Home Premium would cause a downgrade and loss of features. However, an upgrade version can be legaly used to perform a clean install of Windows Vista as a replacement for Tablet PC Edition.

Many of the 'new' features boasted in Windows Vista have already been launched as part of Windows XP Tablet PC Edition or Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005. Some of these features include:

• Windows Journal
• Ink Ball
• Sticky Notes

References

1. "Windows Vista: Editions". Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved 2007-01-22.