Rugged computers for tough environments

Full PDFs of reviews: Algiz 7 -- Algiz 10 -- Algiz XRW -- Nautiz X5 -- Nautiz X7 -- M3 Mobile

Handheld is a worldwide supplier of rugged PDAs and mobile computers. Together with partners, Handhelds deliver complete mobility solutions to businesses in industries such as logistics, forestry, geodesy, public transportation, construction, service and maintenance, military and security. The Handheld Group of Sweden has local offices in Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Italy and the USA.

Product Line-up:

Algiz 7

Introduced in early 2010, the Algiz 7 provides an ultra-compact yet very rugged Intel Atom-powered tablet capable of running Windows 7 Professional while still providing exceptional battery life and weighing just 2.4 pounds. The Algiz 7 can be equipped with Gobi 2000 mobile broadband (WWAN) for access to CDMA2000 and WCDMA wireless networks and seamless network selection within a single device..

Algiz 8

This mobile tablet benefits from an 8.4-inch screen that's big enough to view applications like maps and graphs clearly out in the field. It comes loaded with Microsoft XP to run all the PC applications users are accustomed to, and it has a powerful 1.0 GHz processor. Communication is easy and versatile, via integrated Bluetooth and 802.11b/g wireless and optional GPS and GPRS.

Algiz 10

This rugged tablet boasts a full 10.4 inches of TFT touchscreen and offers in-the-field use of the best aspects of tablet PC technology. It has integrated 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth, plus options for EDGE/GPRS. The Algiz 10 runs on a robust 1.2 GHz processor and is available with either Windows XP or Windows 7.

Algiz XRW

"XRW" stands for Xtreme Road Warrior, and this ultra-rugged netbook-class machine delivers both superior performance and full-shift battery life from its Atom processor. The wide-format 10.1-inch 1366 x 768 pixel display is large enough for complex work and applications, and the XRW offers optional Gobi2000 for communication worldwide.

M3 Mobile

This slim but tough PDA offers the flexibility of a vast array of options so it can be customized for virtually any use. It can capture data through barcode scanning, provide voice and data communication through EDGE/GSM cellular capability, incorporate GPS positioning, utilize both Bluetooth and 802.11b/g wireless and even take pictures.

Nautiz X3

Addressing the needs of those who seek to replace a consumer smartphone and a rugged PDA with one combined device, the small and handy Nautiz X3 offers superior ruggedness (IP65, 6-foot drop spec) in a device weighing just nine ounces. With a 2.8-inch QVGA daylight visible screen, an integrated 3 mega-pixel camera with autofocus and LED flash, GPS, e-Compass, altimeter and 3.75G radio, the Nautiz X3 can be equipped with either a 1-D laser or 2-D imager bar code scanner.

Nautiz X5

The Nautiz X5 is a versatile PDA that delivers a category-leading combination of performance features in a small but rugged package. With a full VGA daylight visible screen, an integrated 3 mega-pixel camera with autofocus and LED flash, and a battery that lasts more than a full workday on a charge this handheld takes desktop computing efficiency out into the field. The Nautiz X5 has options for 3G cellular (voice and data), a 1-D laser or 2-D imager bar code scanner and GPS.

Nautiz X7

Packed with innovative advancements in PDA technology, the IP67-sealed ultra-rugged Nautiz X7 surpasses everything else on the market with its mix of power, functionality and ruggedness. Its 3G capability for GSM/UMTS phone and data transmission, integrated compass and altimeter, and G-sensor/accelerometer that can measure speed, vibration and rotation, open the door to countless application possibilities.

Nomad

The Nomad is simply the most powerful, full-featured fully rugged product available on the market today. It carries IP67 and MIL-STD-810F ratings and features an impressively fast 806 MHz processor. The Nomad has digital camera and scanner options and can work all day on one battery charge. It also has integrated Bluetooth, GPS and WLAN.

Recon

The Recon is the best combination of rugged performance and affordability available today. It offers the full ruggedness of IP67 and MIL-STD-810F for less than $1,000, along with a long battery life and a weight of only 17 ounces. Optional integrated Bluetooth and 802.11g, plus two CompactFlash slots which allow for GPS, GPRS, RFID, barcode scanners and more.

Ranger

The Ranger is a fully rugged handheld that offers the convenience of both a touchscreen and a full keypad, giving it unsurpassed versatility in the field. Its IP67 rating means it stands up to field conditions, and its 30-hour battery life means a user can work for several days between charges. Two CompactFlash slots and an SD slot allow added accessories as well as additional storage capacity.

