(Click here for a larger view of the CarlsonMINI)The CarlsonMINI can be dropped, sat on, gotten wet, yet will keep working, Carlson claims. The device is said to meet
MIL-STD-810F standards for resisting these hazards, as well as others, such as dust and sand or high altitude.
The CarlsonMINI is based on a 300 or 520 MHz Marvell
PXA270 processor, and is equipped with 64 MB of DRAM and 256 MB of flash memory. GPS is available via an optional internal module, as is Bluetooth (available on the 520 MHz configuration, only).
SurvCE 2.0 (screenshot at right) is described by Carlson as a "complete data collection system for Real Time (RTK) GPS and Total Stations with in-field coordinate geometry." It's said to support a wide range of RTK GPS and total stations, whether robotic or conventional.
Specifications listed by Carlson Software for the CarlsonMINI include:
- Processor -- Marvell PXA270 running at 300 or 520 MHz
- Memory -- 64 MB DRAM and 256 MB flash
- Display -- 3.5 inch QVGA (320 x 240) touchscreen display
- Keyboard -- 6 LED-backlit function keys, directional keypad
- Wireless:
- Bluetooth 2.0 (optional, on 520 MHz model)
- GPS (optional)
- I/O -- USB host/client
- Expansion:
- SD slot
- Compact Flash slot
- Dimensions -- 6.5 x 3.5 x 1.7 inches (165 x 88.9 x 43 mm)
- Weight -- 17 ounces (481 grams)
Bruce Carlson, founder and president of Carlson Software, stated, "You never can predict what will happen out in the field or at a construction site, so we've developed this fully rugged, yet compact, handheld computer that will perform even in the harshest environments."
According to the company, the CarlsonMINI will be available this month. It's priced around $1800.
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