Portwell Introduces ARM-based “Carputer” for Better Car Computing Experience at a Lower Price

Sept. 27, 2011 - PRLog -- FREMONT, CALIF. —September 27, 2011—The last thing users of a “carputer” want is a clunky, clumsy interface that they can’t read clearly. American Portwell Technology, Inc., (http://www.portwell.com) avoids these problems and more with its new PTH-1070A, setting the stage for a new category of advanced carputers – rugged vehicle computers with better interactive features for on-the-go usage. The PTH-1070A small form factor carputer comes with integrated LCD that uses 4-wire resistive touchscreen technology for ease of use. Not only is a 7-inch display considered the optimal viewing size for a personal human-machine interface (HMI), but the PTH-1070A also provides a clear, crisp output with vivid images at 800 x 600 resolution that is easy to read. PTH-1070A is powered by a Marvell® PXA270, a mature processor that is market-proven and has the best reputation among all ARM-based processors.

Competitive Pricing with Optimized Usability  
American Portwell chose Microsoft® Windows® CE 6.0 as its operating system because it is also market-proven and provides users with the feel of sufficient power for vehicle use, since the ARM architecture is known for its reduced heat, weight and cost compared to notebook computers. In fact, according to George Liao, American Portwell’s senior product marketing manager, “PTH-1070A is a simple and reliable advanced carputer at a very competitive price point. It is the ideal solution for applications such as telematics control terminal, in-vehicle POS terminal and automation control terminal. Using PTH-1070A, system integrators can easily develop application programs with the SDK provided. The combination of a RISC processor and Microsoft Windows CE (or Android) enables PTH-1070A to deliver standard mobile user functionality in a cost-effective, tiny system footprint.”

Fail Safe and Flush Panel  
“To make sure that users don’t lose valuable data, PTH-1070A includes battery backup via non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM),” explains George Liao. “This NVRAM is a fail safe function that allows the system to continue operating after it resumes from shut down. We’ve also included other excellent features,” Liao continues, “such as flush front panel with IP65 rating, which prevents dust accumulation and seals the display from water and dust.

Flexible Configuration  
The PTH-1070A is designed with four serial ports and two USB host ports that ensure a more flexible configuration. A wide DC power input range of 9~36V means that PTH-1070A can be used in a host of applications and the optional CAN bus makes certain the carputer can interface to the vehicle network without needing an external CAN adapter.

“What’s more,” Liao adds, “users have additional choices of embedded operating systems such as Microsoft Windows Embedded Compact (WEC) 7.0, Android and Linux. PTH-1070A also features dual CompactFlash sockets that separate the OS from the application programs to make the system easier to maintain and upgrade.

Finally, our customers not only benefit from our ability to consistently provide the most up-to-date technology and features,” Liao confirms, “but they also gain peace of mind from the long life cycle support inherent with our embedded-focused products.”

Product details: http://www.portwell.com/products/detail.asp?CUSTCHAR1=PTH....

About American Portwell Technology
American Portwell Technology, Inc., is a world-leading innovator in the Industrial and Embedded Computing market and an Associate member of the Intel® Embedded Alliance. American Portwell Technology designs, manufactures and markets a complete range of telematics solutions, embedded computer boards and systems, and rackmount systems for both OEMs and ODMs. American Portwell is both an ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 13485:2003 certified company. The company is located in Fremont, California. For more information about American Portwell’s extensive turnkey and private-label branding solutions, call 1-877-APT-8899, email info@portwell.com or visit us at http://www.portwell.com.

All products and company names referred to herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.  

Product Contact:
George Liao
Sr. Product Marketing Manager
American Portwell Technology, Inc.
510-403-3325
georgel@portwell.com

Media Contact:
Susan Wei
Marketing Executive
American Portwell Technology, Inc.
510-403-3354
susanw@portwell.com

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American Portwell Technology, a world-leading innovator in Embedded Computing market, designs, manufactures and markets embedded computer boards and systems, PICMG computer boards, rackmount systems, and communication appliances for both OEMs and ODMs.