Motion Computing's M1400 Tablet PC comes with several features that make it well suited for workers needing to capture information in either written form or as voice recordings. Beyond this specific role, firms will probably find that a traditional laptop with a built-in keyboard is more useful as a productivity tool.

The M1400 Tablet PC, shipping since last month through UK resellers, is a slate-style tablet design aimed at applications where a keyboard is less appropriate - for example, to take notes in meetings. It boasts a fingerprint scanner for keyboard-free log-ins, directional microphones for better quality voice input, and a wide viewing angle LCD screen.

In our tests, we found the M1400 quickly became a burden when carried in the same way as a paper notepad, even though at less than 1.2kg the system is lighter than most laptops. We also found we had to resort to the plug-in keyboard for all but the most basic text input, but the fault here lies with the Tablet PC platform and not the hardware. Recent tests have shown that the handwriting recognition capability will be much improved by the addition of Windows XP Service Pack 2, due for release by the end of this summer.

The M1400 is sturdily built, and feels like it would survive being lugged about in daily use. The 12.1in screen takes up much of the top of the case, and is surrounded by customisable shortcut buttons, one of which switches the display between landscape and portrait, and another is a navigation key like those found on Pocket PC PDAs. One neat touch is a thin retaining cord that attaches the stylus to the M1440, preventing it from being misplaced.

At the top left corner of the screen is a swipe sensor that lets users log-in by fingerprint scan and the supplied OmniPass software. This tool can also store passwords for access to resources such as web sites, automatically submitting them when authorised by a fingerprint scan. It can also secure access to user folders and files. We found recognition was a rather hit-and-miss process, and we would not like to rely on it.

The M1400 is based on a 1.1GHz ultra low voltage version of Intel's Pentium M mobile processor. Our review unit was fitted with 512MB of memory, but 256MB is the standard configuration. The device has both Ethernet and 802.11b/g wireless LAN (WLAN) network capability. It also has integrated Bluetooth wireless connectivity, but the software to support this is not installed by default. Dual USB 2.0 ports and a FireWire port are also fitted.

In performance tests, the M1400 achieved a Business Winstone 2004 score of 14.1, which is comparable to other Pentium M portables such as HP's Compaq Tablet tc1100, which scored 14.3. Our BatteryMark 4.01 test rated the M1400 at three hours and five minutes, with screen brightness set to maximum. This figure suggests that the device would not manage a full working day away from the mains, especially if the WLAN is used heavily.

The M1400 comes with a clip-on screen cover, plastic desktop stand and USB keyboard with integral touchpad mouse. Optional extras include a £150 FlexDock cradle that lets the user rotate the tablet while docked; a £65 keyboard that replaces the clip-on screen cover and acts as a portable cradle; and a £233 DVD-CD/RW drive that links to the tablet's FireWire port.

Price: £1,299 + VAT

Contact: Motion Computing 02476 311 685