Rugged Handheld PC
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

The handsome, bright-orange Sidearm from Melard Technologies, now part of MicroSlate, was one of the first industrial computers to use the (now dated) 206MHZ Intel StrongARM SA-1110 processor. Using the "open-book" design, the Sidearm offers easy access both to the touchscreen of its 640 x 240 color transflective or transmissive display, and to a 75-key keyboard that includes a 10-number keypad and ten programmable keys. With a footprint of 8.7 by 7.25 inches and a weight of 2.4 pounds the Sidearm is a bit larger and heavier than open book designs from Itronix and LXE. The extra size provides ample room for a variety of connectivity options either via a PC Card Type III and a CF Card Type II slot, or through a standard serial port and a USB host port. Wireless versions have an integrated antenna for optimal performance.