Gates Previews Pen-Based Computer
R. Krause - November 15, 2000

Event Summary

November 13, 2000Microsoft chairman Bill Gates used his keynote speech at Comdex to unveil a 'proof of concept' system Microsoft calls its 'Tablet PC'. The Tablet is a little over two pounds, and expected to be around the size of a legal pad. Gates apparently believes pad/tablet PCs and pen-based computing are the 'next big thing(s)' in the PC hardware arena.The Tablet currently uses the 'Crusoe' processor from upstart startup Transmeta Corp. Transmeta has been promoting its low-power-consumption CPU as being ideal for notebook computers and other mobile systems that require long battery life. In addition to the battery life issue, Crusoe utilizes 'Mobile Linux', a scaled-down version of the increasingly popular Linux OS, and something Transmeta calls 'Code Morphing' software, which allows the processor to be compatible with x86-based applications. Microsoft does not expect the Tablet to ship until 2003 Market Impact..