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DAP Technologies M8920

Same tough machine as the CE8640, but with Windows Embedded Standard now
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

Update 12/13/2010: Originally launched as the DAP Kinysis 8900KS, the unit is is now named M8920, bringing it in line with DAP's "Mxxxx" nomenclature for its lineup of handheld computers

In the summer of 2009, DAP Technologies launched the Kinysis family of lightweight, rugged tablet computers, later renamed the M8910 and M8920. The big news is that these are the first DAP products that run Windows Embedded Standard instead of Windows CE. There are two basic form factors, one with a full screen, and one with a half screen and a keyboard (the Kinysis 8900KS shown here). The Kinysis models use the same bodies and design as DAP's 8800 and 8640 CE-based tablets.

The Kinysis computers are powered by a AMD Geode LX800 processor running at 500MHz. This is a very power-efficient x86 processor perfectly capable of providing targeted performance in a Windows Embedded Standard environment and with modest hardware resources. The Kinysis models have up to 512MB of RAM, and use solid state disks up to 32GB. The 8900KS has a 6.2-inch TFT transmissive LCD with an unusual HSVGA wide-format 800 x 300 resolution, or half of of the standard 800 x 600 SVGA. The high aspect ratio of the display allows enough room for a 64-key QWERTY keypad with an independent numeric keypad, a navigation pad, and an adjustable keyboard backlight.

Overall, the Kinysis offers "full" Windows capabilities and the great flexibility of Windows Embedded Standard to DAP customers and others in search of a ultra-rugged tablet. Almost identical in size and weight to the full-screen Kinysis 8900VS, the 8900KS is an "open book" design for those who prefer a tablet that splits the real estate between a half-SVGA display and an integrated keyboard. The transmissive TFT touch screen color display is bright enough (350 nits) for graphics intensive work inside and out. It also has anti-glare treatment and is scratch and sock-resistant.

Like all DAP handhelds, the Kinysis is ultra-rugged and highly configurable via its sealed expansion bay that can accommodate various ports, modules and interfaces. You can also order the device with an optional Universal Imager with 3MP camera with auto-focus and flash, 1D/2D barcode reader, OCR and video capture.

While the world at large generally concentrates on Microsoft's desktop/notebook operating systems and the various Windows Mobile variants, Windows XP Embedded remains an excellent solution for vertical market devices. Unlike Windows 7, Vista or XP Pro, Windows Embedded Standard is not a shrinkwrapped one-size-fits all OS. Systems integrators can determine what a machine should be able to do and then include just the software blocks and components they need (hence the term "componentized" operating system). There are over 10,000 components to pick and choose from, and it's easy for experienced integrators to create lean, nimble embedded OS platforms that can still do sophisticated high level functions like advanced multimedia, browsing, communications or whatever a task requires. What it amounts to is that a Windows Embedded build provides all the power of the Windows XP engine, but without any unneeded overhead. In addition, Microsoft has now released the Windows 7-based Windows Embedded Standard 2011 (formerly code-named "Quebec") Community Technology Preview for OEMs and developer, and this opens a path towards the next version of Windows Embedded.

With the M8900 Series, DAP Technologies brings Windows Embedded power and flexibility in two eminently practical form factors based on rugged, field-proven designs.

Specifications
Added/updated Added 08/2009; updated 10/2009; updated 12/2010 (name change from Kinysis 8900KS to M8920)
Form-factor Ruggedized pen tablet with keyboard
CPU Speed AMD Geode LX800, 500MHz
OS Windows Embedded Standard
RAM 512MB
Storage 4-32GB solid state disk
Card slots SDHC Card (up to 32GB)
Display type TFT transmissive
Display size/res 6.2-inch HSVGA (800 x 300 pixels; 350 nits; anti-glare treatment)
Digitizer/pens Passive touch screen, shock and scratch resistant
Keyboard/keys 64-key QWERTY keyboard with separate numeric keypad and navigation pad, adjustable backlight.
Navigation touch, keyboard, keypad
Housing plastic/metal
Operating Temp -4 to 122F
Sealing IP67 (3.3 foot immersion)
Shock Multiple 4-foot drops onto concrete (IEC 68-2-32 method 1 and MIL-STF-810F 516.5 IV)
Size (WxHxD) 9.0 x 7.3 x 2.36
Weight 3.1 lbs. with battery pack
Power Primary rechargeable, hot-swappable 7.4V/2600 mAH Li-Ion, secondary 7.4V/2,400mAH Li-Ion for total of 37 watt-hours, battery life up to 8 hours
Interface Optional Universal Imager with 3MP camera with auto-focus, 1D/2D barcode reader, OCR and video capture; optional 100BASE-T, RJ45 on casing (100Mbps); optional USB Host and sealed DB9 (RS232) or LEMO serial connector on Expansion Bay Door; USB host and Ethernet via cradle; expansion bay offers 2 serial (1 TTL, 1 RS232), 2 USB host, SD Card, SIM for optional WWAN module)
Wireless Up to three radios: Bluetooth 802.15 Class 1 V2.1, 802.11b/g/i, optional integrated integrated 5-band GPRS/EDGE/UMTS 3G mobile WWAN
List price inquire
Contact DAP Kinysis page
Windows Mobile Info
  • Windows Mobile 6.1
  • Windows Mobile 6
  • Windows Mobile 5
  • Windows Mobile Smartphone
  • Windows Mobile 2003
  • Windows CE .Net
  • Windows for Pocket PC 2002
  • Pocket PC intro 2000
  • Windows CE H/PC Pro 1998
  • Windows CE 2.0 1997
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