MobileDemand Tablet PC used by the Red Bull Racing NASCAR Teams
Rugged Tablet PC provider MobileDemand is sponsoring the red Bull Racing NASCAR team . The Red Bull team is using MobileDemand's rugged xTablet T7000 Tablet PC to provide mission-critical data collection and computing right on the spot, where it matters most. The video shows how the red Bull racing team is using the tablets. Also see MobileDemand Tablet PC Used by the Red Bull Racing NASCAR Teams. -- Posted Wednesday, July 28, 2010 by chb

Synaptics ClearPad 7200 Series
Synaptics announced its ClearPad 7200 Series technology geared towards OEMs designing a wide range of multi-touch (up to 10 simultaneous touches) products such as clamshell notebooks, slates/tablets, and "fourth screen" devices like digital photo frames and electronics readers. Designed to support glass-based screens up to 10.1", the ClearPad 7200 Series uses a multi-ASIC based architecture and supports both I2C and USB interface.
-- Posted Tuesday, July 27, 2010 by chb

RRC to Distribute Intermec Solutions in Russia and CIS
Intermec has entered into a distribution agreement with international IT distributor RRC. The relationship will strengthen Intermec's distribution channel and enable resellers and systems integrators in Russia and CIS to join the recently launched global PartnerNet program and experience a wide range of benefits, from training, project registration, joint marketing and account management support. [See Intermec press release] -- Posted Tuesday, July 27, 2010 by chb

Full review: Fujitsu's tiny UH900 mini-notebook
What is a big full-size notebook is much too big, and even a handy netbook is still too large, but you do need full Windows 7 functionality and a high-res screen? Then you should look at the Fujitsu UH900 mini-notebook. The little 1-pound marvel, powered by a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 chip, sports incredible 1280 x 800 pixel resolution on its jewel-like 5.6-inch display, offers multi-touch, has a full-function keyboard and a speedy 62GB solid state disk, onboard Garmin Mobile PC GPS, and good connectivity, both wired and wireless. And even the price is not out of line. So how well does it all work? [Read full review of the Fujitsu Lifebook UH900] -- Posted Tuesday, July 27, 2010 by chb

Microsoft licenses ARM architecture
ARM and Microsoft announced that they have signed a new licensing agreement for the ARM architecture. The agreement extends the collaborative relationship between the two companies. Since 1997 Microsoft and ARM have worked together on software and devices across the embedded, consumer and mobile spaces, enabling many companies to deliver user experiences on a broad portfolio of ARM-based products. [See press release] -- Posted Friday, July 23, 2010 by chb

Socket Mobile reports Q2 2010 financials
Socket Mobile reported revenue for Q2 of 2010 was US$3.7 million, compared to revenue of US$4.1 million for the same quarter a year ago. Net loss for Q2 of 2010 was $575,000, compared to a net loss of $945,000 in Q2 of 2009. Kevin Mills, president and CEO, commented, "Our SoMo 650 handheld computer continues to gain increasing customer acceptance and traction in the business mobility market and generated record sales in the second quarter. Handheld computer sales were up 19% over the previous quarter and up 9% over the second quarter a year ago, and represented 48 percent of our second quarter revenues. -- Posted Friday, July 23, 2010 by chb

Datalogic tracks baggage in Italy's busiest airport
Datalogic announced it has realized 30 omnidirectional reading tunnels to improve baggage handling for the Leonardo da Vinci airport in Rome, Fiumicino--the busiest Italian airport with four terminals and over 33 million passengers a year. Datalogic-powered reading stations for baggage handover and pick-up points are in all the airport terminals, thus managing to gather useful data on each piece of baggage and to monitor its movements. [See press release] -- Posted Thursday, July 22, 2010 by chb

Intermec and Epicor announce alliance
Epicor Software Corporation and Intermec announced an expanded global alliance to deliver mobile computing solutions. Intermec also recently named Epicor as a Platinum Partner, which is the highest level of recognition given to members of the newly launched Intermec PartnerNet Program. [See press release] -- Posted Thursday, July 22, 2010 by chb

Juniper introduces the Mesa Rugged Notepad
If the new Mesa Rugged Notepad by Juniper Systems looks large, it's because it is. Aiming to offer the best of Tablet PCs and a rugged handhelds (but none of the drawbacks), the Marvell PXA320-powered Mesa runs Windows Mobile 6.5.3 on its exceptionally large 5.7-inch VGA display. Larger size means larger battery, too, and the Mesa runs up to 16 hours on a charge. Add to that exceptional ruggedness and IP67 sealing, and you have an interesting option for any number of outdoor jobs that require a bit of extra screen real estate. [See description and specs of the Juniper Systems Mesa Rugged Notepad] -- Posted Wednesday, July 21, 2010 by chb

Carrefour adds Datalogic rugged handhelds
Carrefour, the largest retailer in Europe and the second largest retailer in the world, teamed up with Datalogic Mobile for the supply of mobile computers in its retail stores. This time, the Memor and Falcon handheld devices will be used for Carrefour’s retail in-store solutions. [See Datalogic press release] -- Posted Wednesday, July 21, 2010 by chb

New Summit software makes DFS channels viable for roaming clients
Summit Data Communication announced a software upgrade that makes the 5 GHz frequency band with its up to 23 non-overlapping channels more attractive for business-critical mobile devices by now offering accelerated passive scanning to greatly reduce the time to roam between WiFi APs in environments where some channels require dynamic frequency selection (DFS). -- Posted Wednesday, July 21, 2010 by chb

