Motion Computing introduces J3400- ruggedized slate

j_angle_rt_alt_loFans of Motion Computing’s slate Tablet PCs can get all excited as today the company is introducing the latest slate in their line of Tablets, the J3400.  The J3400 is a 12-inch slate tablet that incorporates features designed to make it a field worker’s dream.  The new slate looks very similar to the earlier LE1600 model in Motion’s line but is ruggedized for use in the field.  The J3400 doesn’t look like other ruggedized models, yet it meets MIL-STD-810F and will survive a 3-foot drop.  It is also dust and moisture-proof, making it even more durable in the field.

I had the opportunity to sit down with the folks from Motion and talk about the J3400, and it is obvious they are understandably proud of the new slate.  One of the innovative choices they took in the design of this slate is the ability to use two batteries to extend battery life.  The J3400 can be used with either one or two batteries installed which they claim provide 3.5 and 7.4 hours respectively.  The batteries are hot-swappable, which is a very nice ability for use in the field.

Details about the J3400 and accessories after the jump (press release too).

The ruggedness put into the J3400 comes at a price in the weight department as it weighs 3.6 pounds with one battery installed and 4 pounds with two.  This may be considered a tad heavy for a slate computer used totally in the hands but the rugged features add up to a bit extra weight.

j3400The J3400 has a 12.1-inch screen running at 1280×800 resolution and is active digitizer only.  I asked Motion if they intend to produce a dual digitizer option down the road with multi-touch capability and they indicated they are looking at it but do not have it in the product roadmap. Touch capability is a consumer feature according to Motion, and they do not see slate Tablet PCs as addressing that market.  Tablet PCs are vertical market products in their view and they have no plans to produce a consumer slate.  They also confirmed they have no plans to produce a replacement for the discontinued LS800 slate as they feel that was a consumer product.

Motion has available options for the J3400 to buttress its suitability for field work.  There is a 2 MP camera on the back of the slate for taking photos in the field.  There is no web cam: this shoots stills and video in the field only.  There is a smart card option and an ExpressCard option for using peripherals on the go.  Motion is also making a Gobi WWAN option available for 3G connectivity in addition to the standard WiFi and Bluetooth options.

There are some innovative accessories for the J3400 that extend its usefulness, in my opinion.  First and foremost, the Mobile Keyboard turns the slate into a full notebook computer complete with touchpad and mouse buttons.  It is a totally new design that has a lid on the keyboard that opens up and becomes a support for the slate and looks very much like a notebook computer when used with the slate.  The keyboard attaches to the back of the slate magnetically for transport when not in use.  The Mobile Keyboard adds 1.7 lbs. to the slate when attached for transport and is available for $149.

j3400-mobile-keyboard

Motion is also producing a FlexDock for the J3400 which makes for a complete desktop setup when the slate is brought back to the office.  The slate is attached to the FlexDock for use as a display at the desk and provides a number of ports- DVI-D, VGA, 4-USB, audio in/out and Ethernet.  The FlexDock is $299 from Motion.

j3400-flexdock

Motion J3400 Specs:

  • Processor:  Intel Core 2 Duo ULV SU9400, 1.4 GHz or SU9300 1.2 GHz, FSB 800 MHz
  • OS:  Windows Vista Business; XP downgrade option
  • Graphics:  Intel 4500MD; 256 MB VRAM shared
  • Display:  12.1-inch; 1280 x 800; View Anywhere optional
  • Memory:  Two DIMM slots; 4 GB maximum (DDR3)
  • Storage:  1.8-inch; 80/ 120 GB; 64 GB SSD optional
  • WiFi:  802.11 a/b/g/n
  • Bluetooth:  BlueCore 2.1
  • Audio:  Dual array mic; stereo speakers
  • Camera: 2 MP; auto-focus; 1600 x 1200; light
  • I/O:  audio in/out; 2-USB; keyboard port; VGA out; RJ-45; docking connector; power
  • Expansion slots:  Smart Card; ExpressCard 34
  • Security:  Fingerprint reader; TPM 1.2; lock slot; Computrace (opt.); DataGuard
  • Battery:  LIon 30 WHr; two maximum (1.5 hour recharge each)
  • Dimensions:  12.7″ x 9.09″ x 0.9″; 3.6 lbs (one battery) 4.0 lbs (two batteries)
  • Control buttons:  5-way D-pad; 3 programmable buttons; camera; SAS
  • Starting price:  $2,299
Work Anywhere Kit- $149

Work Anywhere Kit- $149

Press Release:

AUSTIN, TX – March 16, 2009 – Motion Computing®, a leader in mobile computing and wireless communications, today announced the latest in its line of rugged tablet PCs.  Maximizing performance and flexibility, the J3400’s lightweight package, superior ergonomics and integrated features allow it to adapt easily to a broad range of demanding work environments.  Ideal for mobile workers that compute while walking or standing, the J3400 extends the computing day with a dual battery design and shines with an industry-leading, bright outdoor display.

