Rugged doesn't necessarily mean big and bulky anymore when
talking about notebooks and handhelds, and General Dynamics Itronix
is out to prove that maybe size doesn't matter.Itronix, known for making rugged notebooks, appears to have
taken a page from "Honey, I Shrunk the Computer" with this week's
release of the GoBook MR-1, its smallest computer to date, designed
for rugged ultra-mobility.
Built specifically for field workers who may deem a
standard-size notebook too large and heavy, the MR-1 weighs in at
two pounds, while keeping a standard clamshell notebook form
factor. The notebook runs full Windows XP Pro and will run Vista by
the end of the year, giving users and IT management a familiar
interface to input and support, said Jamie Skogstad, the
mini-computer's product marketing manager.
Reducing size often results in sacrificing function, but the
MR-1 is as powerful as it is small, Skogstad said, with the ability
to leverage multi-threaded applications and graphics found in
field-deployed workforce environments like public safety, military
and field services.
Inside, it has a 1.2 GHz Intel Core Solo ULV Processor, up to 1
GBytes of RAM, 3D Intel Extreme Graphics with up to 128 MBytes of
graphics memory, and a battery life option of three or six
hours.
The rugged clamshell measures 4.5 x 6.1 x 1.4 inches, with a
5.6-inch-wide LCD display screen. Navigation options include
touchpad and stickpointer, and office dock and vehicle mounting
options are available.
"For many, notebooks are too large and cumbersome," Skogstad
said. "But traditional handhelds are too small."
According to David Daoud, research manager with IDC, mobile
workforces and managers are looking for smaller devices that also
have built-in toughness.
"We are seeing market interest in smaller, more portable devices
that still have all the functionality of a full-fledged notebook,"
Daoud said. "The GoBook MR-1 is likely to find a receptive audience
among the highly mobile workforce in segments such as government,
utilities, communications and field services in need of a fully
functional PC in a ruggedised ultra-small form factor."
Along with shrinking down the standard rugged laptop format,
Itronix added its new DynaVue touchscreen display as an option to
improve outdoor viewing, which in turn enhances battery life and
processing power.
DynaVue balances between display brightness and contrast and
increases contrast ratio to provide color and improved visibility
to details, even in bright sunlight. Using a single cold-cathode
fluorescent lamp for brightness control, it doesn't drain the
battery. DynaVue also meets the military standard for
electronically generated airborne displays for direct-sunlight
viewability.
The MR-1, like the other rugged devices in Itronix's arsenal,
withstands extreme temperatures -- hot and cold -- and has been
designed to survive drops and vibrations. It has been vehicle-mount
and crash tested.
The MR-1 features several embedded wireless connectivity radios
and standards including WWAN, WLAN, PAN and GPS and supports 3G,
EVDO and seamless roaming.
For security, it supports several authentication options and has
a removable 40 or 80 GB hard drive and a fingerprint reader. It
also features file and folder locking.
"It's nearly identical to our rugged notebooks," Skogstad said,
"just smaller in form factor."