Pen computers vs pen-enabled laptops

Pen computers and laptop computers can look exactly the same, use the same operating system, and even use the same pen technology (EMR). Here are two examples:

• Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16

  • Has a Screen

  • Runs Windows

  • Uses an intel CPU

  • Comes with a EMR pen

  • Can draw on the screen with pressure and tilt

• Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360

  • Has a Screen

  • Runs Windows

  • Uses an intel CPU

  • Comes with a EMR pen

  • Can draw on the screen with pressure and tilt

So it's natural to ask why I classify them differently:

• the MSP is a Pen computer

• the Book 5 Pro 360 as a pen-enabled 2-in-1 laptop

The reason is simple :

• The MSP is intended and marketed to be used as a drawing tablet. It's primary scenario and utility to its target customer involved using the pen to draw something. If the pen doesn't work - that's a MAJOR problem.

• The Book 5 Pro 360 is intended and marketed to be used like a normal laptop to do normal laptop tasks like browse the web, edit documents, check email, etc. The pen is useful but has somewhat secondary role. If the pen doesn't work, that is of course a problem or limitation but for many people the loss of the use of the pen does not prevent the user from using the device for its intended purpose.

Pen tech

• All pen computers by my definiyion use drawing tablet pen tech - currently EMR

• Pen-enabled 2-in-1 laptops may use different technologies: EMR, AES, or MPP