October 2010

Intermec Q3 2010 sales up 6% over last year.
Intermec reported Q3 2010 revenues of US$169 million, up from US$159 million for Q3 2009. There was a slight decline in North American sales, an 11% increase in Europe, Middle East and Africa sales, and the rest of world improved by 41%, led by Latin America. 9-month sales 2010 were US$379 million, virtually unchanged from 9-month 2009 sales. North American Q3 sales made up 50.8% of total, versus 58.6% of total Q3 2009. [See Intermec Q3 report] -- Posted Thursday, October 28, 2010

Rugged Datalogic scanning technology to power DHL package sorting hub
Datalogic Group announced that through its Datalogic Automation subsidiary it will provide shipper DHL with the technological solutions for sorting parcels at the DHL Express Hub of the International airport of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky. Datalogic will supply 29 reading stations equipped with rugged IP65-sealed NVS9000 camera assemblies. The DHL sorting system is totally automated, with over 2.5 miles of conveyor belts and a shipment processing capacity of up to 90.000 pieces per hour. -- Posted Thursday, October 28, 2010

Motorola releases new device management platform
The Motorola Solutions business of Motorola announced the Mobility Services Platform 3 (MSP3) Control Edition. Moto's newest device management solution provides enterprise customers with complete control over mobile devices and peripherals with a centralized device management approach that seeks to maximize uptime, increase mobile worker productivity and reduce IT expenditures. [Read more about Mobility Services Platform 3] -- Posted Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Fujitsu research report on personal data in the cloud
With more and more data being stored "in the cloud," Fujitsu Research compiled a global research report on consumer attitudes towards cloud storage and its potential repercussions. The (free) report contains a number of interesting findings and is recommended reading. [Read Personal Data in the Cloud: A Global Research of Consumer Attitudes.] -- Posted Wednesday, October 27, 2010

First Intel-based rugged server-class product for ISR
Mercury Computer Systems, which provides ISR subsystems, announced the Intel-based Ensemble HDS6600 High Density Server for rugged deployed ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems -- an industry first that brings Intel enterprise server-class processing to deployed sensor-based systems. -- Posted Wednesday, October 27, 2010

WiMAX, dying for mobile, booming for vertical apps?
Overall, the word on the street is that WiMAX, though it got a head start, won't have a chance against LTE as the next-gen wireless technology. FierceMobile IT's Lynette Luna, on the other hand, views WiMAX as a promising communication engine for vertical markets. Conceding that WiMAX may be dying in the mobile carrier realm, Luna says that WiMAX is superior for the higher end and value-added services required in M2M applications such as digital signage and video, telematics, industrial personal digital assistants and surveillance networks. [See WiMAX is alive and well in vertical markets] -- Posted Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Intermec acquires comms server software maker GATC
Intermec announced the acquisition of Prague-based software development company GATC and their Skynax software solution. Skynax offers customers a complete communication software that manages data across multiple devices and communication layers for increased efficiency. The addition of Skynax and recent releases of Intermec INcontrol and VERDEX are expected to strengthen Intermec's portfolio of service and software offerings. -- Posted Wednesday, October 27, 2010

PACK EXPO 2010 Chicago
PACK EXPO International is the largest packaging and processing show in the world. Industry leaders are presenting a full array of packaging and processing innovations. The expo takes place October 31 through November 3rd at McCormick Place, Chicago. [Online registration] -- Posted Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Barco launches DPM-3 rugged computer solution
Barco, a leader in display and visualization solutions, launched the DPM-3 rugged computing solution, together with its MR series for audio and video recording at the AUSA exhibition in Washington. Barco's DPM-3 computer and MR mission recorders are fully optimized and MIL-qualified rugged solutions for extremely harsh environments. Barco's DPM-3 computer is used for on-the-move operations and in space-constrained areas of the utility vehicle, helicopter or ground army vehicle. -- Posted Tuesday, October 26, 2010

ARBOR Technology releases two rugged tablets
ARBOR Technology released the Gladius 720 and 820 rugged tablet computers. Both share a rugged, compact and fanless 9.5 x 7.4 inch design based on the Intel Atom Z520PT processor and a 32GB solid state disk. Both have extensive data collection features (RFID, 1D/2D scanner, magstripe reader, camera and optional GPS) as well as enough ruggedness for their intended vehicle deployment. The Gladius G0720 has a 7-inch touch display and a full thumb-stype QWERTY display, whereas the Gladius G0820 offers a larger 8.4-inch display for primary tablet operation. [Read description and review of the ARBOR Gladius G0720 and Gladius G0820] -- Posted Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Elbit Systems at AUSA 2010
Elbit Systems of America said it is presenting a variety of its military technology products and solutions at the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition (AUSA), taking place in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington DC, October 25-27, 2010. Among them are the Tacter-31D rugged tablet and the RPDA-57 rugged handheld. -- Posted Monday, October 25, 2010

