Centrino surfaces in rugged tablet PCs
The iX104C(2) line includes Tablet PC, Dual Mode TPC, and AllVue TPC versions. All models are stocked with a 1.1GHz ultra-low-voltage Pentium M 733 processor, 855GME chipset, 400MHz system bus, 2MB of L2 cache, and Intel Pro Wireless 802.11b/g radio.
Models are available with either a 40GB or 80GB hard drive and up to 1GB of RAM. The tablets can potentially perform over 40 percent faster than devices based on Pentium III-M processors, Xplore claimed.
Other features include two USB 2.0 ports, a user-accessible SIM card slot for GPRS connectivity, and an RJ-45/RJ-11 combo port for use with an optional 56K modem. Bluetooth, wireless WAN, and external GPS are among the options available for increasing the tablets' wireless communications capabilities.
Based on Microsoft's Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, the iX104C(2) tablets use an active stylus for navigation and data entry. The Dual Mode model iX104C(2)D also supports finger-touch operation and features auto-sensing technology for on-the-fly switching between the two input methods. The AllVue model iX104C(2)V employs special LCD technology that promises to increase screen readability in all lighting conditions.
The iX104C(2) line complies fully with U.S. military environmental standards (MIL-STD 810F) and has been UL1604-certified for use in hazardous locations. Xplore said the tablets can survive a variety of severe conditions, including extreme temperatures, exposure to dust and moisture, intense vibrations, and four-foot drops on concrete.
Prices start at $3,299 for the iX104C(2), $3,449 for the Dual Mode iX104C(2)D, and $3,649 for the AllVue iX104C(2)V. The tablets are expected to ship within the next month.