Tablet PC NEWS | Pen News | Rugged PC News

Motion J3400 tablet now available with new Intel SU9600 CPU
Motion Computing has a long history of always quickly making the latest processors available to their customers. They did it again by offering the just released 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SU9600 in their flagship J3400 tablet (see full review of the J3400). The new processor, which has the same low 10 watt thermal design power of the 1.4GHz SU9400 that remains available, should make the already quick J3400 tablet even faster with little or no impact on battery life. [Read press release] -- Posted Tuesday, June 30, 2009 by chb

Sundt Construction picks Motion F5 tablet
Motion Computing announced that Sundt Construction has selected the Motion F5 Rugged Tablet PC for use on its jobsites. Sundt, which managed historical projects such as the relocation of the London Bridge to Arizona and the construction of Launch Pad 39-A at Cape Canaveral, chose the Motion F5 tablet PC because of its rugged design and integrated features, allowing Sundt’s project personnel to spend more time in the field, observing and managing the efforts of subcontractors, instead of spending valuable time shuttling back and forth between the construction office and the project site. [See Motion press release] -- Posted Monday, June 15, 2009 by chb

GETAC's V100 now faster, more powerful
GETAC announced a substantial technology update to its rugged, versatile V100 Tablet PC convertible. The machine is now powered by a 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 processor, can be ordered with more RAM (up to 4GB), larger hard disks (up to 320GB), and UL1604 certification for operation in potentially explosive environments. WiFi now supports 802.11 draft-n, and there's a ExpressCard slot. RuggedPCReview expects a 25-50% performance increase at the same or better battery life compared to the predecessor model. [See full review of the GETAC V100 rugged Tablet PC convertible] -- Posted Tuesday, June 2, 2009 by chb

Another Mobile Clinical Assistant: Advantech MICA-101
With electronic medical records and automation in the healthcare field a high priority, a number of new "Mobile Clinical Assistant" tablet PCs are entering the market. We're taking a detailed look at Advantech's MICA-101, a 3.5-pound Atom-powered tablet with RFID, barcode reader, dual cameras and dual panel input. [Read full review of the Advantech MICA-101] -- Posted Sunday, May 31, 2009 by chb

Xplore receives major order for its rugged Tablet PCs
Xplore Technologies announced it has received significant orders totaling over $1 million from a major pharmaceutical company for its iX104C4 rugged Tablet PCs. Many of the devices will be utilized in clean room environments. -- Posted Thursday, May 28, 2009 by chb

Review: Winmate I980 rugged Tablet PC
Taiwanese computer manufacturer Winmate prides itself in offering innovative and highly customizable solutions based on your choice of processor and OS platform. We're taking a detailed look at the latest version of Winmate's rugged Tablet PC, the Intel Atom Z530-powered I980 that's available in 8.4, 10.4 and 12.1-inch display versions. [Read review of the Winmate I980 rugged Tablet PC] -- Posted Thursday, May 28, 2009 by chb

Review: Handheld US Algiz 8 rugged Tablet PC
Handheld US is a North American distributor of rugged PDAs and handheld computers. The latest update to their Algiz 8 rugged Tablet PC platform, now powered by an Intel Atom Z510 processor, offers more RAM and storage, longer battery life, and a super-bright 8.4-inch display option. We're testing speed, battery life and outdoor display performance. [Read review of the Handheld US Algiz 8 rugged Tablet PC] -- Posted Thursday, May 28, 2009 by chb

Data Ltd introduces rugged UMPC
LaPorte, Indiana, based Data Ltd, Inc., introduced the DLI 8400 ultra-mobile Rugged Tablet, ideally suited to a wide variety of harsh environment applications such as field service, first responders, fleet services and transportation. The Atom Z530-powered DLI 8400 measures 9 x 7.3 x 1.6 inches, weighs just 3.1 pounds, has a 30-key keyboard, IP54 sealing, a 4-foot drop spec, numerous expansion, wireless and data capture options, and is said to run up to nine hours on its dual Li-Ion batteries. [See description and specs of the DLI 8400] -- Posted Thursday, May 21, 2009 by chb

Review: Handheld US Algiz 10 rugged Tablet PC
The Algiz 10, offered by Handheld U.S., is a compact, Windows XP-based rugged Tablet PC that offers a good balance of performance, features, ruggedness, portability, and battery life. The other thing that sets it apart is its 10.4-inch display that is larger and offers higher resolution than that of most machines in its class. [See review and specs of the US Handheld Algiz 10] -- Posted Friday, May 8, 2009 by chb

