AUSTIN, Texas - August 12, 2003 - Motion Computing today advanced the state of the art in 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-computing tasks on the go.
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."
"This is a clever, durable advancement in slate tablet PCs," said Elsie Crasto, technology coordinator for Dayton Early College Academy, a joint effort between Dayton University and the Dayton, Ohio, public schools. "The hardtop keyboard concept adds a new dimension to flexibility when it comes to computing when, where and how you want."
According to Dan Tealdi, president of Criterion Corp., a Silicon Valley-based Motion value-added reseller, "We believe that Motion's hardtop keyboard will be an across-the-board differentiator when it comes to vertical applications, especially in the fields of healthcare, education and real estate."
When attached, the new product adds about one pound to Motion's three-pound 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 $99 upgrade to a system purchase or a $129.99 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 its Web site and an 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: www.motioncomputing.com
All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.
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| Media Contact: | John Q. Pope The Alliant Group (512) 437-4304 jpope@thealliantgroup.com |
Tricia Traeger Motion Computing (512) 637-1153 ttraeger@motioncomputing.com |