Motorola to launch more laptop-dock compatible devices in H2 2011

posted by Victor H. / May 02, 2011, 6:42 AM

Motorola to launch more laptop-dock compatible devices in H2 2011

The Motorola ATRIX 4G Laptop Dock was one of the most innovative gadgets we saw at CES. Deservedly, it stole the show, only to underwhelm us with its price when it was released later in March. But the disappointing price and slightly laggy performance, shouldn't bring the whole idea down, and luckily – they haven't.

Motorola's earning conference call last week brought some exciting news about the future of the accessory as chief executive of Motorola Mobility Sanjay Jha himself said that it's a key component of the company's strategy:

"In the Android ecosystem, there is a need for us to differentiate," Jha said. "[With] Atrix devices with the Webtop and lap-dock we really think there is an alternative way of viewing the convergence between mobility and computing. And we will continue to focus on that," he answered an analyst's question.

"You will see multiple devices from us in the second half...and we will expand the range of our lap-dock devices so we cover a broader price point, addressing both the enterprise premium tier as well as more consumer tiers," Jha added.

The Motorola ATRIX 4G Laptop Dock won't cut it to a full-blown netbook, but it was a big step in that direction. As Moto promises updates to its Webtop software and with quad-core smartphones in the works, we can easily see it turning into an even more appealing accessory.

source: CNET

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23 Comments

1. protozeloz

Posts: 5396; Member since: Sep 16, 2010

I too think this is a way for the company to specialize on an specific line of Android powered phones, to me in the end this smarphome war will end up with 4 important companies developing complete android protects that will make them stand up.

posted on May 02, 2011, 6:53 AM 1

2. ayephoner

Posts: 858; Member since: Jun 09, 2009

until they cut the cost in half, its the dumbest thing i've ever seen. why would you pay that much for a dock, when you could get a REAL computer for LESS money????

posted on May 02, 2011, 7:59 AM 5

3. Jeradiah3

Posts: 1149; Member since: Feb 11, 2010

i agree that it is 2 expensive, even with the atrix as a contract phone, to pay for. i went tio a local AT&T store and saw the labtop dock for the first time. i like the concept, but its not enough to replace my computer or labtop for that matter. the atrix itself needs to lower in price to attract more customers because it will end up like blackberry....."more business that personal smartphones"

posted on May 02, 2011, 8:35 AM 1

19. Lucas777

Posts: 2137; Member since: Jan 06, 2011

well the atrix just sucks with all its bugs and problems... maybe if they used a phone wihtout all the problems it would be alright. and the computer isnt even a full computer. its a propratary os that u cant use like a full computer anyways.... the asus transfomer is a much better idea and that is realistically only 400 compared to the 150 you sepend on a dock...

posted on May 02, 2011, 7:03 PM 0

4. Sniggly

Posts: 7305; Member since: Dec 05, 2009

I agree, it was too pricey and a dual core 1 gig processor is just too slow to compete with similar priced netbooks, but it was STILL an incredibly innovative idea, one which was too good to allow to die. Glad to see Motorola keeping their idea above water.

posted on May 02, 2011, 9:33 AM 1

11. Fanboys Suck

Posts: 609; Member since: Dec 12, 2008

I'll agree. I thought the concept was great, but the dock was under developed. There are some stupid little issues that need to be addressed, and multi-touch needs to be added. I think it might be better to develop a dock for your personal computer through USB and use it the same... not a completely different lap top dock

posted on May 02, 2011, 1:51 PM 0

5. Firelock

Posts: 6; Member since: Apr 15, 2011

To much money for very little performance. I played with one and was very disappointed with it. Tablets will make the docks useless anyway. Moto shouldn't waist the money. Big mistake!!! Think about it Moto.

posted on May 02, 2011, 9:37 AM 0

6. Sniggly

Posts: 7305; Member since: Dec 05, 2009

Why not have a powerful smartphone that has a processor which can also power a laptop?

