Generally tablet computers are either tough rugged or light and easily portable — no in between. Now there’s a new rugged tablet equipped with Windows 7 especially built for mobile enterprise workers that doesn’t feel rugged. The Motion CL900 Tablet PC has MIL-STD-810G and IP52 ruggedness certifications, but weighing in at 2.1 pounds it’s less than a pound heavier than certain tablet computers we’ve given away here on The SmartVan, and an extra 0.27″ in thickness notwithstading, is very close to the same size as an iPad.

How rugged is the Motion CL900? Well, we’ve yet to see claims that it can hammer nails like MobileDemand’s xTablet. However, if the potential’s there for service techs to drop a tablet out in the field, this tablet can handle it — according to the video below where a Mobile CL900 is repeatedly dropped onto a hard surface from a height of 4 feet.

http://youtu.be/whbYbonmD3M

Other features include:

  • Stylus pen, which has its own compartment on the side of the tablet accessible with the press of a button
  • Integrated digital cameras (3.0 MP Rear Camera and 1.3 MP Front Web Camera)
  • 10.1” wide display (1366×768) with Corning Gorilla Glass
  • 4-finger touch capability
  • Integrated Bluetooth® 3.0 module
  • Up to a full day of battery life (8 hours, with 2 hours charge time)
  • 1.5GHz Intel AtamZ670
  • Either 30 or 62GB SSD for on board storage
  • IP-52-rated, sealed exterior and chemical-resistant chassis with aluminum-alloy internal frame

The Motion CL900 has an optional case with a flap to protect the screen, an easel and a shoulder strap. Other optional accessories include a docking station that charges the tablet as well as offers connectivity for a keyboard, mouse and extended monitor. Mobile started shipping these rugged devices a week ago, with prices starting at $899. If you’re looking for a practical, powerful tablet that can take a beating but also works for watching movies or playing games — that is, if the boss allows technicians to use their Mobile CL900s off the clock — this new rugged tablet could be worth a look.