Notebook PC is certified for ATEX Zone 2 environments

With ATEX II3G (Zone 2) / UL 1604 certification, the Kontron NotePAC Ultra-M230N is now also suitable for use in hazardous environments with potentially explosive concentrations of gas, vapour, mist or dust as specified by the ATEX Directive. ATEX Zone 2 certification, together with excellent thermal and mechanical protection in accordance with the MIL-STD810F standard, an ultra-tough magnesium alloy housing, long battery life and manifold interfaces, makes the Kontron NotePAC Ultra-M230N useful for a wide range of maintenance, mobile data acquisition and visualisation applications in the utilities, processing industries, defence sector and other industries that require rugged, multi-core performance in potentially explosive environments.

Equipped with the 1.5GHz Intel Core2 Duo processor, the Kontron NotePAC Ultra - M230N delivers optimal processing performance combined with low power consumption, making it suitable for rugged mobile applications. Performance is boosted further by up to 4GB of DDR RAM. Graphics are provided by the Intel 945GM chipset with up to 128MB shared video memory. For even higher graphics performance, there is the optional NVIDIA GeForce 8400 graphics controller with 256MB VRAM. The Kontron NotePAC Ultra-M230N can be equipped with a 14.1inch (1024 x 768) or high-resolution 15-inch (1400 x 1050) LCD screen and can be used outdoors, even in direct sunlight. Kontron's sunlight-readable display increases the LCD brightness to 450nits (cd/m2) without increasing power consumption and simultaneously reduces reflections caused by sunlight or other light sources. The Kontron NotePAC Ultra-M230N can also be equipped with a resistive touchscreen for convenient, menu-based data input. The media bay holds dual CD/DVD-writers; alternatively it can be fitted with an additional battery to extend the Kontron NotePAC Ultra's mobile operating life between charges to six hours.

Communications

Wireless communication via embedded HSDPA allows access to next-generation wireless data networks almost everywhere in the world, and an internal GPS module helps with navigation. Bluetooth 1.2, two PCMCIA , two USB 2.0, Firewire, COM, LPT and VGA ports complete the feature set.

The Kontron NotePAC Ultra-M230N is claimed to be one of the best built-to-survive notebooks on the market. The full magnesium alloy case and tough rubber corner bumpers enable the system to survive 3-foot (1m) drops. The shock-mounted hard drive module can absorb shock forces without damaging the disk surface and the built-in G-sensor provides additional shock and vibration protection in extreme situations. If the unit is dropped, the HDD heads are parked in a fraction of a second, thereby avoiding HDD head crashes. Individually sealed I/O ports and doors, an optional fully sealed rubber keyboard and a LED-backlight make the Kontron NotePAC Ultra-M230N IP54-compliant and provide it with protection against rain and dust. And for people who have to work in hazardous areas and wear protective clothing, the optional touch pad for use with gloves is a useful option. The Kontron NotePAC Ultra-M230N complies with TV, UL and cUL regulations and provides EMC protection (CE class B, FCC class B). Data safety is ensured by several security features, such as the built-in TPM 1.2 chip and SmartCard reader for user identification.

The rugged docking station makes the Kontron NotePAC Ultra-M230N suitable for in-vehicle applications and adds to the versatility of the unit by providing additional ports: two RS232, two USB, LPT, Line in/out, USB-based video capture port and a pass-through antenna port for a wireless modem.

Rugged and versatile, the Kontron NotePAC Ultra-M230N is available now.

Further information is available at www.kontron.com/NotePAC.