Carlson Software, Inc, a company specializing in CAD design software, field data collection, and machine control products, together with Technology Advancement Group, Inc., a provider of IT Solutions to the Defense, Federal, State & Local, and Industrial markets, have launched the Commander, a rugged, handheld, Ultra-Mobile PC device for adaptable field and in-vehicle operations.

"Commander offers unprecedented power in the automated machine guidance 3D control box space," Randy Noland, vice president of Business Development and director of machine Control at Carlson said.

"The form factor offers customers a "cross trainer" if you will, providing a flexible, easy-to-read control box moving easily from machine to machine, to the GPS rod, pickup truck or ATV. Commander's form factor is unique and this means a portable, lower cost solution for the positioning and 3D machine control market," Noland added.

With simple and easy-to-use interface, the Commander is said to be a powerful yet low power consumption component, and an ideal solution for mining, drilling, landfill, construction, and precision agriculture applications.

As stated, the new Commander features Intel (News - Alert) Atom processor making it the most powerful machine control box on the market. High-speed performance and low power consumption Solid-State Drives have no moving parts, resulting in a quiet, cool, and fast storage solution. Moreover, it also features a high-depth 7-inch widescreen display which is said to offer visual dependability utilizing LED backlight technology providing direct sunlight readability along with touch screen technology just perfect for gloved hand use.

Additionally, the Commander includes Carlson machine control applications which include Grade v4.0 for mining and construction, Landfill Grade for the solid waste industry, Drill Grade, Grade Supervisor and TruckPro  offering machine guidance, monitoring software, and productivity tools for dozers, drills, loaders, excavators, shovels, graders, scrapers, trucks, bucket wheels, barges, and landfill compactors. This software together with the Commander provides volume reports, and real-time productivity analysis and reporting, both in the machine and in the office.

"Commander is our most technologically advanced handheld device that will connect users with their vehicles, heavy equipment, and management operations in a user-friendly, instinctive and more seamless fashion than ever before," Jim McEwan, chief executive officer at TAG said.

"Commander incites opportunity utilizing its lightweight portable form factor, ground breaking performance, and rugged architecture to ensure its readiness to take on the world's most demanding environments," McEwan added.

Designed for both man and machine, the Commander has customizable docking stations ensuring right fit for any application. With dual hot-swappable batteries offering eight hours of operation along with the ultra portable design, the device allows it to be quickly attached or removed from vehicle and pole mounts. Users can just plug-in a 3G card or use its integrated GPS, WiFi (News - Alert), and Bluetooth wireless communications for real-time mobile productivity while in the field.