Live aerial surveillance solution for mobile devices
Helinet Technologies, the aerial surveillance solutions division of Helinet Aviation, announced the launch of HT 4Sight, a mobile technology solution to allow ground-based personnel to view live, encrypted video feeds on their mobile devices. -- Posted Wednesday, February 3, 2010 by chb

RAM announces MDT-Mate vehicle mounting solution
For a lot of vehicle-based mobile professionals, being able to have quick and convenient access to their notbook or tablet computer is essential. Unfortunately, most mounting systems are rigid and inflexible, making it difficult to comfortably use the system, or for both the driver and a passenger to use it. RAM's new MDT-Mount looks like the perfect solution for these problems. [See description of the RAM MDT-Mount vehicle mount system] -- Posted Friday, January 29, 2010 by chb

Download: Getac Night Vision Technology
NVG (Night Vision Goggles) and NVIS (Night Vision Imaging Systems) are important terms for anyone doing business with aviation and military customers. Getac has compiled an informative white paper on night vision technology and how it applies to their systems. [Read Getac Night Vision Technology] -- Posted Friday, January 29, 2010 by chb

Added: TAG TC-100 Commander rugged UMPC
The TC-100 Commander by Technology Advancement Group (TAG) is a rugged ultra-mobile PC. Based on the 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 chip and equipped with a 7-inch daylight-viewable touchscreen, the TC-100 runs either Windows or Linux, does not need a fan, can handle extreme temperatures, is waterproof, offers excellent expansion and can be built to order in numerous configurations. [See description and specs of the TAG TC-100 rugged UMPC] -- Posted Friday, January 29, 2010 by chb

Talking with Paul Moore, Fujitsu's Senior Director of Product Development
Fujitsu has been into tablets longer than most and probably has the most experience of any Tablet PC and convertible vendors. Fujitsu had the PoquetPAD and 325Point tablets a decade before IBM reinvented the Tablet PC in 2002, and the company is now in something like the 40th generation of tablet technology. A few days ago RuggedPCReview.com had a chance to talk with Paul Moore, Fujitsu's Senior Director of Product Development. [Read discussion with Fujitsu's Paul Moore] -- Posted Thursday, January 28, 2010 by chb

Advantech offers projected capacitive touch in industrial panel PC
Among all the hoopla over the iPad and sleek touch device concepts everywhere, let's not forget that projected capacitive touch technology is available, and applicable, in some rugged devices as well. Zytronic, a British company specializing in electronic display enhancements, announced that Advantech again chose its projected capacitive technology touch sensor for its rugged PPC-175T 17-inch fixed-mount panel computer. [See Zytronic release and Advantech PPC-175T] -- Posted Thursday, January 28, 2010 by chb

A game changer: Apple announces the iPad
After months of intense hype and speculation, Apple announced the iPad, a 7.5 x 9.6 inch tablet that's just half an inch thick and weighs just a pound and a half. The iPad has a 9.7-inch 768 x 1024 pixel multi-touch display, runs all iPhone apps and starts at US$499. There are also 3G versions that start at US$629. Apple announced a US$14.99/month limited and a US$29.99/month unlimited plan, without 2-year contract, and the iPad is unlocked. Apple also announced an iBook Store and special iPad versions of the iWorks apps. [Read full description of the new Apple iPad]
-- Posted Wednesday, January 27, 2010 by chb

Good Technology acquires CloudSync
Good Technology announced it has acquired CloudSync, a Denver, Colorado-based mobile device management company. The acquisition furthers Good's mission of enabling device choice in the enterprise by providing enhanced device management for the broadest range of devices, including laptops, tablets, ruggedized handhelds, and leading smartphone platforms through a secure, cloud-based service offering that does not require enterprises to deploy and manage additional hardware or software. -- Posted Wednesday, January 27, 2010 by chb

RMT gets patent on unique computer architecture
RMT Inc. has been granted U.S. Patent No. 7,607,005, entitled, "Virtual Hardware System with Universal Ports Using FPGA," which is the technology used in the SwitchBack ultra-rugged mobile computer that is part of the company's Black Diamond Advanced Technology product line. While the SwitchBack looks like just an ordinary rugged UMPC, it actually uses an advanced system architecture where a Xilinx Virtex Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) controls the computer, and the CPU and chipset are peripherals. The FPGA-based approach allows easy upgrading and repeated reconfiguration as well as the ability to perform complex, sophisticated tasks at record speed. -- Posted Tuesday, January 26, 2010 by chb

ABI Research: ARM will overtake x86 in ultra-mobile devices
While about 90% of all ultra-mobile devices (i.e. netbooks, MIDs, smartbooks, UMPCs) shipped in 2009 used x86-based processors, ABI Research projects that ARM-based processor platforms will overtake the x86 chips and become the dominant processor platform by 2013. ABI Research says this trend is helped by the general perception that ARM-based devices are "always connected." So ABI is basically predicting a scenario where Atom is moving upscale and ARM takes over the low and perhaps not-so-low end. [See ARM-based Processors Will Overtake x86 in Ultra-mobile Devices in 2013] -- Posted Monday, January 25, 2010 by chb

u-blox launches compact 3.5G module
u-blox, a provider of wireless communication and GPS solutions, announced LUCY, a new family of high-speed wireless modules supporting full tri-band HSDPA and quad-band GSM/GPRS data and voice communication in a compact form factor. Featuring HSDPA data-rates of up to 7.2 Mb/s, GPRS/EDGE class 12 data transmission, voice, SMS and Fax capabilities, LUCY modules come in a compact form-factor and have very low power consumption. [See ublox LUCY product page] -- Posted Monday, January 25, 2010 by chb

