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        Forklift PC upgraded to Atom

        Jonathan Angel | Date: May 10, 2010 | Comments: 1


        Roper Mobile Technology (RMT) has updated a panel PC intended for forklifts, pallet trucks, and other warehouse machinery. Now featuring a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, 2GB of RAM, and an available "multi-use" serial port, the Duros 1214 still offers an 800 x 600 touchscreen, up to 64GB of CompactFlash storage, and a built-in UPS, says RMT.

        RMT's Duros 1214 was first introduced last year, at which time it had a 1.0GHz Intel Celeron processor. That version is still offered, but the device is now available with a 1.6GHz Intel Atom too, according to the company.

        Without specifying the specific CPU or chipset employed, RMT adds that the Duros 1214 now comes with 2GB of RAM instead of the former 1GB. In addition, there's now an available "multi-use" serial port, said to allow connection of peripherals such as barcode readers, RFID scanners, and weight scale equipment.

        The Duros 1214 formerly supported Windows XP Embedded, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Linux. Operating system compatibility has now been extended to Windows CE, Windows 7, and Windows Embedded Standard, says RMT.


        RMT's Duros 1214

        According to RMT, the Duros 1214 is designed for fixed mounting on forklifts or other warehouse equipment. Designed to feed off of external input power (from 18VDC to 72VDC), the device also includes a built-in UPS that provides 20 minutes of operation -- "perfect when changing the forklift battery," RMT says.

        As before, the device complies with IP65 and MIL-STD-810F standards, according to RMT. The Duros 1214 resists water and dust, operates in temperatures from -30 to 55 deg. C (-22 to 122 deg. F), and tolerates 30G shocks of up to 11 milliseconds, the company says.

        The Duros 1214 retains a 12.1-inch touchscreen display with 800 x 600 resolution. The only controls on its aluminum case appear to be a rear-mounted power button and side-mounted brightness controls. The device offers up to 64GB of storage via an internal CompactFlash slot, according to RMT.


        RMT's Duros 1214 has an available serial port, 10/100 Ethernet, and four USB ports

        Interfaces -- all mounted horizontally under a ledge at the back of the machine, as shown above -- include 10/100 Ethernet and four USB ports. The device is also said to include 802.11b/g wireless networking, with two external antennas, and Bluetooth 2.0.

        Features and specifications listed by RMT for the Duros 1214 include:

        • Processor -- 1.6GHz Intel Atom
        • Chipset -- n/s
        • Memory -- 2GB of DDR2 RAM
        • Storage -- Up to 64GB, via CompactFlash slot
        • Expansion -- CompactFlash slot (internal)
        • Display -- 12.1-inch touchscreen display with 800 x 600 resolution, and 450-nit brightness rating
        • Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet
        • Wireless:
          • LAN -- 802.11b/g
          • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
          • Other I/O -- 4 x USB 2.0
          • Serial port (optional)
        • Power:
          • Input -- 18VDC to 72VDC
          • 10 Watts in standby mode; 25 to 30 Watts in operation
          • Internal UPS provides 20 minutes of operation
        • Operating temperature -- -30 to 55 deg. C (-22 to 122 deg. F)
        • Dimensions -- 12 x 9.5 x 2.3 inches (305 x 240 x 59mm)
        • Weight -- 7.7 pounds (3.5kg)
        Eric Miller, general manager for Duros, stated, "The Duros 1214 has been a popular choice for warehouse and shipping environments because the product is designed specifically for them. We were able to improve on an already solid performer by listening to our customers' feedback and responding with a product that meets more of their needs."

        Further information

        RMT did not release pricing or availability information for the Duros 1214, but the device appears to be available now. More information may be found on the company's website, here.

        In its marketing materials for the Duros 1214, RMT describes the device as "engineered by JLT." This is an apparent reference to the Swedish company JLT Mobile Computers AB, whose JLT1214 appears nearly identical to the Duros 1214.

        An article on the earlier version of the Duros 1214, featuring pictures of the device's insides, appears on the RuggedPCReview website, here.


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