Portwell announced a fanless, rugged in-vehicle infotainment and fleet management computer that measures only 7.72 x 5.74 x 2.13 inches. Equipped with a 600MHz Intel Celeron M processor, the PCS-8270 offers up to 1GB DDR2 SDRAM, a CompactFlash port, six USB 2.0 ports, and wireless modules including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and GSM, says the company.

According to Portwell, the PCS-8270 measures 7.72 x 5.74 x 2.13 inches (196 x 146 x 54mm), making it "one of the most compact x86-based telematics solutions on the market." The rugged device is said to be well suited for fleet management, navigation, and real-time fleet tracking applications. Earlier Portwell car computers have included the Intel Atom-based PCS-8230.

PCS-8270

The PCS-8270 goes old-school with an Intel Celeron M clocked at 600MHz, accompanied with up to 1GB DDR2 SDRAM. A CompactFlash slot is available for storage, says Portwell.

A "PMIO expansion board" is said to offer "multiple expansion support," and the computer is touted for its modularized I/O design, which "provides ODMs with the flexibility to configure I/O ports and radio transmitters and receivers" for a variety of specialized fleet applications. Wireless modules are offered for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GSM/GPS, and antenna connectors are supplied on the rear, says Portwell.

Rear port detail of PCS-8270

The computer features dual-display output, offering a VGA port for driving a rear-seat display, as well as an internal LVDS connector for a front-seat touchscreen, says the company. An Ethernet and serial port are said to be available, as are four USB 2.0 ports, with two more such connectors available internally.

The PCS-8270 is touted for its fanless design and wide-range DC power input (9 to 27V). Standard operating temperature support ranges from -4 to 149 deg. F (-20 to 65 deg. C), with an option that extends up to 176 F (80 deg. C), says the company.

Features and specifications offered for the Portwell PCS-8270 include:

• Processor — Intel Celeron M ULV @ 600MHz with 512KB L2 cache; Intel 852GM and ICH4 northbridge and southbridge
• Memory — up to 1GB DDR2 SDRAM via 1 x SODIMM
• Flash expansion — CompactFlash socket
• Expansion — PMIO expansion board
• Display:
  • LVDS/VGA dual display
  • VGA port (for rear seat)
  • LVDS internal connector (for front-panel touchscreen)
• Networking — 10/100 Ethernet port
• Wireless — Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS/GSM modules with rear-panel antenna
• USB — 6 x USB 2.0 (incl. 2 x internal)
• Serial — RS-232 port
• Other features — AC'97 Realtek ALC 203 audio codec; watchdog; HDD and power LEDs
• Power — DC 9~27V; 120 Watts
• Operating temperature — -4 to 149 deg. F (-20 to 65 deg. C); -4 to 176 deg. F (-20 to 80 deg. C) upon request
• Dimensions — 7.72 x 5.74 x 2.13 inches (196 x 146 x 54mm)

Stated George Liao, product marketing manager at American Portwell Technology, "The fanless design makes the system easy to install without worrying about air flow, while the multiple wireless communication options and dual display output enhance its flexibility."

Availability

American Portwell did not offer pricing or availability information on the PCS-8270, nor did it list operating system support. More information may be found on its PCS-8270 page.

The company will be demonstrating the PCS-8270 and other telematics solutions in its Booth #206 at the NAFA Institute & Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina on April 10-11.

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