May 2016

Also announced at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago was the DT Research DT327CR mobile Point-Of-Service tablet. The small and light Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise-based 7-inch DT315CR is a multi-function tablet provides secure mobile data capture, storage and transmission for food ordering, tableside check-out, mobile check-in and efficient inventory management, with seamless front and back office application integration and advanced security. [See DT Research media release and our description, analysis and specs of the DT Research DT327CR]

DigiTimes: Tablet supply chain beginning to focus elsewhere
With demand for tablets weakening, DigiTimes feels that suppliers are increasingly looking for opportunity elsewhere, like car-use electronics, portable navigation devices, handsets, industrial control platforms, educational devices, consumer electronics, and medical equipment and surveillance products. -- Posted Monday, May 30, 2016

DT Research announces DT315CR Point-Of-Service tablet
Selecting just the right venue, DT Research announced the DT315CR mobile Point-Of-Service tablet at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. The Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise-based 9.7-inch DT315CR is multi-function tablet that provides secure mobile data capture, storage and transmission for food ordering, tableside check-out, mobile check-in and efficient inventory management, with seamless front and back office application integration and advanced security. [See DT Research media release and our description, analysis and specs of the DT Research DT315CR] -- Posted Saturday, May 28, 2016

Datalogic introduces 5-inch rugged Android PDA
Datalogic introduced the DL-Axist PDA as a robust, industrial-strength Android-based handheld computer with a fashionably large 5-inch high-res display and and an industrial-grade 2D imager. The primary target market is retail applications such as assisted sales, merchandising, stock management, field force deployment outside the four walls use, or as a Manager's device. [See Datalogic media release and description, analysis and specs of the Datalogic DL-Axist] -- Posted Thursday, May 26, 2016

Inside RuggedPCReview.com: coding, standards, and "2x" pics
Although RuggedPCReview.com is a very large and deep site that's updated every day, we code everything by hand, with the help of a bunch of tools and systems. That means that we'll occasionally run into issues and problems, and need to come up with our own solutions. In this longish blog entry we're discussing some of these philosophical issues, coding issues, the standards we use, and also how we're going to deal with the "2x" display issue, i.e. making sure our pictures look great on the growing number of very high resolution displays. [read on] -- Posted Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Bright House orders an additional 3,000 Getac computers
Bright House Networks has ordered 3,000 Getac fully rugged F110 tablets and V110 convertible notebooks so that its field technicians and supervisors can serve their 2.5 million cable, Internet, voice and home security customers more efficiently. Bright House chose Getac because they were able to collaborate and develop a custom solution that dramatically improved their diagnostic workflow. Before placing the order, Bright House conducted a rigorous, long-term pilot test with Getac products to ensure that their features, functions and rugged design could handle the everyday stress associated with the wide range of extreme environments in which the Bright House team operates. [See Getac media release -- Posted Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Buckeye Mountain selects Janam for its RFID tag reading solution
Janam announced that Janam’s XM2-RFID for Rail mobile computer is a recommended mobile computing hardware for Buckeye Mountain’s Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) Quick Read application. Buckeye Mountain selected Janam’s XM2-RFID for Rail because it is the lightest, fastest and most affordable RFID-reading solution for the railroad industry. Janam CEO Harry B Lerner said, “We enjoy working with partners that share our passion for disrupting the status quo in industries that crave innovative and cost-effective solutions. Our partnership with Buckeye Mountain focuses on helping rail organizations manage their operations more efficiently and more economically, with real-time access to business intelligence.” [See Janam media release] -- Posted Tuesday, May 24, 2016

RuggON's new PM-311B rugged tablet puts cutting edge technology into the hands of the law
RuggON Corporation introduced the RuggON PM-311B, a tough Intel Bay Trail quad-core powered tablet with a super-bright 7-inch capacitive multi-touch display. Running Windows 10 IoT Enterprise for tablets, the PM-311B is equipped with advanced fingerprint reading, FIPS 140-2 encryption options, and a snap-on MRZ+MSR reader to meet the needs of always-connected law enforcement and similar deployments. [See description, analysis and specs of the RuggON PM-311B] -- Posted Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Winmate to showcase latest automotive solutions for IoT and Industry 4.0 at Computex 2016
Winmate announced it will showcase its latest industrial solutions for the IoT and Industry 4.0 at Computex 2016, May 31 through June 1 in Taipei, Taiwan, Booth #M1235. Winmate aims to provide automotive enterprise-ready solutions for vertical markets, focusing on HazLock, marine, warehouse and industrial automation, and healthcare. Also shown: a new series of Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) for industrial and building automation, new flat ECDIS Marine Panel PC and displays, Vehicle Mount Computers, full IP67 Stainless Panel PCs for ATEX Zone 2, and 4K Medical Display. -- Posted Monday, May 23, 2016

