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JLT Mobile JLT6012
Compact, rugged vehicle-mount computer with capacitive multi-touch runs Windows 10 or Android 7
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)
In March 2018, JLT Mobile Computers, a developer and manufacturer of reliable computers for demanding environments headquartered in Sweden, introduced the JLT6012 as the first product of a next generation of rugged vehicle mount computer for mobile IT and logistics solutions.
Those familiar with JLT Mobile's rugged computing product lineup know that the company has been concentrating on heavy-duty vehicle mount terminals (the VERSO and the JLT1214 series) for use in trucks and forklifts. In that regard, the JLT6012 is no different, but there is an important twist.
JLT Mobile states that the new JLT6012 "presents a major step change in rugged computing, as the new terminal not only delivers unparalleled productivity and better user acceptance today, but also constitutes a platform for building innovative mobile IT solutions, including hardware, software and services for the needs of tomorrow.
The major step change JLT refers to lies in the fact that the new panel not only uses the hugely popular capacitive multi-touch technology but, in addition to Windows 10 IoT, runs Android. And not just any Android, but Version 7 (codenamed "Nougat"), the newest rev with meaningful distribution. That means state-of-the-art support of any Windows ecosystem, but also instant familiarity to virtually anyone who has a smartphone. Priceless, that.
New age panel
As far as size and bulk go, the JLT6012 is compact indeed compared to most vehicle computers. Its 11.5 x 9.1 inch footprint is roughly that of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. It's thicker, of course, what with a full complement of ports and this being a very rugged device. Despite the ruggedness it weighs a modest 6.5 pounds.
The panel's display measures 12.1 inches diagonally and offers 1024 x 768 pixel video in conventional 4:3 aspect ratio format. That makes for 106 ppi (pixels per inch), not much in this day and age of hyper-sharp smartphones and tablets, but still about as much as a non-retina iMac. That's plenty good enough for vehicle use. JLT offers the screen in two brightness levels, 500 and 1,000 nits. Good idea.
The JLT6012 also features the company's "PowerTouch" technology, which provides a user-friendly experience comparable to modern consumer devices — both with a gloved and ungloved hand — while being virtually unbreakable. We're not talking 10-point multi-touch here (who needs 10 separate touch points anyway?), but two's enough for just about anything people do on phones and tablets today.
Processing power comes from one of Intel's workhorse "Bay Trail" processors, the quad-core Atom E3845. The chip runs at a 1.91 GHz base clock speed and integrated Intel graphics. While neither new nor a speed demon, the E3845 is capable of running both Windows 10 or Android, and has been deployed in such capacity in a variety of mobile computing products. That means one and the same platform can be used for either one or the other operating system; greatly reducing production and maintenance overhead.
Nicely equipped
On the connectivity side, there are four USB ports, an RS232 serial port for legacy peripherals, a LAN jack, and a non-specified I/O port. Wireless options include speedy dual-band 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth v.4.1, and RFID for quick and easy login and identification. Unlike most panel computers, the JLT6012 has not only an ambient light sensor, but also gyro and accelerometer. More sensor data is always good for new and innovative solutions.
As a vehicle-mount, the JLT6012 uses VDC power. It can handle a very wide range of 9 to 72 Volt; no need for cumbersome external adapters in most cases. A UPC can hndle graceful shutdown and onboard power fluctuations.
Tough and rugged
Vehicle-mounts must be tough as nail. They may not get dropped like mobile tablets or handhelds, but they must be able to handle brutal jolts and vibration, as well as temperature extremes. So the JLT6012's environmental specs include a very wide -22 to 131 degree Fahrenheit operating temperature range, compliance with IEC 60068-2-64 vibration testing and IEC 60068-2-27 shock testing, and an IP65 sealing rating where the "6" means the tablet is totally dustproof, and the "5" that it can also handle low pressure water jets from all directions.
Dawn of a new era
Not so very long ago, virtually every computer ran Windows. That's changed. Enterprise systems and desktops still mostly run Windows, but almost all smartphones and a good many tablets run Android now. So it makes eminent sense to offer a vehicle computer with the choice of Windows 10, but also Android, the OS that was designed for quick touch and which is familiar to almost everyone by now. Android on panels is still rare. Which makes JLT a leader in rugged Android vehicle mounts. -- Conrad H. Blickenstorfer, March 2018
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