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May/June 2004
Evaluation: GoBook Q-200 ultra-rugged handheld computer
Windows CE .NET wireless handheld Itronix Our impression In an market where more and more ruggedised versions of handheld computers are being launched, Itronix reckons it has come up with something that genuinely stands out from the crowd. The company says its new GoBook Q-200 is the industry's first truly "ultra-rugged", advanced wireless handheld computing device. 
First things first: it's a Microsoft Windows CE .NET device featuring Intel's current 400MHz Intel XScale processor. Supporting this as standard is a 64MB Compact Flash memory card, along with up to 128 MB of SDRAM. There is 40Mb reserved for applications and data storage. The display is a 3.8-inch shock-mounted quarter VGA reflective outdoor transmissive unit with a passive touch screen. Where the Q-200 gets interesting is that it supports up to three wireless networks concurrently - 802.11b wireless networking with Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) compliance; Bluetooth; and wireless wide-area networks such as GPRS. Mobility XE software provides secure, seamless, wireless connectivity and communication in any location with a continuous, secure connection between mobile clients and enterprise applications. Client software is installed on the Q-200 to communicate with the Mobility XE server. The Q-200 also incorporates Itronix's Common Radio Module Architecture (CRMA), which is designed to allow users easily and cost effectively to upgrade to new wireless technologies as they become available. It's in the ruggedness that the Q-200 really stands out. With a die-cast magnesium casing and Xenoy high-impact plastic structural components, the Q-200 exceeds the rigorous US MilSpec 810F standard covering rain, snow, water, wind, dust, shock, vibration and chemical exposure, and is said to withstand 26 repeated 4ft drops on to plywood over concrete. Its Ingress Protection (IP) rating for dust and water penetration is IP67 - well above the more typical IP64 or IP65 standards. This means, for instance, that it can withstand immersion in water to a 1-metre depth for up to half an hour. It can operate at temperatures ranging from minus 20 deg C to plus 60 deg C, and can be stored at temperatures ranging from minus 51 deg C to plus 71 deg C. Yet despite all this robustness, it weighs under 800kg with a high-performance battery. The list price in the US for all this capability is $2,295. Accessories can include a vehicle mounting cradle which can incorporate GPS and external antennae; and multiple carrying options such as a carrying case with shoulder strap or a belt-mounted holster. And it is designed for easy integration, especially if you take up options and accessories such as a barcode scanner. There is a useful automated system backup and restore called i-rescue. In the event of a system interruption such as loss of battery power, this automatically returns system operation to the same state that existed before the interruption occurred.. Itronix is pitching the Q-200 at a variety of mission-critical applications such as field service and repair, inspection and service, public safety, telecommunications, utilities, insurance and security.
Our verdict The Q-200 is not the cheapest ruggedised handheld on the market, but if toughness is one of your key buying criteria, it will be hard to beat because it benefits hugely from Itronix 's expertise in the ultra-rugged notebook market. The seamless roaming should make it especially user-friendly in the field and help management of communication costs. GoBook Q-200Specification
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