Windows tablet has super-bright outdoor display

Handheld US released an 8.4-inch tablet PC that runs Windows XP Professional on a 1.1GHz Intel Atom Z510 processor. The "Algiz 8" resists shock, dust, and water, has a hot-swappable battery, offers an 1100-nit sunlight-readable display, and operates down to -4 deg.

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According to the Rugged PC Review website, which has already published a detailed analysis of the Algiz, the Algiz 8 derives from a design originated by JLT Mobile Computers AB of Sweden. Indeed, the device looks very similar to JLT's JLT8404 and to Roper Mobile Technology's Duros 8404 (right), another tablet that appears to have been based on the same design.

However, the Duros 8404 and original JLT8404 were offered with either a 500GHz AMD Geode LX or a 1.0GHz Intel Celeron M CPU, whereas the newly revised Algiz 8 uses Intel's 1.1GHz Atom Z510. (A test comparing otherwise-similar tablets using these three different processors would make for interesting reading.)

For its part, Handheld claims that use of the Atom CPU has improved "both performance and battery life." The company says the Algiz 8's hot-swappable, 4800mAh battery "lets you continue working all day without recharging," though it doesn't add how many battery swaps are required to achieve this. Handheld also touts a new, optional outdoor-viewable display with an increased brightness rating of more than 1100 nits.

Like its JLT8404 and Duros 8404 cousins, the Algiz 8 is sealed against dust and water to the IP65 standard, and meets MIL-STD-810F standards for resistance to vibration and shock. According to Handheld, the device may be operated from -4 to 122 deg. F (-20 to 50 deg. C), and can withstand four-foot drops onto concrete.

The Algiz 8 is equipped with an 8.4-inch resistive touchscreen display, with 800 x 600 pixel resolution. To the right of the screen, there are membrane keys that toggle power, lock the system, control cursor movement, and may be assigned to various function keys, Handheld says.

The tablet comes with 1GB of DDR memory and a 60GB hard drive, plus a USB port, an RJ45 Ethernet port, and a connector for an optional docking station. Bluetooth 2.0 and 802.11a/b/g wireless networking are also standard, while GPS and a GSM cellular modem are listed as options. The Algiz 8 also includes a built-in microphone and stereo speakers, Handheld says.

Features and specifications listed by Handheld for the Algiz 8 include:

* Processor -- 1.1GHz Atom Z510
* Memory -- 1GB of DDR RAM
* Display -- 8.4-inch resistive touchscreen display with 800 x 600 resolution; optional sunlight-viewable version has 1100-nit brightness rating
* Storage -- Shock-mounted 60GB hard disk drive, or optional flash storage
* Networking -- RJ45 Ethernet (speed n/s)
* Wireless:
o GPS (optional)
o GSM cellular modem (optional)
* Other I/O:
o 1 x USB 2.0
o DC input
* Expansion -- Docking connector
* Power supply -- 480mAh battery, or external power from 9VDC to 21VDC
* Operating temperature -- -20 to 50 deg. C (-4 to 122 deg. F)
* Dimensions -- 10.3 x 7.8 x 1.7 inches (261 x 198mm x 44mm)
* Weight -- 4.2 lbs (1.9kg)



A promotional video for the Algiz 8
Source: Handheld
(click to play)


Further information

Handheld says the Algiz 8 runs Windows XP Professional. Since RMT's Duros 8404 was also said to run Windows XP Tablet Edition, Windows XP Embedded, Windows Vista, and Linux, we'd guess these operating systems could also be installed on the device if desired.