Janam is a New York-based rugged mobile computing vendor with worldwide distribution. The company was established in January of 2006 as a provider of purpose-built rugged handheld computing devices for mobile workers.
Janam first launched the CE-version of the XG100 in January of 2009 and then introduced a Windows Mobile version in October of that year. Like the XM Series, the XG Series brings a number of unique and innovative features to market. For example, according to Janam it is the only rugged gun shaped mobile computer with the battery in the handle. This lowers the product's center of gravity which makes the device feel light and balanced in hand.
From a technical perspective, the Janam XG100 is built on traditional vertical market mobile computing hardware and software. For processing power, the XG100 relies on the 624MHz version of the competent and powerful Marvell PXA320 chip. On the software side, it's either the user-friendly Windows Mobile 6.1 or the more developer-oriented Windows CE 6.0. Neither is the latest version of Microsoft's mobile mini-OS, but both continue to have wide-ranging support.
The 3.7-inch portrait-oriented analog touchscreen display measures 3.7 inches diagonally -- about average for this class of device -- and uses the classic 240 x 320 pixel QVGA resolution that is low by today's smartphone standards, but goes well with Windows Mobile/CE. Operation is primarily via passive stylus, and there are also function keys and a navigation diamond.
In terms of size, the XG100 measures 3.5 x 9.1 inches, with the gun-style handle making the device about 7.15 inches tall. The whole thing weighs about a pound and a half. As can be seen on the picture, the XG100 has an elaborate keypad with either 42 or 52 keys in a total of five variations, including some that have dedicated VT or 3270 terminal emulation keys (yes, those are ancient, but still very much in use out there).
As a data capture device, the XG100 includes an integrated Adaptus 752 x 480 pixel CMOS imager for reading a large variety of 1D and 2D codes and symbologies. There is a user-accessible micro-SDHC card slot for extra storage. For wireless communication there is Bluetooth 2.0 and either 802.11b or 802.11a/b/g WiFi, both Cisco CCX certified.
In the ruggedness and durability department, the XG100 can handle multiple six-foot drops onto concrete, carries IP64 sealing, and has a wide operating temperature range from 14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The Li-Ion battery packs 18.5 watt-hours life, which should be good enough for full-shift operation.
Janam optimized the XG100 for the needs of mobile workers in warehouses, distribution centers, loading docks and other operating venues where rugged gun-shaped mobile computers are deployed. The device is clearly designed as a workhorse based on tried-andtrue, mature technology and capable of handling abuse on the job. Pricing is in the US$1,000-1,400 range, depending on configuration.
