July 2007

We have added descriptions and specifications for four new ruggedized handhelds from Datalogic: Datalogic Jet (a ruggedized industrial PDA), Datalogic Memor (a pocket-size mobile computer with a laser scanner), Datalogic Pegaso (a rugged industrial PDA with a full VGA display), and Datalogic Skorpio (a compact rugged handheld computer with a "Green Spot" laser).

VDC study: Mobile device downtime nukes productivity
VDC released a comprehensive analysis of total cost of ownership (TCO) of mobile computer and communications devices used in Enterprise Mobility Solutions in vertical and application markets. Nearly 50% of the cost of operating a mobile computing and communications device in enterprise settings are the costs of worker productivity downtime when the device fails. According to the research, upfront hardware adoption accounts for only 16% of mobile computer TCO, however, it frequently represents the single most important selection criterion. VDC also clearly found a lower TCO for rugged mobile computers in comparison to non-rugged or consumer/commercial-grade mobile computers for many applications because of the significantly higher failure rates of non-rugged hardware. [View VDC report on Mobile Computing TCO] -- Posted Friday, July 27, 2007

Rugged and industrial peripherals catalog by iKey
iKey industrial peripherals released its new 2007-2008 industrial catalog. Containing dozens of NEMA rated, rugged computer keyboards, monitors and pointing devices, the iKey industrial catalog provides a solution for every application. In an attempt to more specifically target its multiple markets, iKey has created segmented literature for each of its vertical markets. This means that industrial, medical, public safety, military, and kiosk customers can receive information that is specific to their applications. Requests for the new iKey 2007-2008 catalog or other vertical brochures can be made by calling an iKey representative at 1.800.866.6506. -- Posted Thursday, July 26, 2007

VDC Study: Bluetooth catalyst for mobile accessory sales
After a slow start, Bluetooth technology has finally matured to become the most widely accepted short-range wireless connectivity technology in the mobile device market. According to VDC's Mobile Device Accessories: Global Market Demand Analysis, Bluetooth technology is one of the most aggressive catalysts for mobile accessory sale. [see PDF of full VDC release on Bluetooth Market Demand] -- Posted Thursday, July 26, 2007

Intermec elects new President and CEO
Intermec's Board of Directors elected Patrick J. Byrne as President and Chief Executive Officer succeeding Larry D. Brady, who is retiring as previously announced. Mr. Byrne was also elected to the Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Byrne, 46, is a 24-year veteran of HP and Agilent Technologies where he held increasingly responsible positions in Research, Engineering, Marketing and General Management. He was most recently Senior VP of Agilent Technologies, Inc. and President of Agilent's Electronic Measurement Group, and prior to that he was VP and General Manager of Agilent's Wireless Business Unit. -- Good luck to Mr. Byrne in succeeding the very highly respected Larry Brady! -- Posted Friday, July 20, 2007

Shock Watch and Glacier Computer sign global distribution agreement
ShockWatch, a leader in developing and manufacturing damage prevention products, announces its new global distribution agreement with Glacier Computer, an Amherst, N.H.-based developer of rugged industrial computer systems. The companies will leverage ShockWatch's international sales force to distribute Glacier's Everest computer product line outside the U.S. -- Posted Friday, July 20, 2007

Added CATCHER CCAP and Trimble Juno ST
RuggedPCReview.com added description and specs of the Trimble Juno ST and the CATCHER CCAP. The Trimble Juno is a small and handy Windows Mobile 5.0-based GIS data collection PDA with access to an industrial strength library of Trimble and third party GPS and GIS software. The CATCHER CCAP is a Windows-based rugged UMPC with not one but two cameras designed for first responders who need quick data access and the ability to transmit voice, data and video. -- Posted Friday, July 20, 2007

VDC study on wireless intrinsically safe devices
A new study on wireless intrinsically safe devices by Venture Development Corporation (VDC) estimates total 2006 worldwide shipments for wireless intrinsically safe devices and equipment at $271.5 million, and forecasts shipments to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 9.8%, reaching $432.7 million in 2011. Intrinsic safety is one of the methods used to prevent equipment from causing fires and explosions in areas with hazardous atmospheres, such as explosive gas-air mixtures. Equipment and wiring is intrinsically safe if it is incapable of releasing sufficient electrical or thermal energy to cause ignition of a hazardous atmosphere in its most ignitable concentration. This can be an important consideration in rugged and mobile applications. -- Posted Friday, July 20, 2007

