XGA Windows-based vehicle mount computer
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

LXE introduced the VX9 vehicle-mount computer in January 2009. The machine is based on the Triton Tx700 vehicle mount computer made by Swedish Akerstroms Trux, a company that was acquired by LXE in February of 2008. The new VX9 is manufactured by LXE, a division of wireless connectivity solutions provider EMS Technologies, Inc., which was acquired by Honeywell in 2011. The image below shows the VX9 from the front and from the side with one of the multiple RAM Mount mounting options.

The Thor VX9 is a compact, rugged forklift and other vehicle-mount computer with a tough, shock-resistant magnesium housing and IP54 sealing. The computer measures 12.1 x 9.8 inches and is 3.5 inches thick. It weighs just over eight pounds and can be installed in vehicles with a shock-absorbing mounting bracket system. The VX9 has a 12.1-inch display with either 1024 x 768 pixel XGA resolution and a 500 nit backlight, or 800 x 600 SVGA resolution and a 450 nits backlight for a standard display and a 1,000 nits backlight for an outdoor-viewable version. A hardened touch panel is optionally available as is a LCD defroster.

The VX9 is powered either by a (non-specified) 1.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or a (also non-specified) 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor. It is a full Windows machine that can either be run with Windows 7 or XP Professional or Windows Embedded Standard 2009 (not sure what OS an Atom-based version would run). 1GB or 2GB of RAM are complemented by either a 16GB SSD or up to 8GB of Flash, depending on the OS used. Also available is also an 80GB automotive-grade hard disk. No cooling fan is required. The VX8 runs on DC vehicle power, but also has an internal Li-Polymer backup battery.

There are two PS/2 ports for keyboard and mouse, two serial ports, an USB 2.0 ports, a multipurpose connector (USB and serial), RJ45 10/100 Ethernet, as well as audio in/out and an external antenna socket. There are also two PC Card Type II slots. For connectivity, the VX9 offers internal 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, as well as GSM/GPRS/EDGE, HSDPA/UMTS/WCDMA WWAN options.

An interesting safety option is the Blackout Screen Box that switches off the display back-light when the vehicle is set in motion and is completely user adjustable.

At the January 2009 introduction, Richard Adams, LXE's vice president of marketing, said "In this difficult economic climate, our customers require more options that allow for cost-sharing across their organizations. With these new Windows XP vehicle-mounted computers, LXE offers a broad product line to meet customers' specific rugged computing requirements. The VX8 and VX9 enable organizations to run more advanced applications, but still leverage existing computer support resources. That, combined with LXE's industry-leading customer service and support network, can equate to greater cost savings, flexibility and reliability."

By January 2010, the name had changed to LXE VX9 Förj, high performance Intel Core 2 Duo and low power Intel Atom processor options were added, there was more storage, and units equipped with the two new processors could be ordered with a LED backlight that offers significantly better contrast, including a high-bright 1000 nits version.

After the takeover of LXE by Honeywell in 2011, the device was renamed to Honeywell Thor VX8.