March 2019

While the majority of rugged vehicle mount tablets have been Windows-based, Android is coming on strong in that segment as well. To stay ahead of the curve, Winmate just launched an updated and enhanced version of its existing 10.4-inch FM10A Android-based vehicle mount computer. The new FM10Q ("Q" comes from its Qualcomm Snapdragon processor) retains the tough magnesium housing, IP65 sealing and availability of a 1,000 nits display, but runs a newer rev of Android (8.1 "Oreo"), and offers much higher performance. [See Winmate's FM10Q Android VMC]

New Getac rugged tablet solution drives safety and productivity in hazardous industries
Getac has today announced the launch of its new K120-ANSI fully-rugged tablet, delivering unparalleled levels of safety and performance to employees operating in hazardous working environments. The K120-ANSI features an 8th generation Intel® Core i5 and i7 Quad-core CPU for maximum performance, even when using multiple applications simultaneously. A 12.5" full HD widescreen display offers ultimate versatility, while LumiBond sunlight readable technology with rain and glove touch capability ensures screen visibility (1200 nits of brightness) and productivity in even the most extreme conditions. [See Getac media release] -- Posted Thursday, March 28, 2019

Hexagone Neuilly Clinic Group automates medical device tracking with Zebra Technologies
Zebra Technologies Corporation, an innovator at the edge of the enterprise with solutions and partners that enable businesses to gain a performance edge, today announced that the Hexagone Neuilly Group uses the Zebra TC51-HC touch computer for automated medical device tracking in its hospital operating theatres to increase productivity. Located at Neuilly-sur-Seine outside of Paris, the Hexagone Neuilly Group includes the Ambroise Paré, Pierre Cherest and Hartmann clinics which annually process nearly 50,000 overnight patient stays as well as outpatient services. [See Zebra media release] -- Posted Thursday, March 28, 2019

Estone Technology: Review samples of MJ-80 Android powered rugged tablet now available
Estone Technology several months ago announced the upcoming release of our 8", Android Powered tablet platform for Rugged/Medical applications. We are pleased to announce that the MJ-80 tablet platform is now complete and that samples are available for evaluation. Evaluation samples can be requested by contacting Estone Technology for further information. [See Estone Technology media release] -- Posted Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Juggernaut.Case ruggedizes commercial smartphones for law enforcement
Juggernaut, LLC today announced the deployment of its ruggedized Juggernaut.Case for law enforcement and other first responders. With over 45,000 cases already fielded for military use, law enforcement agencies can now embrace this technology while protecting life, property and evidence in often hazardous environments. The Juggernaut.Case IMPCT is a ruggedized polymer case designed to protect Apple and Samsung smartphones from drops and impact (MIL-STD-810G-rated). [See Juggernaut media release] -- Posted Wednesday, March 27, 2019

JLT Mobile Computers First to Sign Five-Year Navis Ready Agreement
JLT Mobile, a leading developer and manufacturer of reliable computers for demanding environments, today announced the signing of a long-term partnership with the Navis Ready Program. This makes JLT the first hardware provider to ensure that all its rugged computers for the port segment will be validated for use with major upcoming Navis N4 Terminal Operating System (TOS) releases for the next five years. [See JLT Mobile media release] -- Posted Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Getac gets the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship revved up for 2019 season
Getac has today announced a new strategic partnership with the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) for its 2019 season, which gets underway on 6th April at Brands Hatch. The deal will see all of BTCC's legacy IT infrastructure replaced with Getac rugged mobile devices, offering seamless efficiency and reliability throughout race control, paddock and pit lane during race weekends and beyond. [See Getac media release] -- Posted Monday, March 25, 2019

Article: The drone in your future
Drones have made tremendous progress and will likely become part of many jobs. Being able to control a camera that can fly has enormous potential. It can easily go anywhere and anyplace where ladders, scaffolds, and potentially dangerous trekking would otherwise be needed. That makes it ideal for inspections, damage assessment whether it's the big picture from way above or from very close-up. It can be used to take breathtaking video of real estate, natural settings, bridges, tall buildings and plenty more. It can go inside of structures that may be unsafe. The application potential is endless. [Read "The Drone in Your Future" -- Posted Monday, March 25, 2019

