Very cool! From the always excellent Medgadget website comes news of this cool device -- definitely not vaporware, it's being used to identify Thai tsunami bodies.
Nomad hand-held X-ray Unlike other "portable" x-ray instruments, the battery powered NOMAD offers true portability with cordless operation and freedom from line voltage fluctuation. More than 100 exposures on one battery charge. Optimal for remote use and confined spaces as well as operatory functions. The external backscatter shield and internal radiation shielding protect the operator from radiation exposure.
The company is here: ARIBA X-ray You still need to deal with film and developing but the days of having an X-Ray suite in the office is drawing to a close. This would be awesome for trauma work as well -- they have solid-state "digital X-Ray film" that works really well so one of these puppies with that and a laptop and you are all set. I would imagine that there is a limit to the penetration -- running on batteries doesn't allow for a lot of beam current but for basic work, this would be perfect and remember, this is version 1.0. The battery compartment looks like something from my DeWalt 18 volt rechargeable drill -- good beefy technology but not the most advanced.