New MobileDemand video - Tablet PC in a Paint Shaker!
MobileDemand released another video in their "Torture Chamber Series" where they subject their xTablet T8700 rugged Tablet PC to all sorts of abuse. In this latest one they strap their super-tough tablet computer to an industrial paintshaker machine, attach an accelerometer to it, and then record the g-forces on the machine while it is being shaken. Quite impressive. [See MobileDemand T8700 rugged Tablet PC on a paint shaker] -- Posted Tuesday, May 5, 2009 by chb

Windows 7 on Fujitsu T5010 tablet
Channel Insider installed Winodws 7 on a Fujitsu T5010 Tablet PC to see how the new OS would handle the tablet hardware. They found that Windows 7 properly identified and installed all major component, including Wacom drivers, Intel Turbo Memory, wireless, web cam and the biometric fingerprint sensor. They also found a marked improvement in boot, shutdown, and operation speed compared to Vista Business. [See Channel Insider report] -- Posted Thursday, April 30, 2009 by chb

Arbor expands the MCA field with large-screen M1256
With the lucrative electronic patient records project gathering steam, we're seeing more and more MCAs (Mobile Clinical Assistants) being released. Arbor Technology's Atom N270-powered M1256, available in Q2 of 2009, differentiates itself with a larger 12.1-inch wide-format 1280 x 800 pixel touchscreen display. [Read description and specs of the Arbor M1256 MCA] -- Posted Friday, April 24, 2009 by chb

Samwell joins RuggedPCReview.com as premier sponsor
Samwell Group has joined the ranks of RuggedPCReview premier sponsors, thus helping to make possible rugged computing news, information and detailed product reviews. Samwell specializes in product and system integration services, OEM/ODM electronics manufacturing services, as well as components manufacturing and supply. The company markets a complete line of semi-rugged and fully rugged mobile computing products that include convertible notebooks, Tablet PCs and ultra-mobile PCs under its RUGGEDBOOK brand. Check Samwell's RUGGEDBOOK homepage on RuggedPCReview and see a full description of the Atom-powered RUGGEDBOOK SR820. -- Posted Monday, April 13, 2009 by chb

Motion J3400 review available as PDF
RuggedPCReview.com's full review of the Motion Computing J3400 Tablet PC is now available as a print-style PDF. -- Posted Thursday, April 2, 2009 by chb

Motion Computing updates and improves C5 MCA and ruggedized F5 Mobile Field Tool
At CTIA Wireless 2009, Motion Computing announced that the F5 rugged tablet PC and the C5 Mobile Clinical Assistant (MCA) are now available for use on the Verizon Wireless mobile broadband network. Additionally, Motion announced upgrades to the devices including enhanced performance and efficiency through an upgrade from Core 2 Solo to Core 2 Duo processor technology, the latest WiFi technology and a new 64GB solid state drive (SSD) option. The upgrade to the C5 Mobile Clinical Assistant puts the C5 ahead of the MCA competition in terms of performance. -- Posted Wednesday, April 1, 2009 by chb

New Tablet PC software to calculate and report oil slicks
The Oil Spill Training Company Ltd. ) has released a new software package enabling personnel to calculate rapidly the volume of floating oil slicks. This means immediate results can be obtained at the site of an oil spill incident, using a Tablet PC during initial surveillance. More detailed reports can be generated in various file formats and customised using a full range of markers, standard terms and symbols. -- Posted Thursday, March 26, 2009 by chb

Twinhead/Gammatech also announce a Mobile Clinical Assistant
GammaTech Computer joined the growing number of companies offering medical slates based on Intel's mobile clinical assistant reference architecture. The GammaTech Durabook RT10 MCA, a Twinhead design, follows Intel's original proof of concept platform with its tablet form factor and integrated multi-purpose handle for easy carrying and use during a clinical environment work shift. See how the RT10 measures up. [Read description and specs of the GammaTech Durabook RT10 MCA] -- Posted Monday, March 23, 2009 by chb

Motion Computing introduces new J3400 Tablet PC
Motion Computing released the Motion J3400, a powerful, versatile semi-rugged Tablet PC with a superb and fully outdoor-viewable 12.1-inch wide-format display. Both performance and battery life are significantly improved over the prior generation platform. The J3400 can automatically geo-tag images with its integrated camera and GPS, use worldwide wireless services via GOBI Mobile Broadband, and is rugged enough to survive true point of service usage. [Read full review and specs of the Motion Computing J3400 Tablet PC] -- Posted Monday, March 16, 2009 by chb

