Ruggedized Windows CE tablet
(by Kirk Linsky)

Update 12/13/2010: The DAP CE8800B is now named M8800, bringing it in line with DAP's "Mxxxx" nomenclature for its lineup of handheld computers

The DAP Technologies CE8800 series is a family of rugged handheld tablet computers running Windows CE 5.0 on a 520MHz PXA270 processor. The device measures 9.1 x 7.3 inches, is about two inches thick, and weighs about 2.8 pounds. All models have a single PC Card Type II slot and a SD/SDIO card slot. The base version comes with onboard Ethernet whereas the Wireless Edition models add Bluetooth Class II and 802.11b/g WiFi. Both versions are available either with a 7.2-inch STN transflective display with 640 x 480 pixel VGA resolution or a 7-inch TFT transmissive LCD with wide-format 800 x 480 resolution.

Overall, the Microflex CE8800 fills a market niche abandoned by some of the earlier Windows CE pioneers, that of a CE-based slate with a large VGA color touch display. Almost identical in size and weight to the keyboard-equipped MicroFlex 8640, the CE8800 is a traditional slate for those who prefer a full VGA or WVGA display display to the 640x240 half-VGA that shares the CE8640's frontside with the keyboard. The transflective STN color display is bright enough for graphics intensive work inside and out.

Like all DAP handhelds, the CE8800 is ultra-rugged and highly configurable via its sealed PC Card Type II slot and an expansion bay that can accommodate various modules and interfaces. You can also order the device with a fully integrated 1D/2D CMOS imager barcode scanner, and integrated 1D laser scanner, or equip it with a GPS module.

In September of 2008, DAP Technologies increased the 8800 family's Flash from 128MB to 256 MB DiskOnChip (DOC). The upgrade provides more storage capacity for applications and data without affecting either performance or battery life of the product.