FBI certifies AMREL's latest Android rugged tablet
AMREL announced the FBI's certification of its Flexpedient AT80B Rugged Biometric Tablet. It is now on the exclusive FBI's Certified Products Listing. AMREL developed the AT80B in cooperation with Integrated Biometrics. Fingerprints are captured by the industry-leading Sherlock, an Integrated Biometrics module which utilizes a state-of-the-art Light Emitting Sensor. This sensor is fully rugged, uses little power, needs less maintenance than traditional methods, and captures FAP-45 quality images. [See AMREL media release and our review of the AT80] -- Posted Monday, May 23, 2016

Welcome Havis, RuggedPCReview's newest industry sponsor
A warm welcome to Havis as RuggedPCReview.com's newest industry sponsor, helping us continue to provide deep, detailed coverage and reviews of rugged mobile computing technology without annoying pop-ups and "you may also be interested in" click-bait. Havis has an 80 year legacy as a trusted manufacturer and provider of mission critical equipment. The company provides laptop and tablet docking stations and cradles, keeping devices docked, secure and functional. [See Havis computing solutions] -- Posted Monday, May 23, 2016

ARBOR introduces fanless embedded ARES-1230
ARBOR Technology announced the launch of the compact, lightweight ARES-1230 Series as an expansion of ARBOR’s product line-up of compact fanless embedded controllers. The new Series was specifically created to address the need for ultra-low profile enclosure solutions with flexible I/O and input power requirements. [See ARBOR media release -- Posted Friday, May 20, 2016

Avalue enters new markets with semi-industrial Panel PCs
Avalue Technology is introducing the ultra slim semi-industrial SID series of Panel PCs. SID panels are designed to merge the best of industrial and commercial products, offer ruggedness, longevity and technical support, high quality, stylish design and affordability. Applications include digital signage, point of information, conference system, kiosk, thin client terminal, surveillance and many others. Available in 10, 15 and 21-inch screen sizes, the fanless SID panel computers support Windows 10, Android and Linux, have 10-point capacitive multi-touch, and include full onboard connectivity. [See Avalue media release] -- Posted Thursday, May 19, 2016

Janam partners with ID Card to deliver industry's most affordable virtual ticket solution
Janam Technologies announced that it is working with Johnston Amusements to deploy a ticketless solution at all of Johnston Amusements’ fairs and festivals. The solution is powered by Janam’s XT1 rugged mini-tablet ( see our review of the Janam XT1) and ID Card Inc. ticketing software. The system will ultimately reduce lines and enhance the guest experience. Janam CEO Harry B Lerner said, "to provide a more enjoyable guest experience, intelligent organizations like Johnston Amusements look for new and unique ways to eliminate the common frustrations fair and festival patrons encounter. Our XT1 enables Johnston employees to spend more time on guests’ needs, while also helping management improve overall staffing and accounting operations." [See Janam media release] -- Posted Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Full review: Handheld Group Algiz RT7 rugged Android tablet
Swedish Handheld Group's Android 5.1.1-based 7-inch Algiz RT7 tablet computer is the latest in the company's lineup of rugged mobile computers for field workers in all sorts of demanding environments. Weighing less than the original iPad, the Algiz RT7 has a very responsive 7-inch daylight-viewable wide-format capacitive multi-touch touch screen, good wired and wireless communication, industrial grade scanning, and it is tough enough to go anywhere. [See full review of the Handheld Group Algiz RT7] -- Posted Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Handheld Group introduces intrinsically safe ultra-rugged computer
Handheld Group announced its first certified intrinsically safe model, a special version of the Nautiz X1 compact handheld. The product is being brought to market through a collaboration between Handheld Group and MCS (Mining Consultancy Services Pty Ltd), with offices in South Africa, Australia and Russia. The special version of the Nautiz X1 will first be introduced to the market in South Africa, where the Ex ia (Zone 0) and Ex ib (Zone 1) certifications have been issued. The international equivalent certifications, IECEx for Zone 0 and Zone 1, are in progress and are expected to be approved later this summer. [See Handheld media release] -- Posted Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Xplore secures additional order from U.S. railroad transportation company for rugged Tablet PCs
Xplore Technologies announced it has secured an order for an additional 120 Xplore Bobcat tablet computers from a leading U.S. railroad transportation company. The long-time customer recently placed a $1 million order for Bobcat tablets in April. The continued deployment and additional orders for fully rugged Bobcat tablets is to help railroad conductors safely stay connected and up-to-date with scheduling and cargo data, regardless of distance traveled, or amount of shock and vibration endured. [See Xplore media release] -- Posted Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Full review: Winmate M133W rugged 13.3-inch Tablet PC
With their new 13.3-inch M133W rugged tablet, Winmate Communication addresses the growing demand for larger tablet displays with higher resolutions in packages that take advantage of advanced Intel Core processor technology. RuggedPCReview has had an opportunity to examine the big M133W in detail and found it to be a compelling package for numerous applications that not only require Windows in the field, but also enough screen real estate for professional-grade applications. [See full review of the Winmate M133W 13.3-inch Rugged Tablet PC] -- Posted Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Getac introduces 3rd gen V110 fully rugged convertible
Getac introduced the next generation of their V110 fully rugged 11.6-inch convertible, with emphasis on performance demands and security threats in the most extreme environments. The V110, which offers a full-size keyboard and transforms easily between tablet and notebook modes, is now based on Intel "Skylake" 6th generation i5 and i7 Core processors. It's, among numerous other deployments, ideal for officers who need a tablet in the car and a full-size keyboard for typing reports outside the vehicle. [See Getac media release and RuggedPCReview's description, analysis and specs of the third generation Getac V110] -- Posted Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Getac introduces 3rd gen F110 fully rugged tablet
Getac introduced the next generation of their F110 fully rugged 11.6-inch tablet, with emphasis on performance demands and security threats in the most extreme environments. The F110, Getac's thinnest Windows tablet and now based on Intel "Skylake" 6th generation i5 and i7 Core processors, is an attractive mobile choice with a FullHD webcam, 8MP autofocus camera and optional 1D/2D barcode reader to video conference and capture data. [See Getac media release and RuggedPCReview's description, analysis and specs of the third generation Getac F110] -- Posted Tuesday, May 17, 2016