Kyocera launches rugged FirstNet Ready DuraForce PRO 2 military-grade 4G LTE smartphone with AT&T
Kyocera International Inc., the leader in rugged mobile solutions, today announced that its military-grade rugged DuraForce PRO 2, a 4G LTE Android smartphone, has been added to its rugged devices available through AT&T. Designed for public safety and enterprise use, especially first responders and construction, DuraForce PRO 2 is dependable and durable in even the harshest environments. DuraForce PRO 2 is also FirstNet Ready, so it's been tested and certified to operate on FirstNet — the nationwide public safety broadband communications platform. [See Kyocera media release] -- Posted Saturday, March 23, 2019

Super-rugged Olympus TG Tracker now US$199!
Do you need to shoot 4k video on tough jobs? Then we can very highly recommend the Olympus TG Tracker super-compact video/still camera that can handle 7-feet drops, 14F temperature, it's crushproof, and can handle full immersion to 100 feet! It's also jam-packed full of sensors and can even do data logging. At RuggedPCReview.com we've been using the TG Tracker for years, and Olympus now has it on sale for $199! [See Olympus TG Tracker deal] -- Posted Friday, March 22, 2019

Winmate updates 13.3-inch rugged tablet
In its latest newsletter, Winmate announced it has refreshed the M133 series 13.3-inch rugged tablet PC with a performance update, upgrading the CPU to a 7th generation Intel “Kaby Lake” Core i5-7200U processor. The new M133K offers the larger screen size of a laptop in a tablet form factor for increased visibility and computing possibilities. The fully rugged M133K is capable of being deployed for use in demanding environments such as automotive manufacturing and vehicle diagnostics in workshops. [See Winmate newsletter] -- Posted Thursday, March 21, 2019

Motorola Solutions launches MOTOTRBO Nitro, the first fully managed solution for business-critical voice and broadband data
Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) today launched MOTOTRBO® Nitro for commercial customers, delivering an end-to-end enterprise communications solution with premium voice communications and lightning-fast private broadband data. The Nitro solution and devices will be on display this week at the company's 2019 Channel Partner Expo. [See Motorola Solutions media release] -- Posted Thursday, March 21, 2019

Zebra Study: Seven in ten enterprises cite E-commerce driving need for faster field operations
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), an innovator at the edge of the enterprise with solutions and partners that enable businesses to gain a performance edge, today announced the results of its latest vision study on the Future of Field Operations. The study reveals mobile technology investment is a top priority for 36% of organizations and a growing priority for an additional 58% to keep up with rapidly evolving and increasing customer demand. The findings indicate investments will be made in disruptive technologies and enterprise mobile devices to enhance front-line worker productivity and customer satisfaction in field operations including fleet management, field services, proof of delivery and direct store delivery workflows. [See Zebra media release] -- Posted Thursday, March 21, 2019

When the job goes underwater: Canon G7x/WP-DC54 housing
We've tested and reviewed a large number of cameras underwater over the years, including rugged ones that don't even need a housing down to moderate depth. Initially, it was safe to say that the average underwater project would yield one decent shot out of ten, if that. That has changed dramatically. We explain why the Canon G7x with its WP-DC54 housing has become our go-to camera for product review trips, and why it works so well underwater. [See review of the Canon G7x and WP-DC54] -- Posted Wednesday, March 20, 2019

PacStar tactical comms solution enables warfighters to securely transmit sensitive data using Wi-Fi and LTE-enabled devices
To meet growing DoD demand for secure warfighter mobility, PacStar today announced Secure Wireless Command Post (SWCP) Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) — a small modular tactical communications package that allows warfighters to securely transmit sensitive data in battlefield and tactical environments using their smartphones, tablets, laptops or other commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) mobile devices. [See PacStar media release] -- Posted Wednesday, March 20, 2019

