XploreTech IX104C3
A Table PC Rugged and Built for the field

Andy Taylor

I love it when I am watching a television show and I get a glimpse of new technology. One of the shows that tends to feature new tech is pretty much anything in the CSI line of programs. One of the items seen on the show CSI Miami comes from a company founded way back in 1985 called XploreTech. The company produces a Pen Tablet computer, the IX104C3 and it is one of the most rugged systems we have ever seen. 

The XploreTech IX104C3 is a perfect system for the law enforcement, fire, military and construction however has benefits for health and medical as well as insurance industries. We can see applications for anyone that takes their work on the road with them with an interface with the Windows XP Tablet PC edition and strength that can provide piece of mind.

For those that aren’t familiar with Pen tablet computers, the XploreTech system could best be described as a screen with a computer attached. There is no keyboard, only a pen which interacts with an On Screen Virtual keyboard. What makes this Pen tablet more viable than other units on the market is its rugged design. The unit features over 30 unique characteristics for protecting the screen and housing. It has been military tested and is encased in a multi layered magnesium case with a bumper type system. According to the info sheet from the company, the XploreTech can withstand a 4’ drop to concrete although we didn't have the desire to do that to any piece of technology.

The 10.4” XGA display is bright and ample space for the mobile user. Security is also a nice feature of the XploreTech system we looked at which integrates biometrics for logging onto the computer system. To log in, the user simply swipes a finger or thumb over the identifier which has been registered with the device on the front of the system.  Once logged on, Interacting with the Windows XP system is done with use of the attached pen stylus.
  
The XploreTech system we tested featured all the standards of a notebook computer. Inside the system is a Intel Pentium M 738 processor with 512MB of memory. The unit can support up to 1GB of memory, I would love to see more however XploreTech feels this is adequate for the system in the field. Internal storage is completed with a 40GB hard drive with the drive accessible for user service. Additional sizes are available from the company up to 120GB with an option for a hard drive heater in snow or ice conditions. A PC II card slot is also available for added storage and other add-ons. Two USB ports can be also found on the devices as well as a 15 pin VGA connector for connecting to an external monitor. 

The operating system we tested was the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. Mounting of the system can also be easily achieved, perfect for the user in the field that would want to have the XploreTech on a stand and then disconnect it from the car to carry inside. The company also has available accessories for getting even more out of the unit including GPS, Carrying cases and extra stylus devices.  These units are not inexpensive however can stand up to most treatment.

Pricing starts at around $3000 depending on the unit you are looking at. For more information, take a look at the company website at http://www.xploretech.com

Listen to the TechtalkRadio Interview
with Director of Marketing Patrick Gray

Click here to watch our video from
Tech Tuesday where we look at the XploreTech IX104C3

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