We haven't seen a Tablet PC in quite a long time - none since the four that were announced at its launch, in fact. This is NEC's first stab at a Tablet PC, and on first looks they've done a great job.

Using a Mobile Pentium III processor that runs at 933MHz, it's no speed demon.

However, considering the purpose of a Tablet PC is to function as a large, feature-rich PDA, this is fast enough and livelier than most of the competition. The T400 has 256MB of memory and a 20GB hard disk.

It also has a 10.4in XGA TFT screen, a single speaker to the rear, as well as three USB ports (though the included, external 24-speed CD-RW takes up one of them), PC Card slot, and wired and wireless Ethernet.

The latter uses a rather flimsy aerial on the left-hand side to enhance its range. Next to it is a VGA port and the wired Ethernet connection.

There's a simple on/off switch for the 802.11 connection, which is compatible with both a and b.

It's the lightest Tablet PC so far at 1kg, and is therefore the first to feel like a truly portable device. However, it's still pretty large and still not something we'd feel comfortable carrying like a notepad.

It also gets quite warm after an hour's use, though not too hot to touch.

The stylus is quite small - more like something you would find on a PDA - so it will be comfortable for users familiar with this style.

However, with the screen active, it still leads to difficulties in handwriting recognition, though this is more a fault with the operating system's requirements than NEC's. Battery life is quoted at four hours, which is fair.

The T400 is quite expensive too, at more than £1,500 (inc VAT). However, it is the most comfortable Tablet PC we have seen, which goes a long way to warranting the high cost.

Contact: NEC 0870 010 6322
www.nec.co.uk

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