Nov/Dec 2003

Coinciding with the new UK legislation outlawing the use of handheld mobile phones during driving, versions of two Aplicom in-cab computers have been announced with built-in hands-free phone capability.

They are the company's C-Series (its compact fleet management unit) and F-Series (which fits into a DIN radio slot). In each case, they are fitted with a mobile phone "HF-set" and GPRS modem module, which supports both voice and data communications.

The company points out that since the user interface and phone functions of both units are programmable, they actually offer better usability than phones on their own.

Two other new comms functions have also been added to these Aplicom units. They are now available with built-in Bluetooth short-range wireless connectivity, so that a driver can communicate with them (and hence with base) even when away from the vehicle. Typically, the company envisages drivers communicating with them via a handheld unit such as a PDA in depot or delivery environments. The kit includes Bluetooth radio and built-in antenna.

Aplicom's third new comms feature (in this case specific to the C-Series) is a system called IP Server, which allows the computer to transmit data via GPRS or other wireless link in a format directly compatible with Internet transmissions. Aplicom maintains: "The use of dominating standards and open platform design makes the Aplicom IP Server a safe basis for future technology implementations."

Aplicom IP Server runs pre-installed on Aplicom C-Series computers and, as a "plug and play" product, is said to require no special programming of the vehicle computer.