A notebook with a split personality - Compaq's Concerto notebook computer - Hardware Review - Evaluation

Home Office Computing, Feb, 1994 by John R. Quain

Rating: * * *
Compaq Concerto
List Price: $2,799
Average Street Price: $2,600
Manufacturer: Compaq Computer, (713) 378-8820,
(800) 345-1518

  WIN/DOS

So far, computer manufacturers have failed to prove that the pen is mightier than the keyboard. Compaq's Concerto isn't about to change that impression--but it may convince you that the pen is mightier than the mouse.

The $2,799 Concerto is based on a 486SL processor running at 25 MHz with 4MB of RAM and a 250MB hard-disk drive (a 33-MHz model is available for an additional $300). Weighing in at about seven pounds (with battery), the unit has a rather unusual two-part design: A thin detachable keyboard connects via a cable to a touch-screen tablet, which accepts commands from an electronic pen. When typing isn't necessary or appropriate, disconnect the keyboard, and the tablet will function as a portable pen-based computer.

The Concerto's 9.5-inch backlit passive-matrix screen boasts a monochrome VGA display that's sharp enough for many computing tasks. Within the tablet's housing are the main system components, including a 1.44MB floppy drive, I/O ports (one serial and one parallel port, plus connections for an external monitor, keyboard, or mouse), and the battery. The rechargeable nickel metal-hydride battery and 3.3-volt system mean you'll get three to four hours of continuous work before the power runs out.

For adding memory, a fax/modem, or other peripherals, the screen tablet has a slot that accommodates two PCMCIA Type II cards or one Type III card. Any peripheral cards conforming to the PCMCIA 2.0 specification can be inserted or withdrawn without rebooting the computer.

Compaq's high-quality construction and ergonomic details are impressive. A swing-out holder on the tablet safely stores the pen, and tiny membrane keys along the side of the screen can be used to adjust brightness and contrast or to check remaining battery power. A sliding door covers the serial and parallel ports, and the whole unit is clearly designed to withstand the rigors of in-the-field computing.

The system includes an automatic software installation routine that con figures DOS 6.0, Windows for Pen Computing 1.0, and some simple pen-based applications. Unlike the much maligned Apple Newton MessagePad, Windows for Pen Computing software does not attempt to recognize cursive handwriting--only block printing. There is a training utility to improve the software's translation of your printed letters into computer type, but it takes a lot of practice to achieve any reasonable degree of accuracy. Even then, there are difficulties the software simply cannot overcome--such as distinguishing a U from a V.

The pen aspect of the Concerto is most useful for navigating through Windows and adding numbers to Excel 4.0 spreadsheets. The cursor adroitly follows pen movements and screen taps, and in the cramped quarters of an airplane seat, it's far easier than trying to wrestle with a mouse or trackball. In addition, Excel users will find the character-recognition software better at deciphering handwritten numbers than letters.

With all the attention Compaq has paid to such details as the unit's built-in screen stand, which also doubles as a carrying handle, there are still some awkward aspects to the Concerto: Although the detachable keyboard lets you carry the tablet around separately at remote sites, the two-part approach makes it unwieldy for typing up memos on a train fide. Touch-typists will also find the keyboard's dull response disappointing.

Even if one isn't impressed with pen computing, Compaq's service and support will instill confidence in buyers. The company includes a three-year parts and labor warranty and 24-hour, seven-days-a-week toll-free phone support.

About Our Ratings

The zero-to-four-star
ratings are based on       0     Poor
performance, features,     *     Fair
setup, ease of learning    **    Good
and use, availability,     ***   Very Good
warranty, support,         ****  Excellent
documentation, and price.