August 2008

HP introduced the HP Elitebook 2730p, a Tablet PC convertible and successor to the earlier 2710p. The 2730p comes with Centrino 2 processor and chipset upgrades, and has a wide-format WXGA (1280 x 800 pixel) 12.1-inch display with antiglare coating and an LED backlight. A sunlight-viewable version is available. A gigabyte of fast 800MHz memory is standard, and you can bump it up to a full 8GB. Quick 5400rpm SATA disks are available with 80 or 120GB capacity, or you can opt for a Solid State Drive. The Elitebook 2730p is not a fully rugged machine but it is definitely durable thanks to a magnesium-alloy chassis, chemically-strengthened glass, and goodies like HP DuraKeys and 3D DriveGuard. [Read description and specs of the HP Elitebook 2730p]

MobileDemand named to the 2008 Inc. 500 list
To cap a year of recognition and accomplishments, MobileDemand, a rugged Tablet PC manufacturer based in Iowa, has been named to the Inc. 500 list, a ranking of the fastest growing private companies in the United States. MobileDemand placed 148 on the 2008 Inc. 500 list with a three-year growth rate of more than 1,500 percent. In the computers and electronics category, MobileDemand was ranked as the third fastest growing company in America. It was also recognized as the top firm in growth from Iowa. [For more Tablet PC-related news, visit MobileDemand's new Tablet PC blog.] -- Posted Wednesday, August 20, 2008

VDC issues data acquisition products market study
A recent market study from Venture Development Corporation (VDC), Data Acquisition Products Global Market Demand Analysis, 2nd Edition, found the worldwide market for external chassis and modules and plug-in analog I/O boards totaled about $880 million in 2007, and is expected to exceed $1.1 billion in 2012. -- Posted Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Xplore launches top-of-the-line ultra-rugged iX104C4 tablet
Xplore Technologies introduced the latest addition to the iX104 line of ultra-rugged tablet computers, the iX104C4. The new machine provides improved performance with a power-efficient Core Duo processor, new wireless technologies (including 802.11N), as well as enhancements to several technologies pioneered by Xplore. The company's AllVue sunlight-viewable display is now even brighter, the dual-mode RF/touch digitizer is standard on all models, and the machine can be ordered with an optional 32GB Solid State Drive. A TPM 1.2 module has been added for security, completing a smart technology update to what already was one of the best rugged Tablet PCs on the market. [Read description and specs of the Xplore Technologies iX104C4 ultra-rugged Tablet PC.] -- Posted Monday, August 18, 2008

RAM announces Tough-Box consoles
There are many solutions when it comes to mounting and securing computers in a vehicle, but it is almost impossible to find versatile, high quality vehicle consoles that easily integrate with computer mounts. National Products/RAM-Mounts has been working on an evolution of common police vehicle console products and has taken a huge leap forward with a line of Tough-Box™ consoles that are fully compatible with the industry-leading RAM one-inch and half-inch pedestal systems, as well as with AMPS and VESA hole patterns, ensuring endless mounting possibilities and the ultimate in versatility. [Read about RAM Tough-Box consoles] -- Posted Monday, August 18, 2008

The waterproof, ultra-rugged Two Technologies Hydrus
Two Technologies has introduced the Hydrus, a PXA270/Windows CE 5.0 powered ultra-rugged handheld computer with stunning battery life in the 40-hour range. The 2.4 pound Hydrus carries IP68 sealing, which means it is totally waterproof. It can also handle extreme temperatures, and includes a 5-megapixel CMOS imager for pictures and barcode reading. The 55-key keypad is customizable and there is between 2GB and 32GB of Flash. [Read description and specs of the Two Technologies Hydrus] -- Posted Friday, August 15, 2008

Full review: Motion Computing F5 "Field Tool"
After Motion Computing, ever the pioneer in innovative tablet computers, introduced the Motion C5 Mobile Clinical Assistant in February of 2007, the response was overwhelmingly positive. The concept and execution of the lightweight tablet turned out to be so successful that the company decided to follow up with the Motion F5 "Field Tool" for mobile field workers. What's different about the F5, and how well does the handy tablet -- which includes a camera, scanner and optional RFID reader -- work in the field? [Read review of the Motion Computing F5] -- Posted Friday, August 8, 2008

Whatever happened to Transmeta?
You remember Transmeta, the chip company that promised lower cost and lower power consumption with its chips that did part of the work in software? That didn't work out so well, but Transmeta stayed in business licensing the innovative technologies and related intellectual property they had developed. They just granted NVIDIA a non-exclusive license to their Long Run and LongRun2 technologies for advanced power management, for a one-time, non-refundable license fee of US$25 million. It's a living. -- Posted Thursday, August 7, 2008

New products added
We've added descriptions and specs for three products: the Electrovaya Scribbler 4000 (Electrovaya's latest in a line of innovative Tablet PC slates), the Aceeca MEZ1500 (a Windows Mobile-based follow-up on the company's unique rugged Palm handheld), and the JETT.eye by Two Technologies (a rugged handheld with a 5-megapixel camera). -- Posted Wednesday, August 6, 2008

