Motorola VC6096: Fugly meets function
If you were looking for a rugged, ugly alternative to Nokia’s internet tablets or the flood of netbooks hitting the market, Motorola has just the device for you. The VC6096 has integrated 3G and 802.11a/b/g WiFi capabilities so you can keep up with BGR while you’re at your local Starbucks or out doing something, erm, rugged. It isn’t half bad: The VC6096 (they really need to come up with a name for this thing – like FGLY or something) has a full QWERTY keyboard, microphone and speakers, GPS, and Bluetooth connectivity. And of course, it runs Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro – the biggest thing that would set it apart from other portable internet devices like netbooks which carry full versions of Windows OS. Slap on 128MB of RAM, 256MB flash, a 624Mhz processor and it rises just above the “Ehh” factor. We really can’t think of any practical use for this thing that another, more appropriate device couldn’t do. But maybe we’re in the minority on this…
[Via NaviGadget]
Rugged + Ugly = RGLY! There’s the perfect name for this absolutely pointless and obscenely hideous piece of technology. Try again Moto.
First impression: When did Leap Frog enter a partnership with Motorola to make toys for adults?
this thing brought me memories of Oric Atmos (if you are old enough to have seen one)
DUH, If you had actually read the article Marc, instead of trying to come up with a “cute” name, u would have seen it is for “fleet” users… not us. With a 6.5″ screen, not really pocketable.
It’s not for you, or your pocket, silly! it is the size of a large dictionary. This device’s case is made of metal, not plastic, and it weighs as much as a couple of bricks. If it falls five feet onto concrete, it will survive.
I know, because I have one on my desk, and I am developing applications for it, to be used by truckers in our fleet. I am a software developer for a large shipping company (well, the largest).
I could have sworn I saw that thing on someone’s desk in War Games…
Don’t beat me up on this one, but the device does work well for persons that work with me in heavy construction and surveying – people that don’t need a full PC experience in the field but still need access to or the ability to exchange data with support staff. I’ve worked with firms that shut down a two-man survey crew (break down, travel to office, travel to site, set up) just to get a data update – 4 hours of billable time down the tubes or a lost day of construction activity.
The device is more capable than the handhelds (WinMo devices that Trimble sells) and just enough for what we need in the field – and it won’t crap out when the weather turns damp.
You guys should see some of the products Moto buries on their web site – this thing’s attractive compared to some of the bricks they still sell…
That thing is almost as big as the BlackBerry Bold!
(Just not as curvy)
UPS will be using this starting in 2010 for all of its package cars. They currently have a similar product called IVIS in their tractors.
@JS – Yeah, I work on the IVIS software replacement team.
I thought the point of windows mobile was for smaller devices.