Tablet PC Software

Tablet PC Software is different than the software that we use on our desktops. There are a number of things that need to be taken into account when developing tablet pc software.

1. Screen Size - Tablet PC’s often have different size screens, tablets we have developed on typically come in 8.4″ or 10″. This is because of the available specialist screens that are made by manufacturers. They have to be touch sensitive and also outdoor/sunlight readable. Scroll bars must be limited as there is nothing worse than trying to scroll with a pen.
2. One click - double clicking is very difficult with a pen, try it yourself on a bit of paper. The calibration of the screen also has to be exact for it to work. Most tablets are carried around and this leads to some instability when holding one in one hand and trying to double click in another. My advice is forget it and stick with single click.
3. Size of buttons - because it is harder to click in the right place I would suggest that the buttons that are used are larger than normal, we also find that a nice icon button looks good on a tablet, and users seem to like it a lot more.
4. Functionality - keep the application as simple as possible, complex user paths do not work in normal software, let alone on a tablet, the less a user has to do the better.
5. Text input - whilst this is easier on a tablet and there is scope for handwriting recognition it is best to keep the amount of text input to a minimum. Use drop down boxes and lists to accomplish the same tasks. Categorise text input to allow for drop down boxes.

I hope these few insights will help if you are thinking of developing tablet pc software. Check my posts about the xplore tablet for ideas on the type of tablet you might need.