| Windows XPe tablets target harsh environments |
Sep. 13, 2007
 Xeratus Technology has introduced a pair of Windows XP Embedded-based tablet computers aimed at the military, or other tough environments such as construction or railways. The DuraPad T8000 and T9000 come with magnesium alloy cases and toughened screens, and are said to meet MIL-STD 810F-516.5 specs.
 
DuraPad T8000 (left) and T9000 (right)
(Click each image for a larger view)
Although most of the two Durapads' specifications are identical (see list below), the T8000 has an 8.4-inch screen and is smaller overall, at 10.6 x 7.2 x 1.7 inches. The T9000, meanwhile, has a 10.4-inch screen and measures 11.2 x 8.2 x 2.5 inches.
Both the tablets employ a 1.2 GHz Pentium M processor and accept up to 1.25 GB of memory. They run Windows XP Embedded from up to 32 GB of flash memory. Other differences include Intel-based 802.11a/b/g wireless networking being a standard feature of the T9000, but optional on the T8000. Additionally, the T8000 includes a numeric keypad and arrow keys, whereas the T9000 includes a four-button keypad and 5-way controller.
Both tablets support an operating temperature range of -20 to 60 degrees C (-4 to 140 degrees F), and both are said to have been qualified to MIL-STD 810F-516.5 specs, through withstanding "26 drops of 36 inches to polywood over concrete, with the unit off."
Key features and specifications common to both tablets, cited by Xeratus, include:- Processor -- 1.2 GHz Pentium M with 400 MHz front-side bus, 2 MB 2nd-level cache
- Memory -- 256 MB onboard; another 512 MB or 1 GB of DD2 memory can be added via the single SODIMM slot
- Storage:
solid state disk version -- 512 MB to 32 GB of flash memory, equipped with Windows XP Embedded
- standard HDD version -- 2.5-inch hard drives in 40 - 80 GB capacities, equipped with Windows XP Tablet Edition
- Display:
- Intel 915GM graphics chipset, shares up to 32 MB of system memory
- T8000 -- 8.4-inch SVGA (800 x 600 pixel) touchsceeen; includes active digitizer, brightness-enhanced for outdoor use
- T9000 -- 10.4-inch SVGA (1024 x 768 pixel) touchscreen; brightness enhancement and active digitizer are optional
- Keys:
- T8000 -- numeric keypad and arrow keys
- T9000 -- 5-way controller and 4-button keypad module
- Communications:
56K V92 fax modem
- 10/100/1000 Ethernet
- Intel 802.11a/b/g WLAN card (standard on T9000, optional on T8000)
- Bluetooth (v2.0 on T9000; v1.1 on T8000
- I/O ports:
- 2 x USB 2.0
- mic in and headphone out
- RJ-11 for modem
- RS-232 serial
- mini USB
- multi-IO port (has contact pins for USB, RS-232, power)
- Expansion:
- CompactFlash Type II slot
- Type II PC card slot (supports CardBus 2.1)
- Dimensions:
- T8000 -- 10.6 x 7.2 x 1.7 inches (270 x 184 x 42 mm)
- T9000 -- 11.2 x 8.2 x 2.5 inches (284 x 209 x 63 mm)
- Weight:
- T8000 -- 4.6 pounds (2.1 kg) with standard battery, 4.2 pounds (1.9 kg) with optional slim battery
- T9000 -- 4.9 pounds (2.2 kg) with battery
- Power:
- T8000 -- 7 hours battery life with 9-cell, 7200 mAh battery; 3.5 hours battery life with optional 6-cell, 3900 mAh battery
- T9000 -- 7 hours battery life with nine-cell, 7200 mAh battery
Jay Savoor, CEO of Xeratus, stated, "The use of devices in the harsh or field environments is currently being satisfied by products that neither meet the needs nor last the test of time, due to the presence of the hard disk. We recognized the need for embedded rugged devices and decided to launch the DuraPad range."
The Durapad T8000 and T9000 appear to be available now, though pricing was not released.
Related stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news feed