keeping the device water-tight, says Juniper.
(Click here for a larger view of Juniper's Allegro MX)Externally, the new Allegro MX closely resembles the
Allegro CX that Juniper introduced more than five years ago. The device features a case that is said to have been ergonomically designed for one-handed use, and to meet IP67 and MIL-STD810F standards. According to Juniper, the MX readily withstands dunking in water, and operates over temperatures ranging from -22 to 130 deg. F.
As before, the Allegro is offered with a 320 x 240 touchscreen display, either color or monochrome. The color screen measures 3.8 inches, while the monochrome screen -- recommended for cold environments, and available with an optional heater -- measures 4.1 inches. An unusual "touchscreen disable" button is said to allow actions such as cleaning the screen without turning off the device.
Keeping the computer free of dirt while out in the field is also addressed by the Allegro MX's keyboard design. Juniper says the bezel of the 62-key keyboard can be removed, allowing for thorough washing, without admitting liquid into any other part of the device.
Internally, the Allegro MX gets
Windows Mobile 6.1, and steps up to a 624MHz Marvell PXA270 processor, 128MB of RAM, and 1GB or 2GB of RAM. The back of the device, meanwhile, features a door providing access to Type I/II PCMCIA and microSD/SDHC expansion slots.
According to Juniper, the PC card assembly on the back of the Allegro MX may be removed and replaced with a variety of available "expansion pods," without compromising the device's IP67 rating. Expansion pods include a barcode scanner, GPS, a National Instruments DAQ (data acquisition) module, and RFID, the company says.
Meanwhile, the handheld includes USB host and client ports, and an RS232 serial port. The Allegro MX is optionally available in configurations with builtin 802.11b/g wireless networking and Bluetooth, Juniper adds.
Finally, the Allegro MX features a relatively large 4000mAh battery. This battery is claimed to operate the device from 10 to 20 hours, and to be rechargeable in four hours.
Features and specifications listed by Juniper Systems for the Allegro MX include:
- Processor -- 624MHz Marvell PXA270
- Memory -- 128MB of RAM, and 1GB or 2GB of flash storage
- Display -- 3.8-inch color touchscreen display, or 4.1-inch monochrome touchscreen display, both with 320 x 240 resolution
- Wireless (optional):
- WLAN -- 802.11b/g
- PAN -- Bluetooth
- Other I/O:
- 1 x RS232
- 1 x USB host
- 1 x USB client
- Expansion:
- Standard:
- 1 x PCMCIA Type I/II
- 1 x microSD/SDHC
- Optional pods (replacing PC card slots):
- GPS
- Barcode scanner
- National Instruments DAQ
- RFID reader
- Battery type/life -- 4000mAH NiMH battery, providing 10 to 20 hours operation
- Operating temperature -- -22 to 130 deg. F (-30 to 54 deg. C)
- Dimensions -- 10 x 5.25 x 1.5 inches (256 x 133 x 79mm)
- Weight -- 1.8 pounds (840g)
Juniper Systems did not specify pricing or availability for the Allegro MX, but the device appears to be available now. More information may be found on the company's website,
here.
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