We might still be waiting to hear more news of the Side Arm 2 rugged UMPC, but in the mean time it seems like we have a different rugged UMPC to take a look at. Have a look at the Yuma rugged UMPC from Trimble.

• 7″ sunlight-readable 1024×600 touchscreen display
• 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270
• Windows Vista
• 32GB SSD
• 802.11b/g WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0
• GPS
• dual-cameras
• USB 2.0 port x 2
• SDIO slot
• ExpressCard slot

It seems to be a pretty large Slate-UMPC (read: no keyboard) and weighs 2.6 pounds with the battery. Clearly this device is not for consumer wielding in the local coffee shop, but instead it is designed to stand up to some serious punishment and provide a mobile platform for commercial work. Here are some of the things that Trimble mentioned the device might be useful for while on-the-go:

•  
  • Collect and exchange data – lots of data
  • Transfer data in real time
  • Run reports
  • Receive dispatch orders on the road
  • Take geo-tagged photographs
  • Initiate VOIP communications
  • Add secure memory for sensitive files
  • Send email
  • Write a report
  • Find your way out of the forest

[Rugged PC Reviews] via [GottaBeMobile]

The important element of this little report is that, for the first time, I’ve been able to play with a Menlow-based UMPC (Atom 1.33Ghz Z520, Poulsbo) running Windows XP although I have to say, the Panasonic CF-U1 is an awesome device that needs to be talked about first. Lets get my excitement about the CF-U1 out of the way…

• Dual, hot-swappable 20Wh batteries. Now that’s a feature I want, with an external charger.
• Dual high-brightness LEDs around the camera. For that night-time report or just to scare young boys!
• Fingerprint reader for security and speed benefits.
• Modules all over the place! This one had a laser barcode scanner and RFID reader.
• Hand strap options.
• Amazing Wifi and Bluetooth reception. I didn’t get a chance to test it out but apparently a lot of time was spent getting it right. The person showing me the U1 [Hi Jason. Thanks for breakfast!] had done some tests to confirm this.
• Peace-of-mind ruggedness.
• High efficiency build.

More after the images below…

Read the full story

It looks like Panasonic will be releasing that rugged Atom-based UMPC in the near future. Engadget is reporting that the unit will have a 5.6″ touch-screen, QWERTY thumb keyboard split with a numerical number pad, and unfortunately will be running Vista. I hope they managed to reinforce the touch  screen, otherwise it will easily be the most vulnerable part of the UMPC. The device, which was previewed at CeBIT and IDF this year, is said to be getting pricing information and detailed specs on Wednesday of this week. We’ll keep you updated as more info becomes available.