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Motorola unveils rugged ET1 Android tablet for enterprise types (video)

Well, here it is. After months of beta tests, Motorola's ET1 tablet was finally unveiled today, bringing a taste of Android 2.3 to the enterprise market. Powered by a 1GHz dual-core CPU, this rugged slate packs 8GB of internal storage, along with a 32GB microSD card slot, and features a seven-inch, Gorilla Glass capacitive touchscreen with 1024 x 600 resolution. Weighing in at 1.4 pounds, the ET1 also boasts an eight megapixel rear camera, a front-facing shooter designed for videoconferencing and 720p video capabilities. Plus, retailers can choose to outfit the tablet with a host of accessories, including a barcode reader, magnetic stripe reader, handstrap and holster. At this point, the ET1 boasts only WiFi connectivity, though Motorola Solutions' Sheldon Safir says a Wide Area Network version is in the works. The manufacturer didn't offer a specific price, but Safir tells Computer World that bulk purchases should cost less than $1,000 by the time the slab hits the market, later this year. Head past the break for a full platter of PR, along with a demo video.


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Motorola Solutions Introduces Its First Tablet Computer Built for Enterprise Users

First solutions for Android™-based ET1 tablet focused on retail with functionality to enhance the shopping experience

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Oct. 10, 2011 – Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: MSI), a leading provider of mission-critical communication products and services for enterprise and government customers, today unveiled the ET1 tablet, the first in an emerging category of enterprise-class tablet computers designed for a variety of vertical markets. The ET1 brings the familiarity and popularity of a consumer-class user experience to a true enterprise-class device that includes enhanced durability, an optional barcode scanner and magnetic stripe reader, hot-swappable battery packs, and secure system software. Key industrial-strength accessories such as secure multi-slot recharging stations are also available.

Intended for demanding day-long use, the Wi-Fi-enabled ET1 is password-protected so it can be easily shared and instantly provisioned for each employee according to his or her level of responsibility and access rights. Based on log-in information, managers can automatically control and monitor use of approved applications to help ensure on-the-job productivity is not compromised.

ET1 KEY FACTS

Retailers can seamlessly and securely run a variety of applications developed by Motorola's extensive partner and independent software vendor (ISV) community, including:

Assisted selling
Mobile point of sale (mPOS)
Manager electronic dashboards
Planogram management and compliance
Item locator

Running an enterprise-ready hardened version of the Android operating system, the ET1 tablet is designed to be used 24 x 7 by multiple staff members.

Supported by Motorola's portfolio of enterprise-grade software modules including RhoElements, a new HTML5 application enablement framework, businesses can now quickly and cost-effectively develop enterprise applications once and deploy them on both traditional Windows Embedded Handheld™ and Android-based Motorola devices, allowing for consistent user experiences.

The ET1 incorporates a durable Gorilla Glass™ 7-inch color display, designed for customer-facing applications containing video and images. In addition, the screen bezel can be customized to match the retailer's brand.

Motorola's ET1 tablet offers a comprehensive suite of enterprise-class features and accessories including:

Durable design to withstand multiple bumps and drops during a workday

Optional integrated bar code scanner and magnetic stripe reader

Hot-swappable rechargeable battery pack, with memory back-up battery to retain RAM data for up to 15 minutes when the main battery is removed

Single- and multi-slot tablet and battery chargers

Front- and rear-facing cameras

Availability of Bluetooth-connected handheld bar-code scanners, mobile-payment readers and mobile printers

Optional hand strap for comfortable full-shift handling

The ET1 tablet will be available with Motorola's Service from the Start with Comprehensive Coverage program, providing coverage for normal wear and tear as well as accidental damage to internal and external components, significantly reducing unforeseen repair expenses.
Motorola Solutions' ET1 tablet will be available in the fourth quarter of 2011.