February 2018

DT Research introduced the rugged, compact 7-inch IP65-sealed DT872CR capacitive touch panel computer that brings computing power and connectivity to all sorts of public, business, enterprise, hospitality and industrial places, and many more. It's also an ideal building block for emerging IoT applications. It offers the power of full Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, or the familiar simplicity of Android "Marshmallow." [See description, analysis and specs of the DT Research DTR872CR]

Panasonic introduces at Mobile World Congress a fully rugged tablet with FLIR Thermal Imaging Camera to capture and process images on the move
Panasonic today announced at Mobile World Congress the fully rugged Panasonic Toughpad FZ-M1 Thermal Imaging Tablet designed to capture and process images on the move. The handy 7-inch tablet equipped with a FLIR Lepton micro thermal camera, is a Windows-based device that allows field workers to take and process accurate thermal images on the spot and link these images to other line of business applications and add metadata content such as QR codes. [See Panasonic press release] -- Posted Wednesday, February 28, 2018

5 ways to tell if your “rugged” tablet, laptop or handheld is a knock-off
As the demand for ruggedized mobile computing gear grows (and how surprising is that, given the sliver-thin, fragile nature of consumer phones and tablets?), we're seeing more and more products that claim to be rugged, but really are not. Go on Alibaba or even eBay and you'll find thousands of "rugged" handhelds and tablets, all claiming impressive ruggedness specs. Only, as a recent blog by Xplore points out, if those products are truly rugged, then a Volkswagen with a trailer hitch attached to it is a commercial truck... [See 5 Ways to Tell if Your “Rugged” Tablet, Laptop or Handheld is a Knock-Off] -- Posted Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Full review: RuggON VX-601 rugged vehicle-mount computer
State-of-the-art high performance computing power isn't needed in all vehicle-mount computers. RuggON Corporation designed their ultra-rugged 12.1-inch VX-601 for deployments where the highest possible performance is needed and nothing else will do. RuggedPCReview.com examined the big, super-solid 12.1-inch vehicle-mount in detail and we came away impressed with its build quality, its performance, its connectivity, its super-bright touch display, and its special attention to vehicle integration. See full review of the RuggON VX-601 vehicle mount computer] -- Posted Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Janam and Dacosys deliver better inventory control to enterprises
Janam Technologies LLC, a leading provider of rugged mobile computers that scan barcodes and communicate wirelessly, announced today that it has partnered with Dacosys, a leading value-added reseller in Latin America, to enable companies in the agriculture, automotive, direct store delivery, energy, government and viticulture industries to efficiently manage assets and inventory. [See press release] -- Posted Friday, February 23, 2018

Zebra scores first-ever $1 billion sales quarter
Zebra Technologies announced net sales of $1,026 million in Q4 2017 compared to $942 million in Q4 2016. Net income for Q4 2017 was $4 million, compared to $17 million for Q4 2016. Full year 2016 sales were $3.722 billion compared to $3.574 billion in 2016. Net income for 2017 was $17 million, compared with a net loss of $137 million in 2016. Net sales in the Enterprise Visibility & Mobility ("EVM") segment (formerly Enterprise segment) were $675 million in Q4 2017 compared with $617 million in the Q4 2016. Asset Intelligence & Tracking ("AIT") segment (formerly Legacy Zebra segment) net sales were $351 million in Q4 of 2017 compared to $327 million in the prior year period. Zebra CEO Anders Gustafsson said, "In the fourth quarter, we drove higher sales across all major product categories and regions, eclipsing $1 billion in quarterly sales for first time in company history." [See Zebra Q4 2017 financials] -- Posted Thursday, February 22, 2018

GammaTech changes name to Durabook Americas
GammaTech Computer Corporation, the North American branch of Twinhead International Corporation, today announced it has changed its name to Durabook Americas, Inc. The new name reflects the company's longstanding focus on the DURABOOK brand as well as changing market conditions that emphasize the need for reliable, purpose-built, mobile computing solutions. [See press release] -- Posted Thursday, February 22, 2018

Getac updates their big 15.6-inch rugged X500 and X500 Server
Sometimes regular laptops just won't do for demanding field operations. That's what Getac's big and fully rugged 15.6-inch X500 notebook and X500 Server are for. Now Getac announced a major performance update to the line that includes 45 watt Intel 7th generation "Kaby Lake" Core and Xeon processors, more and faster storage, faster communications, a brighter display, higher bandwidth and available more powerful batteries. An available expansion chassis provides either two full-length PCI card slots or dual PCI-Express 3.0 x1 lane and x8 lane support. [See RuggedPCReview description, analysis and specs of the Getac X500 and X500 Server] -- Posted Thursday, February 22, 2018