Yuma

Ultra rugged, full featured and surprisingly lightweight, the Yuma provides state of the art technology in an environmentally sealed package. The Yuma's rugged design incorporates a 7-inch touch screen, an Intel Atom 1.6 GHz processor, a solid state hard drive, two digital cameras and integrated WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Even with the two hot swappable batteries the IP67-sealed Yuma weighs only about 2.5 pounds.

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Handheld Group AB
Kinnegatan 17A
531 33 Lidköping, Sweden
Tel: +46 (0) 510 54 71 70
Fax: +46 (0) 510 282 05
Web: www.handheldgroup.com
Email: info @ handheldgroup.com

HHCS Handheld USA Inc.
456 SW Monroe Avenue, Suite 106
Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
Tel: (541) 752-0313
Fax: (541) 752-0338
Web: www.handheld-us.com
Email: info @ handheld-us.com

Handheld acquires TimbaTec to strengthen Central European presence
The Handheld Group, a manufacturer of rugged PDAs and mobile devices, reports that it is strengthening its presence in the important German, Austrian and Swiss markets with the acquisition of the hardware division of its distribution partner Latschbacher. -- Posted Wednesday, January 4, 2012 by chb

Handheld Group wins prestigious award
The Handheld Group reports it has, for the fourth year running, been awarded "Gazelle" status as one of Sweden's fastest growing and profitable companies. The provider of rugged handhelds and other rugged mobile devices had a successful year where it opened an Australian office, won a Netherlands Railway account for more than 10,000 rugged handhelds, launched the critically acclaimed Algix XRW rugged netbook (see our full review, and was also selected as a Red Herring 100 Tech Europe company. -- Posted Friday, November 25, 2011 by chb

Handheld teams up with PUMA for Volvo Ocean Race
Handheld Group, a supplier of innovative and advanced rugged PDAs and devices, has teamed up with PUMA Ocean Racing for the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012. As part of the sponsorship, the PUMA crew onboard PUMA’s Mar Mostro (Monster of the Sea) will use Handheld's ultra-rugged Algiz 7 tablet on deck for everything from navigation to calculations and communication. Handheld Marketing Director Sofia Löfblad said, "This is the kind of tough environment the Algiz 7 was built for, and I'm especially interested in hearing the crew’s response to our new MaxView screen technology." -- Posted Monday, October 31, 2011 by chb

Case Study: Computers in Diving and Marine Exploration
Editors of RuggedPCReview.com took along an Intel Atom-powered Handheld Group Algiz XRW rugged notebook computer on the 112-foot Solmar V to the Archipelago Revillagigedo, a remote group of uninhabited islands 300 miles off the Pacific coast of Mexico, where the compact IP65-sealed Algiz XRW with its superbright sunlight readable 1366 x 768 pixel display came in very handy. [Read how the Algiz XRW Handheld Algiz XRW boosted safety, productivity, data capture on a marine underwater expedition]. -- Posted Tuesday, July 5, 2011 by chb

Algiz 7 tablet from Handheld now certified by Verizon Wireless
Handheld US, a North American supplier of rugged PDAs and devices, announced that its Algiz 7 rugged tablet computer is now certified for connectivity on the Verizon Wireless network. The Algiz 7 (see our review) is an ultra-rugged, 7-inch widescreen tablet that runs Windows 7 and offers users wireless communication across the globe via optional Gobi 2000 technology that supports both GSM and CDMA high-speed data networks, giving users their choice of wireless frequency anywhere in the world. [See press release] -- Posted Tuesday, June 28, 2011 by chb

Handheld Group selected as a Red Herring Top 100 Europe Tech Company
The Handheld Group has been recognized by the global media company Red Herring with its Top 100 Europe award, marking Handheld Group as one of the most innovative private companies in Europe. The award recognizes both quantitative and qualitative achievements. -- Posted Wednesday, June 1, 2011 by chb

Handheld Group Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
Handheld Group of Sweden, a global supplier of rugged mobile computers, has appointed Christer Florén as their new Chief Financial Officer. Florén's hiring is an integral part of the company's continued emphasis on building a world-class organisation that is positioned for further international growth. -- Posted Friday, March 18, 2011 by chb

Handheld opens Asia-PAcific subsidiary in Sydney
Handheld Group of Sweden announced the opening of Handheld APAC Pty Ltd., in Sydney, Australia. The new subsidiary will provide sales, marketing and support services to Handheld’s business partners in the Asia-Pacific region, supplying rugged mobile computers through an expanding partner network in the fast-growing region. Besides offering a local presence to current partners, the Sydney office will also serve as the company’s springboard into Asian markets. [See press release] -- Posted Thursday, February 10, 2011 by chb