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Motion Computing to Show Tablet PCs

Tablet PC prototype in development by veterans of Dell, Apple, Compaq, and Fujitsu.

Scarlet Pruitt, IDG News Service

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Saying they aim to make computers more portable, intuitive, and easy to use, a group of industry stalwarts have formally launched Motion Computing, and plan to unveil a prototype Tablet PC at the TechXNY trade show taking place in New York on June 25 through June 27.

The new company, whose founders hail from such companies as Dell, Apple, Compaq, and Fujitsu, is promising to expand the capabilities of mobile computing by leveraging technologies such as electronic ink, handwriting recognition, and voice capabilities.

Motion Computing's first product is a slate-like Tablet PC that will use Microsoft's Windows XP Tablet PC Edition software. The prototype will feature pen and speech-based input, company representatives said on Monday.

The company's first product should be generally available later this year, a Motion Computing spokesperson added.

Pushing Tablets

Microsoft unveiled a prototype Tablet PC at the Comdex show in fall 2001. The company has been licensing its specifications and software to a number of vendors that are preparing Tablet PCs. Microsoft forecast that new Tablet PC products would arrive in 2002; however, none has yet shipped.

Motion Computing is based in Austin, Texas, and is led by Scott Eckert, its chief executive officer. Eckert was a general manager for several of Dell's international operations and once headed the PC giant's Internet operations, according to a statement from Motion Computing.

The company anticipates marketing the Tablet PC to several industries, notably health care, field sales, engineering, and education, according to Motion Computing representatives. Proponents say that in some applications the devices represent an improvement over current notebooks, because Tablet PCs can perform the same tasks but may be lighter, more ergonomic, and have a longer battery life.

The new company is currently in the midst of securing its first round of funding, totaling around $8 million, according to the spokesperson. While the Tablet PC is Motion Computing's first foray into the market, the company plans to launch a broad range of products that center on mobility, wireless capabilities, and innovative designs.

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