According to Leeds, U.K.-based Micronet Europe, its CE-500 series computers are designed for installation in trucks, vans, and cars, where they can connect to existing telematics black boxes (including GPS receivers and cellular modems). Yet, they also have optional internal batteries and can be used outside a vehicle, making them suitable for signature capture and other applications, the company adds.

Micronet's CE-504 (left) and CE-507 (right)

The CE-504 (above left) includes a 4.3-inch resistive touchscreen with a resolution of 480 x 272 pixels, while the CE-507 (above right) has a 7-inch screen with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, Micronet says. Other than their differing form factors, the two computers are technically identical, according to the company.

Micronet says the CE-500 devices run Windows CE 6.0 on a 600MHz, ARM Cortex A8-based TI OMAP3503 processor, equipped with 256MB of RAM and 512MB of flash storage. Also including SD slots, they meet IP54 standards for resistance to dust and liquids, and they're operable from -4 to 158 deg. F, the company adds.

While both the CE-504 and CE-507 are powered by external 5VDC power (or 12/24VDC power, with an accessory cable), they can run for approximately two hours from their internal batteries, according to Micronet. Other internal options can include a GPS receiver, a GSM/GRPS modem, and a module delivering 802.11b/g and Bluetooth -- as noted, though, the computers can also tap into any connectivity a vehicle already provides.

The Micronet CE-507 mounted in a vehicle

According to Micronet, the CE-504 and CE-507 have two RS232 ports apiece (one four-wire, one two-wire), USB 2.0 host and On-The-Go ports, a 0~30V analog input, and two digital I/Os. Optional interfaces are said to include 10/100 Ethernet, J1939 (CANbus V2.B), and an RS422 port that replaces one of the RS232 ports.

The CE-504 and CE-507 are also equipped with a microphone and stereo speakers, for hands-free telephony, plus a quick-release cradle. They can withstand shocks of up to 40G (11ms duration) while in operation, says Micronet.

A comprehensive development toolkit (DTK) enables service providers, independent software vendors (ISVs) and system integrators to develop and port their own applications onto the devices, according to Micronet. The company also offers "professional services and support, assisting with application design, programming and system integration tasks."

Specifications listed by Micronet for the CE-504 and CE-507 include:

• Processor -- TI OMAP3503 clocked at 600MHz
• Memory -- 256MB of RAM and 512MB of flash storage
• Expansion -- SD slot; SIM slot
• Display:
  • CE-504 -- 4.3-inch touchscreen with 480 x 272 pixel resolution
  • CE-507 -- 7-inch touchscreen with 800 x 480 pixel resolution
• Networking:
  • LAN -- Ethernet (optional)
  • WWAN -- GSM/GRPS (optional)
  • WLAN -- 802.11b/g (optional)
  • PAN -- Bluetooth (optional)
• Other I/O:
  • USB 2.0 On-The-Go
  • USB 2.0 host
  • 2 x RS232 (1 4-wire, 1-wire)
  • 1 x RS422 (optional)
  • 2 x DIO
  • analog input (0~30V)
  • audio -- mic in and line out (optional)
  • CANBus V2.0B (optional)
• Power:
  • 5VDC, or 12/24VDC via optional adapter
  • optional internal battery provides up to 2 hours' operation
• Operating range -- -4 to 158 deg. F
• Dimensions:
  • CE-504 -- 6.3 x 3.4 x 1.5 inches
  • CE-507 -- 8.85 x 6.4 x 2.1 inches
• Weight, with battery:
  • CE-504 -- 14.5 ounces
  • CE-507 -- 1.6 pounds

Further information

Micronet did not cite pricing, but the CE-504 and CE-507 are apparently available now. More information may be found on the Micronet website.

Jonathan Angel can be reached at jonathan.angel@ziffdavisenterprise.com and followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.

---

Related stories:

• ARM-based vehicle PC has integral touchscreen
• Rugged in-vehicle panel PC bristles with wireless options
• Rugged in-vehicle PC features Wi-Fi, touchscreen
• Vehicle computer includes GPS, PCI-104 slot
• Vehicle-mount PC resists harsh conditions
• Vehicle-mount PC gains simplified keyboard