Lenovo X60s Tablet PC to support finger and stylus

Ask anybody who has anything to do with pen-computing, whether that be with a traditional Tablet PC or any of the new "Origami" UMPC models, and they'll have an opinion on the merits of Active versus Passive digitisers.  Active digitisers rely on a special pen and, in most commercial units, use Wacom technology.  They're very precise but, obviously, if you lose the stylus you're stuck until you can buy another (and they're not cheap).  Jabbing at it with your finger won't work.  Passive digitisers, however, will respond to any input; they're the sort you find on PDAs, touchscreen Smartphones and GPS units and, so far, all of the UMPCs.  The upside is of course that you don't need a specific pen; the downside is a far lesser degree of accuracy; plus, the onscreen drawing & writing experience can sometimes be marred by false contact from the palm of the hand.  You can rest your entire face on the screen of an Active digitiser and it won't matter.

 

For a while now, Microsoft has been boasting dual-screen Active and Passive support in Vista, its next-gen OS, but we've yet to see an actual device that has it.  However, Rob Bushway has had word from one of his well-connected readers that next month Lenovo will be announcing the X60s Tablet PC with a screen option called MultiTouch – responsive to both specific pen and finger touch.

Intel 945GM chipset
Intel Core Solo and Core Duo Processors Low Volt Processors
Core Duo ( L2400 (1.66ghz) and L2500 (1.83 ghz)
Core Solo (U1400 (1.2 ghz) to announce in January 2007
new 2.5" SATA high-speed, standard models with 5400rpm, up to 120gb capacity and optional 100gb 7200 rpm hd available
128mb of Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Up to 4gb of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory (667 mhz) – 3.2gb available to the operating system
2 memory slots – memory is no longer soldered to the mother board
Connectivity
802.11 a/b/g
Embedded Wireless WWAN
Bluetooth options
Integrated modem and Gigabit
12.1" XGA Wide angle display ( 170 degrees) comes standard with
Anti-glare / anti reflective coating, now with dynamic screen orientation that adapts the screen to how you want to work ( we are assuming this is like the M200 and M400 accelerometer that auto rotates based on the angle you hold the screen)
Plus two other new screen options
Optional models available with SXGA ( max res of 1400 x 1050)
Optional models available with indoor / outdoor viewing capability with touch screen for enhanced ease of use and flexability
MultiTouch screen allows either finger or pen touch to move cursor for ease of use and more natural interaction with tablet
MultiView display provides better screen technology for viewing indoors, outdoors, and from wide angles ( 170 degrees )
Pen with eraser on other end

We've got Lenovo X60s Tablet PC specs [GottaBeMobile]