One of the vendors we are planning on visiting while at CES is Black Diamond Advanced Technology, the makers of the SwitchBack Ultra-Mobile PC.
The SwitchBack is a rugged UMPC, with a built-in thumb keyboard, that also features something very unique: plug-in modules for the back of the UMPC. Here is a list of current modules available for the SwitchBack:
- Additional Battery
- Additional Processors
- Additional Hard Drive
- Digital Camera
- Scanner
- SAASM GPS Receiver
- SATCOM Radio
- Terrestrial Radio
- Laser Range Finder
- Breathalyzer
- Fingerprint Reader
In addition to the Back Modules, the SwitchBack can run multiple operating systems independently or simulataneously: Windows XP, Windows CE, Windows Mobile, Linux, etc.
Specs:
- Processor
- Operating System
- Genuine Windows XP
- Windows Mobile
- Windows CE
- Linux
- Memory
- Storage
- 40GB Removable HD (60GB Optional)
- Input Devices
- Touchscreen display with stylus
- Condensed QWERTY membrane keyboard
- Pointing Device
- Battery
- Hot Swappable Lithium Ion Battery
(11.1V 4300mA/hr)
Recharge and run unit
from 9 to 28VDC input
2 to 5 hours (standard battery)
- Display
- 5.6″ Sunlight Viewable LCD
1024×600 WSVGA Resolution
- Graphics
- Onboard Intel GMA-900 Graphics Chipset
- Wireless
- Bluetooth 2.0
- WiFi b/g
- GPS (C/A) (Optional)
- Base System Input/Output
- 1x USB 2.0
- 1x Power Port
- 1x Ethernet (Docking Station)
- 1x VGA (Docking Station)
- Multi USB 2.0 (Docking Station)
- Physical Dimensions
- Dimensions: 7.5″x5.5″x2″
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Warranty
- One Year Limited Warranty
(extended
|
My contacts at BlackDiamond tell me that they will be in full scale production in Q1 2007. Contact Black Diamond and they will connect you with their resellers. The price of a basic unit with no modules will be approximately $3,600.
