Roper Mobile Technology (RMT) announced a 12.1-inch panel PC designed for police, security, EMS (emergency medical services) and fire applications. The Duros 1205-PS features an “ultra-thin” design, 1.66GHz Core Duo processor, sunlight-viewable touchscreen, and a variety of storage options, the company says.

RMT says its new Duros 1205-PS, with a depth of just 2.4 inches, is thinner than many other fixed-mount computers, allowing it to be mounted flush with the dashboard (right) on police cars or other emergency vehicles. As a result, airbag zones are not blocked, and valuable cabin space is preserved, the company says.

The 1205-PS is said to replace a previous model that featured 1GB of RAM and an Intel Pentium processor. The new system has a 1.66 Core Duo CPU and 2GB of memory, allowing it to integrate video and run demanding computer-aided dispatch software, says RMT.

According to RMT, the 1205-PS uses Intel's 855GM northbridge, likely paired with the 82801DBH southbridge. The system can be supplied either with a 2.5-inch, ATA/IDE hard disk drive with 120GB of storage, or a flash module (starting at 2GB) that occupies the same bay. Further storage can be added, or files transferred, via PCMCIA slots (one Type III, or two Type II) or a CompactFlash slot, the company says.

RMT's 1205-PS resists water, dust, and shock

RMT says the 1205-PS is sealed against water and dust to the IP65 standard (IP67 is optional). A jet of water may be directed even at one of the device's two speakers and still won't get inside, it's claimed. When equipped with solid-state storage, the computer is said to ensure shocks of up to 30G for 11 milliseconds, and also to be extremely tolerant of vibration.

The 1205-PS's display is also a notable feature, since Duros cites an extremely high 1000-nit brightness rating, instant blanking for times when displayed information is proprietary, and easy viewing even in sunlight. The 12.1-inch touchscreen offers a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels and may be activated by gloved or ungloved fingers, pens, or other pointing devices, the company adds.

According to RMT, the 1205-PS is available with multiple wireless options, including 802.11 wireless networking, GSM/GRPS/UMTS cellular, and Bluetooth 2.1. The company's data sheet implies that these are added by way of the device's PCMCIA slots.

Ports on RMT's 1205-PS

Interfaces (above) on the back of the 1205-PS, mounted in such a way as to protect their connectors, include four USB 2.0 ports, two RS232 ports, an Ethernet port, and a VGA port, says RMT. There's also a relatively unusual IEEE 1394 (FireWire) port, which officers could use to connect digital video cameras, for example.

Eric Miller, Duros GM, stated, "When lives and safety are at stake, first responders must have equipment that works. The Duros 1205-PS already was rugged enough to perform under the most challenging conditions. Now it is faster and has more memory, giving first responders ready access to additional tools and resources to better perform their jobs."

Features and specifications listed by RMT for the Duros 1205-PS include the following:

• Processor — 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo
• Chipset — Intel 855GM northbridge and 82801DBH southbridge (presumed)
• Memory — 2GB of DDR memory
• Display — 12.1-inch touchscreen with 800 x 600 pixel resolution and 1000-nit brightness rating
• Keys — power switch and knob for dimming display
• Storage — 2.5-inch bay for ATA/IDE devices; either 120GB hard disk drive or flash disk (2GB and up)
• Expansion:
  • CompactFlash slot
  • CardBus (PCMCIA 32-bit slot) — accepts 2 x Type II or 1 x Type III
• Networking:
  • LAN — 10/100 Ethernet
  • WLAN — 802.11 (optional)
  • WAN — GSM/GPRS/UMTS (optional)
  • PAN — Bluetooth 2.0 (optional)
• Other I/O:
  • 2 x RS232
  • 1 x VGA
  • 4 x USB 2.0
  • 1 x IEEE 1394
• Operating temperature — -4 to 122 deg. F (-20 to 50 deg. C)
• Power requirements:
  • 9VDC to 36VDC, or 110/220VAC with optional adapter
  • 5W standby, 25W operating, 45W max
• Dimensions — 12 x 9.3 x 2.4 inches (305 x 240 x 61mm)
• Weight — 8.2 pounds (3.7kg)

Availability

RMT says the Duros 1205-PS is designed to run Linux, Windows 7, Windows XP Professional, or Windows XP Embedded. Pricing was not specified, but the device appears to be available now.

More information may be found on the RMT website, here.

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