April 2007

Trimble introduces handy WinMo5 Juno ST GPS handheld
Trimble introduced the latest addition to its GIS product line--the Juno ST handheld, a portable, low-cost data collection solution supported by Trimble's range of field and office software. It comes standard with a built-in high-sensitivity GPS receiver, runs WinMo Microsoft 5.0 software, has 128MB of non-volatile Flash, a SD slot, an 8-hour battery, WiFi/Bluetooth, weighs just 4.8 ounces and measures 4.3 in x 2.4 in x 0.7 inches. The Juno ST handheld GPS receiver is available for order now through Trimble's Mapping and GIS dealer network. It is expected to begin shipping in early May 2007. -- Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 by chb

Panasonic reveals rugged Toughbook CF-08 Wireless Display
Panasonic introduced the Windows CE 5.0-based Toughbook CF-08 Wireless Display. The new slate, which measures 10.5 x 8.25 inches, is 1.4 inches thick and weighs 2.65 pounds, is primarily meant to be used for terminal sessions while communicating with a Toughbook or Windows Server via Citrix or Microsoft RDP. The PXA270-powered slate has a 10.4-inch daylight-readable TFT with 1024x768 resolution. It is also meant to last, with IP54 ingress protection and a 4-foot drop spec. [Read our preview of the Panasonic Toughbook CF-08] -- Posted Thursday, April 12, 2007 by chb

No more Dell Axim Pocket PCs
A quote from Dell spokeswoman Anne Camden is making it around the web: "The Axim X51 family is no longer being offered, and we have no plans for a follow-on product at this time." So that would mean that the Dell Pocket PCs are dead, though Dell continues to offer Axim accessories and assorted Palms, GPS devices and the like, but the Axims themselves seem gone. They had a relatively lackluster 5-year run where low price seemed the primary motive. Still, the final X51v was a nice machine with a terrific VGA display, but for now the industry is dropping conventional PDAs. Sad but true, and a missed opportunity for sure. -- Posted Wednesday, April 11, 2007 by chb