AIS releases CAN-bus industrial Panel PCs
American Industrial Systems (AIS) introduced a line of Industrial Touch Screen Panel PCs featuring CAN-bus (controller-area network) interface support for industrial automation, marine, and automotive applications. Offering Intel chips from Atom to quad core, the Operator Panel PCs feature 5.7 to 20.1-inch industrial grade LCDs, and a variety of touchscreen technologies (resistive, capacitive, surface acoustic wave (SAW), and Infrared) to meet demands in various environments. -- Posted Tuesday, July 20, 2010 by chb

RuggedPCReview.com attending SIGGRAPH 2010
RuggedPCReview.com is headed for SIGGRAPH 2010 in LA to get a heads-up on emerging developments in advanced graphics that are becoming ever more important in rugged computing. Contributing Editor Taylor Allread will seek and examine technologies, both hardware and software, that are either dedicated to rugged and hazardous environment usage or are already deployed in the field. and to report about their progress. -- Posted Tuesday, July 20, 2010 by chb

SuperShuttle selects NEXCOM tablets
SuperShuttle International, the nation's largest shared ride airport shuttle company, along with NEXCOM has begun rolling out the tablets to all its franchise drivers. The tablets, which appear to be Atom Z530-powered NEXCOM 2100 Series models with 8.4-inch SVGA displays, are expected to enhances customer service by providing prompt pickup service and efficient routing, on-board promotion, convenient billing, onboard navigation, etc. -- Posted Monday, July 19, 2010 by chb

Motion offering enhanced tablet functionality with ritePen 4.0
Motion Computing announced that it will resell ritePen 4.0, the latest tablet input solution from Ritescript, a division of Evernote Corporation -- Posted Monday, July 19, 2010 by chb

In-Stat sees slow adoption of 4G wireless
In-Stat predicts that almost 70% of all mobile devices will be WWAN-enabled by 2014. However, the transition to 4G wireless technology will be slow, with just 3.6% of WWAN-enabled devices using it by 2014. And despite the early 4G lead of WiMAX, the rivaling LTE technology will have over 60% marketshare in 4G-enabled device by 2014. -- Posted Thursday, July 15, 2010 by chb

Anoto survey shows paper-based forms still widely used
Swedish Anoto firmly believes that paper isn't dead by a long shot, and that paper forms will be with us for some time to come. However, that doesn't mean Anoto is resisting progress. Au contraire; Anoto's unique digital pen technology represents one of the fastest and most reliable ways of converting handwritten text into a digital format. In essence, the pen knows the form you're using, records whatever is written, then downloads it into a computer. This way you have both print and digital copy. -- Posted Wednesday, July 14, 2010 by chb

Datalogic Mobile releases OS White Paper
Datalogic Mobile announced the release of a new white paper Rugged Mobile Computers - Which Operating System is Right for You? In rugged or semi-rugged mobile devices targeted at vertical applications, the OS of choice has been Microsoft Windows CE. However, over the past several years, new OS platform options have emerged that have made the mobile operating system landscape more complicated. Request Rugged Mobile Computers - Which Operating System is Right for You? white paper] -- Posted Tuesday, July 13, 2010 by chb

LifeRing PDA-COP system receives DISA certification
LifeRing, the PDA SOF TactiCell command control and communication software from Advanced Ground Information Systems, has received DISA (Defense Information Systems Agency) certification with 100% ratings for Blue Force Tracking, map white-boarding, instant messaging and full-motion video. According to the company, "AGIS LifeRing is designed to meet the differing demands of the military, government agencies and first responders. It operates simultaneously on cellular, mesh networks, satellite--and military and first responder radios." [See AGIS PDA (we wish they'd update the featured hardware, though)] -- Posted Tuesday, July 13, 2010 by chb

Avalue introduces 10-inch Digital Signage Computer
Avalue Technology has introduced the fanless MPC-10W5 Digital Signage Computer for small panel installations. Powered by a 1.66GHz Intel Atom D510 processor, the MPC-10W5 has a wide-format 10.2-inch WSVGA resistive touch screen, a front-mounted LED indicator alarm, full-aluminum housing with IP65-sealed front panel, miniPCIe and CF slots for expansion, and optional PIR, CIR, light sensor and RFID are available. The device weighs less than three pounds and is less than two inches thick. -- Posted Monday, July 12, 2010 by chb

Garmin beats back another invalid patent
Garmin announced it has beaten back another invalid asserted by a non-practicing patent holding company. "We are pleased with this judgment – it reaffirms our belief that courts are willing to take decisive action against bad patents when presented with solid evidence of their invalidity. Companies like Garmin, that employ innovators, manufacture products, and sell goods in the market, should not be forced to settle lawsuits that assert patents that never should have issued from the Patent Office," said Andrew Etkind, Garmin’s Vice President and General Counsel. -- Posted Saturday, July 10, 2010 by chb

Trimble partners with Timmons on Wetland Delineation System
Trimble announced it has partnered with Timmons Group to provide an integrated system for the field collection, management, and submittal of wetland delineation data. The solution combines Trimble Mapping & GIS handhelds with the WetCollect wetland delineation software from Timmons Group to comply with the reporting requirements of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). -- Posted Friday, July 9, 2010 by chb

Psion Teklogix unveils global partner program
Psion Teklogix announced a new global Partner Program focused on open innovation that aims to let Psion’s VARs, systems integrators, application providers and resellers leverage the best parts of existing mobile devices and customized proprietary devices. The Partner Program will offer the company’s set of tools, features and services, including discounts, marketing materials and funds, technical support and training. -- Posted Thursday, July 8, 2010 by chb

