(Click here for larger image of the SoMo 650 M-HS)Socket says it received requests for a radio-free product from customers that included the Departments of Homeland Security and Energy. Such customers cited security reasons, or the need to prevent interference with sensitive electrical equipment. Some customers were reportedly resorting to using laptops or tablet PCs, since few available Windows Mobile devices with 128MB of RAM or more are radio-free, the company claims.
Lacking Bluetooth or WiFi, the SoMo 650 M-HS is otherwise identical to the
SoMo 650 launched earlier this year. The Windows Mobile 5.0-based SoMo 650 device features touchscreen input, and both CompactFlash and SDIO expansion, according to the company.
The unit's SDIO and CompactFlash sockets make it easy to customize the device by adding a variety of peripherals and interfaces, the company points out. Conveniently, parent company Socket Communications is a well-known supplier of SD and CF expansion modules for
802.11 wireless,
barcode scanning,
Bluetooth,
modem, and
GPS functions.
Key features and specifications of the SoMo 650 M-HS, as listed by the manufacturer, include:
- Processor -- Intel PXA270, clocked at 624 MHz
- Memory -- 128MB SDRAM; 256MB flash
- Expansion slots -- "reinforced" CompactFlash and SDIO slots
- Display -- 3.5-inch QVGA (240 x 320) 5K-color TFT LCD
- Input method:
- Buttons -- 4 programmable soft keys; 5 navigation keys; 2 programmable action keys; reset switch; control-lock switch; power on/off button
- Analog resistive touchscreen with stylus
- Input/output interfaces:
- USB 1.1 host and client
- Serial RS-232
- Audio -- built-in microphone and speaker; headset jack
- Size -- 5.00 x 2.94 x 0.81 inches (127 x 74.60 x 20.6 mm)
- Weight -- approximately 6 oz with standard battery and stylus
- Operating temperature -- 0 to 50 degrees C (32 to 120 F)
- Ruggedization -- multiple 1 meter drops to concrete; +/- 8kV ESC
- Battery -- 3.7v 1200 mAh Lithium Ion rechargeable
The SoMo 650 M-HS will be available in the first quarter of 2008, and has a list price of $645, according to Socket.
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