Barely larger than a smartphone, this rugged PDA is geared towards streamlining operations procedures in the field
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

In early 2012, Samwell introduced the RUGGEDBOOK Rugged PDA 120 handheld computer. Hardly larger than a standard mobile phone, the versatile PDA 120 can be configured with voice capability and a barcode scanner or imager, making available the functionality required for a very wide variety of applications ranging from data capture, inventory control, to all sorts of industrial field operations in one of the smallest rugged form factors on the market.

Measuring just 2.4 x 5.7 inches (62 x 144 mm), the PDA 120 is no wider than an iPhone and only a bit over an inch longer. It's a little thicker because of its rugged construction and it includes a laser scanner or imager, but it still only weighs just over ounces (about 230 grams), and easily fits into the palm of a hand and into any pocket. Yet, unlike any regular smartphone, this little Samwell device can handle four-foot drops to concrete, water jets from any directions, extreme operating temperatures as low as minus four degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 to 50 Celsius) , and it is ompletely sealed against dust.

A look at the spec sheet shows that the RUGGEDBOOK PDA 120 can run either Windows CE 6.0 Professional or Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 (the latter by Q2, 2012) on a 624MHz Marvell PXA310 processor; comes with 128MB (and likely also 256MB) of RAM and 256MB of Flash; offers USB host and client connectivity via dock; and has a 2.8-inch touchscreen with 240 x 320 pixel QVGA resolution and LED backlight. The handheld includes a micro-SD Card slot for cards up to 32GB capacity, supports an optional 1D laser scanner or a 1D/2D imager, Bluetooth, WiFi, and optional GPS; and can be ordered with an optional SIM card slot for 3G GSM/GPRS voice and data communication.

The cleanly organized backlit keypad has a full numeric layout for quick data entry, as well as a standard navigation diamond whose four arrows double as programmable keys. There are also three scanner triggers, one on the front, and one on each side.

The standard battery is a 3.7 Volt/1,840 mAH Li-Ion pack. A larger capacity battery (3.7 Volt/2,760 mAH) is also available.

Like all of Samwell's RUGGEDBOOK products, the PDA 120 is a practical, economical and utilitarian tool that gets jobs done. The PDA 120 is designed for work and not for play. As such it will appeal to RUGGEDBOOK customers who want something smaller, lighter and simpler than standard-size rugged handhelds, but something more rugged and durable than a regular smartphone. Depending on price, it may also give Samwell an attractive offering to go up against pricier, higher-end products in the same class.