Full review: Panasonic H1 Mobile Clinical Assistant
The Toughbook CF-H1 is Panasonic's entry into the potentially very lucrative medical patient record market. The cleanly designed and executed Atom-powered tablet benefits from Panasonic's expertise in rugged and semi-rugged mobile computing equipment, has excellent battery life, a sunlight-viewable display with dual auto-sensing digitizers, and a wealth of data capture features (RFID, barcode, camera). [Read full review of the Panasonic Toughbook H1 Mobile Clinical Assistant] -- Posted Wednesday, March 11, 2009 by chb

TabletKiosk enters Medical Clinical Assistant market
TabletKiosk joined the growing number of companies offering medical slates based on Intel's mobile clinical assistant reference architecture with the Core 2 Solo-powered MediSlate MCA i1040XT. Integrated RFID reader, barcode scanner, camera and a 10.4-inch touch screen facilitate data capture. Described as semi-rugged, the i1040XT has IP54 sealing and a 4-foot drop spec. [Read description and specs of the TabletKiosk MediSlate MCA i1040XT] -- Posted Saturday, March 7, 2009 by chb

Trimble introduces Yuma rugged tablet computer
Trimble introduced the Yuma, an innovative rugged tablet computer based on the 1.6GHz Atom N270 platform. The Yuma has a 1024 x 600 pixel 7-inch touchscreen, 32GB solid-state disk, runs Windows Vista Business, measures 9 x 5.5 x 2 inches, and weighs about 2.6 pounds. It has integrated GPS, of course, and also two internal cameras, both capable of geo-tagging GPS information to images. Overall, the Yuma is essentially a rugged tablet version of the currently popular "netbook" platform. (See detailed description and specs of the Trimble Yuma] -- Posted Friday, February 20, 2009 by chb

Workshop on the Impact of Pen-Based Technology on Education
A Workshop on the Impact of Pen-Based Technology on Education will be held October 12-13, 2009 at The Inn at Virginia Tech. A call for papers and videos has been posted at the wipte website. -- Posted Friday, February 20, 2009 by chb

Dell updates Latitude Tablet PC, enhances multi-touch
Dell released a tech update to its ultra-light Latitude XT Tablet PC convertible. The XT2 switches to Centrino 2 technology with increased performance, better battery life, potentially enhanced security, and also enhancements to the multi-touch capabilities provided by the unit's N-trig DuoSense touch screen/digitizer. The XT2 is an attractive, albeit quite costly, product geared towards enterprise markets. [Read description and specs of the multi-touch enabled Dell Latitude XT2] -- Posted Wednesday, February 11, 2009 by chb

N-trig Introduces enhanced multi-touch functionality
N-trig, providers of DuoSense technology combining pen and capacitive touch in a single device, announced, in collaboration with Dell, the launch of the Latitude XT2 notebook PC convertible with an enhanced suite of multi-touch functionality. In addition to the current multi-touch gestures — zoom, scroll and double tap — the Latitude XT2 includes rotate capabilities allowing users to turn pictures, documents and other media on the screen using two-finger rotate gestures. [See n-Trig release] -- Posted Wednesday, February 11, 2009 by chb

Fujitsu expands HSUPA wireless support on tablets and convertibles
Fujitsu announced expanded support for high-speed connectivity on some of its LifeBook notebooks and tablet PCs. The LifeBook T5010, T1010, P1630 and T2020 convertible Tablet PCs join the LifeBook U820 convertible mini notebook in providing built-in access to AT&T's BroadbandConnect High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) network. The LifeBook T5010 Tablet PC and the LifeBook E8420 notebook will support EVDO in the second quarter of 2009. -- Posted Tuesday, February 3, 2009 by chb

PhatWare releases PenOffice 3.1
PhatWare Corporation announced PenOffice 3.1, the new version of its pen-based collaboration tool for Windows-based Tablet and Desktop PCs. PenOffice has found wide acceptance worldwide among OEMs and end-users due to its highly accurate handwriting recognition, easy-to-use user interface, and extensive set of pen-based collaboration features. In addition to the MS Office markup feature, the new version of PenOffice supports OpenOffice.org 3.0 or later documents. The software allows users to add handwritten notes and annotations to OpenOffice.org Writer, Calc, Impress, and Draw documents. PenOffice 3.1 is available now at the list price of $59.95. A free 30-day trial version of PenOffice 3.0 can be downloaded from the PhatWare website. -- Posted Thursday, January 29, 2009 by chb

