On December 13, 2010, DAP Technologies introduced the M4000 Series rugged handheld computer. Designed to be both powerful and lightweight, the M4000 employs a modular approach to design and configuration, allowing customers to select the technology and features they need, and making it easy to change and upgrade the device.
The M4000 series initially consists of two models, the M4010 that comes with a 16-key numeric keypad in addition to four dedicated programmable keys and a navigation diamond, and the M4020 that has a more comprehensive 44-key alphanumeric keypad in addition to the navigation diamond and four function keys.
In terms of size and weight, the M4000 are remarkably compact. The M4010 measures 3.6 x 7.6 x 1.7 inches and weighs about 1.3 pounds. The M4020 with its larger keyboard is a bit longer, measuring 3.6 x 8.7 x 1.7 inches and weighing about 1.45 pounds. Both units have transflective 3.5-inch QVGA displays with LED backlights and 4-wire resistive touch screens. Both are based on the 520MHz version of the Marvell PXA270 processor and Windows CE 5.0 Professional, a tried and true combination. There is 128MB of RAM and a gigabyte of Flash, and there is a SD Card slot that supports up to 16GB.
On the wired connectivity side of things there is RS232 serial as well as USB host and client functionality via a LIF connector. For wireless, there is integrated 802.11b/g wireless, integrated Bluetooth Class 2 version 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), and IrDA 1.2. Optionally available is a GPRS/GSM 3G WWAN module and also a SiRFstar III GPS module.
The M4000 series handheld computers are extremely rugged, with a wide operating temperature range of between -4 and +122 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 to +50 Celsius), the ability to survive 5-foot drops onto concrete and 2,000 1-meter tumbles. The devices are IP65 certified, where the "6" means the M4000 series is totally sealed against dust intrusion, and the "5" means the devices can handle low pressure water jets from all sides. They are also well protected against air and direct electrostatic discharges.
For scanning, DAP offers either short, medium or long range 1D laser scanners, or a combination 1D/2D imager.
The modular approach extends to batteries, where customers can opt either for the standard 3.7 Volt/3,000mAh pack or a high-capacity 3.7V/4,000mAh pack. DAP designed the units so that the batteries can be quickly swapped, and the units autmatically suspend as soon as they detect the battery compartment being opened. This way, data integrity is ensured.
Where does the new DAP M4000 Series fit in? It's for users who like the convenience of a full numeric or alphanumeric keypad for rapid data entry, but want it in a traditional "flashlight-style" unit that's a bit more spaceous than the smaller PDA-type form factor, as DAP uses with its M2000 series. The M4000 is highly configurable and customizable for a variety of manufacturing, warehousing, public safety, security and field service applications, and by using the time-tested industrial-strenghth Windows CE 5.0, customers have access to a large library of existing applications and development tools.