Xplore rugged tablet chosen as primary computing console for state-of-the-art thermal validation system
Xplore Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ:XPLR) today announced that it has received purchase orders totaling more than $2.4 million for Xplore F5m rugged tablet PCs from one of the largest manufacturers of advanced sensing technologies and innovative embedded measurement solutions in the United States. The OEM has chosen the clean-room approved F5m to serve as the dedicated computer console for its new advanced thermal validation system. [See Xplore press release] -- Posted Wednesday, February 21, 2018

A look at Apple's HomePod
Apple's HomePod isn't a rugged device, but it's an interesting one nonetheless. Pen Computing Magazine's former Executive Editor David MacNeill, a lifelong Apple aficionado, presents his opinion on the HomePod: "HomePod is Apple at its best. The thing does exactly what it says it will do, then gives you more than you expected. Best of all, Apple has zero interest in monetizing what you say to your HomePod. Nothing is stored, everything is encrypted end to end. It lives to serve and is totally trustworthy." [See A look at Apple's HomePod] -- Posted Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Zebra revolutionizes field worker productivity with new durable smartphone
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), the market leader in rugged mobile computers, barcode scanners and barcode printers enhanced with software and services to enable real-time enterprise visibility, announced the launch of the TC25: a new rugged smartphone specifically designed for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The TC25 empowers field mobility workers to scan barcodes on parts, manage routes, and complete invoices on the spot. [See Zebra press release and RuggedPCReview's description, specs and analysis of the Zebra TC25] -- Posted Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Faytech's Open Frame Touch Monitors
Most industrial Panel PCs use heavy, solid construction since they'll be used in tough industrial settings. But that's not always so; many panels are simply mounted into, well, panels, and all the extra heft behind the panel really isn't needed. And that's why faytech introduced their new line of open frame touch monitors, lightweight models without a back case other than think zinc-coated steel. Panels are available in 21.5" 32", 43" and 55" display sizes. [See faytech Open Frame Touch Monitors] -- Posted Tuesday, February 13, 2018

What happened in rugged computing 5 years ago: Feb. 2013
In February 2013, Fujitsu announced the dust- and waterproof 10.1-inch Arrows Tab Q852/F Windows tablet, DAP the 7-inch M7000 rugged enterprise tablet with projected capacitive multi-touch, and Motorola Solutions the AME 2000 Secure Mobile Solution and the MC45 mobile computer. Handheld updated its Algiz XRW ultra-rugged 10.1-inch notebook from the (dreadful) Intel Atom Z550 to the much newer dual-core Atom N2600, N-trig launched the DuoSense Pen2 and swiped at Wacom. We reviewed Juniper Systems' Aspect field mapping solution and predicted 4K video would soon be available in smartphones (yes) and tablets (not so much). Intermec started proxy mailings for its acquisition by Honeywell, Xplore reported' revenues came of US$5.9 million for the quarter, Datalogic CEO Mauro Sacchetto resigned, and TouchStar released an interesting electronic run ticketing system for crude oil and water hauling. [See February 2013 archive] -- Posted Monday, February 12, 2018

RuggON announces the Rextorm PX501 tablet, a versatile and rugged Jack-of-all-Trades
RuggON Corporation, a leader in the design and manufacturing of ruggedized computing products, launched the third generation Rextorm PX501 for any data collection, control, and management application, even in the harshest environments. The Rextorm PX501 is equipped with a powerful Intel Core i5 Kaby Lake processor, a range of seamless connectivity and data capture options, and a touch screen display with bright, 1000 nits, sunlight readable display. Thanks to its massive battery life, ubiquitous GNSS coverage, and custom accessories allow for maximum mobility and off-base operation, while being backed by RuggON's hallmark uncompromising ruggedness, it allows for extended off-base operation. [See RuggON press release] -- Posted Friday, February 9, 2018

Trimble reports Q4 and full year 2017 results
Trimble fiscal 2017 revenue of US$2.7 billion was up 12% as compared to fiscal 2016. Buildings and Infrastructure revenue was $834.9 million, up 12%. Geospatial revenue was $661.2 million, up 4%. Resources and Utilities revenue was $476.9 million, up 21%. Transportation revenue was $681.2 million, up 16%. GAAP operating income was $246.0 million, up 36% as compared to fiscal 2016. Q4 2017 revenue of $708.4 million was up 21% as compared to Q4 of 2016. Buildings and Infrastructure revenue was $209.6 million, up 18%. Geospatial revenue was $176.4 million, up 11%. Resources and Utilities revenue was $131.6 million, up 38%. Transportation revenue was $190.8 million, up 24 percent. GAAP operating income was $62.8 million, up 14% as compared to Q4 of 2016. [See Trimble press release] -- Posted Friday, February 9, 2018

Xplore: Is the business market finally folding on laptops?
In its always interesting blog, Xplore Technologies discussed the position of the laptop in today's business markets. The latest market numbers show that traditional laptops are no longer the “one” computer that can go anywhere – or that professionals really want to lug around everywhere. This is driving OEMs to increasingly invest in 2-in-1 tablet designs that can serve as laptop replacements – and research shows that businesses are buying into these tablet-based alternatives given the numerous benefits to both end-users and IT (i.e. the business’ bottom line). [See Xplore bog] -- Posted Thursday, February 8, 2018

