Mobile specialist Motion Computing last week introduced a new Tablet PC ultraportable aimed at mobile workers and offering increased processing power, better security and an improved screen.

The M1400 Tablet PC is a lightweight, slate-style tablet design with a long battery life and is designed for use on the move, according to Motion. The system is based on Intel's new 1.1GHz ultra low voltage Pentium M processor.

To differentiate the M1400 device from other Tablet PC designs, Motion has equipped it with a wide-viewing-angle 12in LCD screen, a fingerprint scanner for secure log-in, and directional microphones to improve sound quality for voice recognition and audio note taking.

"Our target market is people walking around using it," said Motion Computing's UK business development manager, Andy Toal. "You can dock it on a desk, but the principal benefit is to use it where a keyboard isn't appropriate." A wide viewing angle for the screen is useful because a standard LCD is difficult to read unless viewed straight on, Toal said. The weight has been kept down to below 1.2kg but the device still achieves at least four hours' use from its batteries.

Because a portable's screen backlight is one of the major drains of battery power, Motion has equipped the M1400 with a light sensor that allows the device to automatically adjust the display brightness to the ambient conditions.

Toal said that Motion sees voice input as a promising application for Tablet PCs, and has included improved Speak Anywhere technology for this.

"Voice is good for note-taking and gathering supporting information, but limitations in the microphones on laptops usually mean you need a headset," he said. The Speak Anywhere system consists of a dual microphone array and software to focus on a particular speaker, filtering out other noise.

The software can also cancel out echoes, which have been a major problem for voice over IP (VoIP) applications, Toal said.

Motion provides a "swipe" finger scanner for security because this is easier to use in the field than a password or PIN to log in, according to Toal.

A password management application can also deliver stored passwords to web sites when authorised by a finger swipe. The Motion M1400 comes with integrated Bluetooth capability, which works alongside an 802.11b/g wireless LAN adapter.

The system comes with 256MB of 333MHz DDR memory, expandable up to 2GB; and a 20GB, 40GB or 60GB hard disk. Pricing starts at £1,350 + VAT.