From: E. Male (mrramsay_at_hotmail.com)
Date: Thu Jul 17 2003 - 21:49:00 PDT
A little elaboration on the US Navy/USMC usage. Here are some excerpts from
an article entitled "Palmtop Computers Allow Defense Situation Reports, from
the August 1997 issue of SIGNAL Magazine , AFCEA's Journal for
Communications, Electronics, Intelligence, and Information Systems
Professionals, a defense publication. <p>
"Commercial notepad computers now allow an infantryman on the battlefield to
access the same situational awareness information available to commanders at
headquarters."<p>
"The lightweight computer system that brings GCCS to the foxhole allows its
users to reprot enemy positions, request supplies or assistance, call in
precise fire support locations and plot safe courses of travel for other
friendly forces"<p>
"...the field system consist of an Apple Newton MessagePad computer, an
Ericsson handheld VHF radio and batteries for each. Early versions featured
a 20-megahertz MessagePad 130. but a newer configuration employs a
160-megahertz MessagePad 2000 that can include a Trimble global positioning
system (GPS) personal computer card and antenna."<p>
"The MessagePad 2000 unit employs a disposable, off-the-shelf, 6-volt
lithium sulfure-dioxide battery that weighs only 4 ounces and provides up to
22 hours of continuous service. When not equipped with the GPS card, the
unit can run for up to 12 hours on four penlight batteries....The newer
MessagePad 2000 versiohn features 4-bit displays and automatic screen
rizing."<p>
"The MessagePad's main display features readouts for time, speed, heading
and location with elevation...Dominating the display are eight icons that
allow an infantryman to access different application functions ranging from
user status to calls for action. These are titled urgent, call fire, SALUTE,
navigate, status, position, message, and locator."<p>
The system was designed by Booz, Allen and Hamilton in McLean, VA.
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