FusionOptix Concept 7.0 LED backlighting
Mobile systems manufacturers contemplating a switch from traditional CCFL backlights to LED should check out the Concept 7.0 series by Fusion Optix. Concept offers the value of a greener, more robust light source without sacrificing performance. Combining LightControl™ components with Lumen LED strips results in LCD backlight systems (BLUs) that are thinner, brighter, more uniform, and greener than OEM standards. Thanks to its technology, Fusion Optix is able to use fewer LEDs per system, making Concept BLUs a cost effective solution for replacing CCFL with LED. We've reviewed systems with LED backlights, and like the slimmer and more flexible LCD cases and extra brightness they make possible. [Read about Fusion Optix Concept LED display systems] -- Posted Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Trimble/TDS Nomad used in rain forest expedition
Trimble announced that it is sponsoring a National Geographic-funded scientific and exploratory expedition currently underway in Gabon, West Central Africa. The six-week expedition, “The Search for Gabon’s Sacred Rain Forest Caves,” seeks to obtain full World Heritage Site status for the caves from the UNESCO. As one of the team’s sponsors, Trimble is providing the expedition with a Trimble Nomad rugged handheld computer with GPS capability. The expedition team is using the Nomad while canvassing the rain forest in search of caves, archaeological discoveries and new species. Specifically, the team is using the Nomad to mark cave entrances and rock-carved petroglyphs as well as the locations of new species and other important discoveries, and for mapping cave-rich limestone areas known as “karst.” Updates and information about the expedition can be found online at http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/gabon-caves/. -- Posted Wednesday, August 6, 2008

GETAC announces new President of North American operations
GETAC, Inc., maker of rugged laptop, tablet and handheld computers, today announced the promotion of Jim Rimay to President of GETAC Incorporated. As President of GETAC, Inc., Rimay will oversee the company’s North American operations. “Jim has been a key part of our success in the US, and we are thrilled to promote him to this important position,” said Francis Tsai, Chairman of MiTAC Technology Corporation. “Jim’s extensive knowledge of our products and core markets combined with his exceptional leadership skills and vision for the future makes him the ideal choice to lead GETAC as President.” Congratulations, Jim! -- Posted Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Juniper Systems releases new version of the ultra-rugged Allegro Field PC
Juniper Systems, Inc., a provider of innovative field computer solutions for rugged applications, announced the new Allegro MX Field PC. Based on the company's Allegro CX but including many technology updates, the ultra-rugged Allegro features Windows Mobile 6.1, IP67 rating, a robust full keyboard, integrated Bluetooth and a Wi-Fi 802.11b/g option, long-term battery life, host and client USB, and large and highly outdoor-visible displays. The Allegro MX runs Microsoft® Windows Mobile® version 6.1 and is powered by the 624MHz version of the Marvell PXA270 processor. Durable in extreme environments, the Allegro is a premier choice for those who need a rugged field computer with a full keyboard. [See description and specs of the Juniper Systems Allegro MX Field PC] -- Posted Monday, August 4, 2008

RuggedPCReview.com welcomes Xplore as newest sponsor
Rugged computing pioneer Xplore Technologies has joined RuggedPCReview.com as a sponsor, thus helping us in our mission to be the #1 industry clearinghouse for rugged computing equipment hardware reviews as well as an information source on rugged computing terminology, definitions, testing, and enabling technologies. [see Xplore profile, Xplore iX104C3 rugged Tablet PC, Xplore case studies] -- Posted Monday, August 4, 2008

RuggedPCReview.com underwater video makes a splash!
Within a short time, RuggedPCReview.com's review of an xTablet rugged Tablet PC by MobileDemand is creating a big splash. It can be seen on some of the popular video clip sites and has been viewed almost 14,000 times. Click the image of an editor operating the device underwater to see the video on blip.tv. But remember: We are trained professionals. Do not try this at home. -- Posted Monday, August 4, 2008

Dial Industries uses Mobile BIS/Psion Teklogix wireless solutiony
LA-based Dial Industries, which makes thousands of plastic household products sold at retail chains nationwide, is using a wireless computing solution from Psion Teklogix Inc. and Mobile BIS to speed inventory management and accuracy while improving order fulfillment to customers. Psion Teklogix's WORKABOUT PRO G2 hand-held mobile computers running Mobile BIS Inventory Management System (IMS) software quickly and accurately account for 5,000 household plastic product SKUs handled in Dial's Los Angeles warehouses each day. Mobile BIS tracks the inventory daily, weekly and monthly, providing real-time up-to-date information on the secure Oracle database that is accessible to Dial Industries employees anywhere in the world. Mobile BIS says Psion Teklogix was chosen "because Psion Teklogix's mobile computers complement our software because of their ruggedness, multi-functionality and flexible, easy-to-use design." -- Posted Monday, August 4, 2008

Charge Anywhere POS solution now on Intermec CN3
CHARGE Anywhere, a provider of secure Point of Sale solutions and electronic payment services announced that its CHARGE Anywhere POS software is now available for use on the Intermec CN3 rugged mobile computer creating a complete, secure wireless credit card terminal. -- Posted Monday, August 4, 2008