VT Miltope announces HARD WEAR family of rugged computers
VT Miltope, a company of VT Systems, Inc., announced a new family of ruggedized computer products that represent the next generation of mission critical rugged computers, HARD WEAR for demanding military environments. The HARD WEAR line includes clamshell laptops, convertible laptops, handhelds, and mounted computers, all geared towards meeting real-world mission requirements the military faces daily. -- Posted Monday, October 25, 2010

Trimble buys ThingMagic
Trimble announced it has acquired ThingMagic, Inc. of Cambridge, Massachusetts, a developer of RFID technology and advanced RFID development and integration services. The acquisition expands Trimble’s technology portfolio and will enable the company to provide additional productivity solutions in its served industries. [See press release] -- Posted Monday, October 25, 2010

Interlink scores rugged computing veteran as new president
Sensor and touchpad specialist Interlink Electronics announced that John R. Schneider will join the company as their new President and COO. For the past three years, Schneider served as President & CEO at General Dynamics Itronix, and before that as Vice President and General Manager at Intermec. -- Posted Friday, October 22, 2010

MobileDemand expands public sector offerings
MobileDemand, a leading provider of rugged Tablet PCs for mission-critical computing, announced that MobileFrame will deploy its leading public sector mobility solutions on MobileDemand’s ultra-mobile, rugged mini tablet computers. As a strategic partner in MobileDemand’s recent launch of its Public Sector Services Group and Application Development Partner Program, MobileFrame has developed and deployed its field-ready mobile applications for federal, state and local governments on the MobileDemand xTablet T7000 Tablet PC. -- Posted Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Getac releases affordable S400 semi-rugged notebook
Getac introduced the new S400 semi-rugged notebook computer to address the need for a modern, affordable, full-function notebook for use in applications where consumer laptops would quickly fail. The Getac S400 comes with an Intel Core i3 or i5 processor, a sunlight-viewable 14-inch wide-format WXGA display with optional resistive multi-touch, internal DVD writer, excellent onboard connectivity, optional GPS and Gobi 2000, and it all starts at US$1,800. [See description and specs of the Getac S400] -- Posted Tuesday, October 19, 2010

DAP announces rugged, compact M2000 Series
DAP Technologies has introduced the M2000 Series of compact, rugged and highly configurable PDAs. Based on time-proven industry-standard technology (Marvell PXA270 processor, 3.5-inch QVGA display, SD Card, Windows CE 5.0, Bluetooth) and available with either a numeric or an alphanumeric keypad, the M2000 Series can accommodate either a laser scanner or an imager, GPS, RFID, GPRS/EDGE, and WiFi. It also supports IrDA, serial and USB host and client connectivity. Weighing just 13 ounces, the new M2000 Series offers a small and handy handheld computing solution from one of the pioneers in the field. [See description and specs of the DAP Technologies M2000 Series] -- Posted Monday, October 18, 2010

NextComputing adds high-performance rugged mobile workstation with full-size PCI slots
NextComputing, a manufacturer of high-performance portable and small form-factor workstations and servers, announced the Vigor Evo Plus, a portable system that packs a huge punch: one or two workstation Xeon processors, up to 16GB of EEC RAM, up to 11 terabyte of storage, up to six full-length, full-height PCI Express and PCI-X slots, an integrated 17-inch display with optional 2nd and 3rd "swing-out" displays. Weight starts at 35 pounds, so this is not your average mobile computer, but a full replacement for vehicle-mobile rackmounts. [Read press release] -- Posted Friday, October 15, 2010

Getac B300 rugged notebook on YouTube
More Getac ruggedness video clips are now on YouTube. Check out the Getac B300 Drop test, Dust Proof Test, Salt Fog test, Hinge Test, Shock test, and Vibration Test. -- Posted Friday, October 15, 2010