RuggedPCReview encounters hammerhead during testing
Last week, while testing underwater computing and video gear off the coast of South Florida, RuggedPCReview publisher and editor-in-chief Conrad Blickenstorfer had a close encounter with a hammerhead shark. Staff photographer Carol Cotton was quick on the draw with a GoPro action camera to document the occasion. It's all in a day's work. -- Posted Monday, May 16, 2016

Small PC upgrades rugged waterproof iBrick computer to Intel's Broadwell Series with available i7 processor
Small PC Computers of Clearwater Florida, a manufacturer of rugged computer solutions, has released its latest ibrick rugged computer model SC215ML. The ibrick is fully sealed against extreme weather and accidental immersion, while maintaining resistance to shock and vibration. A compact brick size package of only 8" x 5" x 2.7", this rugged, high performance, fanless computer is under 3lbs and operates silently, with no moving parts. [See Small PC iBrick SC215ML] -- Posted Monday, May 16, 2016

Datalogic reports sales revenue Q1 2016
Datalogic reported sales revenues for the first quarter of 2016 of 135.4 million Euro (US$153.3 million), with a growth of 10.7% compared to the first quarter of 2015 (+9.6% at constant exchange rates). The Group's net profit amounted to 10.1 million Euro (US$11.4 million), up slightly compared to 9.9 million Euro achieved in the same period of the prior year. [See Datalogic media release] -- Posted Sunday, May 15, 2016

Juniper Systems Mesa 2 touch screen profiles optimize use in rain & wet conditions
In its May 13 blog, Juniper Systems explains the use of touch screen profiles optimized for their Mesa 2 Windows 10 tablet's use in rainy and wet conditions. With capacitive multi-touch increasingly the user interface of choice, different touch profiles are becoming quite important, and this blog post discussed how various profiles work. [See Juniper Mesa 2 touch screen profiles optimize use in rain & wet conditions] -- Posted Friday, May 13, 2016

Xplore Technologies: Decontamination of mobile devices is not just a healthcare concern
XploreTechnologies' latest blog deals with the issue of mobile device contamination. This is generally viewed as a concern in healthcare settings where infection is a major issue, but Xplore says it goes well beyond that. For example, if a job requires wearing gloves, it stands to reason that the tablet used for the job should not only also be protected against the substances it'll encounter, but also be able to withstand thorough decontamination. [See Decontamination of mobile devices is not just a healthcare concern] -- Posted Friday, May 13, 2016

Mobile Demand: Does barcode scanning speed actually matter?
In its May 16 blog, Mobile Demand discusses advances in barcode scanning technology including the speed in which 1D and 2D barcodes are read. But is speed really all that matters? Mobile Demand's conjecture is that the better user interface, higher performance and larger storage of rugged tablets my be as important, if not more so, than just the scanner specs. [See Does barcode scanning speed actually matter?] -- Posted Thursday, May 12, 2016

