Motorola Atrix 4G Smartphone, Netbook, and Nettop Now Available from AT&T

Today is the launch date for AT&T's Motorola Atrix 4G, a cutting-edge Android OS smartphone that can be turned into a light-duty laptop or desktop computer with a pair of innovative -- if expensive -- accessories.

When functioning on its own, this model has a tablet shape and a qHD (960 x 540) touchscreen.

It runs Android OS 2.2 on a 1 GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor, making it the first smartphone widely available in the U.S. with this chip. The device also has 1 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, and a microSD/HC memory card slot.

This smartphone is only the second model able to connect to AT&T's 4G HSPA+ network, plus it has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a GPS receiver.

It is selling now on AT&T's website for $200 with a two-year wireless service contract. However, it's available cheaper from other stores: both Amazon.com and Radio Shack are offering this product for $150.

Cutting-Edge Accessories
Much of the attention that has been paid to the Atrix 4G has centered on its docks, which can make this device into either a netbook or a nettop computer. However, neither of these accessories is listed on AT&T's website on launch day.

Still, at some point, those who get this smartphone will have the option to get a laptop dock with an 11-inch display, keyboard, and trackpad, but no operating system. The Atrix 4G will provide this.

Customers will be able to buy this phone and the laptop dock for $500 with a two-year service contract that includes a 4 GB Data Pro smartphone data plan with a tethering add on, and a $100 mail-in rebate. It will cost $500 when purchased separately.

Motorola is also producing a desktop dock that has three USB ports for a keyboard and mouse, as well as a HD video-out port. This item will be sold with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, plus a remote control, for $190. 

When plugged in to one of its accessories, the Atrix 4G will switch to a version of Linux that offers a full desktop version of the Firefox web browser, while also still providing all the features of the Android OS.

The version of Firefox that will run in dock mode will offer a near desktop experience, with multiple windows, Adobe Flash support, etc. 

Using either of these docks will apparently require the customer to have AT&T's tethering plan.