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LXE VX7

Large-screen CE .NET/Windows CE vehicle mount computer
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

The LXE VX7 is a rugged vehicle-mount computer with a large 12.1-inch screen based on either CE .NET 4.1 or Windows CE 5.0 Professional. This means it can take advantage of the numerous CE-based applications or custom applications without the constraints of the small displays most Windows CE devices come with. LX also describes the LX7 as a full-screen version of their VX6 that has a 800 x 320 pixel display with an integrated onboard keyboard below it. This matches the product line strategy of competitors such as RMT/DAP Technologies that also offer both full and half-screen versions of their CE tablets.

The LXE VX7 platform is actually flexible enough to also be available in a Mobile Pentium-based version running Windows XP. This means that LXE customers have their choice not only of operating systems platforms but also display sizes/display types, and even integrated or external keyboards.

Physically, the VX7's black housing is made of tough industrial plastic, with the mounting plate in aluminum. It measures 12.2 x 9.6 inches and is 3.6 inches thick. Weight is just under ten pounds. The device can handle a very wide operating temperature range from -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit (freezer units can handle down to -22F). Sealing is up to IP66 specifications, which means it's totally protected against dust and also against strong jets of water.

The VX7 is powered either by the tried-and-true 400MHz Marvell Xscale PXA255 processor, a well-supported chip that's been around for many years. There are 128MB RAM and 128MB Flash as in most machines in this class. There is ample room for expansion via two PC Card slots as well as a SD card slot. The unit comes with either a 2.4GHz 802.11b/g radio or a 2/4.5GHz 802.11a/b/g version.

What sets the VX7 apart from most Windows CE-based machines is its large 12.1-inch SVGA (800 x 600 pixel) display that's available either in an indoor version with a screen brightness of 350 nits or an outdoor version with 550 nits. There is a touch screen, and you can order an optional touch screen heater that removes fogging and frost.

The VX7 uses external DC power, but there's also an optional UPS backup battery that lasts about 15 minutes. LXE offers two external keyboards, a rugged 95-key laptop-type version and a 60-key "legacy" version with terminal emulation specific overlays. The latter makes sense for those who use the unit predominantly for terminal emulation sessions via RFTerm or other emulators.

Like other LXE units, the VX7 is voice enabled via LXE's ToughTalk technology and advanced audio circuitry. The primary intended use is for voice-directed logistics applications.

Specifications
Added/changed Updated 01/2009
Form-factor Rugged forklift/vehicle mount computer
CPU Speed 400MHz Marvel XScale PXA255
OS Windows CE 5.0 Professional or Windows CE .NET 4.2
RAM/ROM 128MB/128MB
Hard Drive NA
Card slots 2 PC Card Type II, 1 SD Card
Display type Indoor (350 nits) or outoor (550 nits) TFT with optional touch screen heater
Display size/res 12.1"/800 x 600 pixel SVGA
Digitizer/pens resistive touch
Keyboard/keys Waterproof separate backlit keyboard
Housing High strength, high temp industrial plastic with aluminum mounting plate
Operating Temp -4 to 122F
Sealing IP66
Shock "Exceeds MIL-STD-810F"
Vibration "Exceeds MIL-STD-810F"
Size (WxHxD) 12.2 x 9.6 x 3.6
Weight 9.4 lbs.
Power 12-80V DC, pptional lead-acid backup battery
Interface 2 RS232, 1 combo USB host/USB client/LAN (10/100), 2.5mm audio in/out, 1 dual PS/2 (keyboard/mouse), dual speakers
Wireless 802.11a/b/g
List price inquire
Contact LXE VX7 datasheet
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