Motorola Atrix 4G: The SmartPhone That Thinks it's a Notebook!

[Hooch Tan]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.anandtech.com/show/4112/anand-goes-hands-on-with-motorolas-atrix-4g-webtop' target='_blank'>http://www.anandtech.com/show/4112/...atrix-4g-webtop</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Equipped with a full GB of memory and 16GB of NAND, the Tegra 2 based Atrix 4G has one very unique feature: it can be docked into a custom ultra thin notebook chassis and used to drive the notebook. Motorola calls this its webtop dock:"</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1294675311.usr20447.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>I figure I have to made the token comment about how this smells a lot like the Palm Foleo, an idea that was pretty widely ridiculed when the idea first came out.&nbsp; I also probably need to make the token mention of the RedFly Mobile Companion.&nbsp; The idea apparently seems more popular now, and with the huge increase in computing power over the past few years, a SmartPhone's capabilities may translate, at least in part, to the notebook format.&nbsp; I still have to wonder about many of the concerns raised back when the Foleo and RedFly were just out of the gate.&nbsp; The cost for something like a specialized dock compared to a netbook must be a lot lower to compel people to make the right choice and unless the dock is universal across several devices, it seems like a bit of a nightmare.&nbsp; As for the Atrix specifically, I really wonder why the phone has to be placed behind the screen, where you cannot see it!&nbsp; All I can say is that if I am using a notebook form factor, I would probably prefer notebook levels of performance, not just an enlarged smartphone screen.&nbsp; Does this tempt anyone?</p>

[Sven Johannsen]

Does this tempt anyone?

If it does, I'll just pull out my RedFly and I'm sure the feeling will pass.

[whydidnt]

This is always one of those concepts that sounds good. However, actual usage typically leads one to a different opinion. These days, with more and more information moving to the cloud, you have less need for a solution like this, since it's easier to keep your email, contacts, calendar, rss, etc. in sync via the cloud. If the notebook dock is priced at $100 or less, it may make sense over a netbook alternative, but sadly, it will probably be priced close to most netbooks making, leaving it with just the cool factor, and few owners.

Sven's point on the Redfly is a good one. I have one buried in a drawer somewhere. The thing is when you end up having to carry an extra device that doesn't fit in a pocket, you might as well grab the full featured laptop and stick it in the bag instead of the limited dock that is nearly as big, but offers less functionality.