Tallahassee Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Tadiran Communications, specializes in the design, development and production of military, industrial and commercial communications equipment, rugged military computers and rugged PDAs. Talla-Tech is a supplier of tactical handheld computers to the US Military with its Rugged PDA (RPDA) and its Tacter-31 multi-function computer.
The R-PDA-57 is a rugged multi-function PDA. It is a design in its fifth generation, and it shows: the platform is state-of-the-art with Windows CE 5.0 running on a 520MHz PXA270 processor. The device has 128MB of SDRAM and 64MB of ROM. A large 3.8-inch QVGA LCD means you can actually see what you're doing.
The R-PDA uses aluminum construction and is designed to pass the most stringent ruggedness tests. It can operate in temperatures between -4 to 131 degree Fahrenheit, is EMI-tested to MIL-STD-461E specs, and can actually be immersed into water down to over three feet. The specs do not indicate an IP rating, but we'd guess it is IP58.
The RPDA-57 has a unique modular design that consists of the core computer which has a SD Card slot, a serial port, audio in/out, and an internal 1400mAH Lithium-polymer battery. It can optionally be equipped with 802.11b WiFi, Bluetooth and USB host functionality via an adapter. The core "Type A" unit measures 6.1 x 3.6 inches and is about an inch thick.
A variety of "modular backs" add functionality. A "Type C1" unit adds two PC Card Type II slots and an additional 3600mAH internal Lithium-polymer battery. The footprint stays the same, and the C1 is 2.6 inches thick. 
Special GPS backs include embedded military or commercial GPS receivers as well as a harsh environment sealed dome with an powerful GPS antenna. They also include yet another 3,600mAH battery and may have a military GPS Fill connector. If even three batteries aren't enough, an external snap-on battery adapter ads no fewer than 10 standard AAs.
In June of 2007, Tallahassee Technologies received a $18.5 million purchase order from the US Marine Corps for the RPDA-57 (see release).