MobileDemand launches Public Sector Group
MobileDemand, a leading provider of rugged Tablet PC computers for mission-critical computing, announced the formation of its Public Sector Services Group focused on the development and deployment of mission-critical applications and solutions for federal, state and local governments. With, according to analyst firm VDC, the field service mobility market growing by an annual rate of 13% through 2013, MobileDemand President Matt Miller is confident that his company's lineup of rugged Tablet PCs can offer ultra-mobility, reliable performance and exceptional efficiency to public sector agencies. The new group will concentrate on public safety, including law enforcement, emergency management, fire investigation, building code compliance, homeland security, etc. MobileDemand also announced its Application Development Partner Program aimed at helping VARs develop solutions for rugged tablets that are field-ready and compliant with public sector specs. [See our review of the MobileDemand xTablet T7000] -- Posted Wednesday, July 7, 2010 by chb

Android facing challenges
It's like the historic Apple versus Microsoft wars all over again, only this time it's Apple's iOS versus Google's Android. Once again it's Apple's proprietary hardware and software challenged by a copycat OS available to any hardware vendor who wants to use it. Google's involvement, of course, means Android can count on considerable resources, but there are inherent problems to the Android "open system" approach. Read this excellent article by Tim Bajarin of Creative Strategies on The Trials and Tribulations of Team Android. -- Posted Tuesday, July 6, 2010 by chb

Samwell sponsors Delta Lloyd Solar Boat Team
Samwell, makers of the RUGGEDBOOK line of rugged notebooks, convertibles, and tablets, announced its sponsorship of the Dutch Delta Lloyd Solar Boat Team. The team, a student project at the Technical University of Delft, has been successful in prior Frisian Solar Boat challenges, also known as the World Cup for Solar Powered Boats. Samwell supplied its RUGGEDBOOK Rugged Tablet PC SR820 to the team for tracking and performance monitoring. [See RUGGEDBOOK newsletter] -- Posted Tuesday, July 6, 2010 by chb

Datalogic invests in vision-based technology
Datalogic announced the acquisition, through its subsidiary Datalogic Scanning Holdings Inc., of Evolution Robotics Retail, a California company with unique expertise in visual pattern recognition technology, including scanning-based loss prevention systems that can do item-level recognition and alerts even if a code wasn't scanned. Datalogic says the acquisition provides for a broadening of their solution-based offerings, adds an innovative and key technological capability and offers a high-growth business prospect. -- Posted Tuesday, July 6, 2010 by chb

RadiSys announces ruggedized ATCA C2 server
Not all mobile systems are, in fact, mobile as in carrying around. Some are designed to facilitate and support a mobile computing and communication infrastructure out there in the field. ATCA (Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture) falls into that category, and RadiSys has just introduced their Promentum C2 Server, which it calls the industry's first ruggedized ATCA platform for mobile command and control. The C2 Server has a ruggedized chassis meeting many MIL-STD-810 tests as well as providing higher performance platform with less weight and lower power consumption. [See RadiSys Promentum C2 Server] -- Posted Friday, July 2, 2010 by chb

Arista updates industrial Panel PCs
Fremont, Calif. based Arista Corp. introduced an update to its ARP-2200 series of rugged industrial panel computers. The new ARP-2200AP series comes with 15, 17, or 19 inch displays, and also a special model with a giant 42-inch display. All but the 42-inch product are available either with Intel Core Duo processors of a power-efficient VIA C7 chip. Designed for fanless operation, these new Arista panel PCs are geared for applications including automation, manufacturing, medical, semiconductor, food processing, machine control and more. [Read description and specs of the Arista ARP-2200AP series or view press release] -- Posted Wednesday, June 30, 2010 by chb

Panasonic makes rugged cameras, too
If you need a rugged camera to go along with your Panasonic Toughbook, Panasonic makes them, too. And the ruggedness specs are actually remarkably similar: the Panasonic Lumix TS2 compact camera has a 6.6-foot drop spec, can handle operating temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and it's waterproof. Much more so than any Toughbook, actually: you can take it down to a depth of 33 feet without protective housing! We gave the US$399 Lumix TS2 a good workout in the cold waters off the California Channel Islands. [Read full review of the Panasonic Lumix TS2] -- Posted Wednesday, June 30, 2010 by chb

Novatel Wireless introduces LTE PCIe embedded modules
Novatel Wireless introduced its LTE Embedded Module roster with the Expedite E351, E362 and E371 PCIe mini cards. The Expedite E351 provides multimode support for LTE and EV-DO Rev. A and backward compatibility for all CDMA networks. The E362 adds global roaming capabilities with support of LTE, EV-DO Rev. A, HSPA+, UMTS and backward compatibility to existing 2G/3G GSM and CDMA networks. The E371 provides support for LTE with backward compatibility to dual carrier HSPA+, UMTS, EDGE and GPRS. -- Posted Tuesday, June 29, 2010 by chb

New GD-Itronix Tadpole ultra thin-clients offer simplicity, security, and economical operation
General Dynamics Itronix expanded its line of Tadpole ultra-thin clients with the new netbook-sized M1000, the compact notebook-size M1500, and two wireless desktop units, the Pulsar and Pulsar Premium. Not having local storage or software, wireless clients offer a very secure and easily managed computing environment that can result in economical operation and reduced total cost of ownership. See description and specs of the Tadpole M1000 and Tadpole M1500] -- Posted Monday, June 28, 2010 by chb

AIS releases inexpensive Windows CE touch panel PC
American Industrial Systems Inc. (AIS) introduced a small, rugged 5.7-inch industrial Windows CE 5.0-based touchscreen computer intended for use as an IP64-sealed operator panel PC and graphic operator interface terminal. The VGA display features a bright 400 nits backlight and a resistive digitizer. Pricing for VARs starts at an exceptionally low US$399. [See description and specs of the AIS PM570M] -- Posted Friday, June 25, 2010 by chb

