Howard Computers

Howard Computers

introduces the

“WORKBOOK”

“RUGGED FEATURES”

/ Magnesium Casing
/ Free Float LCD Design
/ Dust and Water Resistance
/ HDD Shock Mount
/ Fault Tolerant Isolation
/ Environmental Seals
/ Flexible Connectivity
/ Padded Corners
/
Magnesium Casing
Every WORKBOOK features a virtually indestructible magnesium case.
Magnesium, the lightest of all metals, is non-toxic, non-magnetic, rust resistant,
dent resistant, and is the ideal material for the case because of its sheer strength
and lightness.
Free Float LCD Design
Protected by an overlay panel, the LCD is never in direct contact with dust,
water, or any other element that may come in contact with the screen. A
shock absorbent cushion and a seal that lines the edges of the display offer
further protection from the elements and prevent the LCD from being damaged
by shock and vibration. The Free Float LCD design allows the LCD to move
slightly within its casing to minimize damage in the event of a major jolt.
Dust and Water Resistance
Certified to MIL-STD 810E and IP54 standards, the WORKBOOK is impervious to both
dust and water. The WORKBOOK has been subjected to dust, humidity, rain, and salt
fog tests (among others) to ensure that no form of dust or water would penetrate
its protective layers.
HDD Shock Mount
The WORKBOOK’s hard disk drives are insulated by shock absorbent membranes mounted
on the top and bottom of the HDD. The HDD is then placed in a casing slightly
larger than its own form factor; which allows for movement when vibration or jolting
takes place, therefore preventing damage.
Fault Tolerant Isolation
Each chamber in the body of the WORKBOOK is sealed to give extra protection
to the motherboard and electrical components from water, dust, and other foreign matter.
Howard Computers unique encapsulation process, in union with other safeguards, has earned the
the WORKBOOK the reputation for being virtually indestructible and impenetrable.
Environmental Seals
The WORKBOOK comes with fitted environmental seals or “port covers” to protect the unit’s
swappable components and rear connection terminals.
Flexible Connectivity
Flexible connectors between the hard disk drive and the system board protect against the
breakage of the connectors and prevent the transfer of shock from one component to the other.
Padded Corners
Padded corners provide additional protection when exposed to external trauma.

"Open Architecture"

allows for easy...
/ Upgrading / / Device Integration / / Field Servicing
Howard Computers strives to provide our customers with the best product on the market.
It is for this reason that we have used the "Open Architecture" design for our rugged
mobile computing systems.
What do we mean by “Open Architecture”? “Open Architecture” refers to Howard Computers
unique design that allows the user to easily remove, replace and exchange
components often without having to use any tools. Allowing the WORKBOOK to
offer easy upgrading, device integration, and field servicing.

UpgradingHoward Computers makes every effort to meet our customers’ need to keep up with technology. This is why we have designed the WORKBOOK to be fully and easily upgradeable.The Central Processing Unit (CPU) and the memory among others can be easily upgraded. Currently the WORKBOOK can be upgraded up to a Pentium III 700 MHz, and itsmemory can be upgraded from the standard 64MB up to 512MB.

Device Integration
The WORKBOOK has a surface mounted motherboard with a PCI slot allowing for the
connection of several peripherals onto the motherboard. These modules can include:
/ Fax Modem
/ CDPD Modem
/ LAN Card
/ Wireless Modem
/ 2 Internal COM Ports
/ GPS Receiver
Other device integrations for special applications can be addressed through Howard Computers
Open Architecture Design.
Field Integration
The WORKBOOK’s “Smart Bay” can operate any of the following interchangeable components:
/ CD-ROM Drive
/ DVD Drive
/ Floppy Disk Drive
/ 120MB Super Disk Drive
/ Secondary Battery
All of these components can be either field swapped, or self-serviced on demand – a
crucial time saver.
The WORKBOOK Unlimited also features a removable hard disk drive (HDD). The ports
housing the swappable components, HDD, and battery were designed to offer fast and
easy access without compromising the integrity of Howard Computer’s fully ruggedized system.
Howard Computers unique “coin-screw release” keeps the drives and battery securely in place
while they are in use but allows for their easy removal without requiring any tools, a
process Howard Computers refers to as FIELD FAST ACCESS.