“The J3400 was developed based on more than seven years of tablet PC experience, and feedback from customers across industries,” said David Altounian, president and CEO, Motion Computing.  “It is a mobile computing device with the capabilities our customers are demanding – a powerful processor with a compact rugged design that supports users who must be productive whether in the field or in the office.”

The J3400 joins Motion’s family of proven tablet PCs that meet the needs of mobile users across a variety of markets including healthcare, construction, field sales and service and government.  Balancing performance, weight, durability and integrated features, Motion tablets have significantly enhanced mobile productivity by enabling users to take technology directly to the point of service.

Motion is recognized for innovative solutions that can improve productivity with the ability to take technology to the point of service,” said Brian Tucker, business marketing manager, Mobile Platforms Group, Intel Corporation. “Intel’s Centrino 2 processor technology is the backbone in many thin and light concepts like the J3400’s innovative design with long battery life.”

Cianbro, a construction and service solutions provider, has significantly improved job site productivity with the use of Motion tablet PCs.  The company plans to deploy the J3400s at Destiny USA, a first-class destination being built to operate 100 percent free of fossil fuels.

“At Cianbro, we’re excited about the advancements Motion has made with the J3400.  The new features fit in well with our mobile computing needs,” said David Fay, Cianbro’s job site technology manager.  “The bright screen, ruggedness and integrated camera will help us further improve productivity as we work to enable innovation in the construction industry through advanced technology.”

Rugged, Lightweight and Ergonomic Equal All Day Computing

Motion’s J3400 offers all of the durability and functionality of a rugged PC, without the extra weight and price associated with traditional fully rugged devices. The tablet PC features a hot-swappable dual battery feature for all day computing performance.  Additionally, with its balanced design, integrated shoulder strap attach points, rounded corners and slip-free grip surface, it is easily carried throughout the day.

Motion’s unique design and internal frame that protects internal components without adding weight or thickness allows for the J3400’s rugged design and light weight.  The tablet PC is IP-52 rated and meets MIL-STD-810F specifications – able to withstand a three-foot drop on plywood over concrete as well as the occasional bumps, dust and moisture associated with mobile working environments.  A variety of features create a reliable, rugged device:

· 1.8 inch hard disk drive (HDD) that provides extra shock protection

· Shock-mounted display and HDD with DataGuard™, an accelerometer that protects data during drops or other events that could potentially damage the hard drive

· Optional low cost 64GB SSD for extreme shock and vibration protection

Integrated Features and Custom Peripherals Optimize Usability

The J3400’s available integrated features improve field productivity while reducing the number of devices that must be carried, while a host of custom-designed peripherals optimize usability:

· 2.0 megapixel camera for seamless, in-the-field documentation

· Smart card reader and biometric fingerprint reader for enhanced security

· GPS for real-time mapping, location tracking or the geo-tagging of digital photos

· FlexDock with full input/output connections, a convenient charging bay and mounting compatibility with any VESA device

· J-Series Work Anywhere™ kit to give users a comfortable option for carrying the device throughout the workday

Improving Mobile Productivity with the Latest Technologies

The J3400 is available with a variety of technologies that improve productivity, whether computing indoors or out.  It is the first tablet PC to combine Motion’s View Anywhere® technology with the Hydis AFFS+ wide screen display, creating an industry-leading, bright outdoor viewing experience.  Other available features include:

· Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology, which includes the Intel® Core™2 Duo processor to provide high performance and optimal battery life

· Speak Anywhere® technology that intelligently switches between two of three microphones for high-fidelity voice and sound input

· Intel® WiFi Link 5300 Series 802.11 a/b/g/draft-n, CSR BlueCore™ Bluetooth® 2.1, and integrated Gobi™ mobile broadband for a variety of communications options

Pricing and Availability

Motion tablet PCs are sold by authorized Motion resellers and distributors worldwide.  For more information or to find a certified Motion reseller visit www.motioncomputing.com/products/tablet_pc_J34.asp.

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