Handheld Learning - learning with mobile and ubiquitous technologies

After a slow start, the UMPC concept seems to be gaining momentum in recent months. The latest entrant to the field is US arms colossus General Dynamics, which launched its GoBook MR-1 rugged UMPC at the DSEi military tech fair today. The MR-1 is properly ruggedised, passing the American MIL-STD 810F and IP54 benchmarks for resistance to drop, vibration, dust and water. Sandy McCaskie, European MD for General Dynamics' comms-and-computers business, told the Reg that it floats, too. He also said that if you get it covered in - for instance - VX persistent nerve agent, it can be soaked in bleach without suffering any harm. That's handy, as one would then be able to let it touch one's skin again without suffering a terrible agonising death. (McCaskie also stressed that the MR-1 is designed to be used easily while wearing gloves.)