ARBOR showcases IoT solutions at COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2016
ARBOR Technology announce its participation at COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2016, from May 31 to June 4, 2016. ARBOR will be located in booth number L1317a at 4th floor, Nangang Exhibition Hall of Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC). ARBOR will exhibit Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and an array of key products and services. [See ARBOR media release] -- Posted Thursday, May 12, 2016

GammaTech and Precision Mounting Technologies deliver in-vehicle tablet computing solution
GammaTech Computer Corp. and Precision Mounting Technologies (PMT) announced today that they have expanded their partnership in which PMT designs, develops, and delivers unique vehicle docks, universal cradles, and mounting infrastructure products specifically for use with GammaTech's DURABOOK rugged R11 tablet computer. The companies' combined tablet product offering is ideal for use in the hard-charging, on-the-move public safety and field services applications, as they provide users with durable, rugged tablet computers secured in safe, reliable mounting systems. [See GammaTech media release] -- Posted Thursday, May 12, 2016

JLT Mobile Computers selected by LTS Scale company for their weighing systems virtual indicator
JLT Mobile Computers announced it has entered a partnership with LTS Scale Company, a manufacturer of precision mobile scales and weighing systems with headquarters in Ohio, US. LTS Scale Company will sell the JLT1214P rugged forklift computer as part of their in-motion, legal-for-trade weight scale solution for transportation customers primarily within the Less than Truckload (LTL) shipping segment. [See JLT Mobile media release] -- Posted Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Winnebago Integrates RAM Mounts into the commercial vehicle lineup
Winnebago Industries Commercial Vehicles will be immediately integrating RAM Mounts’ rugged and versatile mounting system into all of its Class A commercial RV products. This development means that RAM Mounts will be built into Winnebago commercial vehicle products such as mobile health, mobile retail, mobile classroom, mobile marketing and bookmobiles as a factory-produced option. [See news release] -- Posted Tuesday, May 10, 2016

GammaTech and Precision Mounting Technologies deliver in-vehicle tablet computing solution
GammaTech Computer Corp. and Precision Mounting Technologies (PMT) announced that they have expanded their partnership in which PMT designs, develops, and delivers unique vehicle docks, universal cradles, and mounting infrastructure products specifically for use with GammaTech's DURABOOK rugged R11 tablet computer. The companies' combined tablet product offering is ideal for use in the hard-charging, on-the-move public safety and field services applications, as they provide users with durable, rugged tablet computers secured in safe, reliable mounting systems. [See GammaTech media release] -- Posted Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Xplore secures new $1.3 million order for rugged tablets with utility infrastructure service provider
Xplore Technologies announced it has secured orders in excess of $1.3 million with a large national field service and engineering company in the electric utility sector. The company’s field service workers will be using Xplore XSLATE B10 fully rugged tablets to achieve greater efficiency in the repair and restoration of North America’s aging utility infrastructure. [See Xplore media release] -- Posted Thursday, May 5, 2016

Trimble reports Q1 2016 results, Mobile Solutions revenue up 6%
Trimble reported Q1 2016 revenue of $583.0 million, roughly the same as Q1 2015. Engineering and Construction revenue was $309.8 million, up 4%. Field Solutions $106.0 million, down 8%. Mobile Solutions $136.3 million, up 6%. Advanced Devices $30.9 million, down 22%. GAAP operating income was $29.9 million, down 24% from Q1 2015. Steven W. Berglund, Trimble's president and CEO said, "We remain on track for revenue growth for the full year, with particular strength in the Mobile Solutions segment and from the heavy civil and buildings businesses in the Engineering and Construction segment." [See Trimble news release] -- Posted Monday, May 2, 2016

What happened in rugged computing 5 years ago: May 2011
In May 2011, Psion started shipping next-gen EP10 rugged handheld, we reviewed Winmate's MCA tablet, the Juniper Mesa, the Xplore iX104C5, and GammaTech's Durabook 15C, N-trig empasized its DuoSense multi-touch plus pen technology, Intermec made a significant investment in India, Motorola Solutions received a "strong positive" from Gartner's MarketScope for the Ruggedized Handheld-Computer Market, LXE posted record sales for Q1 2011 and Intermec's Q1 2011 revenue were up 20%. Unitech added their Marvell PXA320-powered PA550, Panasonic introduced the semi-rugged Toughbook 53, the Juniper Mesa was used in a Tuscaloosa tornado cleanup and Motion donated F5v tablets for flood clean-up. DLI announces price reduction for its rugged tablets, DisplaySearch predicted wide viewing angle displays would take over, and 3M demonstrated optical films specifically designed for tablets. [See RuggedPCReview May 2011 archives] -- Posted Monday, May 2, 2016