Enbase and Getac partner to offer turnkey, energy field service solution
Enbase Energy Technology, a leading energy-focused automation company, announced today that it has partnered with Getac, an innovator and manufacturer of rugged notebook and handheld computer devices, to provide its Field Service Automation customers with a complete, turnkey technology solution for energy-related field service operations. -- Posted Thursday, January 21, 2010 by chb

Xplore launches military tablet computer
Xplore Technologies launched a new version of its iX104C4 rugged Tablet PC, this one geared for military duty. Drawing upon a reliable low voltage Intel Core Duo processor, the company's proprietary enhanced outdoor viewing technology, single or dual mode digitizers, the i104C4M is designed to be a compact tablet computing platform able to meet rigorous military requirements. [See description and specs of the Xplore Technologies iX104C4M rugged military tablet.] -- Posted Wednesday, January 20, 2010 by chb

ID and age verification software assists and protects retailers
According to System Solutions, LLC, of Glastonbury, CT, Microsoft Dynamics Age Verification software allows retailers to have more control over selling items such as alcohol and cigarettes. Available with the new Microsoft POS 2009 solution, the ID and Age Verification software includes features to assist and protect store owners and employees such as automatic prompts to cashiers when select items are scanned, instant driver's license verification, and storage of transaction information. -- Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2010 by chb

Justice Assistance Grant buys GD-Itronix computers for Butte, Montana Police Department
The Montana Standard reports that economic stimulus money is used to assist law enforcement with new hires and more modern equipment. A Justice Assistance Grant was received to purchase General Dynamics Itronix rugged computers for installation in patrol cars, allowing officers to quickly access databases and efficiently communicate with other agencies. -- Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2010 by chb

Getac strengthens global presence
Getac, the world's third largest fully rugged computing solution manufacturer, announced that as part of its global sales expansion plan, it has appointed Uwe Hennig as its Country Director in Germany to lead the rugged computing business development in the DACH region, including Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Hennig will operate from a new Getac sales office to be opened soon in Dusseldorf, Germany in Q2, 2010. -- Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2010 by chb

Microsoft and Intel partner on digital signage platform
Microsoft announced a strategic alliance with Intel to deliver a platform optimized for the digital signage industry. Using the Windows 7-based Windows Embedded Standard 2011 OS and Intel Core i7 processors, the platform is optimized to address the retail and digital signage market's need for streamlined, high-performance and highly reliable solutions. Highlights of the platform include panning and zoom, touch, and gesture input; video analytics capabilities (i.e. camera recognizes people and targets ads); remote deployment and management; and greener power technology. [See Microsoft press release] -- Posted Monday, January 18, 2010 by chb

Panasonic and Tracewell systems partner for aircraft maintenance solutions
Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, the manufacturer of Panasonic Toughbook computers, and Tracewell Systems, an electronic packaging manufacturer, have formed a strategic alliance to co-market integrated aircraft maintenance solutions consisting of Panasonic Toughbooks and Tracewell E-Tool Mobile Manager systems for the U.S. Military. The solution allows for reliable and efficient management of digital Technical Orders (TOs), offering maintenance crews the ability to view and manage all TOs digitally at the point of use.
-- Posted Monday, January 18, 2010 by chb

ACME Portable adds DisplayPort support
Acme Portable Machines has added DisplayPort support to its Comrade and EMP rugged portable computers. DisplayPort is a high-speed digital interface replacement for LVDS, DVI and VGA. DisplayPort has fewer wires, a smaller connector, can drive digital displays directly, supports both RGB and YCbCr encoding, supports external and internal connections, and is generally designed to deliver high resolutions, fast refresh rates, and rich colors, DisplayPort delivers every pixel with no compression for the highest quality and accurate image, which makes it a great solution for 3D modeling, simulation, video editing, medical imaging, etc. -- Posted Friday, January 15, 2010 by chb

LXE upgrades VX8 Kärf and VX9 Förj vehicle-mounts
LXE, the mobile logistics business of EMS Technologies, Inc., released two updates to its Trux line of rugged vehicle-mount computers. The VX8 Kärf and the larger VX9 Förj vehicle-mounts can now be ordered with Intel Core 2 Duo and Atom processors, LED backlit displays, more storage and updated mobile radios -- Posted Friday, January 15, 2010 by chb

MobileDemand announces availability of ultra-compact xTablet 7000
Leading Tablet PC provider MobileDemand announced the availability of the "Retail Ready" xTablet T7000, a rugged mini Tablet PC that combines the functionality of a notebook, full Windows OS and the portability and data collection capabilities of a handheld in a light-weight slate form factor with a built-in numeric keypad, optional QWERTY keyboard attachment, color camera and 7-inch high resolution (1024 x 600 & 768) all-light-readable touch screen display. [See full review of the Mobile Demand xTablet T7000] -- Posted Friday, January 15, 2010 by chb

UPS and Honeywell team on next-gen UPS delivery handheld
UPS and Honeywell announced they are teaming on a new-generation handheld for UPS drivers. Known internally as the DIAD V (Delivery Information Acquisition Device V), the Honeywell device is smaller and lighter (about 1.3 lbs.) than the (Symbol-made) predecessor DIAD IV, can auto-jump between cellular carriers when a signal is lost, displays maps, has an advanced 2D imager, faster WiFi, and can send/receive messages to redirect drivers. The DIAD V also has a still/video camera and GPS. UPS will begin field testing the device in late 2010 and begin a multi-year, global deployment in 2011. The DIAD V will be approved for operation in more than 100 countries. Now how did Motorola/Symbol lose that giant account? -- Posted Friday, January 15, 2010 by chb

Automated Vehicle Locator solution on the Motorola MC75
Descartes Systems Group, a federated global logistics network, announced that its latest intelligent Automated Vehicle Locator solution is now available on the Motorola MC75. -- Posted Friday, January 15, 2010 by chb

