Electrovaya Scribbler SC-2200 Premium

The Electrovaya Scribbler line has a deserved reputation for rock-solid construction and powerful, long-lasting batteries. The new SC-2200 Premium keeps that reputation intact and adds a faster processor and fingerprint recognition for extra security.

At 3.5 pounds, the SC-2200 packs a strong battery, which delivered over five hours of runtime under our MobileMark test's heavy load. With ordinary use, this Scribbler should last a full work day on a single charge, or through a coast-to-coast flight.

The SC-2200's white border design around a bright 12.1-inch LCD is very attractive. The screen has a light sensor that adjusts brightness according to ambient light conditions. This LCD is clear and works well with the comfortable stylus. The pen has a good feel, and we liked the display's responsiveness to taps, hovering, and tablet gestures.

Electrovaya does not spare the launch and shortcut buttons; there are two configurable sets on either side of the display. There's a responsive scroll nub on the lower right side, and the unit has a full complement of I\O ports. Somehow, none of them gets in the way of easy handling.

The Scribbler is not a convertible, but its lid doubles as a cleverly designed detachable keyboard. While the configuration is too awkward for a quick conversion, we appreciate the hidden touchpad that slides out to attach to the side of the keyboard. This keyboard/lid adds a lot of convenience and very little weight.

This slate could use some contouring or a rubberized grip for easier one-handed use. Furthermore, the Scribbler's LCD would benefit from enhanced viewing angles featured in recent Tablets from Motion Computing and HP.

While the Scribbler handled all of the common tablet chores and programs handily enough, we think that a "premium" unit at this price merits greater horsepower. This model has 768MB of system RAM and 60GB of storage to play with, but the 1.4-GHz CPU and 4,200-rpm hard drive didn't deliver quite the same snappy feel we've enjoyed on other recent slate and convertible models. In starting Windows, opening programs and popping up menus, there was just enough lag to make us wish for more pep.

The Scribbler's audio capabilities are average. Two speakers on the tablet face belt out clear audio at high volumes, but while the built-in microphone recorded our own voice cleanly enough, it was not sensitive to more distant voices, such as those you would record at meetings or in lectures.

Unlike every other biometric security system we have tested on PDAs and laptops, the SC-2200's fingerprint reader is actually usable. Rather than forcing you to learn how to swipe your digit across a scanner (usually unsuccessfully), this one requires only that you press a finger on a pad on the tablet face. The system registered and recognized our finger every time.

In fact, convenience is the overall theme of Electrovaya's latest tablet line. The SC-2200 Premium's long life, excellent amenities, and usability make for a strong contender in the category, especially for business users who need extra security and reliable battery longevity. With a more versatile LCD, the Scribbler line could reach tablet perfection.