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        Rugged Windows PDA/phone sports camera, compass, GPS

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Sep 8, 2009 | Comments: 1


        [Updated, Sept. 9] -- The Handheld Group and Getac Technology have announced a "strategic partnership," which has already resulted in a new Windows PDA (personal digital assistant). The ruggedized Nautiz X7 includes an 806MHz processor, three megapixel camera, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, a digital compass/altimeter, and 3G voice/data capabilities, Handheld says.

        Handheld and Getac (the latter a division of Mitac) have both specialized for some time in creating rugged, Windows-based PDAs. Just during the first week of March, for example, both companies launched rugged PDAs that also happened to include three megapixel cameras and GPS receivers: Getac's PS535F and Handheld's Nautiz X5.

        While the devices mentioned above appear to have been independently developed, Handheld and Getac have now decided to team up. The companies announced yesterday that they will offer co-branded products, to be sold through Handheld's network of 250 authorized partners worldwide.

        Now, Handheld has launched the Nautiz X7 (right), complete with a "powered by Getac" legend on its front panel. Like earlier PDAs from both Handheld and Getac, the X7 is said to meet MIL-STD-810G standards for resistance to shocks and vibration, and to have earned an IP67 rating by repelling liquids and dust. While in operation, the X7 can survive at least 26 drops from four feet, six additional drops at -22 deg. F, and six further drops at 140 deg. F, Handheld says.

        The Nautiz X7 also delivers a range of capabilities that is unprecedented in such a rugged device, Handheld claims. Facilities include GSM/UMTS cellular for both data and voice, a GPS receiver based on the SiRF starIII chipset, 802.11b/g wireless networking, and Bluetooth 2.0. The X7 also has a three megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash, a 1D barcode scanner, and even an integrated digital compass and altimeter, the company says.

        Like an increasing number of phones and other portable devices, the X7 is said to include a g-sensor/accelerometer. Handheld notes that by measuring speed, vibration, and rotation, the accelerometer "opens the door to countless application possibilities."

        According to Handheld, the X7 sports a 3.5-inch touchscreen display with VGA (640 x 480 pixel) resolution, plus a Marvell PXA310 processor clocked at 806MHz. The PDA is equipped with 128MB of RAM, 4GB of flash storage, and a 5600mAh battery that provides up to 12 hours of operation, the company says.


        Getac's PS236 is a twin of the Nautiz X7

        Meanwhile, Getac is apparently offering the same device under its own brand as the PS236 (above). With the same specifications as the Nautiz X7, the PS236 apparently differs only in that it comes with a yellow or gray case instead of a white one.

        Features and specifications listed by Handheld for the Nautiz X7, and by Getac for the PS236, include the following:

        • Processor -- Marvell PXA310 clocked at 806MHz
        • Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 4GB of flash storage
        • Display -- 3.5-inch touchscreen display with VGA (640 x 480) resolution
        • Camera -- 3 megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash
        • Keys -- Numeric keypad with backlighting
        • Wireless:
          • WAN -- 3.5 cellular modem; GSM/UMTS voice/data support
          • WLAN -- 802.11b/g
          • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
          • GPS
        • Other I/O:
          • 1D barcode scanner (2D imager is optional)
          • 1 x USB host port
          • 1 x USB client port
          • 1 x RS232
          • Altimeter, e-compass, G-sensor
          • Microphone and speaker
          • Audio mic in and headphone out
          • DC input jack
        • Expansion -- SDIO slot
        • Battery type -- 5600mAh lithium-ion battery; 12-hour life
        • Operating temperature -- -30 to 60 deg. C (-22 to 140 deg. F)
        • Dimensions -- 7 x 3.8 x 1.5 inches(179 x 97 x 37mm)
        • Weight, including battery -- 17 ounces (490g)
        Jerker Hellstrm, CEO and Chairman of the Handheld Group, stated, "We are proud and excited to present this sensational product on the market. The ruggedness of the product with IP67 protection and full MIL-STD 810G tests in combination with 3G cellular capabilities, GPS, BT, WLAN and camera makes this product one of a kind."

        Availability

        Handheld did not cite pricing for the Nautiz X7, but said the device "will start shipping immediately." More information may be found on the company's website, here.

        Meanwhile, information on the PS236 may be found on the Getac website here, and an interesting article on the device is offered by Rugged PC Review, here.

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