For those who want a smartphone that won't give up the ghost if it's dropped or gets wet, there's good news this week. Swedish rugged laptop computer maker Handheld has launched the Nautiz X1 rugged smartphone. The unit is protected against dust and sand, it says, can withstand immersion in water and is said to meet military standards for withstanding humidity, vibration, drops and extreme temperatures.
It weighs 180g, measures 125 x 65x 15mm and has a 4in sunlight-readable and damage-resistant capacitive touchscreen. There's 2GB of onboard storage, Bluetooth, GPS, a five-megapixel camera and it comes with a choice of either Android 4.0 or Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 operating system.
It will be available in January 2013 at a list price of €699 (approx £560). The UK importer is Warwickshire-based Handheld UK 01926 333 266.
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