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Small, Robust, and Portable WinCE-based USB Masters?
Dandre asks: "We have come across a need for a very small and robust USB master to portably read data off a USB device. It should have significant memory (>256M), but ideally needs to be robust to vibrations (such as running). Our initial searches have found that no WinCE like-handhelds are USB masters (except one that is a master in the cradle, which is unacceptable). We have software what does this for a Win32 laptop PC, but most laptops fail the portability and size tests. Ideally, we would want a solution that allows us to easily port this code -- so WinCE initially seemed like a good idea, but the reality of the WinCE situation makes us, well, wince."
Look for HPCs that support this feature - while it was rare on PocketPCs, it was quite common on later HPCs. The Panasonic Toughbook 01 comes to mind. It's a bit steep at $1350 but it is ruggedized, compact, and it includes your choice of wireless modem (CDPD, Cingular, etc.).
Also take a look at Internmec's products.
Have you looked into the Terapin Mine? It sounds like exactly what you're looking for:
USB master, USB slave, PCMCIA slot, 10baseT, and it's small! Replace the rotating-platters laptop drive with a solid state version if you're really worried about vibration.