Moto releases tiny 1D Bluetooth laser scanner
Motorola has released what may turn out to be a very relevant product in the tiny CS3000 Series 1D laser scanner. Measuring a minuscule 3.4 x 1.95 x 0.87 inches and weighing just 2.5 ounces, the ruggedized little scanner, that uses the SE955 scan engine, can operate both in batch and real-time capture modes, where it communicates with almost any notebook, PDA or smartphone via Class Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR. Its 512MB Flash memory can store over a million time/date-stamped bar codes, and the rechargeable battery lasts up to 24 hours. [See Motorola CS3000 Series spec sheet] -- Posted Thursday, June 24, 2010 by chb

New print-style PDFs of reviews available
Yes, we still know how to use Quark XPress to generate nice print-style layouts, and we generally do those for most major reviews. The latest ones available are for the Motion Computing J3500, Juniper Systems TK6000, Getac PS535F, Getac PS236, GD-Itronix Tadpole Topaz, and Samwell Ruggedbook 820. -- Posted Thursday, June 24, 2010 by chb

LXE Europe unveils 2010 Partners Award Winners
At its LXE PartnerPass Executive Conference held June 8 and 9, 2010, in Berlin, Germany, LXE recognized the performance of its top European partners as follows: Best Premier Partner: Lexter - Italy; Best Preferred Partner: Renovotec - UK; Best Business Partner: Goodtech Products; Best Marketing Partner: Experteam - Switzerland; Top New Market Development: L-mobile solutions - Germany; and Partner of the Year: RMS.LU - Luxemburg. -- Posted Wednesday, June 23, 2010 by chb

Full review: Motion's new J3500 tablet with capacitive dual touch
Motion Computing has introduced the rugged Motion J3500 tablet, a sleek, slender, full-featured, full-power tablet computer featuring an approximately 40% overall performance increase compared to the predecessor model courtesy of an ultra low voltage Intel Core i7 processor that incurs no penalty in battery life. The new machine also offers Motion's new capacitive dual touch, automatically combining capacitive touch and a Wacom digitizer. Add Gobi2000, a high res camera, more memory and larger disks, and you have a very impressive tablet. [Read full review of the Motion Computing J3500] -- Posted Tuesday, June 22, 2010 by chb

Motorola introduces ES400 Enterprise Digital Assistant
The Enterprise Mobility Solutions division of Motorola introduced the ES400 Enterprise Digital Assistant. Fitting somewhere between a consumer smartphone and a ruggedized handheld, the ES400 is aimed squarely at enterprise users in field sales/service, retail, healthcare, etc. The ES400 runs Windows Mobile 6.5 with a custom front end, has WiFi, GPS, a 3.2mp camera that can also scan, and 3.5G WWAN for both the GSM and the CDMA side. With the iPhone having redefined expectations, the question is whether this sort of category-busting convergent device is what users want. [Read more...] -- Posted Friday, June 18, 2010 by chb

RuggedPCReview at the Handheld Group Business Partner Conference, Stockholm, Sweden, June 2-4, 2010
The Handheld Group had its annual Business Partner Conference June 2 through 4th, 2010, at the Elite Hotel Marina Tower in Stockholm, Sweden. The conference provided a venue to socialize with business partners and inform them on products, outlook and opportunities. RuggedPCReview.com was there, and here is our report. [read more...] -- Posted Friday, June 18, 2010 by chb

Datalogic Mobile and Ford Performance Racing form partnership
Ford Performance Racing (FPR), the primary, manufacturer-backed Ford team in the Australian V8 Supercar Championship Series, has formed a technical partnership with rugged data collection mobile computer maker Datalogic Mobile. Datalogic Mobile devices will be used throughout the FPR business, and Datalogic Mobile will assist with advice and solutions to expand mobility and exploit efficiencies both on and off the track. -- Posted Friday, June 18, 2010 by chb

Juniper Systems to sponsor 2010 ESRI UC Forestry SIG
Juniper Systems is proud to announce its sponsorship of the ESRI User Conference Forestry SIG. A schedule of events can be found by at Juniper Systems Sponsors ESRI User Conference Forestry SIG. The ESRI Forestry SIG meeting will demonstrate how Juniper Systems and ESRI products can enhance forestry data collection methods. Attendees will be the first to see the latest addition to Juniper Systems suite of rugged handheld computers, along with the opportunity to enter an exciting drawing. -- Posted Friday, June 18, 2010 by chb

DLI upgrades its rugged tablets
LaPorte, In. based DLI announced it has upgraded its line of rugged tablet computers with new HiBrite LED display technology that combines reduced internal reflection, enhanced polarization coating and a stronger backlight (up to 900 nits) to increase effective contrast ratio by a factor of 1.6x while using no more power than older CCFL displays (available in the DLI 8300 rugged tablet and 8400 ultra-mobile tablet). In addition, standard displays now also get LED backlighting, and DLI is integrating Wacom's Penabled digitizer touch screen technology in the DLI 8300, 8400 and 8800 Mobile POS Tablet. -- Posted Thursday, June 17, 2010 by chb

HP completes purchase of Phoenix's Linux-based quick-boot OS
Phoenix Technologies has sold its HyperSpace, HyperCore and Phoenix Flip instant-on technology to HP for US$12 million. Phoenix had developed the Linux-based system for people who were tired of waiting for Windows to boot. Instead, HyperCore allowed almost instant start-up and access to browsing and other core functions, while also running Windows. Phoenix apparently wasn't able to get traction with it, but HP, with aspirations in the emerging tablet market, may be able to build on the technology. [See Phoenix release] -- Posted Wednesday, June 16, 2010 by chb

