Both in name and coloring, Opentec's RPDA 6 (right) reminds us of the RPDA 835 introduced by German company Andres Industries last month, though there's no actual connection between the devices as far as we know. The two PDAs do have some interesting details in common, such as optional flip-up LCD protectors, compliance with the MIL-STD-810F standard for impact resistance, and sealing against ingress by liquids or dust.

Opentec says the RPDA 6 uses magnesium-alloy construction, and is available in an -I model with a black case or an -M model that comes in "NATO green" and meets the MIL-STD 461E standard for lower electromagnetic emissions. Both models feature daylight-readable, four-inch screens with VGA resolution, sealed ports, corner protectors, and a hot-swappable battery, the company says.

The RPDA 6 runs Windows Mobile or Windows CE 5.0 on a 624MHz Marvell PXA270 processor, with 128MB of RAM and 1GB of flash storage, according to Opentec. Storage may be expanded using an SD slot, and the RPDA 6 also includes a Type II PCMICA slot, the company adds.

In addition to its six programmable hotkeys and joystick-style navigation pad, the RPDA 6 is fitted with an RS232 port (DB9 connector), two USB ports (one host, one client), microphone and earphone jacks, and a docking port connector. The latter supports a desktop cradle that can charge a second battery while also providing an Ethernet port and two additional USB ports, Opentec says.

Optional equipment on the RPDA 6 is said to include GPS (via a Ublox module), WiFi, Bluetooth, a digital compass/inclinometer, a two megapixel camera, and 3.5G (UMTS/HSDPA) cellular voice/data capabilities. Opentec notes that while Windows CE 5.0 supports cellular data, Windows Mobile is required to make voice calls.

Features and specifications listed by Opentec for the RPDA 6 include the following:

• Processor -- Marvell PXA270 clocked at 624MHz
• Memory -- 128MB of RAM, 1GB of flash storage
• Display --4-inch touchscreen with VGA (640 x 480) resolution
• Camera -- megapixel (optional)
• Wireless:
  • WAN -- HSDPA/UMTS cellular (optional; requires Windows Mobile for voice mode)
  • LAN -- 802.11b/g (optional)
  • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0 (optional)
  • GPS (optional)
• Other I/O:
  • Headphone and microphone jacks
  • 1 x RS232 (DB9 connector)
  • USB 2.0 host port
  • USB 1/1 device port
  • Docking connector
• Expansion:
  • SD slot
  • Type II PCMICA slot
• Battery -- Lithium-ion (12-15 hours of operation claimed; optional double-thickness battery delivers "up to 24 hours always-on use")
• Operating temperature --n/s
• Dimensions -- 6.1 x 3.7 x 1.29 inches (155 x 94 x 33mm)

Further information

Opentec did not specify pricing or availability of the RPDA 6, but the device appears to be available now. Further information may be found on the company's website, here.

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