Motion announces Tablet PC recycling and donation program
Motion Computing®, a leader in mobile computing and wireless communications, announced today that it has partnered with Goodwill Industries and TechTurn, an industry leader in technology resale, refurbishing and secure data retirement for the Motion® Tablet PC recycling and donation program. The program allows for the free return of all Motion-branded products for donation or processing and disposal in an environmentally safe manner. [Read full release] -- Posted Wednesday, December 17, 2008 by chb

Case Study: Dive Support Computing with General Dynamics Itronix MR-1 rugged UMPC
Scuba divers rely on wrist- or console-mount dive computers to safely explore the vast world beneath the ocean surface. Most dive computers can communicate with desktop and notebook computers, but the feature is rarely used in a timely, productive manner. We used the super-compact General Dynamics Itronix MR-1 rugged UMPC as a dive support computer on a dive expedition to Honduras where we needed long battery life, a sunlight-viewable display, and the ability to be used on a dive boat mattered. [Read case study "General Dynamics Itronix MR-1 rugged UMPC boosts safety and productivity"] -- Posted Tuesday, December 16, 2008 by chb

Fujitsu unveils its own Mobile Clinical Assistant
Shortly after Panasonic announced its mobile clinical assistant, Fujitsu-Siemens unveiled its own MCA, the Esprimo MA. Like Motion Computing's pioneering C5, the Esprimo MA is based on Intel's MCA reference platform that prescribes a 10.4-inch display in a light and handy tablet with an integrated handle. The Atom Z530-powered Esprimo has an integrate camera, dual SmardCard reader, touch and digitizer, as well as optional 1D/2D barcode reader and RFID. The hot-swappable battery lasts four hours and the device weighs less than three pounds. [See description and specs of the Fujitsu-Siemens Esprimo MA] -- Posted Friday, November 21, 2008 by chb

Fujitsu also updates P-Series LifeBook Tablet PC
Fujitsu also mildly updated its super-compact 2.2-pound LifeBook P-Series with Centrino 2 class processor, chipset and wireless (Atheros XSPAN also available), larger capacity and faster SATA hard disks (or a larger 64GB solid state disk). As before, the 8.9-inch 1280 x 800 WXGA display has a touchscreen and rotates both ways. Base price, however, is a steep US$2,179. [Read description and specs of the Fujitsu LifeBook P1630] -- Posted Tuesday, November 4, 2008 by chb

Fujitsu updates mini notebook with Atom chip, GPS, more
Fujitsu released the Lifebook U820, a nicely updated version of the still available Lifebook U810. Instead of the old Intel A110 you now get a 1.6GHz Atom Z530 chip, bigger disks, faster WiFi, an improved keyboard and integrated GPS with Garmin Mobile PC software. With a 5.6-inch display and weighing just 1.3 pounds, the U820 is smaller than EeePC-class of computers, and it offers tablet convertible capabilities, but it is also more expensive (starting at US$1049). [Read detailed description and specs of the Fujitsu Lifebook U820.] -- Posted Tuesday, November 4, 2008 by chb

Panasonic announces Toughbook H1 Mobile Clinical Assistant
Panasonic has introduced the 3.2-pound Panasonic H1 Mobile Medical Assistant, a machine designed specifically for medical/clinical environments where disinfection is as, or more, important than tech specs. The H1 uses an Atom Z540 processor for long battery life, includes an RFID reader, a sunlight-readable display, as well as dual intelligently switching digitizers. The machine features IP54 sealing and can handle 3-foot drops. [Read description and specs of the Panasonic Toughbook H1] -- Posted Tuesday, November 4, 2008 by chb

Toshiba unveils new Portege M750 Tablet PC convertible
Toshiba is showing a new version of Toshiba's Tablet PC convertible. It is essentially the Portege M700 updated to Centrino 2 technology and configured for a wide-format display. The M750 uses a powerful 2.5GHz P8600 processor, a 7200rpm disk, up to 8GB of RAM, and it has a 12.1-inch wide-format 1280-x800 pixel display. As in the M700, you get both touch and an active digitizer and, unlike, the new Lenovo X200t, the M750 has an optical drive built in. [Read description and specs of the Toshiba Portege M750] -- Posted Friday, October 10, 2008 by chb

