Trimble presents the next generation Ranger
(by Conrad Blickenstorfer)

On January 26, 2011, Trimble introduced the next generation Ranger rugged handheld computer. The Ranger 3 series is the latest in a long line of rugged mobile computers that goes back more than a decade. According to Trimble, the new Ranger 3 is ideal for surveying, construction, field service, forestry, mapping, public safety, utilities, and other outdoor or service-related applications.

Since the new model is presented as a next generation product, here's how new and old differ:

• Operating system -- The Ranger 3 uses Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional versus the older Ranger's Windows Mobile 5.0.

• Processor -- Trimble abandoned Marvell here; instead of the 520MHz PXA270, the new Ranger now has an 800MHz Texas Instruments Sitara AM3715 ARM Cortex-8 chip, a chip that appears very similar to the TI OMAP 3530 used in a number of recent products (like Intermec's 70 Series).

• Memory and Storage -- RAM doubled from 128MB to 256MB; Flash is all the way up from half a gig to a full 8GB.

• Display -- Big improvement here. The old Ranger's 3.8-inch QVGA display has been replaced with a larger 4.2-inch full-VGA screen.

• Size and Weight -- Though the new Ranger 3 is all rounded and curvy, overall dimensions remain virtually unchanged (5.2 x 10.5 x 1.9). The curves, though, add a bit of weight: 2.3 vs. 2.1 pounds.

• Ruggedness -- There really was no need for change and both are tough and rugged. Operating temperature (-22 to 140F), sealing (IP67), drop spec (4 feet), etc., all seem unchanged.

• Power/battery life -- Hard to say. The old Ranger had a massive 6,600mAH Li-Ion that promised 30 hours; the new one has a 11.1 V, 2500 mAh battery, and battery life is given as 34 hours idle, and 17 hours with WWAN in use.

• Connectivity -- The old Ranger provided lots of connectivity via a "PowerBoot" module that combined ports and battery, and there was a top-cap with expansions slots underneath. There is no mention of either a power boot or a top cap for the new Ranger 3.

• Keyboard/pad -- Similar, but not the same. The new Ranger still separates letter and number keypads. The navigation keys have been fine-tuned, but the letter keys now use a curved QWERTY layout instead of the alpha layout of the old Ranger..

• Cool technology -- The new Ranger 3 is not only faster and has a much better display, it also has an accelerometer, an electronic compass, GPS, and optional 5mp camera with flash, laser scanner, and 3G GSM data modem.