Motion Computing has officially announced their F5 Tablet PC. The F5 is targeted for the field force vertical market. The F5 is a semi-rugged Tablet PC, positioning itself between commercial Tablet PCs like the LE1700 and more rugged Tablet PCs like Mobile Demand's T8700. It improves upon Motion's Clinical Tablet PC, the C5, by including integrated Sprint Broadband WWAN, IP54 rating, 32 GB SSD option, and an optional vehicle dock. It also features a new two-tone color scheme, which is less likely than the C5 to show dirt. It includes other features from the C5 like an integrated 2 megapixel camera, handle, RFID, optional barcode scanner, a 10.4" active digitizer screen, 1024 x 768 resolution, and a 1.2 ghz Core Solo processor. The F5 weighs 3 lbs 9 oz.

I've been fortunate enough to use the F5 the past two weeks, and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Weighing in at 3 lbs 9 oz, it is well balanced and quite comfortable to hold in various positions. I have not enjoyed using a pure slate, including the TC1100, as much as I've enjoyed the F5. I can't over emphasize enough the value the handle and the flush 10.4" screen brings. In addition, the 32 GB SSD helps a lot with battery life, as I'm experiencing about 5 hours of battery life running Windows XP. As I noted in an earlier post, one of my customers, a cable manufacturer, already has their eye on one to use in shipping, receiving, and inventory management. The pen, SSD drive, integrated camera, integrated RFID, and handle were the features that won them over.

As I point out in this video review, though, there are several important weaknesses: no integrated USB ports, no support for touch, and a Core Solo processor. It is worth noting that many of the reasons field force workers would need USB ports are covered by the F5 integrating RFID, a barcode scanner, and Bluetooth for GPS connectivity. In addition, USB is available through the docking station and an optional vehicle dock. The lack of integrated USB ports, though, has bit me several times just this past week when trying to exchange data with customers or with other computers. Motion could get away with no USB with the healthcare focused C5, but I expect the lack of USB to be major pain point for potential F5 field force customers.

As I noted above, the 10.4" flush screen is a wonderful sweet spot for note-taking. Unfortunately, the $2699 starting price will put this slate Tablet PC out of reach for most consumers. I asked Motion about the potential for more consumer friendly Tablet PCs like the much requested ( and anticipated ) LS800 / LS900 variant. They told me they have no plans for an "LS900" or smaller form factor Tablet PC, but are always looking solutions that balance features, performance, and cost.

• Download the high res InkShow ( WMV, 21 min, 169 mb ) 
• Visit Motion Computing to learn more about the F5
• Read the press release
• Watch our interview with Motion's CEO, Scott Eckert
• Watch our InkShow on the C5
• Watch these additional videos from Motion covering drop and water tests:
  • Drop test – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkec9JY-KdY
  • IP54 (water) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQhKrgM1v-o

When Motion Computing announced the innovative C5 Tablet PC several months ago, people saw several new things not previously implemented in a Tablet PC: an integrated barcode reader, RFID scanner, a spill-proof / disinfectant-resistant resin casing, and a handle. The C5 was built from the bottom-up to be a health care focused device, and with those features, plus a 2.0-megapixel camera, it clearly shines.

The great thing about the C5 is that it has tremendous possibilities outside of the health-care field: field force workers, construction, hospitality, retail sales, warehousing, service, etc. I would really like to see future Motion products integrate the camera and the handle. In the few days I got to review the C5, I grew to really appreciate that handle.

Special thanks to Allegiance Technology Partners for allowing us to review the C5 Tablet PC. If you are interested in learning more, be sure to visit AllTP.com and sign up for a 48-hour demo.

• Watch or download the High Res Video Review InkShow ( 180mb, 23:45. Windows Media streaming or direct download ).
• Prices start at $2199. Reviewed C5 is priced at $2859, which includes a 60gb hard drive, and 1.5gb of memory.
• Notable specs:
• 1.2 ghz Core Solo processor
• 10.4" 1024 x 768 screen
• Integrated barcode and RFIF reader
• 2.0-megapixel camera
• ­Disinfectant-resistant resin; ­ Elastomer overmolding; Semi-sealed design with minimal ports (tested to IP-54 specifications);
• Sealed display, speaker, buttons, fan assembly and docking connector; Liquid-resistant cover on microphones
• Wireless available with Intel or Atheros

Enjoy!

All GottaBeMobile.com InkShows are sponsored by:

When the term Tablet PC is thrown out, there are a few key vendors that come to mind. Motion Computing is one of them. They have been a major player in the Tablet PC space from the beginning and have continued to set the bar in terms of innovative new products. Unfortunately, it has been close to two years since they have released some new products and the tablet space is getting anxious.

In this video interview from CES, I talk with Motion's CEO, President, and co-founder Scott Eckert. We talk about new trends in mobile computing, and when we could expect some new products from Motion. In the interview, Scott tells us that 2007 will be Motion Computing's biggest product year yet, and that they have a solid, exciting roadmap ahead. So....stay tuned. Looking forward to it, Scott!

• Watch the InkShow ( 24 mb, 4:27 )
• Visit Motion Computing

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-- Rob Bushway 

In this inaugural launch of our video reviews (we don't have a good name for them yet!), we are pleased to present our review of Motion Computing's LS800. In this video, I take a tour of the tablet pc, the pen, bump case, docking solutions, compare it to other tablet pcs, and then offer my own personal opinions on this tablet pc. We are still learning the ins and outs of producing these videos, so please forgive the rough spots.

• Watch the Video Review ( 18:10, 106 mb, Flash Video streaming format)
• Visit the Motion Computing website
• Read more about the LS800 Tablet PC features

Pricing:

• $1899 (1.2ghz, 512mb ram, 20gb harddrive)