Rugged Handheld PC
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

The handsome, bright-orange Sidearm originally available from Melard Technologies before becoming part of MicroSlate's lineup, was one of the first industrial computers to use the trend-setting 206MHZ Intel StrongARM SA-1110 processor that finally put the Pocket PC on the map.

Using the "open-book" design pioneered by Husky, the Sidearm offers easy access both to the touchscreen of its 640 x 240 color transflective or transmissive display, and to a 75-key keyboard that includes a 10-number keypad and ten programmable keys. With a footprint of 8.7 by 7.25 inches and a weight of 2.4 pounds the Sidearm is a bit larger and heavier than the open book designs from Husky/Itronix and LXE. The extra size provides ample room for a variety of connectivity options either via a PC Card Type III and a CF Card Type II slot, or through a standard serial port and a USB host port. Wireless versions have an integrated antenna for optimal performance.

Update May 2008: The SideARM seems to still be available in apparently unchanged form from Nova Mobility Systems. Nova Mobility is a reseller of rugged handhelds and tablets located in Tempe, AZ, and seems to have a Microslate connection.