Intel releases Core 2 "Extreme" processors
Intel released to vendors the first in a new line of "Extreme" high-end chips, the Intel Core 2 Extreme X7800 dual-core processor for notebooks. Supposedly designed for "experienced enthusiasts who desire more capability," the chip's overspeed protection bus ratio locks have been removed and OEMs can boost clockspeeds to 3GHz and higher. Performance of the stock X7800 is said to be up to 28% higher than that of the predecessor Core Duo T2600. Speed doesn't come cheap; in volume, the X7800 costs $851, hundreds more than existing high-end notebook processors, and more than many economy consumer notebooks. Our take: Intel continues the profitable game of quickly obsoleting existing high end processors, thus forcing computer makers to offer product that quickly obsolete their own high end offerings. -- Posted Friday, July 20, 2007

Sybase iAnywhere adds security advances
Sybase iAnywhere announced enhancements to its Information Anywhere suite focused on collaboration and security for mobile enterprise users. The Information Anywhere platform addresses converging enterprise requirements for mobile email, messaging, security, device management and enterprise applications. The suite's mobile collaboration capabilities has been expanded with Information Anywhere Mobile IM, which provides secure instant messaging and presence capabilities to mobile workers. There are also significant enhancements to the suite's security solution for laptops, including the addition of security for shareable removable media -- all important to vertical market application development. -- Posted Friday, July 20, 2007

Baracoda adds rugged/mobile Bluetooth scanners
Baracoda, a manufacturer of Bluetooth wireless barcode readers and RFID solutions, is introducing three new products for the mobile/rugged scanner market. ScanWear is a lightweight, hands-free barcode scanning solution as little as a matchbox for order picking and dispatching applications. The torch shaped, rugged and ergonomic ToughRunners are designed for industrial, logistics and warehouse environments in extreme temperature conditions and are ideal for forklift operations. The D-Fly barcode scanner offers high performance at a competitive price.
-- Posted Friday, July 13, 2007

Extech Andes 3 printer reaches IP54 rating
Extech Instruments' new Andes 3 printer, designed specifically for harsh outdoor environments, managed to score an impressive IP54 ingress protection rating. The Andes 3 is an ultra-lightweight yet heavy-duty portable receipt printer with integrated Bluetooth wireless communication for use in field service, public safety, field sales and similar applications. Output can include logos, forms, barcodes and graphics. -- Posted Monday, July 9, 2007

Wireless connection between wholesalers, distributors and customers
Master System,specializing in integrated software for wholesalers and distributors, announced the release of its newest edition of Pocket OMS, designed to let wholesalers and distributors process sales orders more effectively and efficiently, through the use of wireless handheld devices. Pocket OMS delivers a full range of enhanced benefits, such as wireless FTP file transferring, on-board graphics (including product photos), improved sales reporting, reduced file maintenance and inventory counting efficiency, by allowing companies to remotely enter orders into their fulfillment system in a fraction of the time previously required. -- Posted Monday, July 9, 2007

External notebook battery simultaneously powers and charges
Tekkeon announced the myPower ALL Plus MP3450, an external rechargeable 50Wh laptop battery that roughly doubles the life of an average notebook battery and can simultaneously charge other small portable devices through an on-board USB port. The US$159.95 myPower ALL Plus is modular, so a second extended battery can be added to provide even more mobile power. -- Posted Monday, July 9, 2007

Secure Computing offers one-time passcodes for mobile devices
Secure Computing Corporation, an enterprise gateway security company, announced the availability of SafeWord MobilePass, a software authenticator that allows a user access to Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Citrix, Outlook and a number of other applications through one-time passcodes generated on their personal mobile WinMo, Palm, BlackBerry of J2ME device or laptop PC. -- Posted Monday, July 9, 2007

LXE 007 Annual American Business Award winner
LXE announced that it won a coveted Stevie Award for Best Customer Service Organization - Computer Hardware & Software from The 2007 American Business Awards held on June 11 in New York. Stevie Awards were presented in over 40 categories, including Best Overall Company, Best Executive and Best Customer Service Organization. More than 2,000 entries from companies of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration. -- Posted Monday, July 2, 2007

O'Neil 4te mobile printer offers BT, 802.11b/g and 10x faster processing
O'NEIL Product Development, Inc., manufacturer of The Most Reliable Portable Printers™ and a subsidiary of Dover Corporation introduced the microFlash 4te wireless portable thermal printer, providing dramatically increased processing speeds, expanded wireless communications, and enhanced security options. The 4te is the enhanced evolution of O'Neil's 4t printer; the industry's leading portable thermal printer and the de facto standard for route accounting and field mobile printing applications. -- Posted Monday, July 2, 2007