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Computing Issue #11Pen
Computing Issue #11We stumbled onto the Granite Communications VideoPad VP7 through a conversation we had with the pen folks at IBM. It seems there was an internal demo at IBM where, among other interesting things, the VideoPad was shown. Our contact at IBM was thrilled with the unit and suggested we take a look at it. So we did.
Handheld wireless field computer
When the unit arrived, we didn't recognize it as the VideoPad at first because, based on its name, we had expected a thin pen slate, perhaps with video options. That's not what the Video-Pad is. Instead, it's a compact handheld data communicator geared towards vertical mar-kets. It's very ergo-nomically shaped, fits perfectly into the palm of your hand, and has a foot-print smaller than that of an Apple MessagePad 130. And even though it's very small, it includes a spread spectrum data communications radio.
Part of a system
The VideoPad is actually only part of a whole communications system. The other players are a base station that communicates both with the VideoPad and with a host computer, and-optionally-a vehicle cradle that also can communicate with a host computer. The system is intended to be used in situations where a worker needs to communicate with a central data dispatching computer. This makes it a perfect candidate for improving productivity in fields such as transportation, healthcare, warehousing, tourism, financial markets, restaurants, survey and data collection, and point of sale order processing.
Target applications
For example, in a hospital setting, a nurse could call up a list of assigned patients including room numbers, prescribed care, and medications. The system might then prompt her for data such as blood pressure, administered drugs, and actions performed. All data is then sent wire-lessly to the main com-puter which up-dates the patient's record instantly.
In a transportation setting, a courier service driver could check for the location of his next pickup. Once there, he could confirm pickup and collect the customer's signature. This data, including the signature, are sent to the base station which transmits it over a radio network to the host computer.
In a hotel setting, a valet could perform a guest-checkin right at the curb and even print out a receipt for the car.
Good design
But let's take a look at the VideoPad. It's a handsome and purposeful design. Though the VP7 is small, it definitely has a sturdy industrial look to it. The gray housing is made of impact resistant thermoplastic which lets the VideoPad survive a 4-foot drop. The unit has a PDA-like footprint of only 7.5 x 4 inches and it's just over two inches thick. Depending on installed options, it weighs between 1.1 and 1.4 pounds.
Touchscreen: small but snappy
The VP7 has a 4-inch diagonal LCD touchscreen which is backlit and very readable. The screen's 120 x 96 pixel matrix is capable of displaying a maximum of 12 lines by 30 characters. Not VGA, but definitely adequate for the job. The digitizer is pressure sensitive and does not require an active pen. You can operate it either with your finger or with a stylus.
Under the hood
The VideoPad is powered by a Mitsubishi 16-bit processor running at 14.7 MHz. Performance is snappy and you never have to wait for the VideoPad to catch up. The base memory configuration is 512KB; expansion up to 13MB is possible. The VideoPad doesn't have any PC Card slots; all data communications is wireless or through the IR port. For data collection, the VideoPad contains a fully integrated Class II laser bar code scanner. The VP7's power source is a NiCad battery pack that is supposed to provide between eight and twelve hours of operation between charges.
Connectivity is key
For wireless communication, the VideoPad contains a spread spectrum radio with internal antenna. Granite offers a choice of either a 900MHz direct sequence unit or one that uses 2.4GHz frequency hopping technology. This type of radio provides a maximum "line of sight" transmission range of 1,000 feet at 900MHz and 600 feet at 2.4GHz. Granite claims data transmission rates of up to 121kbps. We didn't test this, but wireless performance was reliable and very fast. Additional connectivity is provided by a "Close IR" infrared interface that can transfer data at speeds up to 38.4kbps. This type of IR connection is used to let a unit communicate with a cradle when docked.
Meet the other components
Now let's look at the other pieces of the Granite system: The BS5 base station, which looks like a tall external modem with a radio antenna, provides the wireless data link between the PC and the VideoPad. In a hospital or other situations where the base station is hooked up directly to the server computer through a RS-422 serial interface, a single base station can handle up to 250 VideoPads per channel. In situations where VideoPads are taken out into the field, a base station may be installed into the vehicle. The worker can then take the VideoPad out of the car to make a service call or a delivery. The VideoPad has radio contact with the base station in the car, which then has RF radio contact with the server computer back at head quarters.
Granite is now also offering internal ARDIS or RAM radios which connect the VideoPad directly to a wireless wide area network. Access to SMR and cellular data networks is also available.
For easy operation in a vehicle or other places that require handsfree operation, there is an unobtrusive, well designed cradle, the VNC6. It has an RS232 or RS485 interface and exchanges data with the VideoPad through the Close IR interface. The cradle can also be used to recharge the VideoPad (an optional, intelligent, four battery charging station is also available).
Application development
Though the VideoPad is not a traditional DOS-compatible computer, software development is accomplished in a regular DOS environment. Granite offers a comprehensive set of C development tools called Touch-C which also contains a VideoPad emulator and a cross compiler. Applications can then be compiled on the PC and downloaded into the VideoPad. In addition, Granite offers canned applications for a variety of vertical markets.
Impressive performance
We tested the entire wireless setup in our office and it worked flawlessly. After a brief setup period, the VP7 established a rock-solid and fast wireless connection with the base station. All of the demos ran without a glitch and impressed us with their snappiness. The signature capture demo was particularly impressive. Almost instantly after signing your name on the screen of the VP7 it appeared, like magic, on the PC's screen.
Who is Granite Communications?
Granite Communications, Inc., a New Hampshire company, was formed in 1991 to focus on the emerging business of personal data communications. Today, Granite is a subsidiary of Telular Canada, which specializes in integrated communications solutions. Last year, IBM struck a deal with Telular to market the VideoPad in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. From what we can tell, IBM is impressed with the VideoPad technology and may market it in the US as well.
Who needs a VideoPad?
If your application requires a full-function PC running Microsoft Windows, the VideoPad isn't for you. However, if you need a small, light handheld terminal that allows a mobile worker to wirelessly send and receive data from just about anywhere, Granite's VideoPad system is a very compelling choice. Many mobile workers would be thrilled to have a friendly, reliable, unassuming little terminal with a touchscreen for their work instead of a finicky, complicated PC. Granite clearly designed the VideoPad for front-line performance. Everything is clear and simple. Add to that the rock-solid wireless performance we saw in our test and you have a winner.
Granite Communications can be reached at 603-881-8666.
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