General Dynamics closes the gap between laptop and smartphone

General Dynamics Itronix has launched a rugged handheld computer the size of a smartphone that is designed for mobile professionals whose jobs range from ensuring the public's safety and working inside warehouses to maintaining utilities. Weighing less than eight ounces and running Windows Embedded on an ARM Cortex-A8 processor, the GD400 handheld is equipped with GPS, a barcode scanner/imager, a high-resolution camera with flash and a daylight-viewable, water resistant touch-screen screen display.
"Using the GD400, utilities, law enforcement or any mobile enterprise can immediately improve business operations, increase worker productivity and reduce costs," said Mark Johnston, director of Strategic Computing Solutions of General Dynamics Itronix. "By combining robust computing with cell phone-like functionality, the GD400 bridges the communications and computing gap between notebook computers and commercial cell phones."
The GD400 uses the Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 operating system to integrate with enterprise operations and IT networks. General Dynamics Itronix also offers service and support to ensure a smooth transition of the GD400 into business operations. The GD400 is IP54 certified against dust and water intrusion and built to withstand multiple drops onto concrete. It is powered by an ARM Cortex-A8 processor that comes with NEON multimedia technology, accelerating the transmission of multimedia and large data files across WiFi and wireless wide area networks.

Key features include:

• Ergonomic design for simple one-hand operation
• Eight-hour battery life
• 3.7 inch colour, touch-screen display
• 3.2 mega-pixel auto-focus camera with flash
• Digital compass
• Bluetooth, 802.11 a/b/g/n, cellular network connectivity

But it isn't as cheap as a smartphone - with the ruggedness, the GD400 list price starts at $1829.

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