The new PS535F version adds significant power and functionality. Perhaps most importantly, the 3.5" touchscreen display has been upgraded to full VGA 480 x 640 pixel resolution. That translates into 228dpi (dots per inch), considerably sharper even than the vaunted Apple iPhone's 162dpi. Combined with sunlight-readable display technology, the much higher resolution dramatically enhances the viewing quality of graphic-intensive files and detailed maps, even in bright daylight or snowy conditions.

The new model also includes a built-in 3-megapixel auto-focus camera, an altimeter and an E-compass. These new features are meant to let field-based users capture a much richer, expanded range of field data on-site. Combined with the PS535F's pinpoint DGPS navigation accuracy of three to 10 feet, this rugged GETAC handheld offers plenty of location-based systems functionality, which is critical with applications such as search-and-rescue missions and similar deployments.

The PS535F handheld PDA is also well suited for a variety of GIS surveying applications across different sectors including utilities, oil and gas, forest patrol, and surveying and mapping of geology and mineral resources. The built-in camera enables instant visual data capture on location and its resolution and quality are high enough so that taking a (fragile) camera along is not necessary. A GETAC Bluetooth modem or mobile phone can be used to connect the PS535F to a GIS server and instantly transmit or process data in the field.

The built-in altimeter and E-compass are meant to complement GPS functionality by providing advanced navigation features such as fixed positioning of longitude, latitude and altitude, as well as the ability to provide directional relations between a targeted subject and the user's position. There are a lot of tools built into this unit that, combined with the proper software, make entirely new applications possible, applications that in the past either required multiple devices or simply were not available in the field.

Why did GETAC choose Windows Mobile instead of Windows CE .NET or Windows CE 5.0 or 6.0 with their more industrial look and feel and functionality? These days, Microsoft differentiates between Windows Embedded CE and Windows Mobile. Windows Embedded CE is a scalable 32-bit OS designed for intelligent devices ranging from enterprise tools such as industrial controllers, communications hubs, and point-of-sale terminals to consumer products such as cameras, phones, and home entertainment devices.

The differentiation can be a bit confusing. Microsoft uses the term "Embedded CE" for both early versions of Windows CE that were used in both consumer and industrial devices (such as Windows CE 2.1 and 3.0) as well as for more recent versions released after industrial handhelds split away from the more consumer/business-oriented Pocket PC and smartphone devices (such as Windows CE .NET and then Windows CE 5.0 and 6.0). While the CE .NET and CE variants can (and often do) include multimedia, PIM applications and communications tools, they don't have the polished Today screen and all the Pocket PC functionality and Pocket versions of popular Windows applications users have become familiar with.

On the wireless side, the PS535F comes with 802.11b/g WiFi and Bluetooth V2.0 with EDR (Enhanced Data Rate). GETAC also offers an optional Bluetooth EDGE WWAN radio modem for high-speed data transfer when away from local wireless networks and hotspots.

Having an integrated camera can come in handy to document projects in various ways. Custom apps can probably access the camera and perhaps do interesting things like geotagging. The camera's 3-megapixel resolution is certainly high enough. Integrated camera modules, however, have a reputation for producing low quality pictures. In order to be truly useful on the job, an integrated camera must be able to capture sharp, detailed images.

The three shots below were taken on a sunny day. They are quite good, but it must be understood that in terms of quality the integrated camera cannot replace a dedicated camera.

Controls and input

Above the display are two indicator lights. The one to the left glows blue when wireless is on. The one to the right is a multifunction light that indicates battery status (green = full, red = low, amber = charging) and notifications (flashing).

For audio, there is a microphone below the navigation stick, a speaker in the back, and a headphone connector on the left.

Operation is generally via stylus, with the supplied collapsible stylus extending to 4-1/2 inches and fitting into a slot on the upper right. Touch works as well, but the interface is cearly designed for a stylus.

For data entry, Windows Mobile offers a wealth of options. There is a nice pop-up keyboard and three are also no fewer than three different ways of recognizing text. They are:

• Block Recognizer, which uses the special Graffiti alphabet Palm invented in the 1990s. The idea here is that almost all letters are "unistrokes," or consisting of a single uniterrupted stroke, which makes them easy to recognize for the computer. The slightly abstracted alphabet is quite easy to learn. Millions used it on Palm Pilots.

• Letter Recognizer, which also recognizes individual letters instead of whole words, but uses the standard alphabet instead of the slightly modified one of the Block Recognizer. And whereas the Block Recognizer lets you shift case, the Letter Recognizer, which goes back to a product called "Jot" by (CIC) Communiation Intelligence Corporation, has different data entry boxes for upper case, lower case and numerals.

• Transcriber, which is a full-function handwriting recognition system that also goes way back almost to the beginning of PDAs more than 15 years ago. Microsoft bought the rights to it a number of years ago and it's been part of Windows Mobile ever since.

The device includes a separate altimeter, is able to determine pitch and roll, probably via an accelerometer, and can also detect barometric pressure. There is an e-Compass (see screen capture on the right) that displays direction as well as altitude, barometer reading, pitch/roll in degrees, and Azimuth Angle. The e-Compass can be set so that either the needle or the wheel rotates, and altitude can be set to GPS or the built-in altimeter. Altitude, for now, is only shown in meters, so those used to the imperial system need to do mental conversions.

The pictures below show the supplied TacLink utility that displays pertinent satellite data on the left, and two screens from Google Maps, a freebie download directly from the web to the PS535F device. Google Maps uses the integrated GPS and can show both maps and satellite images. You can locate yourself on the map, and -- not surprisingly -- the accuracy is stunning. As I walked around a building, the GETAC handheld showed me exactly where I was (and by exactly I mean just that; not in the general vicinity).

However, this handheld offers far more than just standard PDA functionality. For one thing, it's rugged enough to survive rain, dust, drops and all sorts of abuse. It also has a 3-megapixel camera, a very accurate GPS receiver, an electronic compass, and an altimeter. Add to that a super-sharp 3.5-inch touch display with full 480 x 640 pixel resolution, and you have a device that is ideal for all sorts of GPS, GIS and mapping applications.

As for its intended use and application, GETAC president Jim Rimay said, "Our customers typically work in high-intensity environments and situations, which demand seamless and accurate information exchange between the main office and field workers. The PS535F is the ideal solution for any field application that requires immediate response and action such as fire and rescue teams, utilities technicians, and Park Rangers. A great example is forest patrols reporting the location and fire hazard conditions to a fire center to assist fire rescue planning. Ultimately, GETAC's PS535F handheld device improves overall operational efficiencies and productivity, which for firefighters can be a lifesaving feature."

– Conrad H. Blickenstorfer, March and June 2009