New: MobileDemand xTablet A680 rugged Android handheld
With the xTablet A680 Handheld, MobileDemand launched it's first-ever rugged handheld. It's an ultra-mobile Android 8.1 device with a spacious 6-inch capacitive multi-touch display. It comes standard with an integrated Honeywell N3680 industrial-grade scanner and costs US$995. Coming soon is a scan handle for the xTablet A680 that also provides power for up to 85 hours of continuous use. [See description, analysis and specs of the MobileDemand xTablet A680 Handheld] -- Posted Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Honeywell: The Benefits of a Unified Platform for Mobile Computing
Honeywell's latest newsletter announces a whitepaper entitled "The Benefits of a Unified Platform for Mobile Computing: 4 Reasons to Use Mobility Edge for Your Device Deployments." Honeywell also says it currently is the only manufacturer committed to delivering Android R support. You have to supply your name and email to be able to download the white paper, but it may be worth it. [See Honeywell newsletter] -- Posted Tuesday, March 19, 2019

First Panasonic TOUGHBOOK rugged handhelds certified as Android Enterprise Recommended
Two of Panasonic's leading rugged handheld devices have been certified by Google as Android Enterprise Recommended Rugged Devices — meeting all specification requirements. The TOUGHBOOK T1 and TOUGHBOOK N1, both with integrated barcode reader, voice and data functionality, are the first Panasonic Android devices to be certified under the new scheme for rugged devices. [See Panasonic media release] -- Posted Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Juniper launches Android-based Allegro 3
Juniper Systems introduced the next generation of its ultra-rugged, IP68-sealed handheld with full QWERTY and full numeric keypads. Technologically updated and more powerful than its predecessor, the new Allegro 3 retains the same time-proven design and qualities, but it is now an Android device. [See description, analysis and specs of the Juniper Systems Allegro 3] -- Posted Monday, March 18, 2019

Winmate FM07: Compact 7-inch vehicle-mounted computer
When it comes to vehicle computers, size matters. If space is an issue, Winmate’s compact 7-inch vehicle mounted computer, the FM07, offers a compact design without making any compromises. The FM07 contains an Intel Apollo Lake CPU, a capacitive multi-touch screen, and is suited for a variety of industrial applications, from warehouse management, transportation logistics, to airport ground handling operations. [See Winmate FM07 7-inch vehicle-mount computer] -- Posted Saturday, March 16, 2019

Analysis: Dell's 2019 rugged notebooks
Late 2018, Dell introduced successors to both its semi-rugged and fully rugged 14-inch laptops. The new machines are the Latitude 5420 and 5424 Rugged on the semi-rugged side, and the Latitude 7424 Rugged Extreme at the fully rugged end. RuggedPCReview is providing an overview of all three new machines, including comparisons, a brief discussion of each model, and benchmark performance testing. [See a detailed overview of Dell's 2019 rugged laptops] -- Posted Thursday, March 14, 2019

JLT Mobile Computers further increases worker productivity with StayLinked Terminal Emulation — The most reliable and secure TE solution for mobile devices
JLT Mobile Computers, a leading developer and manufacturer of reliable computers for demanding environments, today announced a new partnership with StayLinked, the leader in modern terminal emulation (TE) systems. To address the increasing need for reliable operations in challenging network environments, JLT is working closely together with StayLinked and provides the best terminal emulation solution with its mobile computers to customers around the world. [See JLT Mobile media release] -- Posted Thursday, March 14, 2019

JLT Mobile Computers: Rapid growth of new products and services contributes to record 2018 results
JLT Mobile Computers, a leading developer and manufacturer of reliable computers for demanding environments — and renowned for its high-level of support and flexibility in addressing customer challenges — reports record results for fiscal year 2018 (full details of the JLT Year-end Report, published 2019-02-08, are available here). Operating in an industry where the annual growth has been steady around 5% over the past couple of years, JLT reinforces its position as a leading player in the high-end of the rugged computer market with an increase in revenues by 15% and order intake by almost 30%, reaching a record level in the 25-year history of the company. [See JLT Mobile media release] -- Posted Thursday, March 7, 2019

