(Click here for a larger view of VarTech's VTPC104ECHB)

According to VarTech, its VTPC104ECHB is designed for outdoor use in temperatures ranging from -4 to 131 deg. F, and can be used even in bright light or harsh weather conditions. The device has no external vents, features a stainless steel case that's sealed against water and dust to the IP66 standard, and has a high-brightness (800-nit) display with LED backlighting, the company says.

VarTech says the VTPC104ECHB's 10.4-inch touchscreen display, offering 1024 x 768 resolution, "overcomes the profound deficiencies of all other touch sensors available today" by combining conventional resistive technology with an "Armor Touch" glass/polymer laminate. The screen's viewing angle ranges up to an "ultra-wide" 178 degrees, the company adds.

Equipped with two handles on the front of its case, the VTPC104ECHB does not appear to have any keys or other buttons, meaning that it must be operated entirely via its touchscreen. However, says VarTech, there are five interfaces, including a power connector, an Ethernet port, an RS232 port, a USB port, and the option of either a second USB port or a second serial port.


The VTPCECHB's ports are protected by gaskets
As pictured above, the VTPC104ECHB's ports are hidden behind round covers with gaskets that protect them from the elements. In fact, the round covers make the ports appear to employ MIL-STD-D38999 connectors [PDF link, here], similar to the ones found, for example, on Stealth Computer's recent, "extreme environment" WPC-500F. However, VarTech doesn't detail whether this is actually the case, or the covers merely conceal standard connectors.

According to VarTech, the VTPC104ECHB is equipped with a 1.0GHz Celeron processor and 1GB of 266MHz DDR2 memory. The device's Windows XP Professional operating system is stored on an SSD, offered in capacities ranging from 8GB to 16GB.

Features and specifications listed by VarTech for the VTPC104ECHB include the following:

• Processor -- 1.0GHz Intel Celeron M
  
• Memory -- 1GB of 266MHz DDR2 RAM
  
• Display -- 10.4-inch touchscreen with 1024 x 768 resolution and 800-nit brightness rating
  
• Storage -- SSD in capacities ranging from 8GB to 64GB
  
• Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet
  
• Other I/O:
  • 1 x RS232
    
  • 1 x USB
    
  • Optional: second RS232 or USB port
• Operating temperature:
  • Standard -- -4 to 131 deg. F (-20 to 55 deg. C)
    
  • Optional -- -4 to 140 deg. F (-20 to 60 deg. C)
• Dimensions -- n/s, but VESA-mountable
  
• Weight -- 16 pounds

Availability

VarTech did not release pricing or availability information for the VTPC104ECHB, but the device appears to be on sale now. More information may be found on the company's website, here.

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