Rugged handheld specialist AML has unveiled a Linux and Windows CE-ready PDA targeting retail and hospitality applications, entertainment venues, and trade show events. Boasting a far larger battery than most laptops, the AML M8050 has a built-in MSR (magnetic stripe reader), WiFi, and barcode scanner.

( Click for larger view of the M8050's MSR in use )

AML unveiled the M8050 at the NFR (National Retail Federation) tradeshow in New York City earlier this month. The company has shared a "preliminary" spec sheet with us, warning us that some details may be subject to change.

The M8050 is a compact, rugged device with an indefatigable battery. Despite measuring only 5.7 x 3.25 inches (14.5 x 8.5 cm), the M8050 is a full two inches thick (5.1 cm). It weighs 13 ounces (363g).

The M8050's primary battery is a removable lithium-ion giant rated at a staggering 5200mAh. To put that in perspective, most laptop batteries are rated at only 2200mAh. In a statement, AML President Mike Kearby commented, "The only way users might get better life out of a PDA would be to strap it to a car battery."

For good measure, the M8050 also packs a built-in 200mAh backup battery, aimed at keeping the PDA powered up during "hot" battery swaps.

The AML M8050 is two inches thick

The M8050 is based on a Samsung S3C2440 processor clocked at 400MHz. It has 128MB of RAM, and an equal amount of built-in flash storage, expandable via an SD card slot. The PDA has a QVGA (240x320) color touchscreen display complemented by a backlit 18-key keypad and trackball pointing device. I/O includes 802.11b/g and Bluetooth radios, as well as a USB slave port and a "four-ring" 1/8th-inch (3.5mm) stereo headset/microphone jack.

Specifications published by AML in a preliminary datasheet for the M8050 include:Processor -- Samsung S3C2440 @ 400 MHz
Memory -- 128MB RAM
Storage -- 128MB flash ROM
Display -- 3.5-inch QVGA 320 x 240 (portrait), 65K Colors
Interface -- 18 backlit keys with trackball
AudioBuilt-in speaker
Four-ring 1/8-inch (3.5mm) headset jackWireless networking802.11b/g WLAN supporting WPA/WPA2 and WEP
Bluetooth "WPAN"Other I/O ports -- USB slave
Scanner options -- Motorola SE955 laser; HHP IT5080 Imager
Expansion -- SD card slot
Dimensions -- 5.7 x 3.25 x 2 inches (14.5 x 8.5 x 5.1cm)
Weight -- 0.81 pounds (13 ounces, or 363 grams)
BatteriesPrimary -- Removable, re-chargeable 3.7 VDC Li-Ion, 5200mAh,
19.2 watt hours
Backup -- 3.7VDC Li-Polymer, 200mAhPower supply -- Optional single-slot communications and charging cradle
Operating temperature -- 14 to 122 deg. F (-10 to 50 deg. C)
Operating system support -- Linux 2.6, Windows CE 6.0The M8050 is sealed to IP54 specifications for dust and water ingress, and designed to withstand multiple four-foot (1.2m) drops to concrete, across its operating temperature range, AML says.

Availability

Pricing and availability details were not published by press time.


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