| Windows tablet runs at -20 C |
Aug. 19, 2008
 Xplore Technologies has announced a ruggedized Windows XP Embedded (XPe) tablet computer supporting stylus or finger operation, and extreme-temperature operation. The iX104C4 has a 1.2GHz Core Duo processor, 10.4-inch display, PCMCIA and Mini PCI Express expansion, and resists four-foot drops onto concrete, according to the company.
(Click here for a larger view of Xplore's iX104C4)
Touting the iX104C4 as having the "best indoor/outdoor viewable display in the market," Xplore says the device's 10.4-inch screen has a typical 250:1 contrast ratio. A dual-mode digitizer lets users operate the screen with either a stylus or their fingers, the company adds.
The iX104C4 comes in a triple-layer magnesium housing that, says Xplore, offers customized gaskets and a patented bumper system. The device is claimed to withstand four-foot drops to concrete from any angle, and to meet a bevy of MIL-STD 810F standards for resistance to vibration, dust, dampness, and temperature extremes. Operating temperature ranges from -20 to 60 deg. C.
The tablet uses Intel's 1.2GHz Core Duo U2500, a 65nm part with a claimed maximum TDP of nine Watts. This is combined with the chipmaker's 945GME northbridge and ICH7M southbridge. Memory is 1GB of 533MHz DDR2 RAM, upgradeable to 2GB.
Mass storage is provided by a 120GB hard drive, with an integral heater. Xplore notes that the tablet can cold-boot at temperatures down to 0 deg. C when battery powered, but AC operation -- presumably allowing preheating -- lets it start up at -20 deg. C. A 32GB SSD (solid state disk) is available as an option.
The tablet's standard six-cell, 5700mAh battery is said to provide up to 3.5 hours of operation, while an optional eight-cell, 7600mAh battery extends this to 4.5 hours. The device also includes a 45mAh bridge battery, which preserves the contents of RAM for up to five minutes while batteries are being changed.
Wireless networking is apparently not standard on the iX104C4, but optional modules for WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and cellular are all available. The tablet has both Mini PCI Express and PCMCIA slots, which, while termed "wireless radio bays" by Xplore, accept other types of expansion card as well. The device also includes a SIM socket.
Finally, the iX104C4 has a built-in fingerprint scanner, plus six dedicated keys that can be assigned to a variety of application functions. It includes a gigabit Ethernet port, two USB 2.0 ports, 3.5mm jacks for audio in/out, and a 9-pin serial port that is RS232/422/485 compatible.
Features and specifications listed by Xplore for the iX104C4 include:- Processor -- Intel Core Duo U2500 clocked at 1.3GHz
- Memory -- 1GB of 533MHz DDR2 RAM standard, expandable to 2GB
- Display -- 10.4 inch touchscreen display with 1024 x 768 resolution
- Storage -- 120GB hard disk drive with heater, or optional 32GB SSD (solid-state drive)
- Networking -- Gigabit Ethernet port
- Other I/O:
- 1 x RS232/422/485
- 2 x USB 2.0
- mic in and line/headphone out with 3.5mm jacks
- Expansion:
- Battery type/life -- six-cell 5700mAh battery with 3.5-hour life; eight-cell 7600mAh battery with 4.5-hour life
- Operating temperature -- -20 to 60 deg. C
- Dimensions -- 11.2 x 8.25 x 1.6 inches
- Weight -- 5 pounds with standard battery
The iX104C4 is offered with either Windows Vista Business or Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. Pricing and availability were not cited, but more information may appear on Xplore's website, here.
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