Motion Computing, which does a lot of business in the health care, field sales and service and government markets, announced today its latest tablet PC offering, the Motion F5. The new semi-rugged system has a built-in handle and a lighter weight (just over 3 pounds) to improve mobility, plus durability features that help protect the system in harsher conditions. Pricing on the Motion F5 will range from $2,699 to $4,000, depending on configuration, and is available now through Motion's VARs and distributors.

The Motion F5 is aimed at mobile workers who are looking to reduce the number of devices they are carrying around, including things like a handheld barcode scanner or digital camera. The system includes an Intel Core Solo U1400 processor (2MB of L2 cache, 1.2GHz, 533MHz FSB), 10.4-inch LCD screen (pen-based input), a base configuration of 1GB of RAM (upgradeable to 2GB), a 1.8-inch hard disk drive with 40GB of capacity (optional 32GB Solid State Drive), integrated 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN card, integrated Bluetooth, and optional integrated wireless broadband (through Sprint). An unlocked SIM card slot on the device means international customers can add their own HSDPA-based SIM card into the F5 device as well (and one would assume that an AT&T SIM card would also work). Users can choose Windows XP Tablet PC Edition or Windows Vista Business as the device's OS.

For mobile workers in the field, the system includes a built-in digital camera (2.0 megapixels), an optional 1D/2D barcode scanner, and a 13.56 MHz RFID reader. The Motion F5 includes a removable lithium-ion battery that offers about three to four hours of battery life, and additional batteries can be purchased separately, Motion says. An optional docking station comes with integrated 10/100 Ethernet port, three USB 2.0 ports, a VGA monitor port and a charging bay for an extra battery.

Durability features include a magnesium-alloy internal frame, faceplates that include a chemical-resistant resin, and a shock-mounted hard drive and accelerometer that can detect drops to prevent data loss. Motion says the F5 has been tested for an IP54 rating, which includes drops up to three feet, water resistance, dust resistance, and temperature ratings (operation between 5 degrees and 40 degrees Celsius).

More details are available at the Motion Computing Web site.