New Fixed Mount Tablet PC from DT Research

DT Research, makers of the WebDT series of durable Tablet PCs, will announce tomorrow the WebDT 520 Rugged Fixed-mount Tablet, a new MIL spec, rugged Tablet PC that can be fixed mounted in harsh environments like forklifts, warehouses, and boats. The new system is being offered at affordable prices for a fully rugged system.

I got an opportunity to speak with David Hale, the VP of Program Management at DT Research, about the forthcoming WebDT 520. DT Research is very optimistic about the market for the WebDT 520, particularly given how well it compares to the competition on weight and price.

The WebDT 310 and WebDT 360 are the current durable offerings from DT Research. Because of their attractive size, weight and price, the 310 and 360 are sometimes used in environments that would be better suited for a fully ruggedized system. The big difference between durable and rugged is exactly how harsh an environment the device has been built (and tested) to withstand. The new WebDT 520 retains many of the attractive features of the 310 and 360, while upgrading to a fully ruggedized system that meets MIL-STD-810F shock and vibration requirements and offers IP65 water and dust proof protection. With a 12.1″ touch screen, up to 2GB of RAM, and multiple storage drive options, the WebDT 520 can be configured to run either Windows XP Pro or Windows XP Embedded. Not many Tablet PCs are offered with an XPe option, which makes this system capable of being locked down to only specific applications, an important feature for security and many custom applications.

The WebDT 520 has a full feature set in a sealed, fanless unit. The WebDT520 is designed to be fixed mounted by a standard VESA mounting bracket, so the options for mounting are quite varied. One unusual option is a real Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) in addition to standard mobile battery. Also available are GPS and 3G connectivity options which should make this system attractive to emergency services personnel. DT Research can also work with customers to customize the operating system and applications to fit their specific needs, then image all systems for that customer with their custom drive image. This eliminates the need for IT to re-install all incoming systems, saving time and money.

The WebDT 520 Rugged Fixed-mount Tablet should be available in mid-May directly from DT Research and through approved resellers and partners. The MSRP starts at $2,600 and it expected to be available worldwide.

Specifications:

• Display
  12.1” TFT LCD with resistive touch, Outdoor-viewable option
• Display Resolution
  1024 x 768
• Processor
  AMD Mobile Sempronâ„¢ 1GHz
• Operating Systems:
  Windows ® XP Embedded;
  Windows ® XP Professional
• Storage
  Up to 16GB flash memory module, HDD (120GB), SSD (32GB or 64GB)
• Enclosure
  Magnesium-aluminum alloy
• Control Buttons
  1 mechanical switch power button, 1 power button, 9 programmable buttons
• Input/Output Ports
  1 COM port, 1 Mic-in, 1 Headphone out, 4 USB (2.0), Ethernet RJ45, 2 DC-in jack (AC-DC/ DC-DC), 1 PCMCIA slot, and 1 Express card slot
• Network Interface
  Bluetooth Class 2,
  Ethernet 10/100/1000 Base-T LAN,
  Wireless 802.11a/b/g,
  3G or GSM module (optional)
• Speaker
  1 built-in speaker
• AC/DC adapter
  Input voltage 100~240V AC, 50/60 Hz
  Output: 18.5V, 3.5A
  DC / DC
  12 ~ 36V DC input
  Power Cords
  North America, EU, and UK
• Dimensions
  (H x W x D)
  2.2 x 9.45 x 1.57 in; 310 x 240 x 40 mm
• Base Weight
  6.6lbs (3 Kg) (with UPS battery, HDD); 5.5 lbs (2.5 Kg) (without UPS battery, HDD)
• Regulatory
  FCC Class B, CE, UL, RoHS compliant,
  C-Tick, MIL-STD-810F, and IP65
• Operating Temperature
  0oC – 50oC
  Anti-freeze Operating Temperature (Optional)
  -20oC~50oC
• Humidity
  5% – 95% RH non-condensing