i-Technology News

Bob Wills may still be the king down in Austin, TX, but he couldn't produce the LS800, developed by Austin-based Motion Computing, which calls itself "a leader in ultramobile computing and wireless communications," and which has unveiled a system that is approximately the size of a paperback book.

The company says the system is the world's smallest to run Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, is small enough to slip into a lab coat pocket or attach to a tool belt, and is optimal for highly mobile professionals in industries including route sales and service, manufacturing and healthcare. The LS800 slate tablet PC provides enhanced connectivity and security features, ergonomics and durability for uncompromised productivity.

Approximately half the size of most slate tablet PCs, the LS800 has an 8.4-inch display, is less than 1 inch thick and weighs 2.2 lbs. The LS800 is also among the first tablet PCs with the latest generation of Intel Centrino mobile technology, including the Intel Pentium M Processor Ultra Low Voltage 753 (1.2 GHz) and the Mobile Intel 915GMS Express Chipset.

Motion Computing LS800

“Motion received frequent feedback from customers about the need for a lightweight, compact and powerful tablet PC. With the LS800, we are answering an unmet need for hands-free mobility and productivity across the mobile workforce; raising the bar for the tablet PC market. Motion is defining a new category of tablet PC with this ultra-portable slate,” said Scott Eckert, Motion Computing’s CEO. “The LS800 complements Motion’s offering of best-in-class tablet PCs and accessories, while extending the company’s leadership to new customers and industries.”

“Tablet PC adoption is continuing to demonstrate steady growth, particularly among vertical market buyers, many of whom require smaller form factor slates for targeted applications,” said Leslie Fiering, vice president covering mobile computing at Gartner, Inc. “We anticipate that tablet PC shipments will double by 2008.”

The LS800 upgrades to 512MB of 400MHz DDRII memory and a 60GB 1.8” hard drive. The tablet delivers the complete Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC experience, with an 8.4-inch display and ample real estate for working with Microsoft Office 2003 and Windows XP-compatible applications.

“Motion has demonstrated a penchant for product innovation that continues with the LS800,” said Dr. Bill Mitchell, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft Corp. “This first-of-its-kind, small-form-factor tablet PC really sets the pace for powerful, ultra-personal Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 machines and ushers in a new era of truly mobile computing experience.”

To maximize computing performance on the go, the LS800’s slim, standard battery offers up to three hours of continuous use. Additional batteries are warm-swappable when the unit is placed in standby mode, allowing users to change batteries without fully powering down or rebooting. The ultra-portable tablet’s SVGA display provides a 120-degree viewing angle, and optional View Anywhere display technology allows for high-quality display clarity and visibility at nearly all angles indoors and outdoors. View Anywhere gives users a 10-to-1 reduction in sunlight reflection compared to standard tablet PC displays.

Additional innovations, features and options include:

• Advanced, proprietary Speak Anywhere technology, featuring dual-array microphones for high-fidelity voice input, background noise cancellation, and accurate voice recognition for speech-to-text transcription
• Gigabit Ethernet (with MobileDock) for faster wired network connections
• Embedded Wi-Fi supporting the latest standards and security protocols (802.11a/b/g) and mobility within the four walls of a work environment
• Embedded Bluetooth for simplified peripheral connections and reduced cabling hassles
• IrDA port for quick wireless synchronization with PDAs and SmartPhones
• Secure Digital slot for compact expansion capability
• VGA connector for external displays and digital projectors
• Versatile peripherals and accessories, including optional DVD/CD-RW drive, Bluetooth and USB keyboards, and compact carrying cases

“For more than two years, all of our mobile computing needs have been met with Motion’s products,” said Mark Watson, Susquehanna Health System corporate information technology administrative director. “Motion’s tablets are proven effective, so we’re sold on integrating the new Motion LS800. As a Siemens National Showcase Account, Susquehanna doctors and nurses will use these lightweight and powerful tablets for every application related to clinical, financial, diagnostic and administrative processes in support of patient-centered care.”

Advanced Durability and Security Protects Data and Technology Investments
To maximize durability without increasing weight, the LS800 is housed in a plated carbon-fiber chassis with metalized paint. It has a 1.8-inch hard drive for greater prevention of data loss with twice the shock resistance of a 2.5-inch hard drive. Motion applied its award-winning industrial design concepts to yield a slate tablet that is durable and suitable for diverse work environments – from the hospital to the warehouse to in-vehicle use. Back in the office, the LS800 can be converted quickly from a slate to a small-footprint desktop system, by using the optional MobileDock in combination with an external monitor and keyboard.

The LS800’s advanced security capabilities help protect user, network and enterprise data. An embedded Trusted Platform Module (TPM) enables hardware-protected encryption, as well as digital certificate storage for authentication and secure e-mail applications. A built-in fingerprint reader uses biometric data to prevent unauthorized access to system resources and encrypted data. The LS800 also features the Motion Security Center for quick access to the tablet PC’s authentication, password and encryption applications. Users can disable 802.11, Bluetooth and IrDA at the BIOS level for additional data safeguarding.

The LS800 is the latest product offering from Motion, which in May 2005 announced the LE1600 – the company’s flagship full-sized slate tablet PC. A wide range of complementary peripherals are available, including the MobileDock, USB and Bluetooth keyboards, ergonomic digitizer pens and cases. The LS800 and LE1600 share L-Series peripherals, including a battery charger, keyboards, power supply and ergonomic digitizer pen. The LS800 comes with a one-year limited warranty – extendable to two or three years. The LS800 is available from Motion’s worldwide network of more than 700 value-added resellers or at www.motioncomputing.com for $1,899 MSRP.