The tablet PC offers all the processing power and functionality of the personal computer, and adds a "pen and ink" input style on a touch screen. The tablet doubles as a notepad, capturing handwriting and drawings as digital ink that can be edited, converted to text, searched, and emailed. Optimized for mobility, the tablet is light, ergonomic, and convenient. The tablet can be easily used while standing- ideal for mobile workers like healthcare providers, foremen, and field service staff.

Tablet PCs are available in two form factors: the notebook convertible and the slate tablet (with or without a detachable keyboard). The convertible model is most like a standard notebook PC. It includes an integrated keyboard and a swivel screen that rotates 180 degrees to fold down over the keyboard and form the tablet. Convertible models are typically the same size and weight as most slimline notebooks. The slate model is the traditional tablet- without an integrated keyboard. Slates are typically more durable, lighter, and better suited for indoor/outdoor use. Rugged tablets are available that are designed for better drop durability and to withstand extreme temperatures, rain, dust, and other tough conditions.

Some touchscreens offer a dual mode operations that support a passive touchscreen usability (responds to your fingertips) and a "pen-only" mode that responds only to the special pen. This mode allows you to rest your wrist on the screen and write normally.

Tablet PCs retain the full power of standard PCs. They include mid- to high-end processors, high memory capacity, high capacity hard drive storage, and all the same communication options as a laptop. Tablet PC technology enables any Windows-based application to support pen-based input.

The tablet expands the possibilities of mobile enterprise computing. There's no need to find a flat working space, meaning you can do more things (email, enter data, surf the web) while standing, sitting without a desk, even walking. Unlike a laptop, a tablet is not disruptive in meetings allowing professionals to take notes and turn them into actionable items from the meeting room. Sales people have found it the ideal tools when meeting with clients, where the screen and keyboard can serve as barriers.

Specialized tablets have been developed for vertical applications like healthcare, insurance, and sales. For example, tablets are used to automate the patient interview process during examination and clinical trials. Or applications have also been developed for point-of-care decisions support for healthcare workers.