Azentek, A company that I hadn’t heard of until this morning, appear to have posted a product update relating to UMPCs in the Origamiportal.com forums. The information and link actually reveals a number of interesting and new devices.
A quick brief on Azentek first. They appear to work a lot in the Automotive industry and have a LX800 based Carputer product . I’ll look into this a bit more later as I’ve been doing a little research into the trucking and taxi industry recently.
They also sell the Amtek T700 rebadged as the GB-810 for a very reasonable $850
The forum posting talks about a recent announcement which I assume is the Atlas. One of the first dedicated UMPC-based Carputers to hit the market. Its a relatively high-end ultra mobile PC with built in GPS, array mic and Intel GMA950 graphics. No pricing or availability yet on this one. I’ll keep track of this on the watchlist.
I’ll quote the information that’s given on the new ‘Scout’ ruggedised ultra mobile PC after the image.
We are also at validation stage on our 2 custom designed products, these units were fully designed in-house, and will be available very soon…
The first is our “Scout” platform, it will be a fully ruggedized unit speced to Mil-spec 810F, with an IP-54 rating, currently prototype name ofcourse, it will be based on Intel’s gen 2 ultra mobile PC ulv platform, still providing the respectable graphics capability available on todays napa platform. We will launch with 512mb standard DDR2, and a option up to 1GB DDR2. Storage will offer variable options including 30-160gb standard and hybrid drives. Current design includes a 6.5″ touch screen, with variable brightness up to 500nits providing excellent daytime readability. Current pricing is expected around $1,500.00 list, and will support an battery life of 6 to 8 hours actual use. The included camera will rotate 180 degrees to provide video conferencing as well as actual picture taking capabilities. Other features: Biometric print reader, CardBus PCcard slot, SD card slot, 2x USB.
Although I don’t care much for the look of the device you have to remember that its a ruggedised ultra mobile PC prototype and probably aimed away from the consumer market. $1500 is a very good price for the spec shown above.
Finally, there’s a teaser becuase the poster says they will add more information about another device later.
Keep your eyes on the forum for new information.
Regards
Steve / Chippy.
This write-up was done in 2006 and the Atlas is still NOT on the market in 2009. How much could be wrong with this product they can’t get it to market in 3 or more years?