The TAG TC-100 Commander is a rugged ultra-mobile PC designed to resist the harshest environments of modern tactical field applications. The device measures 10.5 x 5.8 x 2 inches and weighs just under four pounds, fairly hefty, but still handy enough to easily carry in the field. As can be seen from the photo below, the TC-100 is designed to be held with both hands and operated via a control pad with mousebuttons and five function keys each along either side of the touch screen display.
On the technology side, the TC-100 is built around a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 and its accompanying "Poulsbo" chipset. This is an extremely power-efficient processor solution that provides targeted performance without the need for a noisy and potentially failure-prone fan. Combined with the TC-100's powerful dual hot-swappable 34 watt-hour batteries, battery life should be very good. For storage, TAG offers a removable 1.8-inch solid state drive or various capacities. The device can be configured to run either Microsoft Windows or Linux.
Since the TC-100 will primarily be used outdoors, there's a daylight-readable resisitive touchscreen with a 250 nits LED backlight and a wide 140 degree horizontal viewing angle. NVIS/NVG compatibility is optionally available for certain military applications.
For connectivity, the TC-100 has two USB 2.0 ports and onboard gigabit Ethernet with an RJ45. Audio, serial and video are via Micro-D connectors. On the communication side, you get 802.11b/g Wifi, with 802.11n also available, Bluetooth, and GPS. There are dual integrated WLAN/WPAN antennas and also a single integrated GPS powered helical antenna. GSM/GPRS functionality is also optionally available. For expansion, there's either a PC Card or an Express Card 34/54, a SD Card slot and an optional SIM slot.
The TC-100 looks tough and rugged, and it appears to be. It can survive handle extreme operating temperatures between -22 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and is sealed to IP67 specifications, where the "6" means total sealing against dust and the "7" means the device can handle immersion into water down to a depth of about three feet. The sealed chassis is aluminum and there appears to be additional rubber protection against impact on the sides. The 2-1/2-foot drop spec seems low for such a rugged-looking unit without rotating media. Most specs are only generically given as "designed to Meet MIL-STD 810G." Details, please.
For accessories and optional equipment, TAG offers a lightweight spare battery pack, vehicle mount with or without integrated keyboard, vehicle charger, thigh holster, carrying cases, and more. This is a device designed for use by war fighters, first responders, and industrial customers and TAG can build the unit for different applications that may require varying button placements and integrated accessories. The picture to the right shows the TC-100's dual batteries that fit into the backside of the unit, one on each side.
Technology Advancement Group, Inc. (TAG) is a veteran-owned, privately-held company with offices in Dulles, VA and San Diego, CA. TAG also maintains a Program Office at Scott AFB in Fairview Heights, Illinois. TAG has been a provider of IT solutions to Federal Government and commercial industries for over 25 years and provides systems engineering, electronic equipment and program management support to their customer base. There are over 25,000 TAG systems deployed around the world.
