November 2021

Full review: Emdoor EM-T60 5.7-inch rugged Android OEM handheld
Not everyone knows that most computer companies don't actually make their computers anymore. Someone else does. It's become a complex system of designing, marketing, rebranding, contract manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers. RuggedPCReview examined one of the rugged Android OEM handhelds by Emdoor Information, one of China's emerging rugged computer original equipment designers and manufacturers. You may see, or have seen, this platform under well-known names. [See full review of the Emdoor EM-T60 rugged Android OEM handheld] -- Posted Monday, November 29, 2021

Overview: Unitech EA520
The Unitech EA520 an Android-based handheld computer with integrated scanner — an update over the existing Unitech EA500+ — is a solution for an era where almost everyone is familiar with their smartphone, and most smartphones Android. It looks and works about the same as a standard smartphone, with the exception that it is a lot more durable and can handle routine work-related tasks, such as industrial-grade scanning and other data capture. The device starts at US$850. [See description, analysis and specs of the Unitech EA520] -- Posted Sunday, November 28, 2021

Review: Teguar TRT-Q5393 very rugged small Android tablet
With smartphone screens getting ever bigger, is there still a need for 7-inch tablets? Yes, because there are many situations where a compact and very rugged tablet that can be carried or mounted anywhere is the answer. We examined Teguar's TRT-Q5393-07 in detail and there's much to like. There's the bright no-glare screen, numerous mounting options, innovative snap-on end caps for even more drop resistance, good cameras and more. [See review of the Teguar TRT-5393-07 rugged 7-inch tablet"] -- Posted Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Durabook named winner of two prestigious 2021 AST ASTORS Awards
Durabook, the global rugged mobile solutions brand owned by Twinhead International Corporation, was honored today with two prestigious 2021 AST ASTORS Awards. The company's Durabook U11 Fully Rugged Tablet was awarded Platinum in the Best Handheld Mobile Tech Solution category, while its Durabook S14I Semi-Rugged Laptop earned Gold status in the Best Data Storage Security Solution category. The ASTORS Homeland Security Awards are presented annually by American Security Today magazine. Winners were announced during a luncheon held this afternoon in New York City. [See Durabook media release] -- Posted Thursday, November 18, 2021

Intel 12th gen "Alder Lake" scoop in one minute
Take 60 seconds and learn about 12th Gen’s new performance hybrid architecture that integrates two types of cores — Performance-cores and Efficient-cores – with Intel® Thread Director. -- Posted Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Overview: Handheld's updated Nautiz X9
Swedish Handheld Group has established an impressive record as the provider of one of the most complete and most cohesive lineups of rugged handheld computers and rugged tablets. Not an easy task when hardware and software progress as quickly as it does. Handheld is keeping pace, though, and here's an overview of their recently introduced and extensively updated Nautiz X9. [See description, analysis and specs of the Handheld Nautiz X9, now with Android 11] -- Posted Thursday, November 11, 2021

Avalue launches ARC Series ruggedized touch monitors
Avalue Technology Inc. (TAIEX: 3479-TW), a global industrial PC solution provider is pleased to announce its ARC series of ruggedized touch monitors available in 12.1", 15" and 17" screen sizes with 4:3 square ratio, and 10.1", 15.6" and 21.5" screen sizes with a widescreen 16:9 ratio, offering a wide variety of sizes, brightness and resolution options. All monitors feature front IP65 protection and a wide operating temperature range from -10 ºC to 50ºC (option -20 ºC to 70ºC for 12", 15", 17", and -10°C to 60°C for 15.6"). [See Avalue media release] -- Posted Thursday, November 11, 2021

Kyocera DuraSport 5G UW for Verizon: Slim, rugged reliability in a league of its own
A global leader in rugged devices, Kyocera today launched its rugged MIL-STD-810H 5G Android device in a sleek, slim form factor: DuraSport 5G on the Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) network. Incorporating more than a decade of rugged device research and development, it's engineered to withstand drops, dirt, water immersion and the elements. Then, it can be washed and sanitized to eliminate grit and grime for even more adventures. DuraSport 5G is available now for $579.99. [See Kyocera media release] -- Posted Thursday, November 11, 2021

Getac F110 Windows-based fully rugged tablet provides next gen performance for Class 1 Division 2 explosion proof certification
Getac Technology Corporation, a leading producer of rugged technology, today announced the launch of the new era Windows-based F110 Class 1 Division 2 tablet computer. The F110 merges C1D2 hazardous and explosive environment protection with the state-of-the-art performance, MIL-STD-810H certifications and IP66 rating of the highly acclaimed 2021 F110. With the addition of C1D2 certification, the latest F110 provides added layers of protection to professionals in locations filled with concentrated flammable gases, combustible dust and warehouses or jobsites storing masses of tanks filled with highly volatile liquid gases (.i.e. propane, oxygen, hydrogen, etc.) [See Getac media release] -- Posted Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Handheld launches new version of its ultra-rugged PDA, the NAUTIZ X9
Handheld Group, a leading manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, today announced a new version of its NAUTIZ X9 PDA: an ultra-rugged enterprise handheld built for fieldwork in the most challenging outdoor and industrial environments. With an upgraded platform, the Nautiz X9 Android rugged handheld runs Android 11 and is Android Enterprise Recommended (AER). Designed to handle the toughest conditions, the Nautiz X9 is built with a sturdy magnesium casing. It is targeted for mobile computing and data collection in industrial and field applications where reliability is critical and ruggedness is key. [See Handheld Group media release] -- Posted Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Windows 11 for embedded devices?
Good article by OnLogic's Derek Fanton about using Windows 11 for embedded and IoT devices, or using Windows 10 IoT LTSC instead. [Read Windows 11 for Embedded Devices: Should You Use It?] -- Posted Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Full review: Cincoze DS-1302 high performance expandable and modular rugged embedded computer with dual PCI/PCIe expansion slots
Sometimes you need an industrial computer that's both compact enough to fit almost anywhere as well as powerful enough to effortlessly crunch through even the most demanding applications. And also be modular, extremely versatile and configurable, and accommodate PCI/PCIe expansion cards. That's a tall order, and one that the Cincoze DS-1302 effortlessly handles. [See full review of the Cincoze DS-1302 modular rugged embedded computer] -- Posted Monday, November 8, 2021

