GD_Itronix_Tadpole_Topaz_PCM053, 012-019 Focus.qxd

So what is the Tadpole Topaz and what does it have to offer? That would be a tough, rugged notebook computer with a large 15.1-inch 1400 x 1050 pixel sunlight-viewable display and enough performance to power through very demanding applications, delivering stunning graphics performance in the process. While the Topaz is compact and lightweight by military standards, that still means a 12-pound piece of equipment measuring 15 x 12.4 x 2.4 inches. Size and weight are relative. Those familiar with the General Dynamics Itronix GD6000 and GD8000 rugged notebook computers may view the Tadpole Topaz as a larger and even more performance-oriented machine that combines the sleek, high-tech General Dynamics notebook look with a design that is more directly geared towards military needs and requirements. As David Miles, marketing manager for General Dynamics’ Tadpole products, says, “Warfighters responsible for battlespace air traffic control need the computing horsepower to support airspace management programs with a workstation display that supports 3D imagery and mapping without scrolling around to see the entire picture.” That about says it all. So how did Cupertino-based Tadpole—a group that once got started back in the early 1990s by beefing up rugged Telxon tablet computers and getting them to run the industrial strength SUN Solaris OS—do it? Now a part of General Dynamics Itronix, Tadpole offers mobile servers, mobile workstations, and ultra-thin clients, all available with various operating systems, and all catering to the special needs of the military, though they also have clients in other branches of the government as well as in education, healthcare and industry. Tadpole clearly know what those types of customers need, how to deal with GSA contracts and such, and how to comply with the various security and support requirements and regulations. From what we can tell, the Topaz is the first Tadpole product that goes beyond their traditional SUN Solaris niche and into offering a COTS rugged computing platform that’s equally suitable for Windows, Linux or Solaris applications.