LCD optical film a US$9.1 billion market
According to DisplaySearch, the market for TFT LCD optical films (polarizers, reflectors, diffusers, etc.) is expected to grow by 11% by area in 2010 (see stats). The company's Quarterly Display Optical Film Report covers basic introduction, technical evolutions, market forecast, capacity profiles, value chain relationships, as well as cost and price, for each of these films. -- Posted Tuesday, January 12, 2010 by chb

Advantech announced embedded boards with new Intel Core i7
Advantech, a leading provider of embedded platforms and integration services, announced its new series of high-reliability embedded boards based on the new Intel Core i7 processor ranging from Computer-On-Modules and Single Board Computers (SBCs) to industrial motherboards. These include the performance-oriented Advantech's Mini-ITX motherboard AIMB-280, MicroATX motherboard AIMB-580, ATX motherboard AIMB-780, and the SBC PCE-5125. On the low power side of things, Advantech announced the COM-Express SOM-5788, the Mini-ITC AIMB-270, and the PCM-9593 with thermal design power (TDP) between 18 and 35 watts. The image shows the tiny 3.74 x 4.92 inch SOM-5788 COM-Express module. Note the Core i7 chip with the integrated graphics/memory controller chip on the same package. -- Posted Tuesday, January 12, 2010 by chb

10 Healthcare IT trends to watch in 2010
Healthcare Technology Online presented a list of ten healthcare information technology trends to watch this year. Electronic medical records (EMR) are high on the list as still only less than 1% of all US hospitals have complete systems. Storage, remote monitoring and telehealth systems also rank high. Lots of opportunity for rugged and mobile technology. [See 10 Healthcare IT trends to watch in 2010] -- Posted Tuesday, January 12, 2010 by chb

Of interest for future rugged tablets: Intel WiDi
At CES, Intel showed Wireless Display Technology (WiDi) where mobile computers equipped with some of the new Core i3 and Core i5 processors will be able to wirelessly display on a HDTV over their 802.11n network connection and a receiver that connects to an HDTV HDMI port. This could come in very handy for mobile presentations and similar field uses. [See report by hothardware.com] -- Posted Tuesday, January 12, 2010 by chb

Honeywell's accurate, inexpensive new digital compass chip
A little frustrated with the performance and accuracy of current integrated eCompass circuitry? Honeywell just announced a new three-axis digital compass chip that enables directional pointing and location features in handhelds. Based on the tiny HMC5883 surface mount chip, the system offers high resolution, no need for the cumbersome "figure eight" calibration, immunity to most large magnetic disturbances, and an I2C interface. [See Honeywell 3-axis digital compass page] -- Posted Tuesday, January 12, 2010 by chb

Rugged waterproof IP67-rated cellphone with Gorilla Glass
Sonim Technologies, makers of those Xtreme Performance rugged phones, announced the GSM/GPRS/EDGE XP3.2 Quest Pro that features an IP67 rating, can be dropped from up to 6.5 feet onto concrete, submerged in water, and used in -5 to 130 degree temperatures. The XP3.2 Quest Pro has 18 hours talk time, integrated GPS, camera with illuminator, a shock and scratch resistant Gorilla Glass display and is built on the Philips Nexperia 5210 platform. Cost? US$499 unlocked. -- Posted Tuesday, January 12, 2010 by chb

RAM-Mounts now shipping powered dock for Motorola MC55
RAM Mounts is now shipping a powered dock for the Motorola MC55, MC5590 and MC5574 enterprise digital assistants. The dock uses 12-28VDC, includes a USB connection, two externally mounted pens, and can be mounted in any vehicle in numerous ways, using RAM's unsurpassed rubber ball mounting system. [See RAM dock for the Motorola/Symbol MC55] -- Posted Monday, January 11, 2010 by chb

Mercedes importer uses rugged Intermec handhelds
Better Online Solutions Ltd. announced the implementation and delivery of a RFID-enabled vehicle location system, including hand-held rugged terminals from Intermec, for Colmobil, the exclusive importer and distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Israel. RFID devices are used in sea ports, storage locations and Colmobil distribution center to locate, track and manage vehicles and improve the delivery process to its agencies. -- Posted Monday, January 11, 2010 by chb

InformationWeek publishes "Tablet PCs: Learning From The Past"
InformationWeek reprinted, with permission, RuggedPCReview.com editor Conrad Blickenstorfer's "Tablet PCs: Learning From The Past" [See article in InformationWeek] -- Posted Friday, January 8, 2010 by chb

Datalogic to show new Windows Mobile 6.5-based handheld
Datalogic Mobile will preview a new Datalogic PDA at the 2010 National Retail Federation trade show in New York City January 11-12 at the Datalogic booth No. 2445. Tom Burke, VP of Products and Services said, "the new PDA is one of the first in our industry to run Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows Mobile 6.5. We have also integrated the Datalogic patented Green Spot good read technology with both the laser bar code reader and the 2D imager. The new PDA also incorporates HF RFID support." Connectivity includes UMTS HSDPA voice and data, 802.11 a/b/gWiFi with CCX V4 certification, and Bluetooth 2.0 EDR. -- Posted Thursday, January 7, 2010 by chb

Slate and tablet computers: learning from the past
According to CNN, tablet-sized computers are now "a much-hyped category of electronics." But tablets were not invented by Microsoft in 2001, as many editors and industry pundits seem to think. Fact is, slate and tablet computers have been around for a good 20 years, and in 1991, there was as much hype about slates as we have today (see excerpts of "The Past and Future of Pen Computing" by RuggedPCReview.com editor Conrad H. Blickenstorfer). The image shows an Apple concept called the Knowledge Navigator from 1987, way before the World Wide Web was even invented. Read about Slate and tablet computers: learning from the past. -- Posted Thursday, January 7, 2010 by chb