Full review:Xplore iX104C4 rugged Tablet PC
Xplore Technologies, one of the pioneers in rugged mobile computing, released its heavily updated iX104C4 ultra-rugged Tablet PC this summer. Among the areas where the compact 5-pound iX104C4 slate excels are the very bright 10.4-inch XGA (1024 x 768 pixels) sunlight-viewable AllVue Xtreme display and the Dual Mode interface that intelligently combines both an active digitizer and a touch screen without the need for manual switching. [Read the full review of the Xplore iX104C4] -- Posted Wednesday, October 8, 2008 by chb

Park Place Automotive gets 80 Motion LE1700 Tablet PCs
Motion Computing announced that Park Place Automotive, the operator of nine luxury automotive dealerships in Texas and California, selected MOC1 Wireless Service Advisor on Motion LE1700 Tablet PCs to improve the quality of customer service and efficiency of service representatives. [read full Motion press release] -- Posted Wednesday, October 8, 2008 by chb

Fujitsu's first wide-format Tablet PC slate
For a pioneer in the pen computing/Tablet PC arena with almost 20 years of experience, Fujitsu has been keeping an exceedingly low profile in the Tablet PC arena as of late. Fujitsu Siemens quietly introduced the new ST6012 slate, the first Stylistic with a wide-format 1280 x 800 pixel display. The new machine sports a businesslike design, ergonomic improvements, and has switched to Intel's latest processor and ancillary circuitry technology without giving up any of its superb battery life. [Read description and specs of the Fujitsu Stylistic ST6012] -- Posted Saturday, October 4, 2008 by chb

Lenovo reveals new ThinkPad X200t Tablet PC
The original IBM ThinkPad, all the way back in 1992 or so, was a pen computer, and a tablet at that. Consumer tastes dictated a switch to a notebook convertible format, and then for a good while there were no IBM Tablet PCs at all. When the ThinkPad line became part of Lenovo, that changed again. Lenovo now introduced an update to its X61 Tablet PC, the ThinkPad X200t. It gets the full Centrino 2 treatment, switches to a wide-format screen, includes WLAN and even wireless USB. And you can get one with ten hour battery life. [Read description and specs of the Lenovo ThinkPad X200t] -- Posted Tuesday, September 23, 2008 by chb

TabletKiosk includes Eyesboard on-screen keyboard
TabletKiosk, a manufacturer of Tablet PC and Ultra-Mobile PC computing solutions, is now including the Eyesboard onscreen virtual keyboard on all of its systems as well as offering it as a free download for existing TabletKiosk Tablet PC and UMPC owners. The Eyesboard, created by PlazaLOGIC, is an onscreen, virtual QWERTY keyboard, that enables users to type directly on the screen with their fingers or a stylus. Sporting a realistic "3D" look, multiple language options, easy size adjustment, choice of colors, and optional settings—including opacity, snapable palettes, menu buttons and sound effects—the Eyesboard virtual keyboard is highly customizable to best fit each user’s unique needs. [Read TabletKiosk press release] -- Posted Tuesday, September 9, 2008 by chb

GETAC upgrades V100 with superbright display
GETAC upgraded its Core 2 Duo U7600 powered V100 rugged notebook convertible by including its Sunlight Readable Technology (SRT) that combines a superbright 1,200 nits LED backlight with circular polarization anti-reflectivity coatings for superb sunlight viewability. This is the technology GETAC pioneered in its B300 rugged notebook (see our GETAC B300 review). With the new display, the versatile V100 is a state-of-the-art solution for outdoor computing under all lighting conditions, even direct sunlight. [See review of the GETAC V100 rugged convertible notebook.] -- Posted Tuesday, September 9, 2008 by chb

Motion updates LE1700 semi-rugged tablets
Motion Computing announced an update to its successful line of LE1700 semi-rugged Tablet PC slates. As before, there is a performance and an economy version, but both now use Core 2 Duo processors. For demanding applications, there is now an optional 60GB Samsung solid state disk. The biggest news is the availability of an incredibly sharp SXGA+ 1400 x 1050 pixel display. It has a 170 degree viewing angle in all directions and can be ordered in a highly effective sunlight-viewable "UltraView Anywhere" version. Read a full review of the updated semi-rugged Motion Computing LE1700. -- Posted Wednesday, September 3, 2008 by chb

