
When you think of rugged personal digital assistants or any mobile device for that matter, you typically think of a less-than-stellar set of features wrapped up in some kind of rubberized, shockproof container. It almost defeats the purpose of having the handheld if you really can’t do whatever it is that you need to do whenever it is that you need to do it. This is especially true if you are operating in less than friendly climes. Well, the folks at the Handheld Group are out to change all of that with their latest introduction, the ultra-rugged Nautiz X7 PDA. Now you can beat the hell out of your PDA and actually be productive while doing it.
The Nautiz X7 isn’t your ordinary PDA. This thing comes stacked with a ton of features that are sure to make the most demanding outdoors technophile weep with joy. An 806 MHz Xscale processor running the latest Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional operating system with 128 MB of onboard RAM and 4GB of flash storage powers the Nautiz X7. The 5600 mAh Li-ion battery will operate up to 12 hours on a single charge, which should give you plenty of time for all of your covert operations.
Need more? How about integrated SiRF Star III GPS, Bluetooth 2.0 and 802.11b/g WLAN functionality. You also get an integrated 3MP camera with autofocus and an LED flash so you can get all of those night shots you are so fond of. And to make sure you are always connected, the Nautiz X7 comes with 3G capability for GSM/UMTS phone and data transmission, an integrated compass and altimeter, and even a g-sensor/accelerometer that can measure speed, vibration and rotation. The Nautiz sports a 3.5-in VGA touchscreen display and choice of numeric or PDA keypad.
Now for the rugged part of the equation: With an IP67 rating, the Nautiz X7 is impervious to both dust and water, and it can withstand repeated drops, vibration, and operating temperatures from -22 F to 140 F. It weighs in at just 17 ounces, and it’s compact enough to operate in one hand. It has also passed the stringent MIL-STD-810G military specification so you know it’s ready for just about anything.
Supposedly, the new Nautiz X7 PDA is available for sale now, but for the life of me I couldn’t track down where to buy one or how much they cost. In keeping with the military theme of the device I guess they have decided to keep this information on a “need to know” basis. For full specs and additional information head over to www.handheldgroup.com.
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