General Dynamics Itronix Hits European Market with Smallest, Lightest Rugged Notebook Computer
Rugged from the ground up for field-deployed workers, the GoBook MR-1 delivers exceptional durability, performance, multi-wireless capability and outdoor screen clarity in a compact, game-changing form factor.
Coventry, UK — General Dynamics Itronix announced today the European launch of its full-featured, fully rugged computer in the “ultra-mobile” category that is designed to meet the portability and durability needs of industrial, commercial, military and government customers. The GoBook MR-1 is a two-pound, full-function rugged notebook measuring 4.3 inches by 6 inches, allowing users to work on a portable, lightweight, reduced-footprint machine, with a superior outdoor viewable display, wherever duty takes them.
“We are seeing market interest in smaller, more portable devices that still have all the functionality of a full-fledged notebook,” said David Daoud, research manager, United States Quarterly PC Tracker and Personal Systems, IDC. "The GoBook MR-1 is likely to find a receptive audience among the highly mobile workforce in segments such as government, utilities, communications, and field services in need of a fully functional PC in a ruggedised ultra-small form factor."
Mike DiBiase is vice president of computing technologies for General Dynamics C4 Systems. “This ultra-mobile notebook was developed with the needs of both defence and commercial users in mind,” DiBiase said. “The development and successful launch speaks to the company's ability to address the rugged computing needs of customers in virtually all conditions and operating environments.”
The 5.6-inch SVGA-W GoBook MR-1 runs with the full Windows XP Pro operating system (and Vista by the end of 2007), which helps to reduce training and support costs by providing users and IT management with a familiar interface. The GoBook MR-1 also features the new patent-pending DynaVue™ touchscreen display technology as an option. This innovative display technology, announced in May, provides dramatically improved outdoor screen viewability while optimizing battery life and processing power for ultra-mobile end users.
“The GoBook MR-1 new notebook form factor provides extreme portability and mobility, without sacrificing any of the features of a full-size rugged notebook, and best of all, it will also run on Vista utilizing the latest in today’s technology,” said John Ball, general manager, U.S. Systems Builder, Microsoft. “I am excited that a key manufacturer is delivering such innovation to users who require computing solutions in many extreme environments.”
GoBook MR-1 Product Features
The GoBook MR-1 packs the capabilities of a full notebook computer into a clamshell notebook small enough to fit into a coat pocket. The GoBook MR-1 is as powerful and rugged as it is ergonomic and portable, sporting the lightest and smallest footprint of any rugged, ultra-mobile notebook. The GoBook MR-1 also provides the user multiple navigational input devices through a touchpad interface as well as a micro joystick for optimal flexibility in cursor navigation and selection.
Performance The GoBook MR-1 is built with state of the art technology, giving it the power to leverage multi-threaded applications, graphics commonly found in field deployed workforce environments such as public safety and field service, or military, and boost overall speed and performance:
• 1.2Ghz Intel Core Solo™ U1400 Processor (“Napa” chipset).
• 533 MHz front side bus.
• Up to 1 GB of RAM.
• 3D Intel Extreme Graphics with up to 128MB of graphics memory (both shared and dedicated).
• 3- and 6-hour battery life options: 4000 mAH (29W) Lithium Polymer main battery or optional 8000 mAH (59W) Lithium Polymer extended battery pack.
Ergonomics Built for fully rugged mobility, the GoBook MR-1 features:
• Smallest and lightest rugged notebook form factor—weighs only 2 lbs and comes in an easy to use 1.56” (H) x 6.0” (W) x 4.33” (D) rugged clam-shell device. (see companion release for DynaVue technology announced in June)
• 5.6” wide SVGA outdoor viewable LCD display, built with optional DynaVue patent-pending touchscreen display technology for unmatched outdoor viewability.
• Ergonomically designed, sealed keyboard.
• Dual navigational options include touchpad/micro joystick
• Office dock and vehicle mounting options.
• Standard hard drive heater.
• 16 GB or 32 GB solid state hard disk drive option.
Ruggedness The GoBook MR-1 provides the highest level of durability, designed to meet or exceed MIL-STD 810F for temperature and drop, as well as vibration testing. The unit is also IP-54 rated for dust and humidity making it suitable for use in harsh and unpredictable environments. The GoBook MR-1 was designed to be rugged from the inside out and meant to survive in harsh, unpredictable environments. The unit features shock-mounted display and key internal components, and is housed in a magnesium alloy clamshell case with impact absorbing bumpers. The GoBook MR-1 will be vehicle-mount crash-tested for in-vehicle safety. Additionally, the GoBook MR-1 will be compliant with Hazardous Locations (HazLoc) UL1604 Class I, Division 2, Group A, B, C & D.
Wireless Connectivity Like all GoBook notebooks, the GoBook MR-1 features the ability to manage multiple embedded wireless radios and standards, with upgrade protection to accommodate new wireless standards as they emerge:
• Up to four wireless radios, simultaneous WLAN, PAN, GPS and WWAN (Dec. ’07)
• Leading edge, high-speed data transfer with worldwide 3G and EVDO cellular support.
• Seamless roaming for uninterrupted coverage, even in fringe areas.
• Upgradeable wireless support to accommodate existing as well as future wireless technologies.
Security The GoBook MR-1 was built to offer unmatched data and asset protection, with support for multiple user and network authentication options. Security features include a user-removable 40 GB or optional 80 GB shock mounted hard drive (with optional solid state hard drives in 16 GB and 32 GB), fingerprint reader, TPM 1.2, and file/folder locking capabilities, and stealth-mode keyboard and display settings for secure environments, as well as configurable access to all input/output devices for data transfer restriction and multiple asset protection features.
Modular flexibility The GoBook MR-1 is engineered to include modular, innovative stackable expansion module (“slice”) architecture. The stackable expansion module enables users to integrate legacy I/O interface functionality and additional accessories. The stackable expansion module/slice can be customized for additional expansion such as PCMCIA. A modular expansion module (“slice”) is required for the 80 GB hard drive option as well as the TPM 1.2 security feature.
Availability, Pricing and Service The GoBook MR-1 base configuration will be generally available in September 2007 at the suggested USD retail price of £2,618. The unit is backed by a three-year warranty and supported by end-to-end customer care services including value programs like “one-call” Mobility Help Desk for enterprise and government customers. The notebook may be purchased through a General Dynamics Itronix channel partner or directly by calling +44 (0) 2476 671516
