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        Windows handheld does search and rescue

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Mar 4, 2009 | Comments: 1


        Getac has announced a rugged Windows PDA targeting search-and-rescue, surveying, and utilities applications. The "PS535F" (left) has GPS, an altimeter, a compass, WiFi, Bluetooth, a three megapixel camera, a VGA-resolution touchscreen, and 2GB of flash storage, the company says.



        (Click here for a slightly larger view of Getac's PS535F)


        Handheld's Nautiz X5
        (Click image for further information)
        Getac's new PS535F may remind readers of the Handheld Nautiz X5 (right) announced earlier this week, since both devices combine overt ruggedness with niceties such as three megapixel cameras and GPS receivers. The otherwise-unrelated PS535F doesn't include the Nautiz's GSM modem, but in return is smaller, lighter, and -- no doubt -- less expensive.

        According to Getac, the PS535F has a GPS receiver, based on the SiRF starIII chipset. More unusually, the device is also said to include an altimeter and "e-compass" functionality.

        Physically, the Getac PS535F is an obvious evolution of the company's PS535E, introduced in March 2008. The two share identical-looking cases, measuring 5.7 x 3.3 x 1.2 inches, but where the PS535E's 3.5-inch display offered only QVGA (320 x 240 resolution), the PS535F packs four times as many (640 x 480) pixels.

        Once again, the device is built around a Samsung ARM processor, though the 400MHz S3C2440A used on the PS535E has been uprated here to a S3C2450 clocked at 533MHz. This coincides with an operating system upgrade from Windows Mobile 5.0 to Windows Mobile 6.1, according to Getac.

        In addition to its autofocus, three-megapixel camera, the handheld also includes 802.11b/g wireless networking, Bluetooth 2.0, four function keys, and a five-way navigator, the company says. The device's Samsung CPU is combined with 128MB of RAM, 2GB of flash storage, and an available SD expansion slot.

        Getac says the PS535E's 2400mAh battery lasts up to eight hours, though life may be reduced in subzero applications. With a rated operating temperature of 20 to 60 deg. C (-4 to 140 deg. F), the computer survives five-foot drops, complies with MIL-STD-810F standards for drop resistance, and is sealed against water and dust, the company adds.

        Features and specifications listed by Getac for the PS535E include:
        • Processor -- 533MHz Samsung S3C2450
        • Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 2GB of flash storage
        • Display -- 3.5-inch touchscreen display with 640 x 480 resolution
        • Keyboard -- Four main keys and five-way navigator
        • Camera -- 3 megapixel camera with autofocus
        • Wireless:
          • LAN -- 802.11b/g
          • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
          • GPS
        • Other I/O:
          • USB device port
          • Headphone jack
        • Expansion -- SD slot
        • Battery type/life -- 2400mAh battery provides up to eight hours of operation
        • Operating temperature -- -20 to 60 deg. C (-4 to 140 deg. F)
        • Dimensions -- 5.7 x 3.3 x 1.2 inches (144 x 82 x 29.3mm)
        • Weight, including battery -- 10.58 ounces (300g)
        Jim Rimay, president of Getac, said, "The PS535F is the ideal solution for any field application that requires immediate response and action, such as fire and rescue teams, utilities technicians, and park rangers. A great example is forest patrols reporting the location and fire hazard conditions to a fire center to assist fire rescue planning."

        Availability

        Getac did not release pricing or availability for the PS535F, but the device appears to be on sale now. More information on the device may be found on the company's website, here.


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