Linux-based wrist PC goes to military expo

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Aug. 22, 2006

Eurotech's U.S. arm, Parvus, will demonstrate the multinational company's innovative wrist-worn PC at a military electronics conference Aug. 22-24 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The Zypad WL 1000 runs Linux or Windows CE, and features hands-free operation, wireless networking, GPS tracking, and patent-pending power management technology.

(Click for larger view of Parvus Zypad WL 1000)

Eurotech announced its wrist-worn PC in March. It said a MIPS-based version of the device would ship in June, followed by an ARM-based model sometime later.

The device targets emergency search-and-rescue, healthcare, homeland security, maintenance, law enforcement, logistics, transportation, and defense applications.

Zypad WL 1000
(Click to enlarge)

The Zypad WL 1000 is based on a Raza Microelectronics 32-bit MIPS-based AU 1100 processor (formerly offered by AMD) clocked at 400MHz. It has 64MB each of RAM and flash ROM, with expansion available through an SD card slot.

The Zypad WL 1000 has a 3.5-inch QVGA (240 x 320) touchscreen with automatic contrast adjust. It also features an 11-key backlit keypad.

Network interfaces include 802.11b/g, GPS, and PAN Bluetooth class 2 (32 feet), each with integral antennas. The device also includes USB 1.1 host and device ports, along with stereo audio in/out.

The Zypad WL 1000 comes with a 2200 mAh 3.6 V Li-ion removable battery pack claimed to offer up to eight hours of life, depending on usage. An external power supply and car adapter will be available separately.

Additional touted features include:

Comfortable weight distribution, even over clothing
Tilt and dead reckoning system -- can determine if a user is motionless or has fallen down, and initiate radiosonde beacon
Patent-applied-for switch initiates standby mode when users arm hangs down beside the body
Claimed battery life up to 8 hours

Mike Southworth, marketing director, said Parvus is optimistic about the marketplace prospects for the unique wrist-worn PC. "The WL 1000 is a great platform for systems integrators and OEMs to build products on. The types of projects expressing interest in the defense space include healthcare systems that provide treatment information and patient history to field paramedics. There's a Navy program that calls for such devices in the thousands of units."

Availability

The Zypad WL 1000 is apparently available from stock, priced at $2,500.

Eurotech's wrist-worn PC roadmap currently calls for an ARM-based model by year's end, Southworth confirmed.

The Zypad WL 1000 will be demonstrated at the Armed Forces Communication Electronics Association's (AFCEA's) 2006 LandWarNet conference, set for Aug. 22-24 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Eurotech will also demonstrate daylight LCD displays, a Duracor vehicle computer, and a ruggedized Cisco router at the event.

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