JLT releases new version of its rugged JLT8404 tablet
Swedish rugged computing manufacturer JLT began shipping an updated version of its rugged JLT8404 tablet. The primary change seems to be a switch from the 1.1GHz Intel Atom Z510, which we always considered a bit underpowered for this class of tablet, with the ubiquitous 1.6GHz Atom N270 that's successfully used in millions of netbooks. Based on RuggedPCReview.com's benchmark library, we expect a 40-50% performance increase. The new version is available with Windows 7 and a Sierra Wireless WAN module. -- Posted Wednesday, June 16, 2010 by chb

Canada Post to deploy more than 8,000 Intermec CN50s
Intermec announced that Canada Post, the official postal service of Canada, has selected the Intermec CN50 to equip more than 8,000 foot-based letter carriers to provide timely delivery information to customers for all traceable items via real-time upload of scanned data. Through its EA21 scanner and 3G radio, the CN50 can communicate with the Canada Post Central Delivery Information Application to provide data capture and delivery processes as part of a transformational Canada Post program to modernize its postal network end to end. -- Posted Wednesday, June 16, 2010 by chb

Zebra releases all-in-one printer/handheld for Motorola MC70/75
Zebra Technologies Corp. announced the new RW 420 Print Station (model RW4-PS), a printer and hand-held in one unit that's capable of supporting the Motorola MC70 and MC75 handheld terminals. The thermal RW 420 can be operated between -4 and 131 degrees Fahrenheit, weighs just over three pounds, and prints 4-inch paper at 3"/second. [See Zebra RW 420 Print Station page] -- Posted Tuesday, June 15, 2010 by chb

Black Diamond delivers rugged handheld dual-iris capture biometrics device
Black Diamond Advanced Technology has designed and delivered to Northrop Grumman a ruggedized, identity-management system for secure and efficient multi-modal biometrics collection in the field. Called the BioTRAC, the advanced multi-biometric, mobile handheld computer features IriTech's new embedded-processor dual-iris camera system, which is capable of outdoor, independent dual-iris image capture in less than 5 seconds on a rugged platform. -- Posted Monday, June 14, 2010 by chb

Healthcare IT leaders merge
Allscripts, a major provider of clinical software, information and connectivity solutions for physicians, and Eclipsys, a major enterprise provider of solutions and services for hospitals and clinicians, announced an agreement to merge in a stock transaction valued at approximately US$1.3 billion. The combined client base includes 1,500 hospitals and 180,000 physicians, and is certain to have an impact on the rugged mobile tablet and MCA market. [See press release] -- Posted Monday, June 14, 2010 by chb

Avnet signs distribution agreement with GD-Itronix
Avnet Technology Solutions, an operating group of US$7 billion Avnet, Inc., and General Dynamics Itronix announced a pan-European distribution agreement for GD-Itronix's wireless, rugged computing solutions, including rugged laptops, tablet PCs and Ultra Mobile PCs. The agreement enables Avnet to distribute the full GDI product portfolio of rugged mobile solutions through Avnet's extensive network of business partners, including system developers and VARs throughout Europe, Turkey and Russia. [Read Avnet press release] -- Posted Monday, June 14, 2010 by chb

Editors abuse Getac computers!
What happens when a bunch of editors visit the Getac facilities in Taipei during the Computex trade show? They abuse Getac rugged notebooks, tablets and handhelds. See the results in this YouTube video. -- Posted Monday, June 14, 2010 by chb

Zebra Enterprise Solutions World conference San Francisco Sept. 26-29, 2010
Zebra Technologies announced details for Solutions World 2010, the eighth biennial conference focused on technology advancements in marine terminal operations and supply chain logistics. Formerly known as Navis World, the user-conference is now Zebra Enterprise Solutions World and will be held September 26-29, 2010, at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. Supporters and partners include rugged computer manufacturers Motorola, DRS Technologies and LXE. [See conference page] -- Posted Tuesday, June 8, 2010 by chb

Socket Mobile scanners for use with iPad/iPhone
Socket Mobile announced Apple iPhone/iPad/iPod touch OS 4 compatibility for the Socket Bluetooth Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS) 7X and its antimicrobial equivalent, the CHS 7XRx. Both are lightweight, portable, state-of-the-art 1D/2D barcode scanners that fit a diverse set of application requirements in a range of industries including healthcare, hospitality, retail, automotive and the public sector. [See video of how the scanners work with the iPhone] -- Posted Tuesday, June 8, 2010 by chb

Psion Teklogix and Mobile Tornado brings Push-to services to rugged devices
Psion Teklogix and Mobile Tornado announced that Psion Teklogix will now resell and support Mobile Tornado's "Push-to" technology on its rugged mobile computers. This partnership will enable organizations to communicate with, alert and locate workers via Psion Teklogix’s handheld computers at the push of a button reducing costs, increasing efficiency and improving safety. -- Posted Tuesday, June 8, 2010 by chb

Black Diamond and CTI wearable computer for Israeli military
Black Diamond Advanced Technology, makers of the SwitchBack, has been awarded the production and manufacturing contract from Computech International (CTI) for a ruggedized, wearable tactical computer system for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The production award follows a successful prototype phase, which began in January 2009 and culminated in a successful 6-month end-user evaluation. The Digital Army Computer System (DACS) will be deployed by the IDF in late 2010. [See press release] -- Posted Monday, June 7, 2010 by chb

Avalue releases rugged Intel Atom D510-based IPC
Industrial computer manufacturer Avalue Technology has released a series of new rugged embedded system in its ERS- series industrial PCs for use in vehicles as well as industrial and military equipment. The 5.5-pound ERS-PNV-510 is especially interesting with its dual core Intel Atom D510 processor and generous onboard I/O (5 USB, 3 serial, 2 LAN, video, mini-PCIe, etc.). The platform is also available with single core Atom D410 or N450 processors. [See Avalue ERSPNV-510 product page] -- Posted Monday, June 7, 2010 by chb

