Motion Computing's Core 2 Duo-powered LE1700 Tablet PC

Thanks to GottaBeMobile, we've just learned of a pretty high end Tablet PC from Motion Computing called the LE1700, which features, among other goodies, a 1.5GHz Core 2 Duo processor and 12.1-inch SXGA+ display. These specs alone would make the unannounced slate pretty exciting, but Motion's also throwing in a fingerprint reader, built-in accelerometer, dual-mode digitizer, and three wireless radios: a/b/g WiFi, Bluetooth, and hottest of all, HSDPA mobile broadband. We'd love to drop a price and release date on you too, but seeing how all this info is courtesy of the FCC, that just ain't gonna be possible. Stay tuned, though -- we're sure this tablet will be popping up again.

Update: For the nigglers out there, this model can also be configured with a Core Solo processor, and both low-power CPU's should provide you with satisfactory battery life.

[Via GottaBeMobile]

[Carlos Montoya @ Mar 23rd 2007 10:31PM]

Are they still trying to get people to buy these motion tablets. Everyone knows the only one worth buying is the HP

[Ayle @ Mar 23rd 2007 10:40PM]

What does the dual mode digitizer do?

[Jeff Lewis @ Mar 23rd 2007 10:54PM]

It has a resistive screen so you an use your finger or any stylus - and a Wacom digitiser that uses a special stylus, but gives you pressure sensitivity - good for artwork and drawing.

[Ayle @ Mar 24th 2007 12:25AM]

Thanks for the info.

[Mitch R. @ Mar 24th 2007 12:17AM]

Are you crazy Carlos?

Motion computing tablets are the best around. Nothing's ever going to keep them down. They have very good build quality, and don't come loaded with crapware.

[John Doe @ Mar 24th 2007 12:21AM]

Why the hell would they put a duo in one of these things? This isn't a standard laptop. One of the selling points of a tablet is its mobility and with it battery life becomes even more critical then a laptop. They should have put a 1.33Ghz or 1.66Ghz Core Solo in this thing. Its not as if you are going to be doing hot and heavy Photoshopping on a 12" screen after all.

[Mitch R. @ Mar 24th 2007 12:38AM]

Obviously you didn't read the full story. You can choose a 1.2GHZ Core Solo, or 1.5GHZ Core 2 Duo. The Core CPUs are very efficient, and some people need the extra power. Also, screen size doesn't have anything to do with Photoshop. It's resolution that matters, and this will be the first slate with this resolution.

John Doe.....

[John Doe. @ Mar 24th 2007 1:21AM]

No I didn't read the story because I expect Engadget to give me enough of an overview without needing to dig further. Obviously they did a piss poor job of summarizing the story. I mean it features….x,y, and z. I consider that fact. Not lazy. I come to Engadget to get summaries of gadgets of the day.

As for PS. Obviously you have never worked with it when you’ve had a crap load of palettes open. 12” may be OK for doodling or some really rudimentary touchups but anything that really pushes the capabilities of a core duo? Yes its personal preference but I know few people who would want to do real work on a 12” screen.

[roach @ Mar 24th 2007 3:37AM]

I use TC1100 with 10.5 screen for doodling (sketch pro and photoshop) and it works awesome because it's small enough to carry it with me everyday...like a real doodle pad. I even do a bit of Maya 3D. TC and coffee shops is awesome combination.

I hear a lot of people using Motion. Motion's slate design, like my TC (keyboard is detachable), is the only way to go for artist. My only issue with Motion is they don't have dedicated video cards.

[Andir3.0 @ Mar 24th 2007 3:35AM]

I have a m1300 Motion Tablet and I love it. Excellent build! Hopefully they've kept up production quality since then :P

[MotionUser @ Mar 24th 2007 4:31AM]

I have a Motion LE1600 and it is SUPERB. It has a few minor quirks but all in all it is one of the best tablet PCs made to date. Carbon fiber / magnesium case.... 2 batteries so you can switch without powering down... I don't do extensive photoshopping or crazy CAD work on it but thats not the point. I have a desktop for that. These things are well worth the money - even Bill Gates uses one.

[knoellgraham @ Apr 16th 2007 9:33AM]

I agree with you 100%, and the tablet works best using business applications...not a graphic artist tool....even I know it's best using a MAC G5 for graphic programs....

[clintonrec @ Mar 24th 2007 10:31AM]

We have been using Motion tablets for two years (1600 and LS800) and they have performed marvelously for certain applications. Can hardly wait to see this model! Hope they keep up the quality.

[Carlos Montoya @ Mar 24th 2007 10:55PM]

Motion tablets suck period...end of story

[Aaron @ Mar 24th 2007 10:46PM]

I work at a hospital and we use these pieces of crap. Never had something so inconsistent. I'm a lefty and that might be part of it. Even with it set up with the lefty option these things are awful, poor maintenance of calibration for the pen and constant hanging. Just my experience, I hope others have had better experiences. I think that they are a danger in the hospital...

Aaron

[jreed @ Mar 25th 2007 12:46AM]

I currently have an LE1600 running Vista and I love it. I use it almost entirely for drawing and painting using Painter X. And I do use it for photoshop sometimes. With the popup virtual keyboard you don't need lots of palettes open if you are used to key commands. A great addition is the bluetooth MOGO mouse which folds flat and charges in the pcmcia slot. I've had no calibration issues and no crashes. I'm sure individual mileage varies.