Datalux has previously offered Core 2 Duo-based Ipix models, but says its new e-Series is its most energy efficient panel PC, thanks to use of an Intel Atom N270 processor (along with the usual 945GSE northbridge and ICH7M southbridge). With an optional proximity sensor, the PC may be set to wake from sleep only when someone is nearby, while an available lithium-ion battery provides time to shut the system down in the case of a power outage, the company adds.

Like some other medical devices we've seen -- Socket Mobile's SoMo 650Rx handheld, for instance -- the Ipix e-Series is said to include an antimicrobial additive designed to battle surface contamination. Included in all of the panel PC's plastic molded parts, the additive releases silver ions that can stop bacteria from surviving and multiplying, Datalux says. The e-Series operates fanlessly and has a front bezel sealed to IP65 standards, the company adds.

Datalux's Ipix e-Series

Datalux says the e-Series has a 19-inch screen with a resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels, and an optional resistive touchscreen. An external monitor is also supported via a VGA port, while other cited interfaces include a gigabit Ethernet port, five USB 2.0 ports, a RS232 port, and a headphone jack.

Fitted with stereo speakers and a built-in microphone, the e-Series can optionally include a 1.3 megapixel webcam, according to Datalux. Other options include Bluetooth and 802.11a/b/g/n wireless networking: The latter is provided via a Mini PCI Express slot but must be factory-installed, the company says.

Datalux says the Ipix e-Series comes with 1GB or 2GB of DDR2 RAM installed in its single SODIMM slot, plus a shock-mounted, removable 160GB hard disk drive (larger hard disks and solid-state disks are also supported). The panel PC is said to be available with Windows 7 Professional, Windows XP Professional, or Ubuntu Linux.

Features and specifications listed by Datalux for the Ipix e-Series include:

• Processor -- Intel Atom N270 clocked at 1.6GHz
• Chipset -- 945GSE northbridge and ICH7M southbridge
• Memory -- Up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM
• Display -- 19-inch screen with 1280 x 1024 resolution; optional resistive touchscreen
• Camera -- 1.3 megapixel webcam (optional)
• Storage -- 160GB hard disk drive; also available with larger disks and SSDs
• Expansion -- Mini PCI Express card (not user-accessible)
• Networking:
  • LAN -- gigabit Ethernet
  • WLAN -- 802.11a/g/b/n (optional)
  • PAN -- Bluetooth (optional)
• Other I/O:
  • 5 x USB 2.0
  • VGA
  • RS232
  • Headphone jack
• Power requirements -- 15VDC via external AC adapter
• Operating range -- n/s
• Dimensions -- 17.3 x 14.8 x 2.1 inches
• Weight -- less than 12 pounds

Gary Davis, Datalux's corporate director of sales and marketing, stated, "The threat of bacterial infections in hospitals is a major challenge to the healthcare industry. Datalux combats this threat by designing sealed computers, such as the IPIX e-Series, that can be sprayed and wiped clean with hospital disinfectants."

Further information

According to Datalux, the U.S.-made Ipix e-Series will be available for delivery in May. Further information on Ipix systems may be found on the company's website, here.

---

Related stories:

• Panel PCs target medical applications
• Medical tablet offers camera, RFID, barcode scanner
• Medical tablet has sealed case
• Medical tablet gets cellular, GPS
• Medical tablet has camera, RFID
• Advantech spins medical tablet
• Medical tablet has sealed case
• Panel PC is designed for medical use
• Medical tablet has sealed case
• Tablet PC has camera, RFID reader
• Wireless tablet mobilizes medical data