Major upgrade to Getac's compact rugged E100 tablet
In 2008, Getac was ahead of the time when it introduced the small and compact E100 rugged tablet that weighed just three pounds. In our full review we lauded the E100's functionality, expansion potential, long battery life, and superb outdoor-viewable display. However, time moves on, and Getac has now given the E100 a major technology upgrade with a switch to a 1.6GHz Atom processor, the addition of an RS232 port, an option for dual smart card readers for special applications and requirements, embedded microphone, 812.11a/g/n wireless LAN, Gigabit LAN and Bluetooth 2.0 as standard features, with optional 3G Network connectivity. Ruggedness as been boosted to IP65 sealing, the battery is hot-swappable, and there is a comprehensive 5-year warranty. -- Posted Tuesday, June 1, 2010 by chb

Microsoft announces Windows Embedded Compact 7
During a keynote address at Computex Taipei, Microsoft announced Windows Embedded Compact 7. It's just a "public community technology preview" for now, but this will be the next version of Windows CE (now called Windows Embedded CE), designed to allow OEMs to create specialized devices. Microsoft stressed a major update to Internet Explorer, support for Adobe Flash 10.1 and seamless integration with Windows 7. The emphasis clearly seems to be on full integration into the massive existing Microsoft infrastructure. [See Windows Embedded Compact 7 page] -- Posted Tuesday, June 1, 2010 by chb

LXE releases four new Toughtalk headsets
According to Materials Handling World, rugged handheld and panel computer maker LXE has released four new LXE "Toughtalk" headsets, specifically designed with superior noise cancellation and ruggedness for voice recognition applications. [See news item] -- Posted Tuesday, June 1, 2010 by chb

ACME introduces rugged portable MicroTCA Versa 100
Many of those who need and use carrier-grade communication equipment in the open-standard COTS MicroTCA format (see intro to MicroTCA) have been looking for a portable rugged MicroTCA platform. The wait is over as ACME Portable Machines introduced the Versa 100 MicroTCA Rugged Portable. The ruggedized Versa product family is designed to meet various harsh environments and for easy customization, complying with MIL-STD 810F testing for shock and vibration. The 25-lbs Versa 100 measures 16 x 12.5 x 8 inches, has a 15-inch display and provides three mid size AMC and two full size AMC card slots. [See release] -- Posted Monday, May 31, 2010 by chb

4G -- ready for prime time?
Sprint is now advertising 4G wireless, with significantly faster download and upload speed. but given that AT&T and Verizon still argue who has better 3G coverage and speed, can we assume that 4G is ready for prime time? We're taking a look at 4G technologies and how it may all play out. [See 4G -- ready for prime time?] -- Posted Friday, May 28, 2010 by chb

Juniper Systems partners with Beijing Water & Land
Juniper Systems, Inc. announced its partnership with Beijing Water & Land, based in China. Beijing Water & Land specializes in environmental monitoring equipment and is a leading provider of such equipment in China. Juniper Systems rugged handheld computer, the Archer, works well with Beijing Water & Land’s environmental monitoring equipment for water quality monitoring, including probes for water quality testing and soil sampling. For more information about Beijing Water & Land and the Archer Field PC please visit their website at http://www.waterland.com.cn. -- Posted Thursday, May 27, 2010 by chb

Getac tablet and handheld score "Best Choice" at 2010 Computex Taipei
Getac announced that Computex has selected the Getac PS236 portable handheld device and V100 convertible notebook as "Best Choice" awards for 2010 during its annual trade show in Taipei. Both products were selected for the prestigious award after passing three stages of judging. The PS236 received top honors in the Communication category while the V100 was recognized in the Computer and System category. Both products were selected for their innovation, overall functionality, and export potential based on market need and international appeal. -- Posted Wednesday, May 26, 2010 by chb

Intermec CN50 gets upgrades
Intermec announced enhancements to its most advanced rugged mobile computer, the CN50. The improvements double RAM to 256MB and for data capture, customer now have the choice between the EA11 1D/2D area imager for scan-intensive applications, or the EA21 area imager that is designed for barcode reading as well as full page document imaging with Intermec's eMDI software. For businesses in regions that do not have 3G cellular networks or with limited data communications requirements, Intermec is also offering a version of the CN50 that operates over EDGE networks. -- Posted Monday, May 24, 2010 by chb

RAM Mount for the Apple iPad
The Apple iPad transcends conventional computing boundaries and classifications. While it is not a rugged or vertical market device, many will use an iPad in addition to their current mobile computing gear, and in quite a few cases, iPads will replace older technology. That's probably why RAM-Mounts has introduced RAM Mounts for the Apple iPad, a series of mounting products designed to mount and take the iPad anywhere. We took a look at RAM's new iPad cradle and mounting solutions for you. [See RAM Mount for iPad] -- Posted Monday, May 24, 2010 by chb

Panasonic upgrades Toughbook 19 to Core i5 and Gobi 2000
Though Panasonic's Toughbook 19 didn't become the Toughbook 20 (as the recently upgraded Toughbook 30 became the 31), the enhancements to Pana's venerable notebook convertible might well have justified a new number designation as well. A switch from an Intel Core 2 Duo SU9300 to a Core i5-540UM brings major performance improvements at no penalty to battery life, there's now optional Gobi 1000 and WiMAX, a camera, the backlight is LED now, and you can get dual touch input. Ruggedness is substantially improved as well, with IP65 sealing (IP54 before) and an incredible 6-foot drop-spec (up from 3-foot). And the starting price is down, too, to US$3,399. -- Posted Monday, May 24, 2010 by chb

