Durateq Rugged Pocket PC Based On iPAQ

[Ed Hansberry]

<a href="http://www.durateq.com/">http://www.durateq.com/</a><br /><br /><i>"Based on HP iPAQ Pocket PC technology, the DURATEQ handheld runs Windows Mobile 2003 SE from Microsoft, providing maximum compatibility for commercial and custom applications. Extra features include built-in 802.11 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth wireless protocols, extended battery life (for daylong performance), integrated vibration motor for user notifications, a sealed SD card slot to prevent tampering, and a rugged 6-pin docking connector for charging and USB."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/hansberry/2005/20050603-durateq.jpg" /><br /><br />Note that this isn't simply a rugged case for an iPAQ. They have built a new case and are using standard components within the iPAQ to make a fully integrated device. It will be available this September from both <a href="http://www.hp.com">HP</a> and <a href="http://www.softeq.com">Softeq</a> with a base price of $899. You can specify components and processor speed. They will be branding the item for customers if desired so this would be great for restaurants, delivery people and other industries where logo placement is beneficial.

[karen]

I'd say that even with the rugged outside, this device is suited only for light duty 'ruggedness', such as a retail environment.

Outside use typcially requires ruggedized components as well.

Karen

[Darren Behan]

Available in September &amp; still WM2003? I'll pass anyway cause it doesn't have a phone but if I needed another reason, that would be enough. That and an iPaq for $900!? It better be more than ruggedized; it would have to be bullet-proof.

db

[Zidane]

Are we sure about it using WM2003? In the screenshot those devices are running WM5 (look at the menubar area).

[Darius Wey]

Are we sure about it using WM2003? In the screenshot those devices are running WM5 (look at the menubar area).

It's running WM2003SE. As far as I know, it's based on HP's rx3000 series.

[MitchellO]

Thats exactly what I was going to say! But I was on GPRS at the time, too expensive to post :(

[ChrisHoward]

Good eyes! Yes, that's WM5 on the screen.

As soon as WM5 is actually available on HP hardware, we'll be shipping with WM5. HP has said "end of Summer," so more than likely we'll be shipping with WM5.

As far as it being rugged, it is designed to be "durable" and not mil-spec. That being said, it is still rugged enough so you can drop it without breaking it (4' to concrete), get it wet, etc, without carrying around a big brick.

Fyi, we're giving one away on our website at http://www.durateq.com. Thanks for your interest!