“Alpha-Star™ Sunlight Readable LCD”

As one of the leaders in ruggedized notebook computing,Howard Computers has recognized our
customers need for a truly sunlight readable screen. As a pioneer in this technology,
Howard Computers has substantially increased the quality of sunlight readable LCD's. The
surprisingly affordable Alpha-Star™ involves an innovative three-phase technology
process unique to the ruggedized mobile computing industry. Though this process
Howard Computers was able to increase the contrast to 300%, reduce reflective glare by 93%
and extend the wide angle view to 140 degrees.
With the introduction of the WORKBOOK Alpha-Star™ Ambient Enhanced SRL Technology,
Howard Computers remains at the forefront of technology development.

“Touchscreen”

/ Higher Brightness
/ Better Transparency
/ Surface Durability
Touchscreens allow users to navigate a
computer system by touching icons or links
on the screen. Users with little or no computer
experience often feel more comfortable
interacting with a touchscreen enhanced system.
/
There are several types of Touchscreens, the two primary types are capacitive and Resistive.
Howard Computers has chosen to utilize capacitive as our standard Touchscreen after comparing features
and determining that with capacitive there were far more advantages for the field user.
Howard Computers is one of the few rugged laptop manufacturers offering the capacitive Touchscreen at
this time.
Although capacitive Touchscreens are more costly than Resistive, Howard Computers has found the
benefits outweigh the cost. In comparison with Resistive, the capacitive TS has a higher
transparency making it better for applications requiring higher brightness such as field use.
Because of their more durable surface coatings, capacitive TS are not as affected by dirt,
grease and/ormoisture as the Resistive TS.
Howard Computers offers a capacitive Touchscreen as an upgrade option on the WORKBOOK’s 12.1”
displays. All Touchscreens come equipped with Howard Computers enhanced Alpha Star Sunlight
Readable Technology. Resistive Touchscreens are available only upon special request.

“WIRELESS COMMUNICATION”

/ CDPD
/ Two-way Wide Area Packet
/ Other WAN Technologies
In order to fulfill our pledge to Manufacture
Solutions for our customers, Howard Computers not
only provides the user with an array of
wired and wireless communication options,
but we help them to identify their needs
/
and match them with the appropriate networking solution. The WORKBOOK’s open architecture
design allows for the integration of variouswireless communication systems. Some of
the options available to our customers include the integration of: a 56.6K internal fax
modem, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, a LAN (Local Area Network) card,
or one of manywireless WAN (Wide Area Network) technologies.
Howard Computers can accommodate most of the WAN technologies, but most commonlyintegrates
CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data), and two-way wide area packet datanetworks.
CDPD
Cellular Digital Packet Data is a wireless mobile data network. CDPD utilizes existing
cellular telephone networks to send and receive data from either fixed or mobile locations.
At a rate of 19.2kpbs, CDPD allows for virtually instantaneous data transfer.
CDPD enables the user to access and make updates to files on a network miles away.
Howard Computers integrates both Sierra and Novatel wireless modems into the WORKBOOK to connect
the user via CDPD. Sierra and Novatel manufacture the most popular CDPD modems on
the market today.
Two-way wide-area packet data networks
This form of data transfer uses a radio network to send information in “packets” between
two parties. Transmission speeds vary from 4800 bps to 19.2 kbps depending on the
network load and overhead. During peak hours, transmission speeds decrease. BellSouth
is the largest packet data public network in the U.S. BellSouth uses the Mobitex network
technology and has been in operation for more than 10 years. The WORKBOOK can be setup to run
on the BellSouth Network.
Other WAN Technologies
Although this option is not widely requested, the WORKBOOK can also be connected to the Global
System for Mobile Communication (GSM), a cellular telephone system used widely in
Europe. Howard Computers can also connect the user via satellite networks. Satellite networks are
often costly and are not commonly used.
Specifics:
LAN / the Local Area Network comes in both a wired and a wireless version. The wired
version is accessed by either an integrated 10/100baseT Network Interface Card
(NIC) with an RJ-45 connector, or a Type II PCMCIA card, which comes in a variety
of combo packs including 100baseT + 56k + ISDN. The wireless LAN is accessed
with a Type II PCMCIA card that conforms to IEEE 802.11b standard for wireless
Ethernet at 11Mbps data transfer rate.
WAN / Wide Area Network is a term that describes a number of possibilities for establishing
links with other computers and network peripherals that are separated by a great
distance, or linking disparate networks. This could include something as simple as
a VPN over the internet utilizing a tunneling protocol, or for a robust & secure
mission critical application an FDDI Token Ring over the SONET.
Howard Computers has developed a core competency in many wireless WAN technologies, including
Public networks like CDPD from AT&T and Verizon, Private SMR networks like Motorola,
DataRadio, and Ericsson. As well as proprietary technologies like Metricom’s Ricochet,
and Motient’s Mobitex networks.

