Which company popularized the term "Tablet PC" in 2001?

Microsoft popularized the term “Tablet PC” in 2001. The company used it for pen-enabled personal computers built to its hardware specifications and running a specialized edition of Windows XP.

Microsoft’s concept was more ambitious than simply adding a touchscreen to a laptop. Its Tablet PCs supported stylus input, handwriting recognition, voice recognition, and fully functional desktop software. The intended users included professionals taking notes, healthcare workers collecting information, and field employees working away from a desk.

The idea had earlier precedents, including pen computers and Microsoft’s Windows for Pen Computing, but Microsoft gave the category a widely recognized name and platform definition. Original equipment manufacturers began releasing devices designed to the specification in the early 2000s. These products were often heavy and expensive, and their desktop-oriented software was awkward for handheld use.

Tablet PCs became far more popular after Apple introduced the iPad in 2010, but the modern tablet market grew from a much longer history of pen-based computing.