Even the most computer-challenged farriers and veterinarians might be tempted by the newest technology making its way into the hoof-care industry.

Imagine an easy-to-carry machine that, like the popular Palm Pilot and similar hand-held devices, helps you maintain an appointment schedule and an address book, but also lets you:

• Calculate and print out bills on the spot.
• Turn hand-written notes into neatly typed documents.
• Record and play back conversations or lectures.
• Speak into the machine to create text.
• Sketch and print or store hoof diagrams.
• File radiographs for future reference.
• Send and receive e-mails or connect to the Internet.
• Check the computerized shoeing history of a horse.

Tablet Ingredients

The so-called PC tablet computers, introduced to the market about 18 months ago, are smaller than laptop computers — they’re barely larger than a pad of paper — but can do all of the above. A tablet computer features a touch-sensitive, 8- or 10-inch display screen on which users can input data by writing with a stylus, although a standard keyboard is also an option.

On some models, the keyboard can be removed to make the device even more portable. The user has the choice of saving the hand-written notes or converting those notes to typed text.

The user’s voice also can be used to create text that can be input into various software programs.

Some models have screens that can be read in bright sunlight, adding to their practicality for farriers, and durable models that meet military specifications are also…