Samwell's new MCA9 is technically similar to many previously released ruggedized tablets, but has been specially adapted for medical use. The modifications begin with "medical white" coloring for the device's magnesium-alloy case, and continue with the addition of a two megapixel camera, plus an integrated 13.56MHz RFID reader supporting ISO/IEC 15693 ("proximity card") and ISO 14443 A/B ("vicinity card") standards.
Samwell's MCA9

Along with an optional 1D/2D barcode scanner, the RFID reader is useful for electronic medication administration, reliable patient identification, and medical tracking, according to Samwell. The MCA9 also includes 802.11b/g/n wireless networking, Bluetooth 2.1, and an optional HSUPA (high speed uplink packet access) cellular modem, all of which can provide access to medical databases, the company adds.

Samwell says the MCA9's touchscreen display (1024 x 600 pixels) is available in an optional sunlight-readable version. Sealed on all sides, with the aid of covers that snap onto its ports, the device is IP54-rated for resistance to liquids, and also meets the MIL-STD-810G standard by surviving three-foot drops, the company says.

According to Samwell, the MCA9 runs fanlessly, thanks to the use of Intel's Atom Z530P CPU and SCH US15WP northbridge/southbridge, components that include integrated heat spreaders. The device includes 1GB of RAM, upgradable to 2GB, plus a 1.8-inch, 120GB hard disk drive, adds the company.

Samwell's MCA9 features covered ports

The left side of the device (above left) features a RJ45 jack for gigabit Ethernet, microphone and earphone jacks, a USB port, and an input for 12VDC power. The right side (above right) features a second USB port, a VGA output, and a window for the barcode scanner, says Samwell.

Front-panel buttons control screen orientation, turn WiFi or Bluetooth on and off, trigger RFID or barcode scans, and adjust screen brightness. Meanwhile, the device's two megapixel camera appears to be on the back of the unit, and hence is aimed at taking still pictures rather than doing videoconferencing.

Samwell says the MCA9 has a four-cell, 5200mAh battery pack that provides up to six hours of operation. The device is also said to include slots for a SIM card and SD/MMC card, though we were unable to determine where these are located.

Features and specifications listed by Samwell for the MCA9 include the following:

• Processor -- Intel Atom Z530P clocked at 1.6GHz
• Chipset -- SCH US15WP northbridge/southbridge
• Memory -- 1GB of RAM expandable to 2GB
• Display -- 8.9-inch touchscreen with 1024 x 600 resolution; optional sunlight-readable version
• Camera -- 2 megapixel
  
• Storage -- 1.8-inch, 120GB hard disk drive
• Expansion:
  • SD/MMC card
  • SIM card
• Wireless:
  • LAN -- 802.11b/g/n
  • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.1
  • WAN -- HSUPA cellular module (optional)
  • RFID reader
  • 1D/2D barcode scanner (optional)
• Networking -- 1 x gigabit Ethernet
• Other I/O:
  • 2 x USB 2.0
  • 1 x VGA
  • 1 x earphone
  • 1 x microphone
  • 1 x DC input
• Operating temperature -- 32 to 140 deg. F (0 to 60 deg. C)
• Battery type/life -- 5200mAh four-cell battery; up to six hours of operation
• Dimensions -- 9.9 x 6.0 x 1.3 inches (252 x 152 x 33mm)
• Weight -- 2.4 pounds (1.1kg)

Further information

Samwell did not release pricing for the MCA9, but the device, which comes with Windows XP Tablet PC edition, appears to be on sale now. More information may be found on the company's website, here.

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