(Click here for a larger view of Advantech's PIT-1702)

Advantech's MICA-101 (Click image for further information)

Many vendors are apparently hoping health care reform in the United States will lead to an increase in IT spending. In recent months, various tablet PCs have been released based on Intel's MCA (mobile clinical assistant) reference design, including Advantech's own MICA-101 (shown at right), targeting doctors and other health care practitioners. Advantech's new PIT-1702, however, is the first device we've come across that is specifically intended for hospital patients.

The PIT-1702 is a 17-inch panel PC with a touchscreen display, equipped with an IP65-certified sealed front panel and a side cover that prevents patients from fiddling with connectors. Advantech suggests that patients can entertain themselves via the device's integral TV tuner, get updates on their condition via a hospital's intranet, or keep in touch with relatives via the internet.

Offered with an optional wired remote controller and handset -- both pictured at the top of our story -- the PIT-1702 includes a 1.3 megapixel webcam and is suitable for VoIP phone calling, Advantech suggests. Other hospital-specific features for the panel PC, apart from its white-and-blue color scheme, are said to include a nurse call button and an LED indicator that goes with it, plus RFID and smart card readers.

The PIT-1702 uses Intel's 945GME chipset, may be configured with 1.06GHz Celeron or Core 2 Duo processors, supports 1GB of RAM, and has an 80GB SATA hard disk drive, according to Advantech. With a screen resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels, the system includes a microphone and stereo speakers, but also has microphone input and headphone output jacks, according to the company.

The VESA-mountable PIT-1702 comes with 802.1b/g networking, courtesy of a preinstalled wireless LAN card. Meanwhile, wired interfaces include a 10/100 Ethernet port and three USB ports, the company says.

Features and specifications listed by Advantech for the PIT-1702 include the following:

• Processor -- Intel Celeron M ULV or Core 2 Duo, both clocked at 1.06GHz
  
• Memory -- 1GB of DDR2 RAM, apparently non-expandable
  
• Storage -- 80GB, 2.5-inch SATA hard disk drive
  
• Display -- 17-inch touchscreen with 1280 x 1024 resolution, 300-nit brightness rating, and 800:1 contrast ratio
  
• Keys -- Nurse call button, plus optional six-button wired controller and handset
  
• Camera -- 1.3 megapixel webcam
  
• Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet
  
• Wireless:
  • 802.11b/g
    
  • TV tuner (analog and DVB-T)
    
  • RFID
• Other I/O:
  • Smart card reader
    
  • 3 x USB
    
  • Headphone out and microphone in
• Expansion -- Mini PCI slot (occupied by WLAN card)
  
• Power requirements -- 100 to 240 VAC
  
• Operating temperature -- 32 to 104 deg. F (0 to 40 deg. C)
  
• Dimensions -- 17.64 x 8.31 x 2.89 inches (448 x 393 x 73.5mm)
  
• Weight -- 14.99 pounds (6.8kg)
  
• Operating system -- Windows XP Embedded

Further information

Advantech did not release pricing or availability for the PIT-1702. More information on the device may be found on the company's website, here.

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