The New Trimble Nomad

Tripod Data Systems (a subsidiary of Trimble Navigation LTD) already had an impressive line of rugged Windows Mobile systems available at the beginning of this year. But, when they developed their latest weatherized device, they created a product at the forefront of the marketplace in features, price, and power. The end result of 14 months of development is the new Trimble Nomad, a device that shows the company's expertise in building truly versatile handhelds for use in outdoor environments.

Targeted for the outdoor enterprise

The Nomad is targeted to the outdoor enterprise user that needs to access their information on-the-go in potentially unfriendly environments, including rain, dust, and extreme temperatures. In fact, the device has military specification certification for drops, vibration, humidity, altitude, and extreme temperatures, which greatly enhances its suitability for public safety, land surveying, field service, engineering and construction, utilities, mapping, military, and other outdoor or service-related applications.

Because the unit's blisteringly-fast 806 MHz processor is paired with an outdoor viewable 640x480 VGA display, the Nomad is well-suited for any outdoor scenario where users will be working with serious number-crunching or high-resolution images. The two high-end models (800LC and 800LE) include another feature that lends itself toward high-resolution images: a 2.0 megapixel digital camera housed inside the top of the Nomad's protective casing. These units are ideal for the outdoor photography needs of forestry, police, and other outdoor professionals. The top of the line 800LE includes a one-dimensional bar code scanner which is also encased within the weatherproof unit.

Another key aspect of the Nomad's protective housing is the use of Trimble's innovative Powerboot system. This is a swappable "boot" (or bottom panel) that includes a set of communication ports. The Nomad ships with either a USB Powerboot or a serial Powerboot. The USB Powerboot features USB Host, USB client, power, and audio ports; the serial Powerboot includes a 9-pin serial RS-2323 port, a USB client port, and the power jack. These ports are weatherproof whether or not the ports are in use. Best of all, if any of the ports are ever damaged, a replacement Powerboot can be ordered from Trimble and quickly swapped out (even in the field) without having to return the unit for service.

The Nomad's stylus serves two purposes. One end is a spring-loaded stylus designed to be used for on-screen input. The other end features a rubber cap that, when removed, reveals a metal Phillips head screwdriver. This is designed to fit the four screws that secure the Lithium Ion battery to the back of the Nomad so that you can field-swap batteries or Powerboots without any extra tools. Best of all, the stylus is composed almost entirely of metal (the stylus tip is plastic to prevent damage to the touch screen) and attaches magnetically to the back of the Nomad.

Software innovations improve the "in the field" experience

Fig. 1: Nomad's custom Power Menu makes it easy to soft reset the device, align the screen, replace the battery, and more.

To match the innovative hardware, Trimble has included a few software applications that improve usability while working in the field. There's no "soft reset" button recessed anywhere in the Nomad case. Instead, the Nomad has a special "Power Menu" utility (Fig. 1) that can be activated by pressing and holding the Power button down for several seconds. The Nomad also includes an informative System Information applet that vastly improves upon the standard Windows Mobile "About" applet.