Glacier says its handheld computers are designed for a range of indoor and outdoor applications, including warehousing, retail, and field service. The devices have an IP65 rating attesting to sealing against dust and liquids, and are said to withstand six-foot drops to concrete; operating range, meanwhile, extends from -4 to 122 deg. F (-20 to 50 deg. C).

The M300 and M305 are essentially identical, as far as we can see, except that the latter (below) has a pistol-grip-style handle. Both devices have 3.5-inch touchscreen displays with 640 x 480 pixel resolution, use 624MHz Marvell PXA270 processors, and run Windows Mobile 6.1, according to Glacier. The handhelds have 128MB of RAM, 256MB of flash storage, and miniSD slots, the company adds.

Glacier's M305

The M30x devices are graced with an unusually wide range of wireless capabilities, according to Glacier. Both handhelds are said to have 802.11a/b/g wireless networking, Bluetooth 1.2, and cellular modems, the latter offering tri-band (850/1900/2100MHz) UMTS/HSDPA and quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900Mhz). In addition, there's GPS, a 1D/2D barcode scanner, and an optional 13.56MHz RFID reader, the company adds.

Glacier says the M300 and M305 also include two megapixel, fixed-focus cameras, plus a choice of 55-key or 41-key alphanumeric keyboards. A custom connector on the bottom of the device provides USB, Ethernet, and RS232 connectivity, and can also interface the devices with an optional cradle, the company says.

According to Glacier, the M300 and M303 include 4500mAh batteries. We didn't see a claim as to battery life, but a pack of this size should provide at least six to eight hours of operation on a PXA270-based device.

Features and specifications listed by Glacier for the M300 and M303 include the following:

• Processor -- Marvell PXA270 clocked at 624MHz
• Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 256MB of flash storage
• Display -- 3.5-inch touchscreen display with 640 x 480 pixel resolution
• Expansion -- miniSD card
• Keyboard -- Alphanumeric, with 55-key and 41-key options
• Wireless interfaces:
  • WLAN -- 802.11a.b.g
  • PAN -- Bluetooth 1.2
  • WAN -- Tri-band (850/1900/2100MHz) UMTS/HSDPA and quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900Mhz
  • GPS
  • 1D/2D barcode scanner
  • 13.56MHz RFID reader (optional)
• Other I/O -- docking connector (carries RS232, Ethernet, and USB signals
• Battery -- 4500mAh
• Operating temperature -- -4 to 122 deg. F (-20 to 50 deg. C)
• Dimensions (main body) -- 8.23 x 3.23 x 1.43 inches (209 x 82 x 36.3mm)
• Weight (main body) -- 22 ounces (623g)

Further information

Glacier did not cite pricing or availability for the M300 and M305, but the devices appear to be available now. More information may be found on the company's website, here.

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