Rugged Notebook Allows For Multi-touch With Gloves

Rugged-computer-maker Getac Technology announced that its rough-and-tough V100 convertible tablet PCs will soon be available with Resistive Multitouch technology, making them one of the first to boast the capability.

-Not only will multitouch enable users to move or edit documents on screen, zoom into or out of photos, rotate maps and navigate applications using on-screen gestures — such as single touch, dual touch and flicking — but they’ll be able to perform these touch-related tasks even while wearing gloves.

“Our customers work in some of the most extreme environments and weather conditions where touch screen technology and flick gestures are faster, safer and more convenient than using a keypad,” said Jim Rimay, president of Getac in a statement.

Getac works with customers in vertical markets such military, police, government, communications, manufacturing, utilities, transportation and other field service industries, where gloves are worn in a number of scenarios. Unlike some touch solutions, the use of the gloves is made possible, Getac explains, because its Resistive Multitouch technology is not based on capacitive sensitivity. The screens feature 2048 by 2048 resolution, a rate of 100 points per send and a response time of less than 35 milliseconds.

Multitouch on Getac’s V100 will also be compatible with the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system, when it arrives Oct. 22. Due to the OS’s native support for touch functionality, it will offer a superior Multitouch experience than early versions of Windows, according to Getac.

The V100 is actually a rugged notebook with a screen on a swivel hinge, enabling it to twist and lay flat, transforming the device into a tablet. The keyboard is full-size and the screen is a sunlight-readable 10.4-inch TFT LCD XGA display. The V100 is powered by an ultra-low voltage, 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, features a fanless design, and includes a built-in GPS receiver and antenna and a water-resistant reversible webcam.

The convertible device additionally features a shock-protected hard drive, a magnesium-alloy case and Bluetooth, WLAN and WWA connectivity. It’s vibration-, dust-, moisture- and drop resistant, and includes SD card, ExpressCard and smart card readers. It weighs 5.07 pounds and measures 11.4 by 8.74 by 1.93 inches.

US pricing for the V100 begins at $3,499. On existing models, Multitouch will be available as a screen upgrade for $225, beginning at the end of November.