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        Thin client's designed for forklifts

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Jun 2, 2010 | Comments: 1


        Glacier Computer announced a Windows CE-based thin client intended for forklifts and other "fixed-mount harsh environment applications." The "E2000" is available with 10.4-, 12.1- or 15-inch displays, uses a TI OMAP3 processor, and includes 256MB of flash storage, the company says.

        According to Glacier, the new configuration of its E2000 includes a version of Windows CE offering only a "constrained" shell, the Internet Explorer web browser, and a RDP (remote desktop protocol) client. This eliminates any risk -- already slight with Windows CE, we are moved to add -- that an inept or malicious user could damage the device's operating system, the company says.

        Dan Poisson, director of engineering for Glacier, stated, "This is a good option if you need to lock down the application on your device. It easily prevents the user from getting behind the application and possibly corrupting the OS. Many times it is easier for the user since only the single application is available and from a management perspective, the thin client can be easier to boot up and update."


        Glacier's E2000

        The new thin client appears to be otherwise identical to the original E2000 (above), announced last year. Proudly boasting of the panel PC's U.S. manufacture, Glacier says the device is available with 800 x 600 touchscreen displays in 10.4- or 12.1-inch sizes, and 1024 x 768 displays in 12.1-inch and 15.1-inch versions. While system sizes and weights obviously vary -- and aren't detailed by the company -- all other specifications appear to be the same for each version.

        The E2000 targets forklifts, earthmoving equipment, and other fixed-mount locations that may be subject to vibration. According to Glacier, it has an internal power supply that accepts input voltages from 10 to 60 VDC, plus an optional lithium-ion backup battery that provides about 20 minutes of run time. Meanwhile, it's said the panel PCs can withstand vibration as high as 30 Grms (duration not specified).

        Glacier says the E2000 runs Windows CE 6.0 on a TI "OMAP3" processor. While TI offers four different OMAP35xx processors, all based on 600MHz Cortex-A8 cores, we're guessing that Glacier is referring to the low-end OMAP3503, which doesn't have the OpenGL or video acceleration capabilities of its siblings.

        In any case, the E2000 tablets are said to include either 128MB or 256MB of RAM, 256MB of flash storage, and an SD slot for adding more memory. With integrated 802.11a/b/g wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0, the devices also have RJ45 Ethernet ports, two USB 2.0 ports, one serial port, and a headset connector, according to Glacier.

        Offering an available onscreen keyboard, the E2000 also has three backlit function keys on the lower left of its front panel. An optional "waterproof and dustproof" external keyboard may be connected via USB, Glacier adds.

        Features and specifications listed by Glacier for the E2000 include the following:

        • Processor -- TI "OMAP3" clocked at 600MHz (likely the OMAP3503)
        • Memory -- 128MB or 256MB of RAM and 256MB of flash storage
        • Displays (all resistive touchscreen, and available in optional sunlight-readable versions):
          • 10.4-inch display with 800 x 600 resolution
          • 12.1-inch display with 800 x 600 resolution
          • 12.1-inch display with 1024 x 768 resolution
          • 15-inch display with 1024 x 768 resolution
        • Keys -- 3 backlit function keys
        • Wireless:
          • LAN -- 802.11a/b/g
          • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
        • Other I/O:
          • 1 x serial
          • 2 x USB 2.0
          • Headphone output
        • Expansion -- SD slot
        • Power -- DC input accepts 10 to 60 VDC; optional backup battery gives 20-minute runtime
        • Dimensions -- n/s, but varies according to screen size
        • Weight -- n/s

        Earlier models in the Everest series, the E5000, look very similar to the E2000, but include x86 (600MHz Celeron or 1.4GHz Pentium M) processors. The devices were upgraded in March to Windows 7 and available 1024 x 768 pixel displays.

        Further information

        Glacier did not release pricing or availability information for the Everest E2000 think client, but the device appears to be available now. Further information may be found on the company's website, here.

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