Getac unveils new Win 7 Tablet PC

By: Morgan Jones

Getac announces the compatibility of all of its notebooks and tablet PCs with Windows 7

Most computer users may be considering whether Windows 7 will help them fulfil their home or business tasks, but a few of us have extremely high expectations of the new operating system, which was released on Thursday. To whom do the military, the emergency services, and those working in uncompromising industries turn, for dependable IT solutions? One option is Getac Inc, who's clients include the United States Air Force, the police and the ambulance service.

On Monday, the 19^th of October 2009, Getac, 'a leading innovator and manufacturer of rugged computers that meet the demands of field-based applications,' announced the compatibility of all of its notebooks and tablet PCs with Windows 7. Getac's speciality notebooks are designed for use in the 'extreme environments' encountered by its clients. This means that their computers are more resistant to rough handling or boisterous weather than normal machines. 

Getac's systems are often chosen for their durability, for example, their V100 Tablet PC is apparently operable between -20°C (-4°F) and 55°C (131°F) at a relative humidity (non-condensing) of between 5% and 95%. Getac's clients need more than just durability from their computers however, and the manufacturer has provided customers with a novel way to operate their new systems. Getac were apparently the first to introduce 'resistive-type multi-touch' screens with notebooks and tablet PCs. They introduced this technology earlier this month and it shipped with their V100 Tablet PC (pictured).

Using a series of gestures, users can 'edit documents, rotate maps and photos,' zoom and 'navigate numerous system applications'. Getac's multi-touch screen technology was certified by Microsoft, and they have worked directly with each other for a six month period to ensure that models such as the V100 maximise the features provided by Windows 7.

The multi-touch screens have a '2048x2048 resolution, 100 points per second report rate, and less than 35ms response time' and 'accurately' interpret hand gestures, even when the user wears protective gloves. According to Getac, the technology enables its customers to perform computer operations faster than would be possible by standard keypad operations.

Getac's clients often need computer equipment  that is responsive and reliable, due to the demands intrinsic to their respective fields, and they will be some of the few new users of Windows 7 who require the apparently quicker boot-up and shutdown times. Getac has placed its trust in the 64-bit version of Windows 7 to meet these high expectations. Getac hopes to capitalise on the other reported benefits of Windows 7, such as enhanced access to WiFi networks and efficient battery consumption. This technology, along with Windows 7 will be introduced in Getac's full product line in due course.

In addition to the multi-touch screen, the V100 Tablet PC has the following core specifications:

·         Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor SU9400 1.4GHz (800 MHz FSB, 3MB L2 cache)

·         Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD (Max. 384MB shared memory)

·         10.4" TFT LCD XGA (1024 x 768)

·         1GB DDR2 expandable to 4GB

·         SATA HDD 160GB/320GB

·         10/100/1000 base-T Ethernet

·         56K ITU V.92 modem

·         Intel® WiFi Link 5300; 802.11 a/b/g/Draft N

·         Bluetooth (v2.0+EDR class 2)

·         Optional GPS

·         Optional GSM / GPRS / EDGE / UMTS / HSDPA

Despite the 'fully rugged features' of the V100 and its full magnesium alloy case, it weighs a relatively light 2.3 kg (5.07 lbs). The V100 has a host of other customisable options, and connectivity features, as detailed on Getac's website (links below).