New Motion Computing Slate Tablet PC Coming Soon, I’m Loving It Now

Posted by | 03/09/2009 | 27 Comments

I had the privilege of meeting with Motion Computing last year and got an exclusive first-look at some designs for their new tablet pc and accessories. At that point they were all wood models, so I wasn’t able to fully appreciate the extent of what they had accomplished.

Over the past several weeks, I’ve been quite fortunate to actually use their new slate tablet pc, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. This new slate is totally different. Without getting in to specifics, I can tell you that Motion has done a superb job in the design, asthetics, and usability of the slate and accessories. While not perfect, it is clear that their engineers and designers have been very busy the last several years working hard on this new offering. For example, Motion went back to the drawing board on their convertible keyboard, and finally nailed it. It is easy to attach, type on, and remove. It no longer feels like a klunky add-on. It only took them   five years, but I believe they have a winner.   In addition to seeing their new convertible keyboard in action, you’ll also get to see their new slate and docking station in action when my InkShow is released.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but this new slate is NOT the much-asked-for LS800 replacement. I wouldn’t put it past Motion to take a fresh look at that market opportunity, but this particular slate is not it.

Once the official announcement is made, Motion Computing wants to hear your thoughts and questions regarding their new product, and any other questions you might have for them. We’ll be hearing directly from various designers and product managers at Motion, so you’ll get non-PR answers to your tough questions. Look for more on that soon.

Meanwhile, I’ve got to run. I have a slate tablet pc calling my name!

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Category: Hardware

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As the Founding Editor for GottaBeMobile.com, Rob oversaw the growth and overall direction for content, advertising, and management of the site. Keep up with Rob at RobBushway.com Send email to Rob
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  • http://www.amax.co.za Harry de Vries

    Great news Rob! I’m still on my TC1100 as my primary machine and would love something updated with the same basic design – too much to ask Motion?

    @Frank ditto – thin and light with loooooong battery life or at least a built-in hand-crank to keep it going….

    I honestly can’t wait.

  • http://www.fuzb.net Steven Gill

    A nice slate tablet for me at the moment would be;

    Edge to edge 12″ 133dpi screen
    Multitouch + active digitiser
    Pen with eraser on the end
    <1″ thick
    10hr battery life
    WWAN a/g/n + BT + a-GPS
    SD & smartcard slot
    TC1100 style keyboard/batteryslice
    Windows 7

    Well, except for Win7, let’s see!

  • robphy

    googling “motion j3400″

    yields a link at servicemanagement365-com,
    which says
    “Launch of rugged tablet PC announced

    Motion Computing has announced the launch of the J3400 rugged table PC, which combines a sleek exterior with rugged design for mobile professionals across industries that require full PC functionality in a highly mobile device.

    [snip]

    Design features include integrated attach points for optional shoulder strap, rounded corners and slip-free grip surface.

    The J3400 also incorporates a dual-battery design that offers a full day of approximately 7.5 hours operation. Batteries are small, light and easy to transport, the company claims, making it convenient to carry an extra battery for an even longer workday.

    The J3400 has been designed to offer the durability and functionality of a rugged PC without the extra weight and price associated with traditional fully rugged devices, says Motion.

    [snip]

    Other features include ightweight magnesium internal frame, shock-mounted display and hard disk drive (HDD) with DataGuard, an exclusive thermal management system that protects from data loss, a one-year field ready warranty, free with SSD option and optional 64GB SSD for extreme shock and vibration protection.
    ”

    (typos are theirs)

  • robphy

    There’s a photo of the J3400 on
    itrportal-com. (Apparently, making a link puts my comment into a moderation queue.)

    On the article there, there is a link to a currently nonexistent page at Motion:
    motioncomputing-com products tablet_pc_J34.asp

  • thomas

    just need to know one thing
    Multi-touch yes / no

  • Amitai Rosenberg
  • Rudeboy

    its not multi-touch. its good has a camera which wasnt there in the le. design is good as well and i luv the feel of it. i luv the attachable keyboard. unlike the le keyboard this one is really firm. good thing is they are useing magnets and powerful ones too. so easily attach a keyboard and easily take off your keyboard.

    price wise i think its too MUCH :( but then again am sure its designed for field workers.

    its not that powerful i.e 1.6 ghz is the max and has the intel core 2 duo so you can forget photoshop like software.

    and its VERY quiet also i felt it didnt really warm up like the le. maybe its caused of the special casing they using but no warming up.

  • thomas

    damn, no multi-touch? well, just keep waiting

  • http://www.tabletpc.com.au Brett Gilbertson

    I am excited about the J3400. I’ve heard that the new screen is *awesome*.

    Look for ULV processor, vPro and dual hot swap batteries. No capacitive touch screen, but maybe one day… Go the slate!

  • Amitai Rosenberg

    Are you going to test Windows 7 on it?

  • http://www.gottabemobile.com Rob Bushway

    @amitai – I’m not sure if I’ll test Windows 7 on it or not. I’m not sure of the value it will bring to the review except to say ” yep, there it is and it runs.”

  • ChrisRS

    For the many users that skipped Vista, the prospect of a new computer with Vista or downgraded to XP is a dilemma. that may say “I don’t want to get and learn Vista when Windows 7 is just around the corner.” Knowing that this is truly Win 7 ready is valuable information.

    All of this is more important in the consumer/individual user market rather that the vertical markets. (As is price point)

    FYI, I currently use Vista on my tablet pc and have been following Motion from the start.

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