NEW! Launched in August 2006, the General Dynamics GoBook XR-1 is the new standard in STATE-OF-THE-ART fully rugged wireless notebooks available today. The GoBook® XR-1 is more than the world’s most advanced wireless rugged mobile computer. It is the first computing platform to carry the General Dynamics brand and embodies Itronix’ 20+ years heritage and expertise in the field of rugged wireless device development. Itronix have been acquired by General Dynamics in September of 2005 and now is a division of General Dynamics. GoBook XR-1 is the first product to be sold under the prestigious General Dynamics brand. The XR-1 “Titan” is a new rugged notebook computer that will replace the aging Itronix GoBook III. Its performance features include:

Processor: 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo (T2400)
Graphics: ATI M22 with total of 128MB
OS: Windows XP Professional SP2
Memory: 512MB expandable to 2GB DDRII
Display: 12.1″ XGA (1024 x 768) “ColorVue” TFT

Digitizer/Pens Touchscreen/2
Keyboard: 87-key full-scale with glow-in-the-dark NiteVue
Storage: 40 to 80 GB hard disk with heater
Size: 11.8″ x 9.65″ x 1.98″
Ruggedness IP54, MIL-STD 810F,
Weight 6.8 pounds incl. battery pack
Power 80 WHr Lithium-Ion (”4 to 6 hours”)

Communication Gigabit LAN, 56K Modem, internal 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN radio, optional EV-DO/1xRTT/CDMA or HSDPA/UMTS/GPRS/EDGE/GSM, Bluetooth, GPS

Interface 3 USB 2.0, audio/mic, IEEE1394, RJ-11, RJ-45, VGA, serial, dock, 2 PC Card Type II, CRMA Express modules for wireless

Price starting at US$4,330

Additionally, the GoBook XR-1 touts rugged specs that make it the safest, most rugged notebook in its class:

* MIL STD 810F compliant for drop and shock
* IP54 sealing for dust and water intrusion
* Truck transport vibration test-certified
* Extensive electro-static discharge tested
* Comprehensive mechanical life testing,
* Hazardous Location certification for combustible environments,
* Fully sealed input/output ports for improved ruggedness
* Security: CAC Reader, RF-based fingerprint scanner and TPM 1.2 security options at user and network level.

Optional high performance integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) module is positioned on the upper edge of the display housing for optimum performance and satellite access, when the computer is in operation.

Versatile Media Bay

The GoBook XR-1 has a Media Bay that can accommodate either a second battery or a variety of optical drives, including DVD writers. Itronix chose a slot-load drive, thus reducing the chance of damaging or breaking the drive when the tray is out — a decision we applaud.

Keyboard

Moving on to the keyboard, here Itronix — in response to customer requests — decided to stay close to the GoBook III solution: a full-size, 87-key sealed affair. The large white keys are very clearly marked and provide superb tactile feedback. Customers have their choice of a standard NiteVue glow-in-the-dark (an Itronix invention) or optional backlit keyboard. I really like the glow in the dark. There are choices for the touchpad as well. You can get either a resistive or a capacitive one, so you can even operate it with gloves on.


Handles

A versatile handle attach point mechanism can accommodate a variety of handles, including Itronix’s “bathook” that is both a handle and a stand. The XR-1 redesigned “bathook” consists of nylon and soft rubber material, making it light, pleasant to the touch, and very strong. Itronix now also offers a front handle, perhaps because rival Panasonic has offered their CF-27/28/29 line with a very attractive front handle for many years.

Materials

In terms of materials, the GoBook XR1’s chassis is made of magnesium. The stylish top is aluminum. Many parts are covered in plastic, but not just any plastic. This is TPU–Thermal Plastic Urethane, the stuff they use to make rollerblade wheels from. Itronix used this material for three reasons. It makes the unit feel cooler to the touch in places where it heats up. It is more conducive to RF performance. And it is nearly indestructible.

Ergonomically the GoBook XR-1 comes with a large 12.1″display, a full sized NiteVueâ„¢ keyboard, the in latest industrial design, all included in a compact form factor that weighs just 6.8 lbs. The GoBook XR-1 is available in September of 2006, and the retail price for the base configuration is US4,330. - via Rugged PC Review

This entry was posted on August 18, 2006 and is filed under News.