Cool Intermec video on rugged printers
Intermec prepared a nice video demonstrating the ruggedness of their mobile printers. It shows how how Intermec rugged mobile printers handle a variety of challenging conditions. [See Intermec video on rugged printers] -- Posted Wednesday, January 6, 2010 by chb

HP TouchSmart tm2: improved multi-touch
HP has updated their TouchSmart tx2 with the TouchSmart tm2, an elegant, aluminum-clad convertible Tablet PC with multi-touch capabilities on its 12.1-inch display. Sporting Intel Core 2 Duo processors, the tm2 gets up to nine hours of battery life, a variety of touch-optimized software (including "BumpTop," a touch-enhanced 3-D interface for photos and documents), a fingerprint reader, but no optical drive. Pricing starts at US$949. Note that this is a consumer product, but relevant technology that we'll probably soon see in rugged tablets as well. -- Posted Wednesday, January 6, 2010 by chb

Waterproof antimicrobial keyboards and mice
Need an IP68-rated keyboard or mouse, one that can be cleaned in a dishwasher, or an antimicrobial one for use in medical and clinical settings? The folks at Seal Shield to the rescue. They offer a variety of waterproof-spillproof, antimicrobial keyboards, mice and other stuff, including, just announced, a totally waterproof and antimicrobial cellphone. [See Seal Shield site and technology] -- Posted Tuesday, January 5, 2010 by chb

Bsquare renews Microsoft embedded systems distribution agreement
Bsquare, known as Windows CE pioneer and today a leading software solutions provider to the global embedded device community, renewed its OEM distribution agreement with Microsoft under which Bsquare sells Microsoft's complete line of software products for embedded systems to OEMs in North America. The new agreement is effective for a six-month period through June 30, 2010, at which time Microsoft anticipates introducing updated agreements for its distributors. -- Posted Tuesday, January 5, 2010 by chb

Kudos for Motorola's 2007 purchase of Symbol
Stock market analysis firm Morningstar published a rating article on Motorola and commented that "Motorola has history of making acquisitions, but of the deals Motorola has closed over the past several years, only the $3.5 billion purchase of Symbol Technologies in 2007 was meaningful to the firm's financial position," describing the enterprise mobility segments as "solidly profitable." -- Posted Tuesday, January 5, 2010 by chb

Ralink's new 802.11n + Bluetooth 3.0 module
When we open up rugged mobile machinery here at RuggedPCReview, we often find Ralink wireless modules inside. At CES, the Ralink folks will demonstrate their new RT3090BC4 802.11n plus Bluetooth 3.0 half MiniCard module, so you get Bluetooth 3.0+HS and WiFi data rates of up to 150Mbps. As more and more WiFi networks switch to 802.11n and Bluetooth continues to gain acceptance, we hope to see this sort of technology in rugged systems soon. [See Ralink RT3090BC4 product sheet] -- Posted Monday, January 4, 2010 by chb

Getac announces 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty
Getac, a leading innovator and manufacturer of rugged computers, announced it will offer a new, 5-year warranty including damage that occurs due to accidental acts and exposure to environmental conditions, on its complete line of fully rugged notebook computers and tablets. The new 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty represents the best warranty in the industry at no additional cost to Getac customers. The new warranty covers all fully rugged systems delivered on or after January 1, 2010. [see blog entry] -- Posted Monday, January 4, 2010 by chb

Parvus supplies rugged mission computers for unmanned aircraft
Parvus announced that its DuraCOR 810 mission computers have been integrated into Northrop Grumman's MQ-5B Hunter Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). More than 40 DuraCOR 810 rugged multi-core mission processor subsystems designed for high reliability applications requiring MIL-STD-810F compliance with extreme temperatures, shock/vibration, and ingress protection have been delivered to sub-contractor Melhcorp and configured to operate as the Payload Interface Unit for the Hunter UAV. [Read Parvus press release] -- Posted Tuesday, December 29, 2009 by chb

More on the new Atoms
Those who followed the progress of Atom into rugged and embedded systems have noticed that it's pretty evenly split between the Atom N270 and the Atom Z510/530/540. The new Atom N450 is clearly the successor of the N270, so we'll probably see it in rugged devices, while the D410/510's path isn't as clear. [See new Atom processor description and commentary] -- Posted Wednesday, December 23, 2009 by chb

Intel announces next-gen Atom processors
Intel announced a next generation of Atom processors that succeed the current 230, 330, N270 and N280 processors (but not the Z-series Atoms, which are a different family). The new chips are the single core N450 geared towards netbook-style devices which we'll likely see in a lot of rugged/mobile systems, and the desktop-oriented single core D410 and dual core D510. All run at 1.66GHz. Whereas older N-series Atoms used a three-chip solution (Atom - ICH7M - GMCH), graphics and memory controller are now part of the new Atoms, resulting in a smaller two-chip solution (Atom - NM10). Graphics seem slightly improved, but there's still no HD hardware acceleration. The primary benefit may be reduced power consumption of the N410 package versus the N270/280 package (7 vs. 12 watts). The D410 and D510 packages seem to have faster graphics and there is no obvious reason why they could not be used in mobile systems as their system power consumption is still only 12 and 15 watts. [See list of all Intel Atom processors and Intel announcement of new Atoms] -- Posted Monday, December 21, 2009 by chb

Raytheon now developing mission software apps for iPhone/iPod Touch
Raytheon has unveiled the first of a series of mission software apps specifically designed for Apple's iPhone and iPod touch and leveraging Apple's rapidly growing mobile content and technologies, such as a compass, global positioning system, accelerometer, 3G networks, Wi-Fi and a multitouch screen. Raytheon said it has developed a situational awareness application based on military messaging standards that provide multimedia access, audio and textual point of interest, free text messaging, collaborative planning, spot reports and emergency call for fire. -- Posted Thursday, December 17, 2009 by chb

