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Windows CE | Palm OS | Psion/EPOC | Pen Computers | Magic Cap | Newton

Harris
Access Device 2000 doubles as a rugged phone or data access device through Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS)

Rugged as can be, the Harris AD2000 is an excellent solution for field data collection. It runs a slightly modified version of Windows CE 2.11, and has a 50 hour battery life.

Designed primarily for use by utility companies, the AD2000 is well-sealed against rain and dust. It has a total of five ports: power, serial, POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service), keyboard, and two PC Card slots. The first three ports are mounted on a protrusion that comes out of the back at the top of the unit, and use sealed, twist-on connectors. The PS/2 keyboard port is beneath this protrusion. The protrusion itself serves as an incline stand for easier viewability when placed on a desktop.

One of the PC Card ports can be found beneath an O-ring-sealed door on the right of the unit that is opened by removing two phillips screws. The other Type II slot is only accessible by taking the unit apart: this is the factory-configurable card, which allows Harris to customize the AD2000 according to the customer's needs.

The large NiMH battery connects to the bottom right of the unit and locks firmly in place with a quarter turn on a locking screw. The screw has a slot and a wire loop for easy removal, but it offers secure contact and retention in use. When putting the battery in a charger, it must also be screw-locked into place in order to charge.

Other than what I've mentioned, plus the speakers, which I'll get to in a moment, there are no other external items on the AD2000. When I first tried it outside on a very hot day, I searched around for the contrast controls, because the LCD had darkened from the heat. Turns out Harris integrated the contrast controls into the Windows CE toolbar. Two large arrows allow adjustment of the contrast. They didn't want the controls on the outside, because that would compromise the water-tight seal, so they put them on the screen. Of course if the LCD has blackened while in the utility truck or lightened in the freezing cold, an onscreen control won't be of much use, so they put the up arrow right above the "A" in the Harris logo, so users can find the control even with a blank screen.

The unit can be equipped with a wireless network connection using BellSouth's Wireless Data for connection to the company database, enabling job order access, billing updates, and quick problem solving in the field.

Connecting that POTS port to a landline via the included alligator clips transforms the AD2000 into a telephone or data terminal. For voice calls the user dials with the onscreen dialer application and holds the unit up to his head like a regular phone.

The AD2000 is tested to withstand some serious abuse. It has passed Mil Standards for such areas as Driving Rain, Dirt and Dust, and Humidity. It can stand temperatures from 32F to 113F, and is protected against UV rays. It has passed multiple drop tests of up to 6 feet with no damage.

The optional keyboard is very well designed, with large enough keycaps for comfortable typing and it is light enough that it's hardly noticeable in the bag.

When switched on, the AD2000 emits a light pop, and the backlight comes on with the display. From there, it's mostly standard Windows CE, except for items like the onscreen keyboard, which has been enlarged for easier use, and the aforementioned contrast controls.

An IrDA port allows data transfer between machines or to a desktop, and SmARTwriter handwriting recognition is also included for easy data entry. The AD2000 offers a lot of functionality in a simple, reliable package.


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