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        Vehicle computer runs Windows CE

        Staff | Date: Mar 15, 2007 | Comments: 1


        Psion Teklogix debuted a new vehicle-mount computer running Windows CE 5.0, at CeBIT in Hannover, Germany this week. The compact, lightweight model 8515, which boasts a full-VGA color touchscreen display and both WiFi and Bluetooth wireless communications, targets fixed- and vehicle-mount industrial...

        applications.

        Click here for larger image)

        According to Psion Teklogix, the compact, rugged 8515 is well suited for a wide range of supply chain applications, including both vehicle-mount operation -- such as on a forklift -- and fixed-mount operation as a stationary terminal.

        Despite its small footprint, the 8515 features a 640 x 480 resolution full-VGA color display with touchscreen, and is equipped with a full PC-style QWERTY keyboard and along with 10 dedicated function keys. Additionally, the unit's RS232 serial port, dual USB host ports, and USB device port allow it to be used with a wide range of peripherals such as bar code scanners, printers, and RFID readers.

        Optional PTX Connect push-to-talk software allows the 8515 to be used as a walkie-talkie, via its plug-in speaker/microphone. This capability is based on VoIP (voice over IP) technology, and enables "rich multimedia communications," according to the company. Another optional Psion Teklogix software package, Mobile Control Center (MCC), can be used for securely, remotely deploying and managing the 8515 and its peripherals.

        Key features and specifications, as listed by the company, include:
        • Processor -- Marvell XScale PXA270, clocked at 312 MHz
        • Memory -- 128MB SDRAM
        • Integrated full alphanumeric keyboard and 10 dedicated function keys
        • Display:
          • VGA 640 x 480 6.4 inch diagonal, 350 Nits
          • touchscreen with anti-reflective, anti-glare coating
        • Speaker/mic -- 3.5mm jack for connection to a rugged push-to-talk speaker/mic
        • Wireless:
          • Bluetooth
          • 802.11 b/g
        • Other input/output ports:
          • serial RS232
          • two USB host; one USB device
        • Expansion:
          • CompactFlash Slot Type I or II (3.3V)
          • micro-SD slot for memory expansion (not user-accessible)
        • Physical:
          • Size -- 8.2 x 8.0 x 1.8 inches (209 x 203 x 46mm)
          • Weight -- 2.9 lbs (1.3 Kg.)
          • Operating temperature range -- -10 to +50 deg C (14 to 122 F)
        • Environmental:
          • Dust/water protection enclosure rating per IP65
          • Shock/vibration per IEC 60721-3-5 - Class 5M2
          • Salt Spray per NEMA 250, method 5.9.1
          • UV per MIL-STD-810F, method 505.4, procedure II
        • Software:
          • Windows CE 5.0 operating system
          • TekTerm terminal emulation software
          • Options: PTX Connect, Mobile Control Center (MCC), JVM
        Earlier members of Psion Teklogix's family of Windows Embedded-based vehicle-mount computers include the recently introduced 8580 and 8590 (pictured at right), which run Windows XP Embedded and 8525, and 8530, which like the 8515, run Windows CE.

        Psion Teklogix VP of marketing Rob Vandervecht stated, "The 8515 offers an ideal combination of technology performance and cost, all in a small form factor Vehicle-Mount computer with exceptional functionality. Its versatility makes this computer a smart choice for gaining efficiencies across multiple supply chain applications."

        Availability

        The 8515 is expected to reach production in May, the company said. Pricing was not disclosed.


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