| Rugged tablet PC runs Windows CE |
Feb. 15, 2008
 Glacier Computer has introduced a rugged ARM9-based tablet computer intended for mounting on forklifts and other vehicles. The Ridgeline CE runs Windows CE and has a 5.7-inch touchscreen display, along with a 10/100 Ethernet port, watertight rubber keypad, and integral strain-relief mechanism to protect attached cables.
(Click here for a larger view of the Ridgeline CE)
The compact Ridgeline CE has an impact-resistant metal case, with a steel rear and aluminum front. It features an illuminated keypad and five programmable soft keys, all watertight to the IP65 standard, according to the company.
 In addition, a flap at the rear of the computer -- shown fully flipped up in the image at right -- protects the device's ports. When closed fully, it clamps down on any cables that have been attached, protecting them with its integral strain-relief mechanism.
The computer uses a 5.7-inch touchscreen display, with 280-nit brightness rating and a 350:1 contrast ratio. It is available in either portrait or landscape formats, though orientation is apparently not user-switchable and must be selected at the time of purchase. The display is also orderable in either QVGA (320 x 240) or VGA (640 x 480) resolution.
For processing power, the Ridgeline CE uses Marvell's 400MHz PXA255, teamed with 64MB of RAM and 64MB of flash storage. Storage can be added via either the Ridgeline's CompactFlash slot or one of its two USB ports. Glacier suggests the latter, since the CF slot is earmarked for an optional 802.11b/g adapter, if desired.
Bluetooth, also optionally available, requires a USB port as well. However, wired connectivity is already catered for, via the Ridgeline CE's 10/100 Ethernet port and an RS-232 serial port.
According to Glacier, the initially shipping Ridgeline CEs use Windows CE 4.2, with the addition of selected CE 5.0 drivers for USB, network support, and other features. However, the company adds, the device will soon be upgraded to Windows CE 6.0. All versions include the embedded Internet Explorer web browser.
Features and specifications listed by Glacier for the Ridgeline CE include the following:- Processor -- Marvell PXA255, clocked at 400MHz
- Memory -- 64MB RAM and 64MB flash
- Display -- 5.7-inch touchscreen display, available in portrait or landscape options and in QVGA (320 x 240) or VGA (640 x 480) resolutions
- Keyboard -- Directional keypad and five programmable soft keys
- Networking -- 1 x 10/100 Ethernet; 802.11b/g and Bluetooth support via USB or CompactFlash slots
- Other I/O:
- 1 x RS232 serial
- 2 x USB 2.0 host
- 1 x USB 1.1 device
- mic in
- line out
- Expansion -- 1 x CompactFlash slot
- Dimensions -- 6.7 x 6.7 x 2.6 inches
- Weight -- 5.73 pounds
- Power requirements -- 15 to 60 VDC, 12W max
Availablity
The Ridgeline CE appears to be available now, though Glacier did not provide pricing information. More information is available from the company's website, here.
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