New ViewSonic V212 "Wireless Tablet Client"

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Deploying Tablet PCs to an entire workforce or office staff can be a costly affair. Picture for example a doctor's office with a staff of 20 medical assistants and doctors, all who need to be connected to a universal database to access and input data into patient records. If spending around $40,000 sounds like "too much", the V212 Wireless Tablet Client from ViewSonic may just be your saving grace.

The new ViewSonic V212 Wireless Tablet Client offers the same type of Tablet PC functionality users might need in specific environments. From medical use to home automation, the V212 offers access to databases, streaming video, Internet and more.


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Other features to consider include the TCO for maintenance and support of these Wireless Tablet Client devices. Since there are no moving parts on the V212, there is less of a concern for damage to the unit and data loss. The V212 has (see specs. below) a plethora of ports, a CF card slot, built-in mic and a 10" lcd display.

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ViewSonic V212 Specs.

ViewSonic Official Press Release:

Viewsonic WIRELESS DISPLAY PROVIDES MOBILITY AND CONTROL

 Touch-Screen Display Allows Users to Take Applications to More Places and Control Home Devices

LONG BEACH, Calif., Nov. 15, 2006– ViewSonic^® Corp. new wireless computing devices give people more access to vital information on the go. The enhanced V212 Wireless Tablet Client, the most recent product to be announced as part of the company’s introduction of 25 products in the fourth quarter of 2006, provides updates to ViewSonic’s popular handheld device, further extending its functionality, stability and ability to access PC functions such as Internet surfing, streaming video playback and database management.

            Used in many vertical applications including healthcare and home automation, the 10-inch, touch-screen display lets users access files, data and video remotely within their wireless network through an integrated 802.11b/g connection. The V212 also allows warehouse workers to easily track inventory in real time, doctors to update medical records at patients’ bedsides, and corporate users to process e-mail, manage databases or access video content away from their desks. The V212 uses Microsoft^® CE.Net Framework to provide a look and feel that is similar to Windows PCs, making it easy for users to quickly become familiar with the new technology. The display also contains no moving parts, which improves the device’s durability and ensures low overall cost of ownership by minimizing breakage and required technical support as compared to a laptop or tablet PC.

            Other versions of the V212 feature an optional magnetic stripe scanner to allow healthcare or retail workers to quickly capture and process patient or consumer information like drivers licenses, health insurance IDs or credit cards. The V212 can also be equipped with built-in speakers to enhance the audio and video experience away from the desktop.

            In addition, the V212 is perfect for home automation enthusiasts and works seamlessly with all products, from light switches and thermostats to sound and video equipment.  The V212 can be customized with a variety of home and audio visual software products and is now available with integrated Z-Wave technology, the industry standard for wireless home control and automation.

            “The V212 is another example of how ViewSonic is aligning its products to fit the changing demands of display technology and solutions for both business and home,” said Jeff Volpe, vice president of marketing, ViewSonic Americas. “The V212 leverages our expertise in the display market and provides professionals with reliable, remote access to applications, while allowing consumers to experience the benefits of home automation.”

            The V212 features a 520MHz Intel Bulverde processor, a separate video co-processor to enable streaming video playback, as well as optional integrated speakers, which combine to create the full functionality of a PC in an ultra-portable tablet. The display also includes a Li-Ion battery that provides six hours of charge, a compact flash slot for media cards, and an infrared port to communicate with other infrared terminals commonly found on TVs and stereos.

             “The V212 wireless tablet client further fuels the adoption of Z-Wave technology by offering installers an easy-to-use and cost-effective device to control home automation products," said Tony Shakib, CEO of Zensys, the developer of Z-Wave.  "With this new tool, wireless home control has never been as easy or as affordable for the everyday consumer.  They now have the luxury of a ‘smart home’ where home devices such as lighting, security and entertainment are all controlled through a stylish display."

Available now for a manufactured suggested retail price of $1,499, the V212 Wireless Tablet Client will be sold through authorized ViewSonic distributors and resellers, where versions including the integrated speakers and magnetic stripe reader are also available. The device is backed by a one-year limited warranty on parts and labor and extended warranties are available.  ViewSonic offers toll-free technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, excluding major U.S. holidays. For more information regarding ViewSonic wireless displays, or to locate an authorized ViewSonic dealer, visit www.ViewSonic.com/products/mobilewireless or call 800.888.8583.

For more info. on the ViewSonic V212, check out the ViewSonic website.