IBM and Fujitsu offer palm vein scan security system
IBM and Fujitsu announced a new security solution that integrates palm vein biometric technology from Fujitsu with IBM's enterprise single sign-on solution that helps bypass the hassles of managing multiple passwords. Palm vein identification is a highly accurate technology that competes well with iris scanning in accuracy. It uses no trace technology and leaves virtually no biometric footprint behind, making it difficult to spoof compared with cheaper fingerprinting devices. [More info on IBM access solutions] -- Posted Thursday, December 17, 2009 by chb

Federal Trade Commission sues Intel
The Federal Trade Commission today sued Intel, charging that the company has illegally used its dominant market position for a decade to stifle competition and strengthen its monopoly. The FTC alleges that Intel has waged a systematic campaign to shut out rivals' competing microchips by cutting off their access to the marketplace, depriving consumers of choice and innovation, and maintaining a monopoly at the expense of consumers, who have been denied access to potentially superior, non-Intel CPU chips and lower prices. Hmmm... in 1981, the IBM PC cost US$4,000 and the 8088 chip in it about six bucks. Today, a PC costs a few hundred dollars, while many Intel CPUs also cost a few hundred dollars. [Read press release on FTC suit against Intel] -- Posted Wednesday, December 16, 2009 by chb

Multi-Touch Virtual Keyboard for Windows 7
The ever-innovative folks at Comfort Software Group have added multi-touch support to Hot Virtual Keyboard, their on-screen typing solution for Windows. Replacing the original Windows On-Screen Keyboard, Hot Virtual Keyboard 5.0 offers numerous benefits over the built-in version to allow computer users type faster and with more comfort. The latest edition adds support for Windows 7 and its sensor input with up to 255 touch points. There's also word auto-complete, programmable keys, several dozens of different layouts, as well as complete customization. -- Posted Wednesday, December 16, 2009 by chb

Need rugged Ethernet switches and gear?
The latest mailing by German Mikro Elektronik GmbH highlights the company's rugged Ethernet switches designed specifically for use in harsh environments. [See rugged Ethernet switch product page] -- Posted Wednesday, December 16, 2009 by chb

Xplore secures working capital credit facility
Xplore Technologies Corp., makers of the Xplore iX104 line of ultra-rugged tablets, announced that it has entered into a $4.75 million working capital credit facility with Far West Capital. The new working capital facility replaces a credit facility with Silicon Valley Bank, which has been paid in full. -- Posted Wednesday, December 16, 2009 by chb

Datamax-O'Neil acquires Extech Data Systems division
Datamax-O'Neil, part of Dover Corporation's Product Identification Platform, has acquired FLIR Systems' Extech Instruments' Data Systems Division, a leading developer of portable printers for enterprise-wide applications. Only in March of 2009, we reported that Datamax and O'Neil merged to become Datamax-O'Neil as part of Dover's Product Identification Group (PIDG), a $1 billion global entity. That's quite a bit of consolidation in one year, and from the looks of it also a good deal of overlap. We certainly hope it'll all work out to the benefit of the companies involved and to mobile printing customers everywhere. -- Posted Wednesday, December 16, 2009 by chb

MP samples of Samwell RUGGEDBOOK SR820 now available
Samwell International announced in an email to current and prospective customers that samples of their Atom Z530P-based RUGGEDBOOK SR820 tablet are now available. The SR820 seems a compelling device: Netbooks are selling by the millions, so why not offer the same size and technology in a ruggedized touch screen device without the extra bulk and weight of a physical keyboard? [See Samwell announcement and SR820 product description] -- Posted Wednesday, December 16, 2009 by chb

IP67-rated rugged camera for jobsites and the field
Because things get dropped, crushed and rained on at job sites, toolmaker Ryobi introduced a digital camera specifically designed for use in the field. The US$199 8-megapixel Ryobi Durashot has large, readable controls, an IP67 rating, a 3-foot drop spec, and can take up to 800 pictures on a single charge of a battery it shares with Ryobi tools. [See description and specs of the Ryobi Durashot at our sister site, DigitalCameraRoundup.com] -- Posted Wednesday, December 16, 2009 by chb

Psion Teklogix announces new contracts
Psion Teklogix proudly announced the signing of five new deals, good news in a time of economic woes. The deals are with Brandon Hire (250 WorkAbout Pro G2), RWE npower (350 Ikons), Dusseldorf Airport (130 Ikons), as well as NBN and PJH. [See Psion Teklogix press release on new contracts] -- Posted Tuesday, December 15, 2009 by chb

Pfizer equips sales reps with Lenovo Tablet PCs
The Wall Street Journal reports that Pfizer is equipping its sales reps with Lenovo ThinkPad X200 convertible Tablet PCs. Planning for the Tablet PC project began a year and a half ago, and became more urgent when the systems became part of an agreement with the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Tablet PCs will help in not only provide more thorough and up-to-date information about drugs to doctors, but also displaying a list of preapproved products. -- Posted Monday, December 14, 2009 by chb

Motorola releases MC3090-Z business-class RFID reader
Motorola introduced the MC3090-Z, a special version of its successful MC3000. The MC3090-Z addresses a very specific need, that of providing a rugged, reliable RFID reader for field service and business environments. The device has a 3-inch square 320x320 pixel touch display and runs Windows Mobile 6.1 on a 520MHz Marvel XScale 270 processor. A dual-axis antenna provides versatile RFID coverage and the device is more than rugged enough for use in a large variety of retail, inventory and asset tracking applications. [See description and specs of the Motorola MC3090-Z] -- Posted Monday, December 14, 2009 by chb

