Grayhill - News

LAGRANGE, Il. - Grayhill, Inc., today introduced the Custom Mobile Solutions series of built-to-order ruggedized mobile computers, a Windows CE/Intel XScale-based line designed to be efficiently tailored to each client's needs at quantities as low as 100 units. Grayhill's extensive, standardized component library permits rapid, precise customization to address virtually any field data management challenge. Grayhill design engineers leverage the company's 60+ years of customization expertise to quickly, cost-effectively integrate a broad range of standard and/or proprietary elements, including specialized software, peripherals and wireless options.

To address specific client usage requirements, Grayhill's ISO-accredited, in-house production lab can modify Custom Mobile parts, screen size and resolution, form factor and color. For example, Custom Mobile products can be configured to:

* integrate multiple standard or proprietary wireless technologies- including Bluetooth, WiFi and others - before sealing to maximize number of ports or eliminate the need for ports altogether.

* accommodate tablet, handheld, PDA or alternate form factors; vehicle mounts; custom battery management; and other options that support specific data management, ergonomic and/or industrial needs.

* increase or decrease screen size while maintaining sharp resolution and sunlight readability.

* maximize reliability and wireless transmission distance, while minimizing power consumption and downtime.

* automatically switch from cellular service to WiFi when in range of an accessible hotspot, and then store data for automatic retrieval when a solid connection resumes.

Each built-to-order Custom Mobile unit can be tested by Grayhill for compliance with stringent emissions, susceptibility and durability standards including IP67, MIL-STD 810F, FCC Part 15 Class A, and European CE per EN55011/CISPR-11. All units leverage Grayhill's 60+ years of integrated software, hardware, wireless and packaging expertise.

"Grayhill's Custom Mobile Solutions allow end users to obtain the precise features and functionality they need, without paying for items they will never use," explains Keith Hansen, vice president. "This maximizes user productivity and investment."

Rugged Base Platform

Where appropriate, Grayhill engineers can customize a client solution by adapting the versatile Tablet 8.4 "DuraMax" Base Platform. The special design of this highly durable unit reflects industry tests demonstrating that the two most vulnerable components of any rugged mobile computer are the hard drive and display. Available for customization or immediate off-the-shelf purchase, the Tablet 8.4 Base Platform:

* utilizes the Windows CE operating system, eliminating the need for a hard drive.

* includes a Grayhill-engineered LCD display that offers the highest impact resistance and daylight readability ratings in its class.

* is housed in a ruggedized, overmolded enclosure designed to meet IP67, MIL-STD 810F and NEMA 4X requirements; can endure multiple 4-meter drops onto concrete; and is fully sealed against dirt, moisture, dust and rain.

* is equipped with Intel's versatile XScale series processor.

* fully supports optional 2D scanning and a broad array of wireless connectivity options, including 802.11x, GPRS, CDMA and WWAN.

* provides eight hours of continuous-use battery life, and accommodates a hot-swappable battery function for efficient field use.

Each Custom Mobile unit undergoes rigorous testing in Grayhill's in-house production facilities to ensure full functionality, compatibility, reliability and ruggedness before shipping. In addition, each customer's specially engineered platform is assigned a unique part number and can be replicated for as long as units are required after the initial order. If a component becomes obsolete, Grayhill will re-engineer a subsection of the product and test it for compatibility.

Pricing and Availability

Grayhill Custom Mobile Solutions are priced from $900 to $2,500 per unit - depending upon quantity and specifications - and available directly through Grayhill.

About Grayhill, Inc.

For more than six decades, Grayhill, Inc. has been a leading manufacturer of fully customized electronic components and - more recently - computer-based devices, panel mount computers and wireless computing solutions. Since its inception in 1943, the privately held firm has remained committed to producing premier quality components and computer-based equipment designed to enhance the effectiveness and productivity of data collection, processing and transmission across an extensive range of applications. Grayhill specializes in low-volume, quick-turn customization and testing, regularly integrating software, hardware, wireless and packaging elements to deliver fully functional client solutions with pinpoint precision. With headquarters and a fully optimized in-house manufacturing facility just outside Chicago, IL, Grayhill employs an experienced worldwide team with the design, development and engineering expertise to deliver customized, reliable data management solutions consistently, quickly and cost-effectively.

For more information, visit www.grayhillcustommobile.com.