Trimble has announced the availability of two Nomad rugged handheld computers: the 800LC and the 800LE. The Nomad 800LE comes with a fully integrated 2-megapixel digital camera and an integrated laser bar code scanner. The Nomad 800LC comes with the built-in digital camera only. Both models include integrated Bluetooth, 802.11, and GPS as well as 1 GB of internal data storage.  

Launched in July, the Nomad is Trimble’s most capable rugged handheld computer. It offers an 806-MHz Marvell PXA320 XScale processor, 128 MB RAM and a hot-swappable rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. Built-in Bluetooth is standard, with built-in 802.11g wireless communication optional. The Nomad’s touchscreen VGA display is sharp and clear in sunlight, and it presents maps and other graphics-intensive files in better detail than a typical QVGA display. The Nomad also comes with Windows Mobile 6.0, the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system for mobile devices.

As with other Trimble rugged handhelds, the Nomad meets the MIL-STD-810F standard for drops, vibration and temperature extremes. It also comes with an IP67 rating, which means it is completely sealed against dust and can survive immersion in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. It weighs 21 ounces and is shaped to fit comfortably in the user’s hand.