Rugged router concept
Cisco and Control Express Finland (CEF) have developed a rugged router and firewall as a concept product. The Cisco/CEF 880G-MK has been especially designed for use in mobile systems. Network access protocols include a Fast Ethernet wired LAN, an 802.11n fast wireless LAN and a 3G/EDGE/GPRS mobile WAN. The router also supports other network technologies such as (at)450 and WiMAX. [See news on CEF's concept rugged router] -- Posted Monday, December 14, 2009 by chb

Windows Mobile: RIP 2000-2009?
Windows Mobile: RIP 2000-2009, that's the title of a blog entry at examiner.com. The blog doesn't claim that Windows Mobile is dead, just that it might as well be dead. There's been a flood of other similar articles, all suggesting that Microsoft might as well shut down Windows Mobile and get out of the phone market. What all those pundits don't consider is that while Microsoft has indeed fumbled the mobile consumer market in a downright Palmian manner, Windows Mobile remains strong in the vertical market where it essentially has no competition. -- Posted Monday, December 14, 2009 by chb

Motion introduces ReadyDock for J3400
Motion Computing, a leading provider of integrated mobile computing solutions, today announced new peripherals designed to improve the mobility and adaptability of its tablet PCs. The ReadyDock and external battery charger for the J3400 offer multiple options for storing and charging, while the auto/air AC and DC adapter provides the ability to charge all currently available Motion Tablet PCs from multiple power sources. [See ReadyDock for J3400] -- Posted Monday, December 14, 2009 by chb

Happy 10th anniversary Windows Embedded Partner Program!
Microsoft is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its Windows Embedded Partner Program (WEPP) by announcing the next-generation program for participating partners, building on its recent release of Windows 7 technologies to manufacturers of specialized devices. WEPP has grown to more than 650 partners globally. See the Microsoft press release and general info on the Windows Embedded program. -- Posted Friday, December 11, 2009 by chb

Healthcare Technology Online: Don't lose faith in EHRs
A recent study led by Massachusetts General Hospital and the Harvard Medical School suggested that EHR (Electronic Health Records) so far have not resulted in the savings and increased quality hoped for. Healthcare Technology Line, however, feels it's much to early to pass judgement on EHR and that its benefits will become more than evident over time. These systems are of important to the rugged industry which has been bringing a variety of MCA (Mobile Clinical Assistant) devices to market. [Read Heathcare Technology Online position on EHR] -- Posted Thursday, December 10, 2009 by chb

Panasonic concludes purchase of Sanyo
Panasonic, which makes the Panasonic Toughbooks, says it has now secured majority ownership of Sanyo, and Sanyo will likely become a subsidiary of Panasonic. While the two companies have been rivals, they are also family as Sanyo was started by Panasonic Founder Konosuke Matsushita's brother-in-law Toshio with the help of Matsushita. The deal will give Panasonic access to Sanyo's battery and renewable energy products. -- Posted Thursday, December 10, 2009 by chb

Minneapolis courier service uses Psion Teklogix Ikôn
Psion Teklogix announced that Street Fleet, a Minneapolis-based same day delivery courier service, has upgraded its dispatching system by supplying Psion Teklogix ikôn rugged mobile computing devices to its drivers in the field. Street Fleet used integrator Emkat, Inc., and Penchant Software to provide a customized dispatching solution. Once in place, the Ikôns were integrated into the system, followed by connectivity through T-Mobile’s data network. [See Psion Teklogix press release] -- Posted Thursday, December 10, 2009 by chb

ACME Seahawk: three 17-inch displays in one unit
There are applications that can benefit from, or require, multiple displays. Once again, those specialty computing folks at ACME Portable Machines have the answer with their Intel Core 2 Quad powered Seahawk that sports three 17-inch SXGA displays that can all work in tandem. The large and hefty (60 pounds) lunchbox computer also includes three terabyte 3.5-inch SATA drives and five PCI slots, enabling essentially unlimited expansion. [Read description and specs of the ACME Seahawk multi-display computer] -- Posted Wednesday, December 9, 2009 by chb

Seagate enters SSD market
Seagate has been part of the PC revolution from the start. Its hard disks were in the original IBM PC XT in the early 1980s, and unlike many other hard disk vendors that folded or were absorbed, Seagate is still around. However, Seagate was never part of the increasingly important solid state storage market. That has changed now as Seagate announced its entry into the SSD market with the Seagate Pulsar, a 2.5-inch form-factor SATA platform currently going up to 200GB. Seagate believes that its numerous relationships with OEMs will make up for its late entry into the market. [See Seagate Pulsar product page] -- Posted Wednesday, December 9, 2009 by chb

When you need PCI slots in the filed: ACME Tenuis 100
Not all computing tasks are simple, and there are times when you need certain expansion cards to get a job done in the field. That's exactly what Acme Portable Machines, Inc. designed their Tenuis 100 portable computer for. It combines robust Core 2 Duo power with room for three 2.5-inch drives and two PCI/PCI-e full-length peripheral cards. This sort of thing usually requires AC power, but the Tenuis comes with dual 95 watt-hour Li-Ion packs! [See description and specs for the ACME Tenuis 100 Plus] -- Posted Tuesday, December 8, 2009 by chb

Portable super computer: ACME Comrade 700
There are times when you need a computer that is portable, but also provides far more computing power or expansion capability than your run-of-the-mill notebook. For such projects, Acme Portable Machines, Inc. announced release of a Super Computer portable platform, the Comrade 700. Integrated is the latest Intel Core i7 processor and motherboard with seven PCI-E Gen2 x16 slots for working with CUDA parallel programming. [See description and specs for the ACME Comrade 700] -- Posted Monday, December 7, 2009 by chb

