Features

SAN JOSE — After years of dreams and hype, Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates will launch digital tablets that can handle text like a paper notepad but run all the programs of a notebook PC. 

The “Tablet PC” is nothing but revolutionary, according to Gates, who has predicted the ultralight gadgets will be the most popular personal computer style within five years. 

But analysts who have toyed with the devices are not so impressed, particularly with the limited screen real estate and short battery life. And it’s not clear customers see the need, they say. 

“A lot of system architects are scratching their heads trying to figure out what the big advantage is here,” said Richard Doherty, director of The Envisioneering Group, a research firm. 

On Thursday, Gates will officially launch a version of the Windows XP operating system specifically for the devices. Thirteen hardware vendors from Hewlett-Packard Co. to Fujitsu will unveil models based on Microsoft’s software. 

All the tablets weigh about 3 pounds and are about the size and shape of a standard ultralight notebook. They have swiveling screens that can be written on with a pen-like stylus. 

The tablets are based on one of two designs, with a few mixing elements of both. Some are only tablets, with no input device other than the digital pen. Others are notebook computers in which the keyboard can be folded away and the screen used for entering data. Others still can be docked into a unit that provides network connections or additional drives. 

Microsoft’s operating system includes software that recognizes handwriting scribbled on the screen and converts it into plain text. Jotted notes also can be used in programs as graphics. 

Prices vary. Hewlett-Packard’s entry model costs $1,699 without wireless capability and $1,799 with wireless. Acer’s starts at $2,199 without wireless and $2,395 with the feature. 

Analysts say the devices are especially handy for those who have to enter data into forms while on the go, such as insurance or health care workers. Similar devices, which essentially bolted Windows onto proprietary hardware and software, have been available for 10 years and have sold well in industries where mobile form entry is important.