(Click here for a larger view of QSI's Treq-M4)

QSI's Treq-L (Click image to enlarge)

The Treq-M4 is a smaller brother to the Treq-L (right), a 7-inch computer that was introduced last year and also runs Windows CE, but it appears to lack its older sibling's integrated GPS receiver and GSM/GRPS modem. However, the Treq-M4 is poised to connect to external equipment via two serial ports (one RS232, one RS232/422) and a wired Ethernet port, according to QSI.

QSI says the Treq-M4 comes with two USB ports, and a third USB port may be ordered in place of Ethernet. Other options include Bluetooth and a three-track magnetic card reader, according to the company.

While the Treq-M4 sports a full Windows CE 6.0 desktop, the computer is obviously designed for applications that require relatively little user input. There's a 4.3-inch touchscreen display with 480 x 272 pixel resolution and LED backlighting, but the device includes just four illuminated function keys. Of course, those who need to use a keyboard when their vehicle is parked could presumably connect one via USB.

According to QSI, the Treq-M4 uses a 624MHz Marvell PXA300 processor, with 128MB of RAM and 2GB of flash storage. The company says there's "support for up to 8GB," but doesn't note whether this requires a factory upgrade, or is via an unspecified card slot.

QSI says the Treq-M4 may be powered by input voltages ranging from 6VDC to 32VDC, and has a wide operating range of -20 to 70 deg. C (-4 to 158 deg. F). The device resists shocks of up to 40G on any axis with a duration of 11 milliseconds, the company adds.

Features and specifications listed by QSI for the Treq-M4 include the following:

• Processor -- 624MHz Marvell PXA300
  
• Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 2GB of flash storage, with "support for up to 8GB"
  
• Display -- 4.3-inch touchscreen display with 480 x 272 pixel resolution
  
• Keys -- Four illuminated function keys
  
• Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet
  
• Wireless -- Bluetooth (optional)
  
• Other I/O:
  • 2 x USB host (third USB port can optionally replace Ethernet)
    
  • 1 x RS232
    
  • 1 x RS232/422
    
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
    
  • Mono speaker
    
  • Magnetic stripe reader (optional)
• Dimensions -- 6.57 x 3.54 x 1.45 inches (167 x 90 x 37mm)
  
• Weight -- n/s
  
• Operating temperature -- -20 to 70 deg. C (-4 to 158 deg. F)

Further information

QSI did not release pricing or availability information for the Treq-M4, but said the computer will be "available soon." The company says the U.S.-made device will be shown off in Hannover, Germany, next week at the CeBIT trade show, Hall 14, Booth J26.

More information on the Treq-M4 may be found on the QSI website, here.

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