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        Rugged tablet offers full-shift warehouse operation

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Jul 27, 2011 | Comments: 1


        Arbor Technology announced a 10.4-inch Windows 7 tablet designed for warehousing applications. The Gladius G1050 has a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530P processor, 32GB of solid state disk (SSD) storage, an RFID reader and 1D/2D barcode scanner, an ExpressCard slot, and optional cellular capabilities, according to the company.

        Arbor's Gladius G1050 is a followup to the company's previous Atom-powered tablets, which have included the GO820, GO720, G0710S, and G0710. The new device has a larger screen -- 10.4 inches, with 1024 x 768 resolution -- than any of these earlier models, and it also offers a trimmer bezel.

        However, Arbor still isn't aiming for consumers here. Rather, the rugged device is intended for warehousing applications, and again caters to the butter-fingered user, with the claimed ability to withstand 40G shocks (11ms duration) and survive four-foot drops onto a wood floor. The G1050 also meets the IP54 standard for resistance to liquids and dust, the company adds.


        Arbor's Gladius G1050

        In fact, the G1050 seems like a compelling (if heavier at 2.4 pounds) alternative to the Windows CE-powered handhelds that currently dominate the warehousing field. According to Arbor, dual hot-swappable batteries (one 1880mAh, one 2500mAh) allow it to work for nine hours, which is comparable to smaller alternatives.

        And of course, the G1050 runs a full Windows 7 installation on its Intel Atom Z530P processor (paired with the SCH US15WP companion chip and 2GB of DDR2 memory). There's 32GB of SSD storage, plus an SD/SDHC slot for adding flash memory, Arbor says.

        According to Arbor, the G1050's resistive touchscreen is complemented by ten number keys, a four-way controller, and four function keys. Presumably the latter can be configured to trigger scans and picture-taking, since the tablet is also said to have a autofocus two megapixel camera and a 1D/2D barcode scanner (plus a 13.56MHz RFID reader).

        Other onboard features include an ExpressCard/34 or ExpressCard/54 slot, a USB 2.0 port, and a 35-pin connector for an optional desktop cradle, Arbor says. In addition to the expected 802.11b/g/n wireless networking capability, there's Bluetooth 2.1 plus an optional Qualcomm Gobi 3000-based cellular modem that's operable worldwide, the company adds.

        Specifications listed by Arbor for the Gladius G1050 include:

        • Processor -- Intel Atom Z530P clocked at 1.6GHz
        • Chipset -- Intel SCH US15WP
        • Memory -- 2GB of DDR2 RAM
        • Storage -- 32GB SSD
        • Expansion:
          • SD/SDHC slot
          • ExpressCard/34 or ExpressCard/54 slot
          • 35-pin connector for desktop cradle
        • Display -- 10.4-inch screen with 1024 x 768 pixel resolution
        • Keys -- 10 function keys, enter key, arrow keys, backspace key, ESC key
        • Camera -- 2.0 megapixel, autofocus
        • Networking:
          • WLAN -- 802.11b/g/n
          • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.1
          • WWAN -- GSM/CDMA cellular modem (optional)
        • Other I/O:
          • 1D/2D scanner
          • 13.56MHz RFID reader
          • 1 x USB 2.0
        • Battery type/life -- 1 x 1880mAh and 1 x 2500mAh; nine hours of operation
        • Operating range -- -4 to 122 deg F
        • Dimensions -- 11.6 x 8 x 1 inches
        • Weight -- 2.4 pounds


        An introduction to the Gladius G1050
        Source: Arbor Technology
        (click to play)

        Further information

        We did not see mention of pricing or availability for the Gladius G1050, but the device appears to be available now. More information may be found on the G1050 product page.

        Jonathan Angel can be reached at jonathan.angel@ziffdavisenterprise.com and followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.

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