New Tablet boasts hybrid screen

Motion Computing will today unveil a Tablet PC that is designed to work with Windows Vista and comes with the option of a new hybrid display supporting both pen input and finger-driven touch control of applications.

The LE1700 is described as an evolutionary step from the firm’s current LE1600 model, continuing Motion Computing’s focus on vertical markets such as healthcare, education and mobile field workers. Available to order from 2 April, the updated unit adds new wireless capabilities, a higher screen resolution and greater processing power.

Based on Intel’s 1.5GHz Core 2 Duo L7400, the standard LE1700 offers double the performance of the LE1600 for about £1,195, while an entry-level version with the 1.2GHz Core Solo U1400 has performance comparable to the LE1600 but an improved battery life and costs £1,095. Both can have up to 4GB memory.

“It’s the only slate-style Tablet PC with Core 2 Duo as far as I’m aware, so it’s the most powerful in the market,” said Andy Toal, business manager for Motion in the UK and Ireland.

An option on the LE1700 is Motion’s WriteTouch display, which enables input using an active stylus or by touching the display. WriteTouch detects the proximity of the pen to work out which method it should use, according to Toal.

“You can use both input technologies without having to worry about which ‘mode’ you’re in,” he said. The system’s 12in display also now has a resolution of 1400x1050, which offers better rendering of on-screen forms, for example.

As well as 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the LE1700 has integrated 3G wireless broadband capability. This requires only a mobile operator SIM to enable access virtually anywhere.

While the base configuration includes Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, Motion also supports Windows Vista Business edition. Toal explained that this offers a much improved user experience, with better visual feedback, integrated pen gestures and the ability to train the system to better recognise the user’s handwriting.