I like things like the Sonim XP 1. By that, I mean the latest and greatest gadgets that are encased in shock absorbent rubber that lets them operate everywhere. The TDS Recon 200X is simply the PDA version of Sonim’s XP 1 (not the same company though).

It’s not exactly sleek — you may notice it doesn’t quite have the style of an iPhone or RAZR. Then again, when you’re in a desert or working on a construction project, you want your PDA to survive a fall, not win a fashion contest.

Protection wise, the Recon 200X meets military standards for drops, vibrations, and temperature extremes. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that those standards are pretty high and that the Recon 200X can handle the occasional fall, although I certainly wouldn’t put it in the oven, and I’m not saying that happens often at construction sites.

Technology wise, the PDA is a pretty standard Windows Mobile 5 device. It has Bluetooth, WiFi, a 200MHz processor, and 2 CF slots for expanding the memory. Meh.

Now, you’ve heard how rugged the Recon 200 X is and you’ve heard it’s so-so tech specs. Now, think to yourself, how much would you pay for this thing? My thought was around $500, but I was off by a longshot: the asking price is £960 or nearly $2,000! A little much, eh?

Product Page - [via Shiny Shiny]