Itronix Introduces Touch-Enabled Rugged Laptop

To realize the maximum benefit from information and automation technology, mobile workers need to become full members of the enterprise’s information and computing food chain. In many cases, this means equipping and empowering workers with mobile computing gear complemented with the right communication options. The company that makes the right decisions up-front, stands to reap enormous potential rewards in the back end.

Two major considerations in selecting a platform are applications and durability. Obviously, the platform must be capable of supporting suitable applications with the required horsepower for the job. But equally important is the question of ruggedness or durability. A platform that fails to meet the rigors of day-to-day operation will soon be rejected by the most important critic and reviewer: the mobile worker.

Spokane, Washington-based Itronix Corp. calls this “mission critical computing,” and further defines it as a cross between the needs of a mobile executive and a mobile worker. Mobile workers generally require limited computing power coupled with excellent ruggedness and handheld ergonomics in order to complete specific applications.

Mobile executives, on the other hand, have been willing and able to sacrifice some of the ruggedness in exchange for a more general purpose application environment designed to increase their personal productivity. Typical applications for this target audience includes word processing, electronic messaging, and desktop-based information exchange. In many cases, it also means Microsoft Windows.

More and more, companies are striving for results that are not only targeted, but also increasingly measurable. This becomes all the more important as the size of the roll-outs continue to increase, nowadays often measuring in the tens of thousands of units. These companies are now taking a closer look at the new dynamics of maintaining and supporting their mobile work force.

Enter the X-C 6000

For mobile workers that would normally gravitate to a laptop-based solution, Itronix Corp. now offers the X-C 6000 Cross Country. The 6.5 lbs. (2. kg) computer shares many of the characteristics of a medium-powered monochrome laptop, packaged in a distinctively rugged internal and external design.

Nearly everything about this device has been designed with everyday use in mind. Not everyday laptop computer use, but real everyday use. For example, the magnesium case houses a separately shock mounted hard disk and LCD display, capable of withstanding repeated one meter drops at 42 different angles. In addition, the X-C 6000 features a weather sealed design that includes a sealed but removable keyboard.

Where’s the Pen?

Ergonomically, the X-C 6000 is suitable for use in a number of positions including, in certain circumstances, while standing and walking around. Itronix enabled this style of use by carefully positioning the internal components, creating a balance between display and computer body. Itronix will further enhance the X-C 6000 by offering an LCD touch screen option in December of this year, enabling pen computing and direct navigation support for a range of applications, including signature capture and note taking.

Optimized for Wireless

Getting the most productivity from mobile workers calls for a quick and efficient means for people to communicate and exchange information. Today, this is synonymous with wireless. The X-C 6000 was designed with wireless in mind by incorporating several factors into the basic design, including RF filtered connectors, multiple ground planes, and a PCB layout, bus design, and stitching that reduces RF noise. This enables Itronix to closely integrate a range of wide area wireless solutions including ARDIS, RAM Mobile Data, CDPD, and cellular.

Together with the upcoming touch screen support, the X-C 6000 seems well positioned to be a strong player in its target markets of field service operations, sales automation, insurance, public safety, and others.

About Itronix…

As a company, Itronix traces its roots back to 1986, where it began as a business unit within Itron, Inc., a provider of handheld data collection systems. With the goal of focusing on the portable computing market, including large mission-critical mobile work forces, Itronix spun-off as an independent company in 1992.

Capitalizing on a possible synergy, Itronix then merged with Telxon Corporation in 1993. As you’ll recall, Telxon is a leading manufacturer of handheld computing systems with annual revenues of US $380 million. Itronix employs approximately 140 people.

Itronix X-C 6000 Cross Country

• CPU: 3.3 V 486SXLC/50 40 MHz with 8 KB internal cache
• Dimensions: 10.5″ x 7.5″ x 3″ (26.7 x 19 x 7.6 cm)
• Weight: 6.5 lbs. (2.9 kg)
• Screen: 8.2″ diagonal, 640 x 480 VGA, 64 shades of grey. Reflective and backlit with full shock mounting. Touch screen optional. 512 KB Local Bus video.
• Memory: 4 to 16 MB RAM
• Storage: 260 MB ruggedized hard drive
• PCMCIA: Type III PCMCIA card slot
• Ports: Powered 115 kbps 16550 compatible serial port, ECP/EPP parallel port, RJ-11 jack
• Battery: NiCd or NiMH battery pack, 3 hour fast charge. Smart battery with accurate gas gauge
• Communication options: 14.4 kbps internal fax/data modem, internal ARDIS, RAM, and CDPD radio modems, cellular data and voice
• Software: MS-DOS 6.22, Microsoft Windows 3.11
• Durability: Repeated 1m drops on all surfaces, edges, and corners per MIL STD 810E, 516.4 Proc. IV. Rain at 4 in./hr at 40 mph blowing for 1 hr per axis for all axes per MIL STD 810E, 506.3 Proc III.

Itronix Corporation – A Telxon Company
South 801 Stevens Street
P.O. Box 179
Spokane, WA 99210
Mark Waldin
(509) 624-6600
(509) 626-4203