"We would prefer to buy off-the-shelf where we can," including devices such as the VC6096, although the proprietary DIAD helped solve specific needs for UPS, she said. Other standard hardware that UPS has purchased includes wireless scanner devices. The new VC6096 devices must be mounted inside a vehicle, using the vehicle's power to operate.

The VC6096, available in the first quarter of 2009, will sell for US$4,395, said Sheldon Safir, director of marketing for mobile computing in the enterprise mobility division at Motorola.

Because it runs , it gives companies access to the many applications already written for that widespread operating system. In addition, it will run on GSM and High Speed Downlink Packet Access Network speeds over networks operated by AT&T Inc. and T-Mobile USA, Saifr said.

Analysts said that in-vehicle computers are sold by Motorola competitors such as Intermec Inc. and Psion, but Motorola believes the VC6096 will be an attractive alternative to a proprietary service from

The new computer includes a standard QWERTY keyboard, a 6.5-inch touch display and weighs 4.8 pounds, according to a Motorola specifications sheet. It is 9.5 x 9.2 x 1.9 inches in size. It includes 128 MB of RAM and 256 MB of Flash memory, with an SD card slot for an additional 2 GB. Rugged specifications include protection from extreme temperature, dust, humidity, vibration and more. Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth are supported.