Wall Street Journal mentions MobileDemand's innovative marketing
In a feature entitled "How to Channel Your Twitter Voice," The Wall Street Journal Digital Network mentioned MobileDemand's innovative ruggedness videos published on YouTube, BlipTV and other video sharing sites. [See WSJ feature] -- Posted Thursday, December 3, 2009 by chb

Intel Atom SDK beta now available
The beta version of the Intel Atom Developer Program SDK for native Windows and native Linux Moblin application development is now available. It provides developer benefits such as authorization, crash reporting, and a consumer store client emulator for testing. The SDK enables submission of paid applications and revenue share components, allowing developers to earn revenue when the partner app stores launch. [See Intel Atom SDK download page] -- Posted Thursday, December 3, 2009 by chb

What GPS can do for farmers today
Farming ain't the backbreaking chore it used to be. With the Trimble AgGPS Autopilot automated steering system farmers can have their tractors automatically steered at one inch repeatability from plant to harvest in any field pattern. This extends operating hours, maximize row precision, and decreases fuel. Everything can be managed on the Trimble AgGPS FmX integrated touch display that handles guidance, steering, mapping and application control. And just today, Trimble announced a yield monitoring and mapping functionality upgrade that can help farmers evaluate field performance, identify problem areas, and adjust seed and fertilizer application rate to generate higher yields. Old McDonald never had it so good, and Trimble never seems to run out of new ways to innovatively apply GPS and mapping technology to real world applications. -- Posted Thursday, December 3, 2009 by chb

DLI announces rugged, super-compact point-of-sale tablet
DLI, a LaPorte, Indiana based manufacturer of rugged mobile tablets has announced the DLI 8800 Mobile POS tablet. The rugged Atom Z530-powered DLI 8800 has a 7-inch screen, weighs just 2.3 pounds, has an integrated mag stripe reader, and can be ordered with an integrated RFID reader and 2D barcode scanner. The DLI 8800 is available either with a touch screen or an active digitizer. [See description and specs of the DLI 8800 POS tablet] -- Posted Tuesday, December 1, 2009 by chb

VIA defines tiny Mobile-ITX standard
In an effort to make x86 computing accessible for a next generation of ultra-compact devices, VIA defined the new Mobile-ITX form factor, the embedded industry's smallest computer-on-module (COM) form factor specification for a board measuring just 2.36 x 2.36 inches. The Mobile-ITX specification uses two 120-pin connectors for all I/O signals and 5V single power supply and to mount Mobile-ITX boards onto carrier boards. [See VIA Mobile-ITX specfication] -- Posted Tuesday, December 1, 2009 by chb

Matte versus glossy displays
Most displays on consumer notebooks and an increasing number of displays on rugged computing equipment now have a glossy surface. Manufacturers love those displays because they "pop" in showrooms and work well for watching videos. However, they also result in annoying screen reflections that can make them hard to read, especially outdoors. A website has now launched a petition to offer matte screens. It's geared towards Macs, but the arguments, voting and discussion are quite interesting. [See MacMatte site on matte versus glossy displays] -- Posted Tuesday, December 1, 2009 by chb

PhatWare releases update to PenOffice
PhatWare has released an update to its PenOffice app, adding compatibility with Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. It also offers pen-based collaboration, improved security and reliability features, support for multi-core processing, and configuration and management features to improve mobile working. PenOffice supports numerous languages and is designed for use with Windows-based PCs. Beyond the Microsoft Office markup feature, PenOffice now adds support for OpenOffice.org 3.0 or later documents. [See the PhatWare PenOffice page] -- Posted Tuesday, December 1, 2009 by chb

How ruggedness reduces mobile computer TCO
Anyone seeking ammo and/or information to justify the higher initial cost of ruggedized computing equipment should download this 8-page white paper by Intermec. It provides an excellent summary of how various levels of ruggedness result in lower total cost of ownership compared to consumer-grade products. [Download How Ruggedness Reduces TCO for Mobile Computers] -- Posted Tuesday, December 1, 2009 by chb

GammaTech now offers Durabook R13S convertible Tablet PC
GammaTech is now offering the Durabook R13S, a rugged notebook computer that can also be used as a tablet. The IP54-sealed machine uses a frugal Intel U7500 Core 2 Duo chip, offers good connectivity, and its 13.3-inch wide-format touchscreen is larger than what most of the competition in this class offers. The R13S is a bit heavy though (9 pounds) and there's no active digitizer option. [See description and specs of the GammaTech Durabook R13S] -- Posted Sunday, November 29, 2009 by chb

Advantech launches small, versatile wall or desk-mount terminal
Powered by a Freescale i.MX31 processor and running Windows CE, the small UbiQ-480 terminal introduced by industrial PC maker and ePlatform services provider Advantech is very different from its usual embedded hardware computing modules, IPCs and rugged systems. Sporting a 7-inch touchscreen, a camera and digital I/O, the inexpensive device can be used for all sorts of building/sytems control and communication purposes. [See description and specs of the Advantech UbiQ-480] -- Posted Tuesday, November 24, 2009 by chb

Honeywell Scanning & Mobility launches channel reseller program
Honeywell announced the launch of a channel reseller program for its Scanning & Mobility business in North America that includes the popular line of Dolphin handheld computers as well as Metrologic Optimus data collector/PDA products. The program is aimed at building long-term relationships with qualified value added resellers in the US and Canada. For more info on the Honeywell Scanning & Mobility channel program, see the Honeywell press release] -- Posted Monday, November 23, 2009 by chb

