AUSTIN, Texas - August 12, 2003 - Motion Computing today advanced the case for 'pure' slate tablet PCs by announcing a full-featured mobile keyboard that fits inside a slim snap-on cover protecting the large, bright displays of its award-winning product line.
The Motion Hardtop Keyboard, a patent-pending accessory unique to Motion's rapidly expanding ultra-mobile PC product line, gives slate tablet PC users the choice of an elegant, thin and light snap-on keyboard for desktop-like data entry, or leaving it off altogether for pen based operations.
The hardtop keyboard snaps onto the front of any Motion M1200 or M1300 Tablet PC, protecting its industry-leading 12.1-inch display. When a keyboard is desired, users simply unsnap the new product from the tablet, connect a USB cable and insert the tablet for either portrait or landscape viewing.
Alternately, the hardtop keyboard can be snapped onto the back of a Motion M-Series tablet PC or left off altogether when the system is being used as a "pure" slate.
"Pen-based computing on a slate tablet PC is the most intuitive form of computing although there are occasions when a keyboard is desired," said David Altounian, Motion's chief product officer. "We've listened to our customers and leveraged the combination of our design expertise and a nimble business model to come up with an innovative solution that matches the sleek elegance of Motion's tablet PCs."
"Schoolchildren have found the tablet PC very easy to use, and the ability to write with the stylus pen directly onto the screen has been particularly helpful. The children have been very enthusiastic, and have had a much greater retention of information learnt. The level of learning within the classroom has greatly increased and some children are even working at a higher level than expected." commented a Year 4 Teacher & Maths coordinator for the London Borough of Redbridge.
"Feedback from a number of our customers conducting pilot projects has been extremely positive; especially the strength, reliability and performance of the Motion Tablet PC. The introduction of the hardtop keyboard will continue to enhance the functionality of the Tablet PC," said Neil Bellamy, Managing Director at Ergo Computing.
When attached, the new product adds less than a half a kilo to Motion's one and half kilo product design. It features standard 19mm key pitch, a pointing stick, mouse buttons, and the tablet stand can be adjusted for portrait and landscape orientation. With an adjustable viewing angle, it works well on surfaces ranging from conference tables to airplane trays.
As a £80 upgrade to a system purchase or a £90 add-on accessory, the Motion Hardtop Keyboard is scheduled to be available later this month directly from Motion and its partners, including Gateway. The company will continue to bundle its original mobile keyboard and desktop stand as standard equipment on all Motion systems.
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About Motion Computing
Motion Computing - a Tablet PC market leader - combines world-class innovation and industry experience, enabling people to use computers in new ways and places. Marketed directly through experienced international reseller network, each Motion product is built to customer specifications. The company's M1200 and M1300 Tablet PCs and accessories are designed for users who need a combination of true mobility, power and versatility.
For more information: http://www.motioncomputing.com.au/
Product and company names herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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| Media Contact: | David Ingle Waggener Edstrom 020 7269 4780 davidi@wagged.com |
Tricia Traeger Motion Computing +1 (512) 637-1153 ttraeger@motioncomputing.com |