New AIS human-machine interface terminals
American Industrial Systems introduced a full line of HMI Operator Terminals supporting Modbus TCP remote I/O protocol through AIS' Web-based Ethernet I/O modules. The open source web-based HMI Panel PCs with integrated touchscreens connect to industrial automation PLC, DSC, SCADA, and PACs using industry standard protocols such as DeviceNet, Modbus TCP, Modbus, and Profibus. The HMI/SCADA terminals are designed to real-time monitor, control, and display graphical information to operators in equipment, food & beverage, automotive, chemical, and utility industries. [See AIS release] -- Posted Thursday, October 14, 2010

HED releases rugged vehicle displays
HED announced the 5-inch and 7-inch (CL-703 and CL-705) digital TFT LCD displays with 640x480 and 800x480 resolutions respectively. These ARM9-based displays are members of the HED CANLink family designed for use as a stand alone unit or as part of a distributed vehicle system, reducing vehicle dashboard wiring and complexity. With an IP67 rating, temperature rated from -40C to +70C and designed for sunlight readability, this unit provides a robust mechanism for displaying information inside the cab or externally on the vehicle. -- Posted Thursday, October 14, 2010

Psion and Vocollect deploy Psion MIS at KPSS
Psion and Vocollect, which provides voice-centric solutions for mobile workers, announced that KPSS, Inc. has successfully deployed Psion’s Mobile Integration Suite (MIS), including Vocollect Voice. KPSS is utilizing solutions from Psion and Vocollect to standardize workflows for its picking and replenishment functions across its international warehouses. This enabled KPSS to improve order accuracy by more than 75% and reduce picking and replenishment labor by more than 20%. -- Posted Thursday, October 14, 2010

Elegant multi-function handheld: Casio IT-800
Called the Cassiopeia DT-5300 in Japan, Casio Business Solutions is selling the PXA320/WinMo 6.5-powered Casio IT-800 with its big 3.7-inch full-VGA display as a multi-function mobile computer/scanner/communicator into vertical markets. This elegant and quite handy Casio has an integrated 1D/2D imager, an AF camera with LED flash, a contact-less Smart Card reader, SIM/SD/micro-SD card slots, and more. [Read description and specs of the Casio IT-800] -- Posted Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Review: Advantech UTC-520 interactive touch computer
Ruggedized panels are replacing older manually operated or mechanical information displays in many public and corporate places. RuggedPCReview.com is taking a detailed look at Advantech's UTC-520 "ubiquitous touch computer" designed for such applications. The UTC-520 has a 21.5-inch touch screen with 1366 x 768 native resolution, and is powered by a 1.66GHz dual-core Atom D510 processor. No fan needed, dual RJ45 jacks, and the device can run Win XP/XPE, Wind 7, or Embedded Standard 7. [See review of the Advantech UTC-520 interactive touch computer] -- Posted Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Circuit City selling off-lease Toughbook CF-29
The Circuit City stores may be gone, but CircuitCity.com is very actively selling all sorts of electronics at bargain prices. Their latest email offers off-lease Panasonic Toughbook 29 rugged notebook computers at US$379. The electronics are a bit dated, but physically the CF-29 (see our review) is essentially identical to the latest CF-31. This could be a great bargain for anyone who needs one of those rugged Toughbooks and is willing to take a chance on an off-lease product. [See US$379 Toughbook 29 at Circuit City] -- Posted Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Intermec Developer Conference 2010
The Intermec Developers Conference will take place November 3-4, 2001, at the Hilton Miami Airport Hotel. INspire 2010 is a technical conference presented by engineers for engineers. The objective of this event is to educate and inform Intermec's PartnerNet Partners, ISV Partners, End Users and Sales Engineers on how to develop, integrate, and implement supply chain solutions using Intermec computers. [See registration form] -- Posted Tuesday, October 12, 2010

JLT partners with German MCTX
JLT Mobile Computers AB has appointed MCTX Mobile & Embedded Computers GmbH as European business development partner. Based in southwest Germany, MCTX, which also distributes Juniper Systems handhelds, will assist existing and new members of the JLT Partner Program to develop the German, Austrian and Swiss markets. The company will also establish and grow the JLT OEM project business in central and northern Europe. -- Posted Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Getac A790 ruggedness videos on YouTube
Getac's GetacRuggedSolutions Channel on YouTube published a number of new videos demonstrating the shock, water, and vibration resistance of the Getac A790 ultra rugged notebook computer as well as the durability of its hinge. The Getac A790 further differentiates itself from the competition by offering expansion units that can accommodate not only additional hard disks, batteries and modules, but also desktop-style PCI and PCI Express cards and even legacy ISA cards. -- Posted Monday, October 11, 2010

