My new LifeBook T4220 arrived yesterday and so far I’m really impressed with it. The SXGA+ screen is working out as well as I had hoped, I dig the 1400×1050 resolution. Writing freehand in tablet mode with the stylus was awkward at first but thanks to the learning algorithm in the software it’s not effortless.
The reasoning behind this new purchase is that I wanted a laptop that was more conducive to my career as a Game Designer and designer in general. I’m not a huge fan of keeping note books as I lean more towards the tech side of life and this 12.1″ Tablet seemed like the ideal choice. Like a note or sketch book I can take notes during meetings as well as draw out design sketches. Unlike a note book though I have them all saved and cataloged digitally which allows me to print them out or put them into design docs, etc.
So far I’ve used the tablet mode + stylus with SketchUp and it works great. Being able to manipulate the 3D software directly on screen is really nice. I haven’t tried a large detailed scene yet, so we’ll see how the Tablet’s built in X3100 graphics chipset holds up.
I plan on using it with Maya, Photoshop, Illustrator, UnrealEd 3.0 and Hammer. I didn’t get it to use primarily with 3D apps, but if they work, like SketchUp does, then it will be a huge bonus. I’ll post my findings here when I get around to installing and testing them out.
My previous laptop, which was also my first, was a PowerBook 17″ and it was my only computer when I made the move to Holland. It was a great machine and lasted me two years. Unfortunately after I got a desktop PC it became a luxury item and never left my apartment. I wanted something I could take with me as much as possible to work, on the road, to a Cafe, etc.
To accompany my new laptop I also picked up a Timbuk2 HACKER bag. I wanted a smaller, vertical bag that could hold my T4220 as well as my Pentax K10D and the Hacker does just that. A great aspect of the bag is that it can be used as a shoulder bag as well a backpack.
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