With the Beta of Windows 8 just around the corner in February, now is the perfect time to pick up a Windows 7 tablet.
This means you will be able to test the Beta and eventually upgrade the unit to the commercial version of Windows 8 later this year.
In order to help you find the right tablet for your needs, we are making it our mission to provide users with great new reviews about potential Windows 7/8 tablets.
Today we are taking a look at the Motion Computing CL900, a highly rugged device that is certainly at home when it comes to field use.
We'll start by showing off the CL900's specs:
■ a 10.1-inch HD LED screen dual bonded with Corning Gorilla Glass (1366x768 resolution)
■ Intel Atom Z670 1.50GHz processor
■ GB DDR2 800MHz RAM
■ 62GB SSD
■ Intel GMA 600 graphics 400MHz
■ USB 2.0
■ Micro-HDMI
■ 4-cell lit-ion battery with up to 8 hours of life
■ 3MP rear camera and 1.3MP front camera
■ Bluetooth and 802.11b/g/n wireless
■ Weight: 2.10 lbs
■ Dimensions: 10.90x7.06x.061-in
Looking beyond the specs, the CL900 has a very thick design and is awfully weighty.
This is expected in a device that is likely designed for field-use and is meant to take a few hard bumps, but for those who are planning on using it for business and home use where it will be safe might find that the weight is unnecessary.
The chassis of the unit is made out of aluminum alloy and an exterior that will protect against dust and moisture.
Looking at the hardware inside, we find thaat the screen has a pretty capable 1366x768 resolution and supports both a stylus and hand-touch.
The viewing angles on the device are also not bad at all and the Gorilla Glass helps the unit withstand any knocks or drops that might befall it.
Still, the Atom Z670 isn't exactly a power-house and is basically no more effective than a typical netbook in overall performance. Though I do say that the battery life isn't bad at all, at about 8 hours.
Don't expect to be doing hardcore gaming with this unit though, although it can handle basic HD video streaming and other semi-graphic intense functions.
If you intend to keep Windows 7 for any extended length of time (though I really recommend jumping on the Beta), the CL900 is rather accommodating with third-party add-ons like QuickNav that give acccess to key features by putting a vertical toolbar onscreen that allows one-touch access to the cameras, GPS, voice recorder, barcode scanner, a calculator, and a QWERTY keyboard.
It also includes exTouch that adds quick application launching and a couple of customized apps that are designed with touch in mind (such as an alternative calculator).
The CL900 isn't aimed at casual users or even the business sector, so if you fit into one of those two categories there is probably a better fit out there for you.
If you are in a field where you need something that can resist damage, than the CL900 could be a perfect fit.
The CL900 is
available through Microsoft store for $1099.
