Glacier Computer has released a Linux-compatible panel PC intended for forklifts and other “fixed-mount harsh environment applications.” The “E2000” is available with 10.4-, 12.1- or 15-inch displays, uses a Texas Instruments (TI) OMAP35xx processor, and includes 256MB of flash storage, the company says.

Proudly boasting of the Everest E2000's U.S. manufacture, Glacier says the device is available with 800 x 600 touchscreen displays in 10.4- or 12.1-inch sizes, and 1024 x 768 displays in 12.1-inch and 15.1-inch versions. While system sizes and weights obviously vary — and weren't detailed by the company — all other specifications appear to be the same for each version.

The E2000 targets forklifts, earthmoving equipment, and other fixed-mount locations that may be subject to vibration. According to Glacier, it has an internal power supply that accepts input voltages from 10 to 60 VDC, plus an optional lithium-ion backup battery that provides about 20 minutes of run time. Meanwhile, it's said the panel PCs can withstand vibration as high as 30 Grms (duration not specified).

Glacier's E2000

Glacier says the E2000 runs Linux or Windows CE 6.0 on a TI "OMAP3" processor. While TI offers four different OMAP35xx processors, all based on 600MHz Cortex-A8 cores, we're guessing that Glacier is referring to the low-end OMAP3503, which doesn't have the OpenGL or video acceleration capabilities of its siblings.

In any case, the E2000 tablets are said to include either 128MB or 256MB of RAM, 256MB of flash storage, and an SD slot for adding more memory. With integrated 802.11a/b/g wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0, the devices also have RJ45 Ethernet ports, two USB 2.0 ports, one serial port, and a headset connector, according to Glacier.

Offering an available onscreen keyboard, the E2000 also has three backlit function keys on the lower left of its front panel. An optional "waterproof and dustproof" external keyboard may be connected via USB, Glacier adds.

Features and specifications listed by Glacier for the E2000 include the following:

• Processor — TI "OMAP3" clocked at 600MHz (likely the OMAP3503)
• Memory — 128MB or 256MB of RAM and 256MB of flash storage
• Displays (all resistive touchscreen, and available in optional sunlight-readable versions):
  • 10.4-inch display with 800 x 600 resolution
  • 12.1-inch display with 800 x 600 resolution
  • 12.1-inch display with 1024 x 768 resolution
  • 15-inch display with 1024 x 768 resolution
• Keys — 3 backlit function keys
• Wireless:
  • LAN — 802.11a/b/g
  • PAN — Bluetooth 2.0
• Other I/O:
  • 1 x serial
  • 2 x USB 2.0
  • Headphone output
• Expansion — SD slot
• Power — DC input accepts 10 to 60 VDC; optional backup battery gives 20-minute runtime
• Dimensions — n/s, but varies according to screen size
• Weight — n/s

Ron D'Ambrosio, CEO of Glacier Computer, stated, "The E2000 is a logical iteration of our already successful Everest series of rugged computers. This is our third generation for this type of hardware and the numbers continue to support our efforts."

An earlier model in the Everest series, the E4000 looks similar to the E2000, but runs on an Intel Celeron or Pentium processor instead of the OMAP35xx SoC.

Availability

Glacier did not release pricing or availability information for the Everest E2000. General information on the Everest series of panel PCs may be found on the company's website, here.

 
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