New: Estone Technology MR-100 highly customizable 10.1-inch rugged OEM tablet
Estone Technology's mission is to provide premier OEM/ODM solutions focused on tablet and Panel PC products. This includes highly configurable tablet platforms such as the MR-100, a rugged 10.1-inch design available with various operating systems, configurations, and levels of performance. The Estone MR-100 is specialized for light industrial duty, but suitable for deployment in almost any industry. [See description, analysis and specs of the Estone Technology MJ-100] -- Posted Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Grayson County Sheriff Office depends on Durabook R11 tablet for reliable in-vehicle computing
Durabook Americas, Inc., the North American subsidiary of Twinhead International Corporation, has released a case study highlighting the deployment of Durabook R11 rugged tablets by the Grayson County Sheriff Office. Located North of Dallas, Grayson County Texas covers approximately 980 square miles, has many bumpy unpaved roads, extreme temperatures in winter and summer, and rural locations where connectivity can be difficult. Despite the challenging conditions, officers rely on the Durabook device to access their criminal justice software, records management solutions, computer-aided dispatch system, in-car and body camera devices, cloud applications and more. [See Durabook Americas media release] -- Posted Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Getac looking to expand
According to DigiTimes, Getac, which announced February 2019 revenues of US$54.4 million (up 12.3% on year), is adding new production lines for automotive components, and the company is looking to expand its ruggedized PC business by seeking new orders from the government procurement and automotive markets. In 2018, Getac had around 49% of its revenues from rugged PCs, around 43% from casing and automotive components and 9% from aerospace-related products. The company has also been investing in its Getac Video Solution, which it develops with Microsoft to implement artificial intelligence (AI) system into police surveillance systems. [See DigiTimes article] -- Posted Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Trimble's dynamic 2019 lineup of rugged handhelds and tablets
Trimble's Mobile Computing Solutions Division has been busy as of late, adding three major new field productivity handhelds and tablets over the last few months. The 7-inch Yuma 7 brings Windows 10 performance into the field, the Ranger 7 does the same in an innovative form factor with keyboard handle, and the Nomad 5 handheld brings Android to the party. All three can accommodate Trimble's EMPOWER expansion and customization modules. [See a detailed overview of Trimble's 2019 lineup] -- Posted Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Motorola Solutions and Sierra Wireless provide broadband communications for first responders on the road
When first responders are on the road, they need to be able to share data in real time, regardless of where the mission takes them. Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: MSI) is teaming up with Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW) to deliver LTE broadband in-vehicle communications as part of its integrated platform for mission-critical communications. [See Motorola Solutions media release] -- Posted Monday, March 4, 2019

RuggON announces Rextorm PX501 with boosted performance
RuggON announced an enhanced edition Rextorm PX501 fully rugged 10.1-inch Windows tablet for challenging tasks in demanding environments. Besides the original model with the Intel 7th Generation Core i5-7300U, RuggON gives customers one more choice of processor — the Intel 8th Generation Core i5-8250U — to ensure top performance with no compromise in the field. [See RuggON media release] -- Posted Monday, March 4, 2019

What happened in rugged computing 10 years ago: March 2009
In March 2009, Getac was one of the first to add Computrace to its firmware. Fujitsu consolidated its major North American businesses. Parvuz introduced the rugged Zypad WR11XX wrist-wearable computer. Winmate announced it now featured a full Intel Atom-based product line. RuggedPCReview issued a case study on Dive Support Computing, featuring the Itronix MR1 rugged UMPC. Datalogic Mobile announced overnight service program and 5 year service terms. GammaTech announced the Durabook RT10 MCA mobile clinical assistant. Handheld U.S. added the Kenaz GPS to its Recon rugged PDA. GD-Itronix introduced the GD8000 fully-rugged notebook, Dell the fully-rugged Latitude E6400 XFR, and Motion Computing the J3400 Tablet PC. We reviewed Panasonic's H1 clinical assistant tablet and Winmate's IA80 rugged tablet. Motorola added the MC55 enterprise digital assistants, and Getac the PS535F rugged GPS PDA. Jon Peddie Research predicted that soon all graphics systems would be integrated into CPUs. Datamax and O'Neil became one company. [See what happened in rugged computing ten years ago in March 2009] -- Posted Monday, March 4, 2019