February 2012

Tallahassee, Florida, based F4Devices introduced a follow-up on the BAP Precision S Series rugged data collection handheld that we reviewed in detail last Fall (see review here). The new "Flint" model features a full 480 x 640 pixel VGA display, a higher resolution 5mp camera, USB OTG, increased ruggedness, and comes in three versions, the basic S812H (WinMo 6.5 Classic, no voice/data), the S852H (WinMo 6.5 Classic, 3G data), and the S862H (WinMo 6.5 Pro, voice/3G data). [See Flint website and spec sheet]

Motorola Solutions launches a remarkable Mission Critical Handheld for first responders
Motorola Solutions introduced the LEX 700 Mission Critical Handheld that's hardly bigger than a consumer smartphone but is an entirely different class of device that connects to public safety LTE broadband, is tough as nails, and was designed from the ground up to give public safety personnel a tool for the job. The dual core OMAP 4470-powered device has a 4-inch capacitive display with 800 x 480 resolution, extensive voice and data connectivity, currently runs Windows Embedded Handheld, but will likely be upgradeable to Android Open Source 4.0. [See description and specs of the Motorola LEX 700] -- Posted Friday, February 24, 2012 by chb

e-con Systems licenses Windows CE camera driver to MilDef CReTE
e-con Systems Inc., which specializes in developing advanced customized camera solutions and related services, has licensed its Windows CE camera driver source code to MilDef CReTE of Taiwan, a manufacturer of rugged handheld computing devices (and also the supplier of AMREL Rocky rugged computers) that contain e-con’s camera modules and drivers with Omni Vision image sensors. e-con Systems says it's been working with Omni Vision on specialty sensors (High Dynamic Range, 720p/1080p HD, etc.) for applications in security and surveillance and low-light conditions. [See e-con camera modules and camera boards] -- Posted Friday, February 24, 2012 by chb

Juniper Systems introduces Mesa for Hazardous Locations
Juniper Systems introduced a new version of its unique Mesa Rugged Notepad, the Mesa for Hazardous Locations. It's designed specifically for the intrinsically safe market and allows users to safely collect data where potentially explosive gases, liquids, or vapors may be present. Approved under standard UL 1604 CSA 213 in the U.S. and Canada, the new Mesa version carries Class I, Division 2 non-incendive certification. The intrincically safe version is available for all three models (Standard, Geo, and Geo 3G) of the Mesa Rugged Notepad. [See Juniper Mesa for Hazardous Locations (pdf)] -- Posted Thursday, February 23, 2012 by chb

New rugged Trimble Juno GIS handhelds
GPS/GIS specialist Trimble introduced a new generation of its Juno line of handhelds that combine Windows Mobile computing power with exceptional GPS/GIS performance in a rugged 11 ounce package. The new Juno 3B and 3D (the latter with 3.75 WWAN) run Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 on an 800MHz Samsung processor, have 3.5-inch QVGA touch screens, and GPS receivers specifically designed to maximize position yields in challenging GPS environments, such as under forest canopies and near buildings in urban areas. [See description and specs of the Trimble Juno 3B and 3D] -- Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 by chb

New: Intermec CV41 rugged Windows CE-based forklift vehicle-mount computer
Intermec introduced the CV41 vehicle-mount computer designed primarily for fork lifts and similar warehouse operations vehicles. The handy Intel Atom-powered 3-pound device runs Windows CE, has an 8-inch WVGA touch screen with 900-nit option, a very complete 64-key keyboard, comprehensive wired and wireless connectivity, IP66 sealing, and it's also Vocollect voice-ready. [See description and specs of the Intermec CV41] -- Posted Thursday, February 2, 2012 by chb

Psion joins Sprint's Open Device Initiative
Psion announced it has joined Sprint's Open Device Initiative to provide its customers with access to the strength of Sprint's 3G network in the U.S. This agreement helps to meet the need for rugged mobile devices and Psion is already shipping Sprint-certified versions of its EP10 rugged handheld to customers. Sprint says its Open Device Initiative is the product of more than a decade of experience certifying non-Sprint-branded devices on its networks. The Open Device Initiative accelerates the process of identifying, testing and deploying devices. -- Posted Wednesday, February 1, 2012 by chb