Full review: DLI 8400 rugged ultra-mobile tablet
The DLI 8400 is a rugged ultra-mobile tablet with an integrated keyboard suitable for a wide variety of field service, mobile payment, first responder, fleet management and similar applications. Measuring about 10 x 8 x 2 inches and weighing a bit over three pounds, the Atom Z530-powered DLI 8400 with its 7-inch WSVGA touchscreen and integrated magcard reader is significantly smaller and lighter than full-size rugged tablets but it is still large enough to serve as a full-function computer. In a detailed analysis, RuggedPCReview.com found the DLI 8400 a very competent and highly configurable ultra-mobile tablet that can run Windows 7 or several other operating systems. [See detailed review of the DLI 8400] -- Posted Thursday, May 20, 2010 by chb

Intel vPro technology—what is it all about?
If you follow Intel, you know that the company not only loves code names, but also special technologies that are then used to market certain chips or chip families. At some point it was "with MMX" that made Intel Pentium chips special in hilarious commercials showing Intel engineers in astronaut suits. For the latest families of Core processors, Intel stresses "Turbo Boost." Another Intel technology that gets a little less attention is vPro, but vPro is now becoming part of the marketing message of some ruggedized mobile computing products that have been upgraded to include Intel's latest Core i5 and Core i7 processors. So what is vPro all about? [read more ...] -- Posted Wednesday, May 19, 2010 by chb

Motion brings Intel Core i5/i7power to enhanced Motion F5v tablet
Motion Computing released a major update to its rugged Motion F5 tablet. The new Motion F5v gets a substantial performance boost by switching to Intel Core i5/i7 processors. In RuggedPCReview's benchmark testing, the new Motion F5v has roughly 2.2x performance compared to the 2009 Core 2 Duo machine while improving on battery life. The new F5v also benefits from additional enhancements such as onboard USB, dual cameras, larger hard disk, Gobi 2000, and standard Corning "Gorilla glass" for a nearly unbreakable display. [Read detailed review and benchmarks of the new Motion F5v tablet] -- Posted Wednesday, May 19, 2010 by chb

DuPont introduces new direct bonding adhesives for displays
DuPont Display Enhancements has introduced four new products to its Vertak family of optical bonding adhesives that have the potential of making sunlight readable displays even better. They can be used with a broader range of glass and plastic substrates, support all touch sensor technologies, and can be used in high volume automated direct bonding equipment. [See DuPont Vertak High Performance Adhesive webpage] -- Posted Thursday, May 13, 2010 by chb

MobileDemand equips NASCAR Red Bull Racing Team with rugged Tablet PCs
MobileDemand announced its sponsorship with the Red Bull Racing Team which competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Mobile Demand has provided the team with ten of its new rugged xTablet T7000 ultra mobile computers. The devices will be predominately used by the spotter, tires pecialist and the gas man to record and compute data. Integrated bar cod escanners will assist the tire specialist in organizing the race tires throughout the weekend. [See press release] -- Posted Thursday, May 13, 2010 by chb

Panasonic unveils impressive Toughbook 31
Panasonic announced the Toughbook 31, a fully rugged notebook computer for tough jobs in the field, in vehicles, and in any situation where a standard notebook would quickly fail. The Panasonic Toughbook 31 replaces the Toughbook 30 with a variety of technology updates and enhancements that brings the platform technologically up-to-date without obsoleting existing customers' investment in Toughbook 30 docks and peripherals. Standard voltage Intel Core i3 and Core i5 processors provide high performance while still yielding exceptional battery life, LED backlighting makes for an even brighter 1,100 nits display, touch is now standard, optional Gobi 2000 supports 4G wireless, and the new model is more rugged than ever. [See detailed description and specs of the Panasonic Toughbook 31] -- Posted Wednesday, May 12, 2010 by chb

Panasonic forms Panasonic Healthcare Company
Panasonic announced that it will change the company name of its Panasonic Shikoku Electronics subsidiary (about 3,000 employees) to Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd. The purpose of the name change is to unify the strategy for the healthcare business on a global scale as Panasonic regards the healthcare business as one of the key businesses in the future. For now, this does not seem to include mobile computers (such as the Panasonic H1 MCA), though the group does make medical computing products such as in-hospital navigation systems. -- Posted Monday, May 10, 2010 by chb

Psion Teklogix holds free webinar May 12th
On May 12th, 2010 at 11 am EDT (3 pm GMT) Psion Teklogix will be hosting a live web event, Adaptive Ingenuity: Delivering Solutions that Drive Demand, that will inform you of the latest in technology advancements and change your outlook on how to win in these tough times. This webinar is complementary and will also include a brief introduction to the latest at Psion Teklogix by Guy-Franck Nakach, VP Worldwide Channels, Psion Teklogix. [Register for free Psion Teklogix webinar] -- Posted Monday, May 10, 2010 by chb

EMS Technologies encouraged by LXE sales growth
EMS Technologies, the parent of rugged handheld and vehicle mount computer maker LXE, announced Q1 2010 revenues of US$82.9 million, with a million in net earnings. That's down from US$92.3 million in revenues and US$2.3 million in net earnings in Q1 2009, due to "the currently slower conditions in our aviation and defense markets." EMS president and CEO Dr. Neil Mackay, however, said that "we were encouraged by the sales growth in our logistics businesses, LXE and Global Tracking." LXE contributed US$30.6 million in revenues, up by 28% from last year. The sales growth at LXE was attributed to "the success of the company's new indirect distribution model. LXE has lower operating costs and efficiencies after its restructuring, and the pace of new product roll-outs is increasing." -- Posted Monday, May 10, 2010 by chb

Full PDF reviews available for Getac 9213, PS236, PS535F
Taking advantage of the layout expertise we gathered over many years of print publishing, RuggedPCReview.com makes selected full product reviews available as "print-style" layouts in PDF format. The latest batch includes three Getac models, the 9213 business rugged notebook, and the PS236 and PS535F rugged handhelds. [See full PDF reviews of the Getac 9213, Getac PS236, and Getac PS535F] -- Posted Monday, May 10, 2010 by chb