“MIL-STD-810E”

/ Vibration
/ Water-Resistance
/ Humidity
/ Salt Fog
/ High Temperature
/ Low Temperature
/ Shock
/
The WORKBOOK features a virtually indestructible magnesium case, a back-lit keyboard
with a water resistant design to provide protection from spills and uncooperative
environmental elements, and hard disk drives equipped with various degrees of
shock insulation to protect mission-critical data from the dangers of shocks,
bumps and drops. Magnesium is the ideal material for the case because of
its sheer strength and lightness. According to the Minerals Council of Australia
and AGSO, "Magnesium is the lightest of all metals,being about two-thirds lighter
than aluminum. Magnesium is non-toxic, non-magnetic, has high-impact strength
and is resistant to denting..."
Reliability
Designed to resist the harshest conditions and the most abusive treatment, the
WORKBOOK exceeds standards set by the U.S. Government. The WORKBOOK
was designed based on MIL-STD-810E standards set by the U.S. Government
and has been subjected to numerous tests from the MIL-STD-810E Menu.
The WORKBOOK was tested for vibration resistance, shock, humidity, salt fog
and exposure to extreme temperatures.
Passed the Test
The WORKBOOK is compliant to and certified by MIL-STD-810E. In order to achieve
certified status, the WORKBOOK is tested byan independent environmental
testing agency.The WORKBOOK has proved its durability time and again through passing
the most rigoroustesting procedures.
The information below describes the tests we use to measure the WORKBOOK’s durability.
The following MIL-STD 810E test procedures were successfully performed on
the WORKBOOK:
Vibration Test
The Vibration test was performed in accordance with MIL-STD-810E, Method 514.4,
Procedure I, Category 6 (Helicopter) and Category 8 (Ground Mobile) for operational
condition. To approximate rigid mounting, the WORKBOOK was clamped to an
aluminum plate and was then subjected to the following levels of vibration:
Ground Vehicle Test (Category 8)
A sine vibration with logarithm sweep from 5 - 200Hz was conducted. 5-6.25Hz, 1.0
inch (double amplitude), 6.25-200Hz, 2G, 12 minutes per cycle (5-200-5). The test
was 5.5 hours along each of three orthogonal axes. This test was conducted in
accordance with MIL-STD-810C, Method 514, Procedure VIII.
Helicopter Vibration (Category 6)
The helicopter vibration test duration was one hour along each of three orthogonal
axes. The test was conducted in accordance with MIL-STD-810E, Method 514.4,
Category 6.
Water-Resistance
Performed in accordance with MIL-STD-810E, Method 506.3, Procedure I (Blowing Rain).
the water resistance test subjected the unit to 114mm/hr rainfall for 30 minutes. The
WORKBOOK was tested while on and fully operational with the LCD open and with port
covers in place. The WORKBOOK was opened following testing to inspect for water intrusion.
No water penetrated the unit.
Humidity
Performed over 10 days, the test exposed the WORKBOOK to humidity for 24 hours at a time.
The units were tested at the end of the fifth and tenth day. The temperature cycles were
set between 86°F and 140°F. The Humidity test was performed in accordance with
MIL-STD-810E, Method 507.3, Procedure III (Aggravated). The WORKBOOK exhibited
no abnormalities following testing.
Salt Fog
The Salt Fog test was performed according to MIL-STD-810E, Method 509. The
WORKBOOK was placedin a salt fog chamber for 48 hours with the salt fog spray at
35°C. The WORKBOOK continued to operate following the Salt Fog testing.
High Temperature
Two High Temperature tests were conducted in accordance with MIL-STD-810E, Method
501.3, In Procedures I (Storage) the test subjected the unit to 12 hours dwell time of 23°C
and 12 hours dwell time of 60°C in each cycle, 24 hours per cycle, total of seven cycles.
In Procedure II (Operation) the test subjected the unit to three cycles of 12 hours at 23°C
and 12 hours at 50°C.
Results:
Test I: 122°F Operational, 158°F Non-Operational
Low Temperature
The Low Temperature test was performed according to MIL-STD-810E, Method 502.3,
Procedures I (Storage) and II (Operation). Howard Computers set the low operating temperature at
14°F and non-operating temperature at -4°F. Procedure I (Storage) called for the unit to
be stored in -20°C temperature for 4 hours. Procedure II (Operation) required the unit to
be operating at 0°C for 4 hours. The WORKBOOK continued to boot and operate following
each test without any signs of abnormalities.
Shock
The Shock test was performed in accordance with MIL-STD-810E, Method 516.4 Procedure 1.
Shock tests are performed to assure that material can withstand the relatively infrequent,
non-repetitiveshocks or transient vibrations encountered in handling, transportation and
service environment.(According to MIL-STD 810E) The WORKBOOK continued to boot up and
operate following the shock testexposure at 40G. 11ms Half saw wave.