Full review: ARBOR Technology G60 Mobile Inspection Assistant with integrated thermal imaging
Arbor Technology's G60 "Mobile Inspection Assistant" is quite unique. Yes, it's a rugged Android handheld computer and phone, but it's also so much more. Integrated FLIR-based thermal imaging allows all sorts of inspection work where detection of heat signatures is required for the job. An internal mPCIe expansion slot means there can be both public and private mobile broadband communication. Optional via expansion modules include a high speed or long range barcode reader, UHF reader, and a laser distance reader. We're impressed. [See full review of the ARBOR G60 Mobile Inspection Assistant] -- Posted Thursday, February 8, 2018

Refined Toughbook 20 delivers more features, more value in a rugged 2-in-1 package
Panasonic, an industry leading manufacturer of mobile computing solutions that are purpose-built for the way people work, announced the U.S. launch of the latest 2018 version of its popular and critically-praised 2-in-1 detachable laptop, the Toughbook 20. At only 3.9 pounds, this fully-rugged laptop is perfect for today's workers on-the-go, with the features and rugged construction to keep working, no matter what challenges it meets. Now equipped with a refreshed processor — the Intel Core i5-7Y57 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.3 GHz, the Toughbook 20 laptop is more capable than ever before. And with a 256GB SSD standard on all models — and an option to expand to 512GB — workers can store more data on-the-go and access it with the speed they need. [See Panasonic press release] -- Posted Wednesday, February 7, 2018

U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center launches DT Research rugged tablets
DT Research, the world's leading designer and manufacturer of purpose-built computing solutions for vertical markets, today announced that the U.S Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) has selected the DT Research DT311 Rugged Tablets for deployment to U.S. Navy personnel working at various shipyards across the country. The purpose-built tablets designed by Silicon Valley-based DT Research can be used for technical maintenance management, warehouse and fleet inventory control, field testing and training, and other field-office data operations. With seamless office-to-field workflow, productivity significantly improves, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of personnel. [See DT Research press release] -- Posted Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Broadcom still wants to take over Qualcomm
According to Reuters, in the battle of chipmakers, Broadcomm plans to unveil a new approximately $120 billion offer for Qualcomm, aiming to ratchet up pressure on its U.S. semiconductor peer. [See Reuters press release] -- Posted Monday, February 5, 2018

IDC: tablet unit sales dropping, but detachables grow
According to IDC, the worldwide detachable tablet market was 49.6 million units in Q4 2017, down from 53.8 million in Q4 2016. Of those, detachables grew about 10% to 6.5 million, which means that pure tablets dropped from about 48 million to 43 million. Apple remained the clear leader both in Q4 2017 and for all of 2017. But in Q4, Amazon passed Samsung. Overall, the big 5 (Apple, Amazon, Samsung, Huawei and Lenovo) grew even more dominant, accounting for 2/3 of all tablets in 2017. [See IDC press release] -- Posted Monday, February 5, 2018

Trimble announces new MX9 mobile mapping system for surveying, engineering and geospatial professionals
Trimble announced the release of the Trimble MX9 mobile mapping solution. The Trimble MX9 combines a vehicle-mounted mobile lidar system, multi-camera imaging and field software for efficient, precise and high-volume data capture for a broad range of mobile mapping applications such as road surveys, topographic mapping, 3D-modeling and asset management. [See Trimble press release] -- Posted Monday, February 5, 2018

Honeywell to host live broadcast to unveil new connected solutions to power supply chains and protect workers
On Wednesday, February 14, 2018 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Honeywell will host a live online broadcast to unveil how it is leveraging leading edge technologies – from powerful software and sensors, to rugged hardware and smart automation – to help connect assets, workers and supply chains for greater insight, productivity, efficiency, and safety. The growth of analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence is making a significant impact across business and commerce worldwide. Honeywell will highlight new software and automated solutions to operate and manage modern distribution centers, new connected mobile devices that bring greater efficiencies and productivity, as well as innovative solutions to keep workers safe. [More information on the live Honeywell broadcast] -- Posted Friday, February 2, 2018

Motorola Solutions reports full-year 2017 financials
Motorola Solutions reported 2017 full-year sales of USS$6.38 billion, up 6% from US$6.04 billion in 2016. 2016 operating earnings were US$1.28 billion, up 20% from 2016's US$1.07 billion, with a 2017 net loss of US$155 million vs. net earnings of US$560 million in 2016. The product vs. services sales breakdown was about 59:41. For full-year 2018, Motorola Solutions expects revenue growth of approximately 5%. [See Motorola Solution financials] -- Posted Friday, February 2, 2018