Xplore highlights low failure rates
In a May 5th press release, Xplore Technologies talks about "a significant increase in customer reorders and upgrades over the past two quarters," which is certainly good news. Interesting to observers of the rugged market, however, is another statement by Xplore: "According to internal findings, customers have experienced less than 1.5% field failure with Xplore systems and, in one large scale deployment, that rate is almost two times lower than that of the previous rugged computer provider." Interesting because for several years now, Panasonic has been claiming very substantially lower failure rates than anyone else, with no one ever challenging those figures or presenting their own. -- Posted Sunday, May 9, 2010 by chb

"Moorestown" — Intel's new Z6xx Atom platform and how it fits in
On May 4th, Intel introduced the next generation of its initial family of Z5xx Atom processor. Codenamed "Moorestown," the Z6xx family, together with a new I/O controller and signal processing chip are meant to make Intel competitive in the booming smartphone and internet access device market. On paper at least, the new processor family looks very good and may yet help Intel establish itself in the device market (which, interestingly, they abandoned when they sold the XSCALE application processor business to Marvell a couple of years ago). But before we go into details of Moorestown, let's backtrack and see how Intel's whole Atom venture began and developed. [more ...] -- Posted Thursday, May 6, 2010 by chb

Getac boosts sealing of its rugged PS535F handheld
We just heard that Getac has boosted the Getac PS535F's ingress protection rating from IP54 to IP65. The IP rating of a rugged device describes how well it is protected against dust and water. IP65 means the rugged Getac PS535F handheld is now totally protected against dust, and can handle low pressure water jets (as opposed to just spray) from all directions. [See full review of the Getac PS535F] -- Posted Thursday, May 6, 2010 by chb

Added: QSI TREQ-DX and TREQ-L rugged vehicle terminals
We added two more small vehicle-mount systems from QSI Corporation to RuggedPCReview.com. The TREQ-DX has an 800 x 480 pixel 7-inch wide-format touchscreen, function buttons and directional controls, runs Windows CE 5.0, and can be equipped with digital I/O, WiFi and WWLAN. The TREQ-L is a more economical version for when there's no need for wireless or extra connectivity. [Read description and specs of the QSI TREQ-DX and QSI TREQ-L] -- Posted Tuesday, May 4, 2010 by chb

Windows Embedded and Intel announce availability of digital signage platform
Windows Embedded and Intel announced the availability of a validated digital signage platform optimized to address the retail and digital signage market’s need for a more streamlined, high-performance and highly reliable solution. For more information on the Windows Embedded Standard 7-based Digital Signage Evaluation Kit (DSEK) for the new platform click here. The Intel Core i5-based Winmate hardware certainly looks impressive. -- Posted Tuesday, May 4, 2010 by chb

Bill Gates still believes in pen computing but iPad, not so much
In a wide-ranging interview just broadcast on FBN, Bill Gates commented on the state of Microsoft's tablet projects after the demise of the Courier project:

“Microsoft has a lot of different tablet projects that we're pursuing. We think that work with the pen that Microsoft pioneered will become a mainstream for students. It can give you a device that you can not only read, but also create documents at the same time.”

Though he praised Apple's success overall in the interview, he delivered a not-so-subtle jab at the iPad's lack of a stylus back in February, basically calling it a "nice reader" but that's about it:

"You know, I'm a big believer in touch and digital reading, but I still think that some mixture of voice, the pen and a real keyboard -- in other words a netbook -- will be the mainstream on that."
LINK TO: Interview at GuruFocus.com

-- Posted Tuesday, May 4, 2010 by dtm

Publishing and the iPad
As a former print publisher, I spent some time comparing different approaches to magazine publishing on the iPad. Given the amount of hype about the iPad being the savior of publishing, I am surprised there is not an iMagazine app or some such. I mean, Apple could take the lead here yet again, creating the iTunes of the magazine world. [more ...] -- Posted Tuesday, May 4, 2010 by chb

Intermec Q1 revenue down due to weak North American and US government sales
Intermec reported Q1 2010 revenues of US$149.2 million and a net loss of $3.6 million, compared to 2009 Q1 revenues of US$162.6 million and a net loss of $10.4 million. "Our results fell short of our expectations due to the US government sector and North America. On the other hand, we saw strong performance across our product and service offerings in our channels and international markets," said Patrick J. Byrne, Intermec President and CEO. Q2 2010 Revenues are expected to be within a range of $150 to $165 million, compared to Q2 2009 Revenues of $158 million. [See Intermec Q1 2010 results] -- Posted Monday, May 3, 2010 by chb

Motorola/Symbol and Opticon finally settle
Ending a dispute that's been going on for a couple of decades, Motorola and OPTO Electronics of Japan have announced a cross license agreement settling all outstanding intellectual property disputes between the two companies and their subsidiaries, including Symbol Technologies where it all started. Under the cross license agreement Opticon has taken a royalty bearing license to Motorola's patents in the fields of laser and imaging barcode scanning, and mobile computing. [See Motorola release on Opticon cross licensing] -- Posted Monday, May 3, 2010 by chb

Small rugged vehicle-mount: QSI TREQ-M4
Many mobile applications require a small, rugged vehicle-mount computer for a variety of simple data lookup, data entry, fare collection, and other custom applications. Such computer must be simple to use and operate, ultra-reliable, and small enough to never get in the way. The Marvell PXA300/Windows Embedded CE 6.0-powered QSI TREQ-M4 mobile data terminal was designed for just those tasks. [See description and specs of the QSI TREQ-M4] -- Posted Sunday, May 2, 2010 by chb