Handheld is a supplier of rugged PDAs and handheld computers. It is part of Handheld Group, which was founded in 1997 and is one of Europe's leading suppliers of ruggedized handhelds for use in markets such as utility, military, logistics, forestry, transportation and field service. Handheld has a full and growing lineup of rugged industrial handhelds and rugged Tablet PCs, such as the Algiz 7 introduced on February 9, 2010.
The Algiz 7 extends Handheld's lineup into the ultra-mobile range with a tablet that measures just 9.1 x 5.5 x 1.6 inches, which means it has a footprint smaller than that of most netbooks. And despite its ruggedness, the Algiz 7 weighs just 2.4 pounds, again less than most netbooks and much less than most rugged tablets out there. The idea here was to provide a rugged device with full Windows capabilities and a display larger than those on handhelds, but without the size and bulk of larger tablets.
Like many new devices that are designed to run Windows at an acceptable clip without the need of a massive battery, Handheld resorted to Intel's power-efficient Atom processor family. Unlike netbooks that almost exclusively use the N-Series "Diamondville" processors and their successors, the Algiz 7 is built around a 1.6GHz Z530 "Silverthorne" processor. Combined with the "Poulsbo" US15W System Controller Hub, this is an extremely frugal chip combo with an overall thermal design power (an Intel measure indicating maximum power consumption) of less than five watts. This means a very low thermal load that allows a fanless design and excellent battery life.
And while commercial netbook devices usually have to make do with just a gigabyte of RAM, the Algiz 7 comes with two gig of DDR2 RAM, which certainly helps Windows 7 Professional do its thing. Likewise, a generously sized 64GB solid state disk contributes both to performance and ruggedness. Power is provided by a dual battery pack that allows hot-swappable operation and is said to support at least six hours of operation.
The display of the Algiz 7 measures seven inches diagonally (yes, Algiz 7 = 7 inches, Algiz 8 = 8.4 inches, and Algiz 10 = 10.4 inches) and offers Netbook-standard 1024 x 600 WSVGA resolution. The display is sunlight readable and includes Handheld's MaxView technology, which is the company's secret sauce to provide optimal usability and viewability under various lighting conditions. In essence, it uses an optical bonding process to "melt" LCD, anti-glare filter and touchscreen together, minimizing reflections and making the screen stronger. Among the many benefits of the MaxView technology are increased contrast ratio, elimination of the "parallax" effect, extra durability and impact absorption, and no danger of condensation between layers. The display has a resistive touch screen that can be used in conjunction with the tablet's ten hardware buttons that include three programmable hotkeys that provide access to up to six functions.
Other interesting capabilities of the Algiz 7 include an integrated 2-megapixel camera with LED illuminator light, an integrated Mediatek WAAS/EGNOS capable GPS receiver, and the availability of Gobi 2000 mobile broadband (WWAN).
Gobi, which stands for Global Mobile Internet technology, is a Qualcomm wireless technology that supports the various wireless networking technologies around the world, so users can select whatever carrier is available to them (see Qualcomm page on Gobi). Installed Carrier Selection Application software facilitates operation on both CDMA2000 and WCDMA (UMTS) wireless networks and seamless network selection within a single device. The Gobi version of the Algiz 7 (Gobi functionality comes with a PCIe module and software) supports HSDPA/UMTS 800/850/900/1900/2100MHz, Quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz, and Dual-band EV-DO/CDMA 800/1900MHz.
In addition, all Algiz 7 models come with 802.11b/g WiFi and integrated Bluetooth v2.0 with EDR. Add to that a couple of USB 2.0 ports, a DP9 serial port, a LAN port and a docking port and you have an exceptionally well-connected unit.
How rugged is the Algiz 7? For starters, it can handle a very wide operating temperature range from -9 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. It carries IP65 sealing where the "6" means the computer is totally protected from dust, and the "5" that it is protected against low pressure jet of water from all directions. The Algiz 7 also passed the MIL-STD-810G test of 26 drops to concrete.
Overall, the new Algiz 7 seems to carry on Handheld's tradition of offering interesting, versatile mobile computers covering every conceivable part of Handheld's target markets. RuggedPCReview.com will conduct a full test as soon as evaluation units become available.
