Will Droid Bionic users pay for Lapdock? Analysts skeptical

Computerworld - An unusual Lapdock accessory for the Motorola Droid Bionic smartphone, which Verizon Wireless started selling on Thursday, can be had for $300.

While some consider the accessory revolutionary, it's unclear how a smartphone-Lapdock combination will resonate with customers, especially business users.

The Lapdock extends the capabilities of the Droid Bionic's powerful dual-core processor by adding an 11.6-in. display and large keyboard, providing users with the ability to edit documents and email, browse the Web and view videos.

The Lapdock requires Motorola's Webtop software, first announced in January. A Lapdock and the Webtop software are also available for the Motorola Atrix 4G smartphone sold by AT&T. Other docks and the Webtop software are available for use with the Motorola Photon 4G device sold by Sprint.

An AT&T spokesman wouldn't comment on the success of the Atrix's Lapdock, though he noted, "Our customers are pleased with the Atrix."

A Motorola Mobility spokeswoman wouldn't disclose Atrix Lapdock sales figures, but added, "We have seen that many consumers appreciate the portability and convenience of the built-in keyboard and larger screen that the Lapdock provides when it comes to sending email, browsing the Web and multi-tasking with their phone."

The Motorola Mobility spokeswoman said that the Droid Bionic targets both consumer and business users.

The device's security policies and productivity features make it business-ready, she noted. The Droid Bionic includes device and SD card encryption and Citrix GotoMetting and Citrix Receiver for Android. The GotoMeeting feature could help a remote Bionic user quickly find a bigger display to view presentations on the Lapdock, the spokeswoman added.

Many home users are likely to opt for the HD Station dock to share photos and videos, Motorola said. The HD Station is smaller than the Lapdock and has no keyboard or display. Verizon has priced the HD Station at $100.

Docking devices like the Lapdock are bound to proliferate, the Motorola spokeswoman said. "You can expect to see Motorola continue to build out a comprehensive product portfolio with a wide range of accessories that meeting varying consumer needs."

Analysts said Motorola should be commended for making smartphones more useful, though two noted that it remains unclear how well the Lapdock concept will catch on considering the price tag.

Jack Gold, an analyst at J. Gold Associates, called the Webtop and Lapdock "cool" features for switching over to a full browser when the smartphone is docked, but he questioned whether users will be willing to pay the added expense.

"Lapdock represents a pretty significant price uplift, which I believe few consumers can stomach," Gold said. "Some business people might buy it, but you can get a pretty decent laptop for $600 and a consumer-grade laptop for $300. Why would you buy a dock for the same price?"