HARDBODY Handheld PC: A Rugged Solution for Commercial and Industrial Applications

Strategic Insights -

Texas Microsystems, a subsidiary of Sequoia Systems, Inc., has introduced the HARDBODY, a handheld PC designed to withstand extreme conditions and excel in "blue-collar" field applications. The device can withstand a three-foot drop, driving rain, and other forms of abuse, making it an attractive solution for industries such as utilities, insurance, and manufacturing. With an annual growth rate of 31% from 1994-1995, portables like the HARDBODY are expected to dominate the PC market for field applications.

Key Takeaways:

  • The HARDBODY handheld PC is designed to withstand extreme conditions, including drops, driving rain, and abuse, making it suitable for "blue-collar" field applications.
  • Portables currently account for 20.5% of the commercial PC market and are expected to grow at an annual rate of 31% from 1994-1995.
  • The HARDBODY is well-suited for various markets, including utility companies, insurance companies, and manufacturing facilities, for applications such as service dispatch and reporting, damage assessment, and process control.
  • Potential applications for the HARDBODY include materials handling, inventory control, automobile maintenance, healthcare patient data recall, and securities trading.
  • The device runs Windows 3.11 with pen extensions and was developed by Texas Microsystems, a Sequoia Systems company.
  • Prototypes of the pen-based PC, known as the Grunt, were built under a U.S. Army contract for the "Soldier's Computer" project, which aimed to bring high-tech capabilities to infantry.
  • Shipment of the HARDBODY began in December, with volume production scheduled for the first quarter of 1996.
  • Prices for the HARDBODY will start at $3,975.
  • Texas Microsystems manufactures "business-critical" microcomputers for commercial and industrial applications, and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Statistics:

  • 20.5% of the commercial PC market is currently accounted for by portables (Computer Intelligence InfoCorp)
  • 31% annual growth rate for portables from 1994-1995 (Computer Intelligence InfoCorp)
  • 12 U.S. corporations, government agencies, and VARs have ordered HARDBODY handheld PC evaluation units (Texas Microsystems)
  • Price for the HARDBODY: $3,975 (Texas Microsystems)
  • Shipment began in December, with volume production scheduled for the first quarter of 1996 (Texas Microsystems)

Sources:

  • Computer Intelligence InfoCorp
  • Texas Microsystems
  • Sequoia Systems, Inc.
  • "Texas Microsystems Announces Harbbody Handheld PC" (exact reference not provided)