Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) are exceptional technical community leaders from around the world who are awarded for voluntarily sharing their high quality, real world expertise in offline and online technical communities. Microsoft MVPs are a highly select group of experts that represents the technical community's best and brightest, and they share a deep commitment to community and a willingness to help others.
MVPs represent a broad spectrum of Microsoft product users. They occupy many different professions including accountants, teachers, artists, engineers and technologists. MVPs reside in over 90 countries, represent 30 different languages, and cover more than 90 Microsoft technologies.
MVPs tend to be early adopters of new technology and actively communicate their experiences to millions of other technology users. Through their extensive community activity, MVPs help others solve problems and discover new capabilities, helping people get the maximum value from their technology.
We value each and every enquiry and promise a personalised response within 90 minutes of you sending the enquiry (8am – 2am daily).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a UMPC?
A. A UMPC is an Ultra Mobile PC. The Origami Ultra Mobile PC is a project by Microsoft that was unveiled last 2006 at a CeBIT exhibition in Hanover, Germany. Initially, Microsoft code named the project 'Project Origami'. Microsoft decided to keep the name as it was popularized by the media. The Origami ultra mobile PC is a $1000 PC utilizing a standard Windows OS. Its size is between a PC tablet and a personal digital assistant.
Q. Can Iinstall software which runs on my desktop, or notebook, on my UMPC?
A. Absolutely. Most all Applications which run on a Desktop or a Notebook have the ability to run on a UMPC. The only idiosyncrasy is that UMPC often do not include a CD or DVD ROM inside them, so remember to order an external version for yourself, i.e. USB DVD RWs are best. Note, for the more technically minded folks it is also possible to share a DVD Drive over a Network and access it remotely using a UMPC.
Q. Who is using UMPC, and Tablet PC, and why?
The list is varies though Tegatech can report successful implementation with several markets, for e.g. Mining, Transport, Medical, Mobile Sales, Surveying, Realty, Financial sector, Disability Sector and much more. Some recent successes include:
>> Department of Housing NSW: 150x Samsung Q1U, NSE State, January 2008
>> TAB Corp. Conrad Casino: 250x Sahara i412T (Touch) Slate PC, Brisbane, April 2008
>> National Australia Bank: HTC Shift, Sydney, Mobile Executive Project, March 2008
>> Rio Tinto: Panasonic ToughBook Cf-08, Data collection at Brisbane Smelter, February 2008
>> Microsoft Australia: OQO e2 and Sahara Slate, Medical/Disability Arena, 2007 -2008
>> Lynfox Transport WA: Raon Digital EVERUN, Western Australia freight line, January 2008.
>> Private Hospital WA: Samsung Q1, Hospitals in Western Australia.
Q. What is the difference between Windows XP Tablet PC Edition and Windows XP Professional?
A. It will come as a surprise to some of you but Windows XP Tablet PC Edition is in fact a version of Windows XP Professional, with a value-add package integrated into the Tablet PC installation. The additional features enable users to input data via the Tablet Input Panel (TIP) using a pen or stylus supplied with your UMPC or Tablet PC. TIP features include:
>> Software based keyboard can be accessed by users to punch away at keys.
>> Convert individual handwritten letters to text
>> Convert entire words to Text
>> Ability to teach the Operating System your style of handwriting in order to increase accuracy (Vista Operating System only)
It is probably important to note that Windows XP Tablet PC Edition support connection to Domain Controllers and Active Directory based networks. Also, for system integrators, excitingly UMPC installations can be built from a standard Remote Installation Services image, just like any other PC. This is a big plus in larger organisations, as UMPC can be part of an SOE without any hassle or compromise. This is a big improvement over PDAs.
Q. What is the difference between a UMPC and a MID?
A. A MID is a Mobile Internet Device. Based on a similar concept to the UMPC category the main point of difference is that MIDs will often be supplied Linux Operating System only, and will be smaller in size. While a UMPC offers the opportunity to replace a notebook, or even a desktop, a MID is designed to offer the Internet in your pocket. MIDs will be offered with Intel’s new Architecture named Atom and may have lower system specifications than a traditional Ultra-Mobile PC.
Q. Why are Tablet PCs more expensive than traditional Notebooks and Laptops?
A. In order to enjoy the benefits of handwritten input, and touch navigation, there are two technologies included in Tablet PCs, and more recently into UMPC also. These are:
>> The use of an Active Digitiser (electromagnetic pen/screen combination used to navigate around a Tablet PC)
>> The use of a resistive Touchscreen (normally 4-wire resistive touch allowing users to navigate via a pen or the use of a finger)
Both of these technologies came at a cost and need to be included with UMPC and Tablet PC in order to make complete use of their features. The additional cost of these technologies varies but ultimately is is passed onto you, the end-user, and therefore the main reason why Tablet PC and some UMPC are more costly than traditional Notebooks and Laptops.
Q. Why are Rugged devices more expensive than non rugged devices?
A. In order to ruggedize Computers (protect against knocks and ingress of dust and water) there are many additional requirements, and costs, imposed on the manufacture process. These result in a higher priced device. These requirements may include:
>> Shock protection for Hard Disks and Optical Drives
>> Inclusion of Solid State Disks (SSD)
>> Increase in Operating Temperature Range, e.g. -20º to 60º C (-4º to 140º F)
>> Latches, doors and rubber bushes are often included to protect against the ingress of water and dust. Ingress Protection Ratings are often supplied by manufacturers and can help you distinguish between the standard of protection, for e.g. IP54: The first digit of the IP code indicates the degree that persons are protected against contact with moving parts (other than smooth rotating shafts, etc.) and the degree that equipment is protected against solid foreign bodies intruding into an enclosure. The second digit indicates the degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against the harmful entry of various forms of moisture (e.g. dripping, spraying, submersion, etc. The higher the number, the better the rating.
>> Many billions of dollars are spent annually on Research and Development (R&D) in order to produce more rugged devices.
Q. Does Tegatech Australia sell direct to the public?
No, Tegatech Australia is a wholesaler and only deals with a Channel of Authorised Resellers. End Users may contact Tegatech at anytime and discuss their requirements as Tegatech is often the Southern Hemisphere’s most reliable source for this sort of information. Once a user needs to buy a UMPC or Tablet PC in Australia/NZ pricing will be addressed by a local Reseller. Tegatech feels this allows for the best level of service and fastest point of contact for all future queries.
Q. Why are Tegatech Australia prices so high?
A. Prices advertised on the Tegatech website are in fact not high. All prices displayed are Full Recommended Retail (RRP or MSRP) and based on Australian Dollars (AUD) and include 10% GST (Goods and Services Tax). They are designed as a price guide only and it should be known that more often than not Authorised Resellers provide more competitive pricing prior to a purchase being completed.
Q. So what does Tegatech Australia do?
A. Tegatech is a wholesaler of UMPC and Tablet PC related hardware. This means that they have Master Distribution Rights which cover Australia, New Zealand and beyond, and include the representation of key manufacturers:
>> Australia and NZ Exclusive: TabletKiosk, Sand Dune Ventures, OQO Inc., Raon Digital, Samsung (UMPC), Ruvo, Gigabyte (UMPC and MID), WiBrain and Nova Mobility.
>> Australia and NZ Non Exclusive: Fujitsu, Toshiba, Xplore, Getac, ASUS, HP and Panasonic ToughBook
As a wholesaler Tegatech is dedicated to servicing everyone’s needs, but only interested in selling to Authorised Resellers. Tegatech is always looking for more Resellers and welcomes fresh enquiries daily.
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