Claimed to be the "world's most rugged, advanced wireless handheld," the GoBook Q-200 from Itronix runs Windows CE .NET and supports up to three wireless networks concurrently. Based on a 400 MHz Intel XScale processor, the unit boasts a wide range of wired and wireless communications options and is aimed at mobile professionals who work in mission-critical environments such as field service and repair,... inspection and service, public safety, telecommunications, utilities, insurance, and federal and military environments.
Itronix says that the Q-200 exceeds the requirements of MilSpec 810F for rugged durability. Whereas the spec allows for up to five units to be used to pass 26 repeated 3-foot drops onto plywood over concrete, a single Q-200 has reportedly survived 26 drops of four feet onto plywood over concrete. The company further states that the Q-200 complies with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of IP67 for dust and water penetration. It can withstand being submerged in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes and also drenched with up to four inches of water per hour at approximately 40 pounds per square inch (PSI) for 40 minutes on each of its six axes.
The vehicle docking station accessory (shown at left -- click to enlarge) provides a small, lightweight, yet robust way of stowing the Q-200 safely and securely in a vehicle, according to the company. The vehicle docking station charges the unit's battery and, at the same time, enables serial communications with external devices such as GPS receivers and barcode scanner.
Another useful accessory is the Multi-drop Communications Rack (MDCR -- shown at right -- click to enlarge), that allows up to six Q-200s to be recharged while uploading and downloading data at the beginning and end of the work day. A single Ethernet cable connects the MDCR to a local network.
Key features and specifications include:
- Processor -- 400 MHz Intel XScale
- Memory:
- 128 MB low power DRAM
- 64MB CompactFlash standard, upgradable to 128MB and 256MB (24MB reserved for operating system)
- Operating System -- Windows CE .NET version 4.2
- Display -- 3.8 inch, 1/4 VGA (320x240) TFT LCD, 18-bit color. Resistive touchscreen supports input from stylus or finger.
- Keypad -- 52-key backlit alphanumeric keypad
- Wireless communications options:
- GSM/GPRS for Europe
- GPRS for North America
- CDMA 1xRTT
- 802.11b wireless LAN
- Class II Bluetooth
- Audio -- integrated microphone and speaker, headset jack
- Other input/output interfaces:
- RS-232 serial
- 10/100 Mbit Ethernet
- USB Host/Client
- IrDA (FIR 4Mbps)
- Expansion slots:
- PCMCIA Type II
- CompactFlash Type I
- Dimensions -- 9.6 x 4 x 2.1 inches.
- Weight -- 1.7 pounds
The GoBook Q-200 is expected to be available for delivery in June 2004 at a suggested price of $2,295.
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The vehicle docking station accessory (shown at left -- click to enlarge) provides a small, lightweight, yet robust way of stowing the Q-200 safely and securely in a vehicle, according to the company. The vehicle docking station charges the unit's battery and, at the same time, enables serial communications with external devices such as GPS receivers and barcode scanner. 
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