Optically-enhanced tablet provides warehouse, field service and trucking businesses with better efficiency, improved safety and reduced total cost of ownership
Tempe, Ariz. (January 24, 2011) —Tablet innovator DAP Technologies today announced the availability of two new Windows CE 6.0-based rugged tablet computers. The voice-ready M8930 and M8940 models are the first tablets to incorporate breakthrough display technology that delivers maximum viewability in bright sunlight along with the portability, modularity and extreme ruggedness that warehouse, field service and trucking operators need to secure maximum value from their technology investment.
Both the DAP M8930 (right, a 7” full-screen model) and the DAP M8940 (below, equipped with a 6.2” screen and a 64-key QWERTY alpha-numeric keyboard) feature optically-enhanced touch screens that utilize ambient light to enhance viewability in all light conditions. Their ruggedness ensures they will continue working flawlessly in both indoor and outdoor settings, despite exposure to extreme temperatures, direct impacts, chemical spills, scratches, and other challenging conditions. The M8930 and M8940 conform to MIL STD 810F, are dust and water sealed to IP-67 standards and have been engineered to withstand multiple 4-foot drops. Both tablets are backed by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
“DAP was among the first companies to offer a rugged tablet computer,” said Khalid Kidari, director of product management and marketing for DAP Technologies. “We have been perfecting the form factor, ergonomics and ruggedness for years. Our new M8930 and M8940 tablets offer unprecedented viewability, delivering the operational advantages of a large screen display while preserving the portability, modularity and ruggedness that make all DAP products so cost-effective and future-proof. Our new Windows CE 6.0 tablets are ideally suited to warehouse, trucking and field service applications, where systems are frequently exposed to rough handling and harsh environments.”
Both tablets utilize Windows® CE version 6.0 (Microsoft’s latest release) running on a Marvell PXA-300 624MHz processor with 128 MB SDRAM and ample memory for storing data locally, including 512MB SSD (Solid State Drive) and an expansion slot supporting up to 16GB. Both tablets are powered by dual LI/ION batteries; one internal and a second that can be hot-swapped as needed.
Communications options include 3G/GPRS/GSM, Bluetooth and Summit wireless LAN 802.11b/g radios. DAP also offers integrated options that include a low-power SiRF star III 3GPS and 1D laser or 1D/2D imager scanners. The optional vehicle cradle allows the M8930 and M8940 to be mounted easily on a vehicle or forklift. The M8930 and 8940 both measure 9 x 7.3 x 2.3 inches (230 x 185 x 60 mm) and weigh in at a modest 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg) and 3.1 pounds (1.4 kg) respectively.
“Analysts are calling 2011 ‘The Year of the Tablet,’ as companies rush into the consumer market to compete with the iPad,” said Eric Miller, vice president of DAP Technologies. “At DAP, we’ve been offering tablet computers to businesses since the 1990s and the maturity and design excellence of our new M8930 and M8940 models clearly reflect our heritage in this market. With their ability to move from the fork-lift to the loading dock and anyplace else workers need to go, these tablets should prove extremely attractive to warehouse managers looking to optimize system costs and utilization. Truck and forklift operators will appreciate the screen size and a low profile that doesn’t hinder visibility while driving.”
About DAP Technologies
DAP Technologies has offices in Tempe, Ariz.; Quebec City; and Abingdon, U.K., and designs and manufactures rugged PDA, handheld and mobile computers for demanding industries and harsh environments. DAP’s computers improve data collection, processing and transmission in numerous industries, including utilities, field service, identity management, transportation and logistics. DAP Technologies recently consolidated the Duros and DAP product lines under the DAP brand. Now DAP has been expanded to include a full range of rugged computers from mobile handhelds to fixed-mount solutions. For more information, visit www.daptech.com.