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View Full Version : 5 years later - looking for a new slate TPC



LonBe Me
01-26-2009, 11:18 AM
Greetings fellow Tablet users,

I have been using a (slate) Tablet PC (Motion M1300 then 1400) for about 5 years now – and I mean USE. This has been the single greatest piece of technology brought into my business life and I have become very dependent on it.

The point of this post is that it's getting close to the time that I should consider a new one, mostly for safety’s sake. Back in ’04 this forum was a great source to help me decide on what I got and I haven’t been at all sorry. I’m hoping to do that again with your help since I know things have changed.

What I do and my needs;
I’m a field sales engineer selling industrial machinery. Early on I carried a bag with a Franklin planner, multiple sales manuals (with tech info and pricing), and random brochures. Back in my home office I had filing cabinets stuffed with folders of notes, proposals, prints etc., for all my customers and many prospects.

Since I got this technology, I have become more efficient (and successful) by carrying only the TPC with me. I have everything I need in there and only create paper when the customer/prospect wants it. (I do still keep brochures in my car but don’t need to guess at what they may want to see – I have them all in pdfs)

When I go back to my home office, I have a great set-up to be efficient there as well (see photos)

My set-up:
Hardware
• Motion M1400 w/ 90 Gig 7,200rpm drive installed
• Leather portfolio – This is Key! When I carry this zipped up, people have no idea it’s a PC. Convenient and secure. (I have been disappointed in later offerings from Motion)
• Docking Station connected to 17” monitor, keyboard, mouse, cd/dvd drive, hubs, printers
Software (main)
• Still running XP
• Franklin-Covey PlanPlus for Window (this runs my life!)
• MS Office
• ACT!
• PDF Create
• UltraMon (for dual monitors)
• MS power toys/tools (snip it, etc)

So, this set really does work just right for me. My goal would be to come close to duplicating it with a new, more powerful (speed/ram/resolution) unit and key peripherals.

I’m really only familiar with Motion. One of my coworkers uses the M1700 – pretty good but a few concerns such as the available portfolio and more so just the direction of Motion. They seem to be moving away from this type of unit.

Summary of what I hope to get:
• Slate Tablet PC w/ 12” display like the indoor/outdoor (no touch screen)
o Available portfolio to “hide” it well
o Docking station

Your comments and directions would be most appreciated!

Steve S
01-26-2009, 04:40 PM
Lon: Based on what you've said, I'm going to recommend a late-model Fujitsu ST5112 or their new slate, the ST6012 (which will preview at the end of this month). Although Fujitsu is more staid than Motion, they seem to be supporting that product line solidly.

http://store.shopfujitsu.com/fpc/Ecommerce/buildseriesbean.do?series=ST6012&ptype=TB

Also, Fujitsu continues to offer a variety of accessories including a portfolio, "zipper" bump case and "easel" bump case...

John Hill
01-26-2009, 05:03 PM
Our ST6012 demo unit is due to ship tomorrow so I'll have a good review of it soon!

LonBe Me
01-26-2009, 05:47 PM
Thanks guys
John - I had found my way to your site earlier and will definitely be considering the "48 hour demo" when the time comes.

LonBe Me
10-26-2009, 12:04 PM
well I held off until I can get Win 7 on the the new tablet. Would you guys still recommend Fujitsu's new model?
I dont see posts about it and when I look on their site it still w/ Vista or XP
thanks

tanseycg
10-28-2009, 05:04 AM
This post sure does bring back memories...I started out with an HP1100 about 5 years ago...then 2 different fujitsus, a motion and currently have an HP2710p. I have just ordered a Lenovo 200 with Multi-touch...can't wait.
Unlike you, I have gone through quite a few tablets and I wish I could make a commitment like you have...but alas, I can not and must satisfy my tablet wanderlust.
Good luck in your quest...

pdavsong
11-18-2009, 08:48 AM
i am waiting and seeing what comes out now w7 is here but i have liked what i have read about the x200 - pity there's not a slate version as it irks me to buy a keyboard i wont use and can't detach.

it wiil be interesting to see if motion now finds its feet again as the j3400 certainly had initial appeal for me

LonBe Me
11-18-2009, 08:55 AM
I have always been a huge slate fan but now that I'm focusing on the Dell XT2 (almost same size and weight of my Motion M1400) It made me think about those time a keyboard would be useful.

maximusmeridus
11-19-2009, 02:48 PM
well I held off until I can get Win 7 on the the new tablet. Would you guys still recommend Fujitsu's new model?
I dont see posts about it and when I look on their site it still w/ Vista or XP
thanks

Hi LonBe,

Don't whatever you do get rid of the M1400, it is a masterpiece! You will be disappointed if you move to another tablet. There is simply no other tablet that feels as slick as a m1400. Looks, touch, responsiveness and accessories.

If you upgrade to the windows 7 with 2 GBs of ram you will have a rocket of a machine. Honestly! It is awesome! You could go for Windows 7 Starter edition which is cheap and uses even less memory.

Don't be put off by the tricky install, it may take an hour/two but it is worth it. I have found a perfect solution if you're interested.

Whats more, you get to keep your m1400, save the money and have the speediest most practical tablet around, don't take my word for it.

Cheers

LonBe Me
11-19-2009, 03:52 PM
Oh my Max!

It's intriguing but I have some hardware problems like the connection to the dock is getting iffy. I'm not certain if it's the dock or the M1400.
Also, my batteries only last about 30 minutes. Not sure where to find new ones.

I do love this machine.

thanks

maximusmeridus
11-19-2009, 03:59 PM
Oh my Max!

It's intriguing but I have some hardware problems like the connection to the dock is getting iffy. I'm not certain if it's the dock or the M1400.
Also, my batteries only last about 30 minutes. Not sure where to find new ones.

I do love this machine.

thanks

Hey

Let me say, one thing, I have had 3 tablets, an HP tx2000, a LE1600 and finally I bought myself a M1400 for $160 practically new on ebay. Was a lot better than anything I had ever used before. It all just works and beautifully. God only knows why motion ditched it.

All the spares are on ebay so its well worth finding out exactly whats wrong with it and purchasing spares. Still much cheaper than a new tablet and a lot better too.

Cheerio
Max