HID Global provides multi-ISO reader technology for Psion Teklogix Ikôn
HID Global, which specializes in solutions for the delivery of secure identity, announced that its Multi-ISO reader technology is available as a snap-on, secure contactless, high-frequency module option for the Psion Teklogix ikôn handheld computer. The read/write device integrates data capture and voice and data communications using wireless capability tools, including Wi-Fi, cellular 3G HSDPA, Bluetooth and assisted GPS connectivity. [See release] -- Posted Saturday, November 21, 2009 by chb

Trimble expands EZ-Office agriculture software
Trimble introduced the AgGPS EZ-Office 2010 software suite of products designed to help farmers easily map and manage field data, providing seamless field-to-office information management. EZ-View, EZ-Office and EZ-Office Pro focus on data management in the office while EZ-Office Mobile software runs on the Trimble Nomad or Juno SB handheld GPS computers in the field. -- Posted Friday, November 20, 2009 by chb

Advantech ranked 12 among Taiwan's global brands
Advantech is now ranked 12 among Taiwan's Global Brands. A focus on empowering small-to-mid-sized projects helped the company become the world's second largest industrial PC supplier. -- Posted Thursday, November 19, 2009 by chb

Juniper Systems TK6000: a tough ultra-rugged handheld for extreme environments
The TK6000, introduced in the fall of 2009, represents another ultra-rugged, no-nonsense handheld computer from Juniper Systems, the Logan, Utah company that specializes in intuitive field computing solutions for rugged applications such as land survey, natural resource, industrial, agriculture and the like. The tough and rugged TK6000 is a product as much as a mobile platform for OEM solution providers, and who could argue with up to 32 hours or battery life? [See description and specs of the Juniper Systems TK6000] -- Posted Wednesday, November 18, 2009 by chb

Getac announces comprehensive ruggedness certification
Getac announced that its line of notebook computers and Tablet PCs has been MIL-STD-810G, MIL-STD-461F and IP65 certified by an independent testing lab to withstand severe environmental conditions. Products receiving certification include Getac's A790, B300, and M230 rugged notebooks, V100 rugged convertible notebook, E100 rugged Tablet PC, and PS535 rugged PDA. These standards were established by the military to ensure minimum performance standards for any product used by agencies and organizations within the Department of Defense. In addition, Getac's B300 Notebook, V100 Convertible, and PS535F GPS PDA each received Ingress Protection (IP65) certification for dust and water resistance. [View detailed Getac ruggedness certification chart] -- Posted Tuesday, November 17, 2009 by chb

Fujitsu's PalmSecure now used in hospital
Fujitsu announced that its PalmSecure biometric authentication system based on palm vein pattern recognition is now being used at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, Calif., for admitting patients. Read about the PalmSecure system and see Fujitsu's press release on its use at El Camino Hospital. -- Posted Tuesday, November 17, 2009 by chb

Vasco launches multi-application security model
As mobile field use applications proliferate, secure software access is becoming an increasingly important issue. Authentication specialist VASCO Data Security just released a new multi-application security model that looks interesting. [See press release on security model] -- Posted Tuesday, November 17, 2009 by chb

Added: ultra-rugged Casio DT-X30 handheld
Casio's Industrial Handheld Division offers the state-of-the-art Casio DT-X30, a IP67-sealed substantial handheld based on Marvell's PXA320 processor and running Windows Mobile 6.1. The DT-X30, which comes with a 1D/2D imager and an integrated digital camera with LED illuminator, can be equipped with Bluetooth, WWAN as well as GPS, making it a good choice for location-based applications. The display measures 3.5 inches and the 29-key keypad allows rapid data entry as well as support for custom applications via 8 function keys. [Read description and specs of the Casio DT-X30] -- Posted Monday, November 16, 2009 by chb

Crystal Group announces IS 9001:2008 certification
Crystal Group, a Hiawathaa, Ipwa based provider of rugged displays and servers, and other rugged computer products, announced that it received certification to the ISO 9001:2008 quality standard. -- Posted Monday, November 16, 2009 by chb

RAM announces powered dock and cradle for Intermec CN50
Intermec considers its CN50 mobile computer, introduced in June of 2009, a "new class of device" and "game-changing product," and the CN50 is indeed impressive (see RuggedPCReview's opinion of the CN50). Now RAM announced a powered dock and passive cradle designed specifically for the CN50. Available in December 2009, the RAM dock for the CN50 accepts 12-28VDC power, is spring-loaded, and can use RAM's unmatched torque arm/rubberball-based mounting technology to be installed absolutely anywhere. [See RAM powered dock and passive cradle for the Intermec CN50] -- Posted Thursday, November 12, 2009 by chb

Psion Teklogix offers promo packages
Psion Teklogix announced a number of special promo packages for their popular Workabout Pro, Ikon and 7535 rugged handheld computers. Mike Peterson, VP of Product Marketing for Psion Teklogix, said, “We are continually analyzing the factors that drive return on investment and that’s why we have developed these discounted productivity packs to provide outstanding performance, more practical and efficient implementation along with exceptional value.” [See release on Psion Teklogix promo packages] -- Posted Thursday, November 12, 2009 by chb

Xplore raises $3.21 million in private placement
Rugged Tablet PC company Xplore Technologies (see review of the Xplore iX104C4 says it has raised an additional US$3.21 million through a private placement, including US$1 million from Chairman and CEO Philip Sassower who said, “There are very significant large scale sales opportunities, including those in the military, currently being aggressively pursued by Xplore and we believe the Company may be on the cusp of capturing a significant portion of this business.” -- Posted Thursday, November 12, 2009 by chb

The Austin American-Statesman on Motion Computing
In an article entitled "Tablet PC maker is back on track," statesman.com discusses Motion Computing's start back in 2001, its early successes, its challenges and its strong rally over the past year. [Read Tablet PC maker is back on track] -- Posted Monday, November 9, 2009 by chb