Pen Computing 27 - April 1999 -- When we reviewed the Itronix X-C 6000 "Cross Country" computer in our August 1996
issue, we were quite impressed with the stocky, rugged notebook and concluded,
"The Itronix X-C 6000 computer is a machine that is not likely to break, no
matter how hard you use it. Its bulldog-like ruggedness means you never have to
worry about it." That's about the best compliment you can pay a vertical market
computer built for use in tough environments, and the X-C 6000 deserved it. We
also mentioned that Itronix was owned by Telxon, one of the foremost forces in
vertical market computing.
Itronix 1999
It's almost three years later now and we felt it was time to take
another look at what Itronix has to offer. I met with Itronix' new President and
CEO, David Dayton; VP Marketing, Matt Gerber; Marketing Communications Manager,
Bob Morrow; and their ever-helpful PR angel, Kathryn Gilmore from Copithorne &
Bellows to get an update. I learned that Itronix was acquired by Dynatech at the
end of 1996. Dynatech is a holding company encompassing several technology
businesses and total sales of a half billion dollars per year. Itronix
contributes about $100 million to the bottom line, 85% of which comes from
hardware sales and 15% from services. I also learned that the lion's share of
hardware revenue comes from an updated version of the company's 6000 series X-C
computer, and that 30 to 40% of those units go out the door with pens and touch
screens. This means that Itronix is quietly selling close to $30 million worth of
pen computers per year. Like other vertical market manufacturers of computer
equipment, Itronix has a number of very large accounts. Sears, for example, uses
12,000 X-C computers for its field service operation and a 14,000-unit order was
placed by BellSouth.
The Itronix X-C 6250
So let's take a look at the latest version of the Itronix
X-C, the 6250, and see what makes it special and how it has changed compared to
the 6000 we reviewed three years ago.
At first glance, the X-C seems unchanged,
just as Fujitsu's new pen tablets (reviewed elsewhere in this issue) appear
unchanged. This is because vertical market vendors prefer to upgrade their
products from the inside out. There is no need to change a functional exterior
design that works just for the sake of it.
Under the hood, however, the new X-C
has been extensively and dramatically improved. While the X-C 6000's 486SXLC2/50
was just powerful enough to run Windows 95, the 6250's 200MHz Intel Pentium is a
quantum improvement, as is the increase in hard drive capacity from a maximum of
420MB to a spacious 3.2GB in a ruggedized 2.5-inch drive. RAM, likewise,
increased dramatically. 16MB is now standard, with an upgrade to 48MB possible
(and recommended). The 6000Õs shock-mounted and backlit 8.2-inch transflective
monochrome VGA screen is still available, but most customers who spend much of
their work time inside will opt for the very sharp and stable 10.4-inch TFT SVGA
which is optionally available with a touch screen and Microsoft's Pen Services
2.0. The passive digitizer offers good resolution, seems immune to spiking, and
eliminates the need to worry about losing an expensive active pen. On the other
hand, those used to the fluid cursor tracking of an active digitizer will have to
get used to touching the screen every time you want the cursor to go somewhere.
The 79-key keyboard feels unusually good to the touch for a rugged unit, and it
measures 93% of full size, large enough and on par with the largest HPC Pro
devices. Right in front of the keyboard is a "pointing stick" cursor control
flanked by left and right mouse buttons.
Ruggedness
While the X-C 6250 has a smallish 10.5 x 8 inch foot print, it is a
substantial computer thatÕs three inches thick and weighs over seven pounds.
Every single aspect of the case literally exudes ruggedness, from the thick
rubber handle thatÕd be right at home on Arnold SchwarzeneggerÕs lunchbox, to the
extensive use of rubberÑSantoprene, actuallyÑbumpers and moldings (some up to an
inch thick!), the die cast aluminum case for all structural components, the full
environmental and RF seals, and the sealed Zinc door of the PC Card compartment.
In terms of ruggedness, the Itronix X-C 6250 compares to a regular notebook the
way a Hummer compares to, say, a Suzuki Sidekick. In terms of performance,
however, the X-C 6250 outruns the IBM ThinkPad 765 that I use for work in my
office every day. Mobile computing has come a long way.
Connectivity
As far as connectivity goes, the X-C 6250 can handle most
peripherals without a dock or port replicator. It has a 16550 serial and an
ECP/EPP parallel port, an external video connector, a RJ-11 jack for its internal
33.6kbps modem, two Type II card slots, and an AC/DC jack. Since many X-C 6250s
are used as wireless worktools, Itronix offers a variety of internal radio
options (CDPD/Cellular, ARDIS, BellSouth Wireless). Customers can also get the
unit with integrated phone line testing options, including POTS subscriber line
tester, narrowband TIMS, a basic-rate ISDN tester, and more. There is also an
integrated microphone and speaker for voice communication. Since computers such
as the X-C 6250 are used in many different settings, in addition to the usual
floppy drive, CD-ROM, and scanner options, Itronix offers a variety of mountings,
cradles, and carry cases. The X-C 6250 is powered by a 7.2Volt, 3,500mAH
rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack thatÕs conveniently located in a
compartment just in front of the keyboard. The pack is hot-swappable and can be
replaced in seconds. In our meeting, the Itronix team indicated that a 266MHz
version of the 6250 should be available in May, making the already speedy unit
even faster. No word yet on the availability of an indoor/outdoor color screen.
Pricing depends largely on radio and other options and ranges between US$3,500
and US$6,000. Hardware, however, is only one part of a complete vertical market
system. An important part of Itronix is assisting its customers in large-scale
deployments and automated equipment asset management.
Itronix did a super job in
keeping its ultra rugged compact mobile computer up-to-date, as evidenced by the
large number of units used in the company's target markets in the utility, home
and business services, telco, and insurance industries.
