The hardware consists of a touch screen,and an optional stylus and keyboard. In this type of computers the data input is not through the traditional mouse and keyboard but through a stylus or finger tips on a virtual keyboard and virtual buttons on the touch screen. It also has the option of data input through wireless keyboard and mouse. They come in various sizes like 7, 8, 9.5, 10 and 10.1 inches.

There are different types of tablet PCs like tablets, convertibles and hybrids. Slates consist of just the screen.  If a tablet has an attached with a keyboard it is called a convertible. Typically the keyboard is attached with a single joint and it folds/opens onto the screen. The Hybrid has a detachable keyboard so that it can be used both as a slate or a convertible.  The Asus Eee Pad Slider is a great convertible computer, but it is not very cheap!