Microsoft and partners unveil Windows Phone 7 portfolio
Microsoft and partners HTC, Samsung, LG and Dell revealed nine new Windows Phone 7 handsets that will be available this holiday season in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. All new phones are based on the Qualcom Snapdragon processor and run Windows Phone 7, Microsoft's latest attempt at a mobile OS that ties into Xbox LIVE, Microsoft Office Mobile, Zune, Windows Live, Bing and other parts of Microsoft's portfolio. Read Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 press release and here's a look at the launch devices. -- Posted Monday, October 11, 2010

Datalogic revenue up 32% over same quarter last year
Datalogic, which makes rugged mobile handheld computers and bar code readers, announced third quarter 2010 revenues of 100 million Euros, up by 32% over sales in the same quarter last year. The Datalogic Mobile handheld computer division did especially well with a 39% sales increase. -- Posted Monday, October 11, 2010

LXE webinar: Mobile Computing: Uncompromised
LXE invites to an October 13, 2010 11AM ET webinar that looks holistically at industrial design, ergonomics, screen size, connectivity, customized workflow, and deployment tools, and shows how optimized technology can lead to a better customer experience. [Sign up] -- Posted Sunday, October 10, 2010

Sonim launches ultra-rugged phone
Over the past few months we've seen a number of new handhelds that combine smartphone and PDA functionality into one rugged device. The folks at Sonim don't really care about smarts in a phone, or about computing; they simply want to make the most rugged good old basic cellphone ever. Their new XP1300 CORE is IP68 rated and can handle immersion in almost seven feet of water and also seven foot drops. The 2-inch display uses Gorilla Glass, there's up to 18 hours talk time, and the device has been tested according to MIL-STD-810G certification for salt, fog, humidity, transport shock, and thermal shock. -- Posted Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Novatel Wireless ready with 4G portfolio
Novatel Wireless announced "readiness" of its 4G portfolio for next-generation technology. This is a not inconsiderable challenge, what with all the different 4G technologies duking it out. There are WiMax, LTE, USB devices as well as Novatel's MiFi intelligent mobile hotspot. -- Posted Tuesday, October 5, 2010

BlueStar to carry Intermec
BlueStar, a global distributor of ADC, Mobility, Point-of-Sale, RFID, Digital Signage, and ID & Security technology solutions, announced it has entered into a North American distribution agreement with Intermec, manufacturer of rugged mobile computing and data collection systems, bar code printers, labels media and RFID products. -- Posted Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Handheld Nautiz X3: aggressively priced rugged smartphone/multi-purpose computer
The Handheld Group has announced the Nautiz X3, a small 9-ounce rugged multi-purpose handheld aimed at service engineers in the field who today have both a phone and a bulky rugged PDA. The Nautiz X3—which has a camera, 3.75G radio, compass, altimeter and Runs Windows Mobile 6.5—will compete with the Motorola ES400 and the Intermec CS40 for users who seek to seek to combine those functions into one device. Compared to the competition, the new and aggressively priced (US$999) Nautiz X3 provides substantially more ruggedness with IP65 sealing and a 6-foot drop spec. [Read description and specs of the Handheld Nautiz X3] -- Posted Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Datalogic unveils ultra-rugged Falcon X3 handheld
Australian Transport & Logistics News reports that Datalogic Mobile has unveiled its latest products into the retail and warehousing markets, the Falcon X3. The device runs WinMo 6.5 or CE 6.0, has 1D and 2D barcode scanning options with Datalogic's patented Green Spot technology for a visible good read, can handle 6-foot drops and carry an IP64 rating. The X3 uses a dual-processor arrangement and a powerful 5,000mAh standard battery provides all-day operation. Apparently, the device was shown at an event at the Ford Performance Racing Race Centre in Melbourne. Datalogic is a sponsor of Ford Performance Racing. -- Posted Friday, October 1, 2010

TouchStar's latest InTouch newsletter
We received the latest InTouch email newsletter (issue #101!) from the folks at TouchStar. For over 20 years, TouchStar has been a designer, developer and implementor of mobile computing systems, and also reseller of a variety of rugged computers. The newsletter informs of TouchStar's work with Canadian petroleum company Ultramar, a solution for Australian and New Zealand sugar refiner Sucrogen, and news on TouchStar;s acquisition of Austalian systems integrator C1 Consulting. The newsletter also highlights TouchStar business partners Rural Computer Consultants in Minnesota and Canadian DinamicERP. -- Posted Friday, October 1, 2010