For example, the device's entire front panel is said to be field-replaceable with only a screwdriver, without marring the unit's IP66 rating for protection against water and dust. This provides for easy replacement in case of damage, and also allows modifying the keyboard layout -- both a 64-key QWERTYkeyboard (with number pad and ten function keys) or a 12-key "minimized" keyboard are available, LXE says.

LXE Thor

LXE adds that the Thor may quickly be removed from its vehicle mounting hardware with one hand, meaning that enterprises can deploy mounts on all of their forklifts and snap the computers onto whichever ones are actually in use. The PC is further said to include "ignition control" functionality, meaning that it can be set to start up with forklift ignition, then sleep or shut down when a forklift is turned off. Thanks to integral battery backup, the Thor can also power itself for up to 30 minutes, the company says.

Featuring an Intel Atom Z530 processor clocked at 1.6GHz, the Thor is available with Windows CE 6.0 or Windows Embedded Standard 2009. According to LXE, the Windows CE version has 1GB of RAM and 1GB of flash storage, while the Windows Embedded Standard 2009 version has 2GB of RAM and either 4GB or 8GB of flash.

The Thor includes an eight-inch resistive touchscreen that provides resolution of 800 x 680 pixels, according to LXE. The standard brightness rating is 400 nits, but a 900-nit version is available for outdoor use, while an optional defroster makes the screen usable in a cold storage environment, the company adds.

Operable from -22 to 140 deg. F, the Thor features 802.11a/b/g wireless networking (adding 802.11n on Windows Embedded Standard versions) and Bluetooth 2.0. An optional Qualcomm Gobi 2000 cellular radio works on either GSM or CDMA networks, is certified by both AT&T and Verizon, and adds a GPS receiver, says LXE.

The Thor offers a USB 2.0 host port, a USB 1.1 client port, two RS232 ports, a CANbus port, and an SD slot, according to LXE. It also has stereo speakers with built-in volume control as well as an integrated microphone, the company adds.

Specifications listed by LXE for the Thor include:

• Processor -- Intel Atom Z530 clocked at 1.6GHz
• Memory/storage -- 1GB of RAM and 1GB of flash (Windows CE version); 2GB of RAM and 4GB or 8Gb of flash (Windows Embedded Standard 2009 version)
• Display -- 8-inch resistive touchscreen with 800 x 480 pixel resolution
• Expansion -- SD slot
• Networking:
  • WLAN -- 802.11a/b/g (plus n on Windows Embedded Standard 2009 configurations)
  • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
  • WWAN -- GSM/CDMA (optional; also adds GPS receiver)
• Other I/O:
  • 1 x USB 2.0 host
  • 1 x USB 1.1 client
  • 2 x RS232
  • 1 x CANbus
  • 1 x headset port
  • power input and ignition control input
• Power -- 10 to 60VDC; integrated lithium-ion maintenance UPS lasts 30 minutes)
• Operating range -- -22 to 122 deg. F
• Dimensions -- 10.6 x 8.4 x 2.6 inches
• Weight -- 5.6 pounds

LXE did not cite pricing but said the Thor will begin shipping to customers on Apr. 15. More information may be found on the Thor product page.

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