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Two Technologies has previously produced ruggedized, Windows CE-based handheld computers that are somewhat unconventional-looking, such as the Hydrus (right) and Hydrus Luna. The new Handgear (below), however, is something else again, with (customizable) coloring and prominent bumpers that make it resemble some sort of sea creature. 
The Handgear has technological underpinnings that are similar to those of the Hydrus and most other Windows handhelds, such as a 624MHz Marvell PXA270 processor, 256MB of RAM, 4GB of flash storage, and the Windows CE 6.0 R3 operating system. The device's touchscreen is typical, too, offering 320 x 240 pixels and a diagonal measurement of 3.5 inches.
However, rather than provide a device that could fit into a large pocket, Two Technologies has deliberately made the Handgear larger: 7.75 x 5.87 x 2.25 inches, to be specific. One advantage of this size is that the Handgear includes two 5000mAh batteries (one removable, one not), for a claimed operating time of more than 40 hours.
Durability is naturally greater than most smaller devices, too. According to Two Technologies, the device may be immersed and meets IP67 standards for sealing against liquids and dust. It also survives at least 26 drops onto any of its faces, corners, or edges from up to four feet.
Two Technologies has also used the Handgear's size to provide extra controls. For example, there are ten function keys -- with customizable labels -- on the left side of the screen, and an unusually designed alphanumeric keypad on the right of it.
The red button at the screen's top right is a "distress key" which, when pressed, sends a call for help along with the user's location. According to Two Technologies, the Handgear is designed for public safety, parking enforcement, surveying, forestry, and military applications, where an operator's safety may sometimes be called into question.
According to Two Technologies, the Handgear employs a 50-channel U-blox 5 GPS receiver, with optimal antenna positioning and a "KickStart" feature that enables a claimed one-second acquisition performance. The device also includes a magnetic compass for detection of travel direction and absolute unit orientation, the company adds.
Two Technologies says the Handgear has a four-megapixel camera, with xenon flash, whose imager may also be used to read barcodes (including Code 128, Code 39, Code 2 of 5, EAN-13, PDF417, and UPC). An optional "ID Pack," meanwhile, is said to equip the device with a FIPS 201-compatible fingerprint scanner, a three-track magnetic card reader, and a 13.56MHz RFID interrogator.
As you'd expect from the mention of a functioning distress key, the Handgear includes cellular capabilities -- offered in CDMA, GPRS, and UMTS/HSDPA/EDGE versions. The device is also said to include 802.11b/g wireless networking (with Cisco CCX extensions) and Bluetooth 1.2.
According to Two Technologies, the Handgear has a SIM card slot and an SD slot, the latter accessible through its battery compartment. The device's rear-mounted Pack slot (above) accepts temperature probes, proprietary radios, meters, and other custom hardware add-ons that were previously developed for the Hydrus, the company adds.
Finally, Two Technologies says the Handgear is available with an optional, three-inch thermal printer (right). This is integrated into the overall device via the Pack interface, carrying a slightly lower IP65 rating, according to the company.
Features and specifications listed by Two Technologies for the Handgear include:
Two Technologies did not detail pricing or availability for the Handgear. Further information may be found on the company's website, here.
