According to Eurotech, the "cloud ready" HRC-3100 and HRC-4200 can connect to a cloud platform created by Isidorey. Employing the lightweight MQTT (MQ telemetry transport), the Device Cloud connection is said to work over SSL or non-SSL connections, handle topic restriction for both publishing and subscribing, and to be powered by a "unique no-SQL data store."

Eurotech's Device Cloud

Eurotech says the Device Cloud (above) "enables customers to make real-time business decisions based on intelligence at the edge of the network." It includes purpose-built hardware, connectivity, and device management, the company adds.

Whether used with the cloud or not, the HRC-3100 and HRC-4200 stand apart from most other Windows-based handheld computers because of their styling. Internal ingredients -- Windows CE 5.0, a 520MHz Marvell PXA270 processor, 128MB of RAM, and 1GB of flash storage -- are standard stuff, but both units have an unusual appearance.

The HRC-3100 (right), for example, has a lozenge-shaped case that Eurotech says, is designed to fit into the palm of a hand. With an IP54 rating for dust and liquid resistance, the device features three tactile rubber function keys on its top surface, plus two programmable function keys on its left and right sides, according to the company.

Eurotech says the HRC-3100 has a 2.8-inch touchscreen with QVGA resolution (320 x 240 pixels). Also included is a 1D CMOS imager plus a speaker and microphone, the latter making the handheld compatible with VoIP applications, the company adds.

According to Eurotech, the HRC-3100 includes USB host and client ports, 802.11b/g wireless networking, and a miniSD expansion slot. A 2400mAh battery is said to provide "all-day usage." 

The HRC-4200 (below), meanwhile, looks more like an elongated smartphone, thanks to a HVGA (640 x 200 pixel) display. Again featuring an IP54 rating and side-mounted function keys, this device has more facilities than the HRC-3100, adding GSM/GPRS connectivity, Bluetooth, an SD slot, and an IrDA port.

Still with 802.11b/g wireless networking, the HRC-4200 is also said to include a 50-channel GPS receiver, a 1D laser scanner, and a smart card reader. A speaker, microphone, and USB ports are again featured, while optional "smart caps" can add audio I/O and an RS232 port, Eurotech says.

Features and specifications listed by Eurotech for the HRC-3100 include:

• Processor -- 520MHz Marvell PXA270
• Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 1GB of flash storage
• Display -- 2.8-inch touchscreen with resolution of 320 x 240 pixels
• Keys -- 3 programmable keys on top, 2 on left side, 2 on right side
• Expansion -- miniSD slot
• Wireless:
  • WLAN -- 802.11b/g
• Other I/O:
  • 1D CMOS imager
  • USB host/client ports
  • microphone and speaker
• Battery -- 2400mAh
• Operating range -- 14 to 122 deg. F (-10 to 50 deg. C)
• Dimensions -- 5.67 x 2.83 x 1.45 inches
• Weight, including battery -- 8.1 ounces

Features and specifications listed by Eurotech for the HRC-4200 include:

• Processor -- 520MHz Marvell PXA270
• Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 1GB of flash storage
• Display -- 6.2-inch touchscreen with resolution of 640 x 240 pixels
• Keys -- 1 programmable key on left side, 1 on right side, plus triangular button on left side
• Expansion -- SD slot
• Wireless:
  • WLAN -- 802.11b/g
  • WWAN -- GSM/GPRS (900/1800/1900MHz or 850/1800/1900MHz)
  • PAN -- Bluetooth
  • smart card reader
  • IrDA port
  • GPS receiver
• Other I/O:
  • 1D laser scanner
  • USB host/client ports
  • microphone and speaker
• Battery -- 4800mAh
• Operating range -- 14 to 140 deg. F (-10 to 60 deg. C)
• Dimensions -- 9.05 x 3.7 x 1.34 inches
• Weight -- from 1.4 pounds (640g)

Further information

Eurotech did not cite pricing or availability for the HRC-3100 or HRC-4200. More information on the devices may be found on the company's website here and here.

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