Lonestar… what is it?
By Spencer Goad, Owner & Executive Editor

You may have heard about Microsoft's upcoming update to the Tablet PC OS, codenamed Lonestar. But what exactly is it really? Well, it is basically a feature pack update, set alongside an update to the Tablet PC development SDK. Among the new features added by the update is a new TIP (TabletPC Input Panel), as well as some other updates.

An alpha version of the update is now in use by numerous users in the TabletPCBuzz forums, as well as elsewhere on the web. So far the response has been mostly positive, with surprisingly few bugs. I've been using the alpha since November, had have really had almost no problems with it whatsoever. However, it is still an alpha, and is still a good ways from release.

Under the alpha end user agreement, I'm not allowed to talk much about the alpha publicly, but I will add a few comments here. So far I have really "fallen in love", so to speak, with the update. The new in-place TIP is really great, and makes inputting text much easier than it was/is with the original Tablet PC OS. I'm just starting to explore some of the new features of the SDK, and I may comment on those at a later date. Based on what I have seen so far though, I think both end users and developers alike will love the Lonestar update.

Note: Microsoft has not officially said anything about a release date on Lonestar, although I expect it is still a good ways out.

Here are a few Lonestar related links -

• Big Honking TabletPCBuzz Thread Discussing Lonestar
• TabletPCBuzz Thread with Information on the Lonestar Alpha
• Microsoft's Lonestar Information Page
• Peter Rysavy's Early Look at Lonestar

Editors Note: These events look like they will be a great source of information for those considering how the Tablet PC can help them in their business enviorment. If one of the events is taking place in your city, I reccomend you check them out!

The demand for mobile computing information exceeds many other technology segments due to its complexity and its novelty. The thought of being able to work in a periodically connected world, move about while viewing and gathering information, reduce or eliminate the paper trail, all while improving efficiency, is a very revolutionary concept. Therefore, the demand to look and see is very present. As a result, FREE educational events are provided to IT and non-IT professionals who seek mobile solutions. Please visit the following Webpage and register to attend: http://www.tabletpctraining.com/evtMobileQ1.htm or contact Bernie Day at Leszynski Group – 425 644-7826, x219.

Welcome to the rebirth of the Tablet PCBuzz newsletter!

What to do, what to do. What do you do when you get a chance to weekly communicate your thoughts to a few thousand (extremely savvy) Tablet PC enthusiasts? I’ve been pondering that this last week or so since it was decided I would do this regular piece. I quickly decided that what I think is not necessarily all that important, rather it is what you out there fueling the good discussions think that really counts! What I have decided to do with this space is a regular summarization of some popular threads of discussion in Tablet PC communities and news groups I frequent. We realize it is difficult for all to get time to wade through all the threads, so each week I am going to do a little wading myself and summarize one topic a week. Sort of like the “Readers Digest Condensed Version” of popular discussions Tablet enthusiasts are having. I will not always refer to a specific thread, as sometimes there are multiple topics on a similar subject. If you have a particularly poignant comment (in my opinion of course), I may quote you directly! Here are some topics from the recent past I may cover soon:

1. Ink on the web – A new web site, a new idea!
2. Wireless TV on a Tablet PC (10 on the cool factor scale!) - TV to TC1100 or LCD monitor OT?
3. Gone, but coming back! - Crossword Puzzle Power Toy

I hope that you find this process helpful. There is a lot of good discussion going on out there that we can all benefit from. I’ll include some reference threads on the site when appropriate so you can read more if you’d like. We’ll also give a list of the most popular threads each week for your own perusal. Let me know your thoughts, see you next week for round one!

Alright, I know this is what you all are looking for, so I won't keep you waiting any longer. The second half of the contest password is - "cs=cool". If you found the article earlier this week with this first half in it, you now should know the whole password and can enter the contest forum! If you are sitting there reading this, and wondering what on earth I'm talking about... prehaps you should check out this forum post - http://www.tabletpcbuzz.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9825