Since Google's Android operating system is just about everywhere these days, we were sort of expecting that it would also make its way into some special-purposes portable computing systems, such as those designed to be used by the military. And sure enough, it did, the best (and latest) example of such a product being the General Dynamics Itronix GD300, which combines commercial global positioning and communications technology with battlefield-rugged computing.

The fully rugged, arm- or chest-worn computer weighs less than 8 ounces and operates like an ultra-sensitive commercial GPS unit or, with the click of a cable, interfaces with tactical radios for secure access to the tactical network. Hosting the open architecture, Android-based operating system, the GD300 easily accommodates current and emerging applications for warfighters at all command levels.

The device from General Dynamics is built around an ƒƒ600MHz ARM Cortex A8 processor, accompanied by ƒƒ256MB of DDR memory, ƒƒ8GB on-board Flash + microSD card expansion. The rugged handheld also comes equipped with a ƒƒ3.5-inch 800 x 480 WVGA sunlight readable display, which can be easily operated while wearing gloves. Furthermore, the built-in ƒƒ1550 mAH single cell Lithium Ion battery offers more than 8 hours of non-stop functioning, is quite an OK value, all things considered.

Unfortunately, this device is not available for civilian personnel (in other words, you probably won't find it in most stores), so if you're interested in pricing and availability details, you'll probably have to contact the manufacturer directly.  



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