“IP54 (IEC 529)”

Tests the System's Protection Against Dust and Water
The IP54 (IEC 529) tests the system’s
protection against dust and water. To
obtain IP54 certification, the WORKBOOK was
subjected to dust and spray water
tests. The dust test called for the WORKBOOK to
be placed in a dust test chamber and
subjected to 8 hours of agitation.
The spray water test challenged the WORKBOOK
to withstand 10 minutes of continuous
water flow from 25 different spray nozzles.
/
The WORKBOOK was fully functional after both tests.
Conditions:
Storage temperature -40° to +70°C Operating temperature -20° to +50°C
Maximum operating humidity 93% relative humidity non-condensing
IP Ratings
The first number defines the level of protection against penetration of solid objects into the housing.
The second number defines the level of protection against penetration of liquids into the housing.
Additional information can be found in the 1976 IEC Publication,
Classification of Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures.
Number / Degree of Protection / Number / Degree of Protection
0 / No protection against contact or
entry of solids. / 0 / No protection.
1 / Protection against accidental
contact by hand, but not deliberate
contact. Protection against large
objects. (greater than 50mm) / 1 / Protection against drops of condensed
water. Condensed water falling on housing
shall have no effect.
2 / Protection against contact by fingers.
Protection against medium-size foreign
objects. (greater than 12mm) / 2 / Protection against drops of liquid.
Drops of falling liquid shall have no
effect when housing is tilted to 15
degrees from vertical.
3 / Protection against contact by tools,
wire, etc. Protection against small
foreign objects.(greater than 2.5mm) / 3 / Protection against rain. No harmful
effect from rain at angle less than 60
degrees from vertical.
4 / Protection against contact by small
tools and wires. Protection against
small foreign objects. (greater than
1mm) / 4 / Protection against splashing from any
direction.
5 / Complete protection against contact
with live or moving parts. Protection
against harmful deposits of dust. / 5 / Protection against water jets from any
direction.
6 / Complete protection of live or moving
parts. Protection against penetration
of dust. / 6 / Protection against conditions on ships'
decks. Water from heavy seas will
not enter.
7 / Protection against immersion in water.
Water will not enter under stated
conditions of pressure and time.
8 / Protection against indefinite immersion
in water under a specified pressure.