Motion Computing having major layoffs today

A tipster that wishes to remain anonymous has informed us that a Motion rep told him that Motion Computing is laying off 40 people today.  This is reported to be their third round of layoffs in the past 12 months and if this is accurate then it looks pretty rough for the primary slate Tablet PC maker.  Austin-based Motion recently settled a patent infringement lawsuit with Typhoon Touch and it's not clear if these latest layoffs are related to that settlement.  Let's hope that Motion can hold on and pull through what is obviously a rough period for them and get back to making slates for the consumer market.  We were unable to reach anyone at Motion to ask for further information.

Comments

[B]

I'm mildly surprised Motion is still in business. Have they even been doing anything since the LS800 was released?

[James Kendrick]

They have focused almost totally on the vertical market space and much less on the consumer space.

[Rob]

Here's the info on the layoffs:
http://www.gottabemobile.com/Motion+Computing+Laying+Off+15+20+Of+Work+Force.aspx

[Pat]

I have a 3+ year old Motion M-1400, solid tablet and still in use today. Since the LS800 they've had the LE1600 (update to the 1400), the hospital-oriented C5 and the more recent F5 which is similar (but different!)

I hope these guys do well as I was impressed with the build quality of my 1400.. solid magnesium alloy case, original battery still going strong. I was considering buying one of those $1500 units except for the 800x600 screen (got a Q1UP instead)

[Byron Allgood]

I remember addressing the topic of why manufacturers are going convertable. There was frustration here that it seemed that size was being sacrificed to add keyboards.

Truth is its pure economics.
Most people want a keyboard.
Well I think the financial woes experienced by Motion proves that point.

And I write this from my Fujitsu slate tablet.
I love slates.

But to wonder why manufacturers prefer convertables, the frank truth is, that's what people want.

[Mickey Segal]

Some people prefer a dockable slate instead of a convertible. The dockable slate "use case" got drowned out by the mantra about the benefits of pen input. The best argument for a slate (and for pen input of text) is that there are many situations when you don't want to use a keyboard - for example while standing or when it would interfere with interpersonal interaction. If you don't use a keyboard when you are away from your desk the best approach is a slate and a dock.

The best way to sell slates is to make pitch for having a small device while mobile and a big screen when you are back at your desk. If you don't stress that "use case" you will not sell many slates.