The official Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) standard is out; so now what?
"Open systems" has long been a buzzword for less restricting alternatives to proprietary platforms. In an article in Military & Aerospace Electronics, Editor-in-Chief John Keller writes about the advent of the official Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) standard, which is supposed to create a level playing field for embedded computing suppliers and systems integrators who serve the aerospace and defense market. [Read The official Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) standard is out; so now what?] -- Posted Monday, November 8, 2021

The dark side of Industry 4.0 and its sustainability
The term "Industry 4.0" refers to the digital transformation of manufacturing and production in sort of a fourth industrial revolution. The The Engineer site, however, points out the dark side of Industry 4.0 and its sustainability. Ryan Diver, Head of Factory 2050 at the University of Sheffield AMRC, writes that Industry 4.0 is bringing major benefits, but one shouldn’t be blind to the environmental concerns that come with it. [Read The dark side of Industry 4.0 and its sustainability] -- Posted Monday, November 8, 2021

Motorola Solutions announces Q3 2021 financials
Motorola Solutions reported Q3 2021 sales of US$2.107 billion, up 13% from US$1.868 billion Q3 2020, driven by growth in both North America and International. Net earnings for Q3 2021 were US$307 million versus US$205 million Q3 2020. For full-year 2021, Motorola Solutions now expects revenue growth of 10% to 10.25%. [See Motorola Solutions Q3 2021 financials] -- Posted Friday, November 5, 2021

Trimble announces Q3 2021 financials
Trimble reported record revenue of US$901.4 million in Q3 of 2021 compared to US$792.1 million in Q3 of 2020, up 14% year over year. GAP net income for Q3 2021 was US$124.0 million compared to US$84.7 million for Q3 2020. For the full-year 2021, Trimble now expects to report GAAP revenue between $3,590 million and $3,640 million. Rob Painter, Trimble's president and CEO said, "Growth in total revenue, annualized recurring revenue, and adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter demonstrate the value of our ongoing commitment to innovation for our end markets as they continue to digitize." [See Trimble press release] -- Posted Thursday, November 4, 2021

RuggedPCReview Blog: The Ingress Protection Rating
What sets rugged handheld computers and tablets apart from standard consumer products is their ability to take the kind of punishment that comes with using a device on the job and in the field where conditions can be harsh. As a result, the specification sheets of virtually all rugged devices include the results of certain ruggedness tests. How much of that data is supplied varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. It can be very comprehensive or just touch upon the basics. [read more] -- Posted Thursday, November 4, 2021

Motorola Solutions' APX NEXT XN designed to withstand the new extreme heat and immersion standards for the fire industry
Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI) today announced its newest radio for firefighters, the APX NEXT® XN, designed to meet the most stringent fire industry standards for use in hazard zones and conditions. The APX NEXT XN is part of the company's APX NEXT portfolio of next-generation Project 25 (P25) mission-critical radios that incorporate data applications for enhanced situational awareness. [See Motorola Solutions media release] -- Posted Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Review: Janam GT1 Mobile Entry Pedestal
In this era of distancing and doing things with as little physical contact or proximity as possible, check-ins, identification, paying, and other such activities can slow us down or be downright intimidating. Janam offers an innovative contactless solution with their Janam GT1 Mobile Entry Pedestal that can handle a whole bunch of different scanned and wireless identification and payment methods (including Apple Wallet and Google Pay). [See description and analysis of the Janam GT1 Mobile Entry Pedestal] -- Posted Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Zebra Technologies announces Q3 2021 financials
Zebra Technologies reported sales of US$1,436 million in Q3 of 2021 compared to US$1,132 million in Q3 of 2020. Net sales in the Enterprise Visibility & Mobility segment (i.e. what used to be the enterprise business of Motorola Solutions) were US$1,050 million in Q3 2021 compared with $795 million in Q3 2020. Net income for Q3 2021 was US$199 million, compared to net income of US$116 million in Q3 20120. The company expects fourth-quarter 2021 net sales to increase approximately 8% to 12% from the fourth quarter of 2020. [See Zebra press release] -- Posted Tuesday, November 2, 2021

What happened in rugged computing 10 years ago: November 2011
In November 2011, PD DisplaySearch predicted that the average resolution of tablet PC displays would grow to more than 200 pixels per inch (ppi) in Q2'12. We analyzed the status and outlook for rugged Android devices. We reviewed the GD Itronix GD8200 rugged notebook, the Fujitsu Lifebook T731, and the Fujitsu Stylistic Q550. Intermec reported Q3 2011 sales of US$212 million and a small profit. RuggedPCReview previewed Windows 8 and drew parallels to Microsoft's earlier attempts at spreading FUD in the light of emerging tablet technologies. Xplore announced a 4,000 unit order for its new iX104C5 rugged tablet, AMREL announced three new rugged laptops, Wyze bought Trellia, Winmate released the E430T industrial PDA, and Panasonic launched the Toughpad in a major event at Dallas Cowboy Stadium. [See RuggedPCReview November 2011 archives] -- Posted Monday, November 1, 2021