posted on May 02, 2011, 10:00 AM 0

10. protozeloz

Posts: 5396; Member since: Sep 16, 2010

Why carry a tablet to work when all you need is your phone and the hdmi dock and a screen and you have some similar experience, if. People can afford only a device a year and they can't get a tab why not a phone that offers similar advantages. Now the laptop doc is the only bad thing about it because of the price

posted on May 02, 2011, 11:09 AM 0

7. Rawrzellers

Posts: 224; Member since: Aug 22, 2010

I saw the commercial again for this phone last night on hulu and was thinking the only way they'll get this dock thing to work is if it became more universal and not so exclusive. That and knock the price down a good chunk. No one will use this dock that much to ever get their money's worth.

posted on May 02, 2011, 10:10 AM 1

8. IOS5 unregistered

Moto we need an update for the Atrix to 2.3!

posted on May 02, 2011, 10:32 AM 0

9. protozeloz

Posts: 5396; Member since: Sep 16, 2010

Just curious, how is the atrix threading you so far? And yeah I wanna see hoe GB works a difference on dual core

posted on May 02, 2011, 11:01 AM 0

12. IOS5 unregistered

it's fine still a bit laggy I just bought the phone without any dock! I don't like the dock labtob staff that comes with the phone cause should a phone not a tab, display it's sharp and fabulous but still not reaching retina display but I like it kind of more natural color p, battery life it's v good to excellent, camera it's good outdoor indoor excellent?! specially night 720p looks awesome! but in good light looks ok! over all it's a nice phone.

posted on May 02, 2011, 2:26 PM 0

13. protozeloz

Posts: 5396; Member since: Sep 16, 2010

that sounds great... still tempted to get this phone but by iPhone friend keeps telling me to get the SGS2.... with the way Samsung seems to be working and the way the camera does I'm feeling tempted and she is good at convincing me to get stuff, so I struggle between atrix and SGS2 here (both may come around the same time) >.

posted on May 02, 2011, 2:58 PM 0

16. Sniggly

Posts: 7305; Member since: Dec 05, 2009

BIONIC.

posted on May 02, 2011, 3:02 PM 0

21. protozeloz

Posts: 5396; Member since: Sep 16, 2010

I'm a GSM fan boy :(

posted on May 02, 2011, 7:06 PM 0

20. protozeloz

Posts: 5396; Member since: Sep 16, 2010

man I hate when I posts something and leave just to find out it just got in half and no edit on this.... PLEASE get discuss and get rid of this DX

posted on May 02, 2011, 7:04 PM 0

14. protozeloz

Posts: 5396; Member since: Sep 16, 2010

and try speech to txt it saves you hell a lot of time :D

posted on May 02, 2011, 2:59 PM 0

15. Sniggly

Posts: 7305; Member since: Dec 05, 2009

Just make sure Gemini and Taco don't find out you got an Android phone, otherwise they'll kill you. ;) I think if the Gingerbread update is the same for the Atrix as it was for the X, it'll come into its own as a phone.

posted on May 02, 2011, 3:01 PM 0

17. Goldeneye

Posts: 419; Member since: Jan 22, 2011

I hear you rawzellers, the dock should be universal at least the dual cores since beginning, but again stupidity called exclusive, good luck MOTO

posted on May 02, 2011, 3:54 PM 0

18. IOS5 unregistered

Look GSG2 it's not bad at all or something samsung does has the experience but don't trust them for lot of reason update in time, the lag issue I hope they fixed on galaxy s2 and quality of the phone and call quality. I'm iPhone/iPad user but I'm still in love with moto:) Ps. First try the both phone and chose whatever you like. Good luck

posted on May 02, 2011, 5:46 PM 0

23. protozeloz

Posts: 5396; Member since: Sep 16, 2010

thanks ^^

posted on May 03, 2011, 9:13 PM 0

22. Preach2k

Posts: 13; Member since: Aug 30, 2010

I am hoping that the Bionic/Targa really do not get the Laptop Dock. It will ruin the phone. If They Do the same with this phone that they did with the Atrix!! 512MB DDR2 for the phone and 512MB DDR2 for the Laptop Dock. If I can do more with a laptop then why do I need it!!! It is a Gimmick.. If they do that with this phone It will be a deal breaker for me... This phone does not need a Laptop Dock!! Just straight up 1GB DDR2 Ram only All Phone.