requirement, the company said.
(Click for larger view of the RPDA-57 rugged PDA)
(Click to enlarge) |
Talla-Tech says the RPDA-57 is its fifth-generation multi-function handheld computer for military applications. The highly ruggedized device is based on a 520 MHz PXA-270 Xscale processor, and is equipped with 128MB of RAM and 64MB of flash memory. It features a 3.8-inch, QVGA (240 x 320 pixel) color TFT touchscreen display, along with a built-in speaker and microphone.
The RPDA-57's standard expansion capabilities include an SD Card slot, a high speed (115 Kbps) serial port, audio in/out jacks. Options for all models include a built USB Host port, 802.11b WiFi, and Bluetooth, while some models offer options for a Type II PCMCIA card slot and either a Military- or commercial-grad GPS receiver. Talla-Tech also can supply a long-life, snap-on battery pack that holds 10 rechargeable "AA" batteries.
Dimensions of the device vary, according to model. The "Type A" measures 6.1 x 3.6 x 1.2 inches, while the "Type C1," which adds a 3600mAh battery booster to the device's standard 1400mAh rechargeable battery, is 2.6 includes thick. Weight is approximately 14 ounces for the A, and approximately 2 pounds for the beefier C1.
(Click to enlarge) |
From the software perspective, the RPDA-57 comes with a Windows CE 5.0-based embedded operating system. Befitting its target market, Talla-Tech also supplies an assortment of acryonym-denoted, military-oriented software applications for the device, including:
- D-DACT -- Dismounted Data Automated Communications Terminal
- LHMBC -- Lightweight Handheld Mortar Ballistic Communicator
- PFED -- Pocket-sized Forward Entry Device
- CENTAUR -- Lightweight Technical Fire Direction System
Florida-based Talla-Tech and its parent company, Tadiran Communications Ltd., of Israel, have supplied rugged computers to the U.S. Marine Corps since 1998 in both mounted and dismounted configurations, according to a company announcement. Tadiran, in turn, is a subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd., a major international defense electronics supplier and subcontractor based in Israel.
The RPDA-57 appears to be in production now. Pricing was not disclosed.
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