The market for rugged portable computing systems seems to be on the rise, since we're seeing a constant flow of such solutions arrive on the market. And that's exactly the type of product we'll talk about as follows, namely the new Algiz 7 ultra rugged mobile tablet from Handheld, which should prove to be extremely useful for people spending a lot of time in the field, in harsh environment conditions.

So, what we're talking about here is a 7-inch widescreen tablet that runs the Microsoft Windows 7 Professional operating system and features an Intel Atom 1.6 GHz processor with 64 GB Solid State hard drive and 2 GB of DDR2 RAM. Furthermore, the Algiz 7 comes standard with Bluetooth, WLAN and GPS, as well as a built-in 2-megapixel camera with LED light.

Optional 3G cellular capabilities provide high-speed GSM/UMTS/EVDO data transmission, while the Algiz 7 is ready for Gobi 2000 technology and has built-in antennas, which means that users will be able to work on their choice of wireless frequency anywhere in the world. The hot-swappable 2,400 mAh dual battery pack lets them change batteries without shutting down, thus giving them the run time needed from the tablet.

"Our partners have come to expect cutting-edge technology from Handheld," said Dale Kyle, president of Handheld US. "The Algiz 7, which is available exclusively from Handheld, meets the combination requested so often - a rugged device with a larger screen than a handheld, but without the bulk of the larger tablets. Offering it at a compelling price makes it all the more attainable. The Algiz 7 hits that sweet spot and will undoubtedly be just what many of our customers have needed."

"Not all our customers will be familiar with the benefits of Gobi 2000,” continued Kyle on the issue of the connectivity options the rugged Tablet PC will be able to provide. "It will support both GSM and CDMA. This is truly a technology that allows our users to go anywhere in the world and use Algiz 7 with high speed data networks."

The first Algiz 7 rugged tablet computers should start shipping at some point in March, although, for the time being, no information regarding the pricing of these things has been made available.


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