February 2007

Motion Computing, the company that specializes on Tablet PC slates and nothing else, has introduced a handy mobile slate designed specifically for healthcare environments. It's a handy 10 x 10 inch device less than an inch thick and weighing just over three pounds. It's powerful enough with an Intel Core Solo processor to run Vista. It has excellent ergonomics, superior onboard security, communication and even RFID and barcode scanning. There's a 2-megapixel digital camera and the whole device is made so it can be easily cleaned and desinfected. Finally, there's an easy-mount dock that fits almost anywhere. [Read our preview of the Motion C5 Mobile Clinical Assistant]

Itronix' General Dynamics GoBook XR-1 wins Laptop Mag Editor's Choice
Itronix Corporation, a General Dynamics company, announced that the GoBook XR-1 laptop has earned the highly coveted Editor's Choice designation from LAPTOP Magazine in the rugged computing category. The computer, which received a 4-star rating, is featured in the March 2007 issue of LAPTOP (see our detailed review of the XR-1)) -- Posted Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Additions and updates
The rugged computer market is ever-changing and so we're constantly adding machines and updating specifications. The latest batch includes the Panasonic Toughbook T5, Toughbook W5, Toughbook Y5, Toughbook 74; the AMREL ROCKY Apex rugged tablet and its military sibling, the ROCKY DR7-M. We also updated the Kontron lineup now that all (well, most) of the former Dolch models have been integrated: Kontron NotePAC, MilPAC Plus, and FW8600. -- Posted Friday, February 16, 2007

Windows Mobile 6
Indicating the increasing importance of smartphones in its mobile strategy, Microsoft chose the 3GSM congress in Barcelona to unveil Windows Mobile 6, the newest version of its mobile software platform. WinMo 6 improves usability and adds support for Microsoft Office features previously available only on PCs, attemtping to deliver to the small screen more of the familiar Windows experience. Mobile versions of Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint have all added capabilities once available only on the PC versions. All WinMo 6 devices include Direct Push Technology for up-to-date email delivery and automatic synchronization of Outlook calendars, tasks and contacts through Microsoft Exchange Server. There is improved device security and the capability to remotely wipe all data from a device should it be lost or stolen. We'll do a detailed overview. For now, check Microsoft's press release on Windows Mobile 6 -- Posted Thursday, February 15, 2007

Wireless fleet managemenet white paper released
Networkcar, a leader in wireless vehicle management, announced the availability of a free white paper entitled "Optimizing Fleet Maintenance with Wireless Vehicle Management." Intended for managers of commercial fleets, the white paper explains how remotely monitoring engine diagnostics can facilitate preventative maintenance and reduce vehicle repair costs. [Request the White Paper] -- Posted Thursday, February 15, 2007

Trimble introduces GNSS/GPS for agriculture applications
Trimble introduced a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver for agricultural users, the AgGPS(R) 442 GNSS. The 442 can track GLONASS and next-gen Global Positioning System (GPS) L2C satellite signals. With more satellite signals to access, the AgGPS 442 GNSS improves the farmer's ability to work in tough GPS environments with faster initialization times, and provides for increased productivity and reduced downtime in the field. -- Posted Monday, February 12, 2007

Garmin Fleet Management Interface now for Fleet Tracking
At the 3GSM conference in Barcelona, Garmin International Inc., announced the availability of the Garmin Fleet Management Interface, a fleet tracking and mobile resource management platform available for the Garmin StreetPilot, nuvi and zumo series of personal navigation devices. This new interface lets fleet tracking providers and large fleet operators utilize Garmin's portable GPS devices as part of their mobile resource management solution. -- Posted Monday, February 12, 2007

The MobileDemand xMount and printer system
We're taking a detailed look at MobileDemand's xMount and printer system designed for their xTablet series of rugged slate computers. The xMount is an extremely sturdy and cleverly engineered vehicle mount system that installs easily and can even accommodate a full box of fanfold paper for large print jobs. [see MobileDemand xMount system] -- Posted Thursday, February 8, 2007

Panasonic Toughbooks CF-19 and CF-30
We added descriptions and specs for two updated Panasonic Toughbooks. The very compact Tablet PC-convertible CF-19 replaces the CF-18, and the CF-30 replaces the flagship CF-29. Both models have received tech makeovers and additional high-speed wieless radio options. -- Posted Monday, February 5, 2007

Dell offers ruggedized "All-Terrain Grade" notebook
Wanting a piece of the ever more lucrative durable/semi-rugged/rugged notebook market, Dell is now offering the Latitude ATG, a compact and faily light notebook with modern Core 2 Duo technology and an exceptionally bright 14.1-inch wide format display. There's a media bay that can accommodate various options, fingerprint reader and SmartCard handle security, and the ATG can accommodate most TelCo mobile broadband options. The ATG is MIL-STD 810F certified, but Dell doesn't say to what standards. See specs and brief review of the Dell Latitude ATG -- Posted Friday, February 2, 2007