SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. - General Dynamics Itronix announced today a full-featured, fully rugged computer in the "ultra-mobile" category that is designed to meet the portability and durability needs of industrial, commercial, military and government customers. The GoBook MR-1 is a two-pound, fullfunction rugged notebook measuring 4.3 inches by 6 inches, allowing users to work on a portable, lightweight, reduced-footprint machine, with a superior outdoor viewable display, wherever duty takes them.
"We are seeing market interest in smaller, more portable devices that still have all the functionality of a full-fledged notebook," said David Daoud, research manager, United States Quarterly PC Tracker and Personal Systems, IDC. "The GoBook MR-1 is likely to find a receptive audience among the highly mobile workforce in segments such as government, utilities, communications, and field services in need of a fully functional PC in a ruggedized ultra-small form factor."
Mike DiBiase is vice president of computing technologies for General Dynamics C4 Systems. "This ultramobile notebook was developed with the needs of both defense and commercial users in mind," DiBiase said. "The development and successful launch speaks to the company's ability to address the rugged computing needs of customers in virtually all conditions and operating environments."
The 5.6-inch SVGA-W GoBook MR-1 runs with the full Windows XP Pro operating system (and Vista by the end of 2007), which helps to reduce training and support costs by providing users and IT management with a familiar interface. The GoBook MR-1 also features the new patent-pending DynaVue touchscreen display technology as an option. This innovative display technology, announced in May, provides dramatically improved outdoor screen viewability while optimizing battery life and processing power for ultra-mobile end users.
"The GoBook MR-1 new notebook form factor provides extreme portability and mobility, without sacrificing any of the features of a full-size rugged notebook, and best of all, it will also run on Vista utilizing the latest in today's technology," said John Ball, general manager, U.S. Systems Builder, Microsoft. "I am excited that a key manufacturer is delivering such innovation to users who require computing solutions in many extreme environments."
GoBook MR-1 Product Features
The GoBook MR-1 packs the capabilities of a full notebook computer into a clamshell notebook small
enough to fit into a coat pocket. The GoBook MR-1 is as powerful and rugged as it is ergonomic and
portable, sporting the lightest and smallest footprint of any rugged, ultra-mobile notebook. The GoBook
MR-1 also provides the user multiple navigational input devices through a touchpad interface as well as a
micro joystick for optimal flexibility in cursor navigation and selection.
Performance
The GoBook MR-1 is built with state of the art technology, giving it the power to leverage multi-threaded
applications, graphics commonly found in field deployed workforce environments such as public safety and
field service, or military, and boost overall speed and performance:
Ergonomics
Built for fully rugged mobility, the GoBook MR-1 features:
Ruggedness
The GoBook MR-1 provides the highest level of durability, designed to meet or exceed MIL-STD 810F for
temperature and drop, as well as vibration testing. The unit is also IP-54 rated for dust and humidity
making it suitable for use in harsh and unpredictable environments. The GoBook MR-1 was designed to be
rugged from the inside out and meant to survive in harsh, unpredictable environments. The unit features
shock-mounted display and key internal components, and is housed in a magnesium alloy clamshell case
with impact absorbing bumpers. The GoBook MR-1 will be vehicle-mount crash-tested for in-vehicle
safety. Additionally, the GoBook MR-1 will be compliant with Hazardous Locations (HazLoc) UL1604
Class I, Division 2, Group A, B, C & D.
Wireless Connectivity
Like all GoBook notebooks, the GoBook MR-1 features the ability to manage multiple embedded wireless
radios and standards, with upgrade protection to accommodate new wireless standards as they emerge:
Security
The GoBook MR-1 was built to offer unmatched data and asset protection, with support for multiple user
and network authentication options. Security features include a user-removable 40 GB or optional 80 GB
shock mounted hard drive (with optional solid state hard drives in 16 GB and 32 GB), fingerprint reader,
TPM 1.2, and file/folder locking capabilities, and stealth-mode keyboard and display settings for secure
environments, as well as configurable access to all input/output devices for data transfer restriction and
multiple asset protection features.
Modular flexibility
The GoBook MR-1 is engineered to include modular, innovative expansion module ("slice") architecture.
The expansion module enables users to integrate legacy I/O interface functionality and additional
accessories. The expansion module/slice can be customized for additional expansion such as PCMCIA. An
expansion module ("slice") is required for the 80 GB hard drive option as well as the TPM 1.2 security
feature.
Availability, /Pricing and Service
The GoBook MR-1 base configuration will be generally available in September 2007 at the suggested USD
retail price of $4,450. The unit is backed by a three-year warranty and supported by end-to-end customer
care services including value programs like "one-call" Mobility Help Desk for enterprise and government
customers. The notebook may be purchased through a General Dynamics Itronix channel partner or directly
by calling (800) 441-1309.
About General Dynamics Itronix
A world-class developer of wireless, rugged computing systems, applications and technology for mobile
workers in a variety of commercial field service markets, the government and military, General Dynamics
Itronix exemplifies the computing technologies capabilities of General Dynamics and offers a full range of
wireless field computing systems, from handhelds to notebooks to tablet computers, mobile servers and
thin clients. General Dynamics Itronix is based in Spokane Valley, Wash., with European-based operations
in Coventry, England. General Dynamics Itronix is a part of General Dynamics C4 Systems, a leading
integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. Additional information about
products and services is available at www.gd-itronix.com.
About General Dynamics
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 82,600 people
worldwide and had 2006 revenues of $24.1 billion. More information about the company can be found
online at www.generaldynamics.com.