Handheld describes its new Algiz XRW as a notebook, not a netbook. However, we think the latter term is helpful in emphasizing the device's unusual position in the market.

Various ruggedized devices -- including the Algiz 8 tablet from Handheld itself -- have adopted the same Atom CPUs that are found in netbooks, but not the mini-notebook form factor. Perhaps vendors worried that if they provided the typical keyboards and 10.1-inch displays, their products would be criticized as over-priced. Handheld has no such compunctions, delivering a unique product (though, it has to be said, pricing wasn't mentioned!).

Handheld's Algiz XRW
(Click to enlarge)

According to Handheld, the Algiz XRW features a sealed keyboard and touchpad, and it carries an overall IP65 rating for its resistance to liquids, sand, and dust. It also meets MIL-STD-810F standards, with an operating range of 5.8 to 158 deg. F (-21 to 70 deg. C) and the ability to withstand multiple four-foot drops, the company says.

The XRW includes bumpers on its corners and doors to protect its ports. For all that, the device has a fairly normal appearance, weighs a moderate 3.3 pounds, and measures just 10.1 x 7.0 x 1.6 inches, Handheld says.

Like other netbooks, the XRW has a 10.1-inch screen, though resolution here is a higher-than-average 1366 x 768 pixels. The Atom of choice is the 2.0GHz Z550 (with the expected SCH US15W chipset and the maximum 2GB of RAM it supports), while persistent storage is provided by a 64GB SSD (solid state disk), the company says.

According to Handheld, the XRW has an integrated Mediatek GPS receiver, as well as both 802.11b/g/n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0 personal area networking. Qualcomm's Gobi 2000 chipset is optionally available, for worldwide cellular connectivity, and so is WiMAX, according to the company.

The XRW also has two LEDs that illuminate its keyboard, plus a two-megapixel camera that includes autofocus, Handheld says. No doubt aided by the parsimony of both the Z550 and the SSD, the device's 4800mAh battery is said to last for eight hours.

Interfaces on the XRW are said to include two USB 2.0 interfaces, an RS232 port, an SD slot, a VGA port, and a docking connector. The netbook also includes a microphone input, a line input, and a headphone jack, according to Handheld.

Features and specifications listed by Handheld for the XRW include:

• Processor -- Intel Atom Z550 clocked at 2.0GHz
• Chipset -- SCH US15W
• Memory -- 2GB of DDR2 RAM
• Storage -- 64GB SSD
• Display -- 10.1-inch display with 1366 x 768 pixel resolution
• Camera -- 2 megapixel, with autofocus
• Keyboard -- full keyboard and touchpad, illuminated by two LEDs
• Expansion -- SD slot; docking connector
• Networking:
  • WLAN -- 802.11b/g/n
  • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
  • WWLAN -- Gobi 2000 cellular or WiMAX (optional)
• Other I/O:
  • 1 x VGA
  • 1 x RS232
  • 2 x USB 2.0
  • audio -- mic in, line in, headphones out
• Battery -- 4800mAh; eight hours of operation
• Dimensions -- 10.2 x 7.0 x 1.6 inches
• Weight -- 3.3 pounds

Jerker Hellstrm, the CEO of Handheld Group, stated, "The Algiz XRW represents a key milestone where we have broadened our product range and introduced an innovative and revolutionizing product for the world of rugged mobile solutions. Our new product fulfills all the market requirements: lightweight and mobile, long battery life, fast processing speed, best in class screen, and all features fully integrated and built rugged from the inside and out."

Further information

According to Handheld, the Algiz XRW runs the Windows 7 Ultimate operating system. The system is orderable now, and customer shipments will begin in December, the company says.

More information may be found on the company's website, here.

---

Related stories:

• Windows tablet has super-bright outdoor display
• Rugged tablet gets faster CPU, Windows 7
• Windows-powered netbook showcase