Rapid City Regional Hospital picks Motion C5
South Dakota-based Rapid City Regional Hospital, a not-for-profit regional medical center, has chosen Motion Computing’s 300 Motion C5 mobile clinical assistants (MCA) solution, to enhance the functionality of the hospital’s existing MEDITECH Client Server Health Care Information System. -- Posted Tuesday, September 2, 2008 by chb

MIL-STD-810F 509.4 and thoughts on salt water exposure
MIL-STD-810F 509.4 (Salt Fog) is one the less-often cited testing methods described by the United States Department of Defense. Yet, salt water and fog can be absolutely deadly to computing equipment. Any rugged or semi-rugged Tablet PC intended to be used in a marine environment should therefore be built with salt fog exposure in mind. [Read more on salt water exposure] -- Posted Tuesday, September 2, 2008 by chb

Elitebook 2730p: HP's Tablet PC convertible gets Centrino 2 upgrade and more
HP introduced the HP Elitebook 2730p, a Tablet PC convertible and successor to the earlier 2710p. The 2730p comes with Centrino 2 processor and chipset upgrades, and has a wide-format WXGA (1280 x 800 pixel) 12.1-inch display with antiglare coating and an LED backlight. A sunlight-viewable version is available. A gigabyte of fast 800MHz memory is standard, and you can bump it up to a full 8GB. Quick 5400rpm SATA disks are available with 80 or 120GB capacity, or you can opt for a Solid State Drive. The Elitebook 2730p is not a fully rugged machine but it is definitely durable thanks to a magnesium-alloy chassis, chemically-strengthened glass, and goodies like HP DuraKeys and 3D DriveGuard. [Read description and specs of the HP Elitebook 2730p] -- Posted Wednesday, August 20, 2008 by chb

MobileDemand named to the 2008 Inc. 500 list
To cap a year of recognition and accomplishments, MobileDemand, a rugged Tablet PC manufacturer based in Iowa, has been named to the Inc. 500 list, a ranking of the fastest growing private companies in the United States. MobileDemand placed 148 on the 2008 Inc. 500 list with a three-year growth rate of more than 1,500 percent. In the computers and electronics category, MobileDemand was ranked as the third fastest growing company in America. It was also recognized as the top firm in growth from Iowa. [For more Tablet PC-related news, visit MobileDemand's new Tablet PC blog.] -- Posted Wednesday, August 20, 2008 by chb

OQO may release Atom-powered device
According to InfoWorld, QOO demonstrated an Intel Atom-based device at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco, suggesting a possible Intel design win in a space where VIA has been strong with its low-power C7 processor. The device, tentatively labelled as "OQO MID" looks like an updated version of the company's current slide-bodied UMPC models. -- Posted Wednesday, August 20, 2008 by chb

Xplore launches top-of-the-line ultra-rugged iX104C4 tablet
Xplore Technologies introduced the latest addition to the iX104 line of ultra-rugged tablet computers, the iX104C4. The new machine provides improved performance with a power-efficient Core Duo processor, new wireless technologies (including 802.11N), as well as enhancements to several technologies pioneered by Xplore. The company's AllVue sunlight-viewable display is now even brighter, the dual-mode RF/touch digitizer is standard on all models, and the machine can be ordered with an optional 32GB Solid State Drive. A TPM 1.2 module has been added for security, completing a smart technology update to what already was one of the best rugged Tablet PCs on the market. [Read description and specs of the Xplore Technologies iX104C4 ultra-rugged Tablet PC.] -- Posted Monday, August 18, 2008 by chb

RAM announces Tough-Box consoles
There are many solutions when it comes to mounting and securing computers in a vehicle, but it is almost impossible to find versatile, high quality vehicle consoles that easily integrate with computer mounts. National Products/RAM-Mounts has been working on an evolution of common police vehicle console products and has taken a huge leap forward with a line of Tough-Box™ consoles that are fully compatible with the industry-leading RAM one-inch and half-inch pedestal systems, as well as with AMPS and VESA hole patterns, ensuring endless mounting possibilities and the ultimate in versatility. [Read about RAM Tough-Box consoles] -- Posted Monday, August 18, 2008 by chb

Full review: Motion Computing F5 "Field Tool"
After Motion Computing, ever the pioneer in innovative tablet computers, introduced the Motion C5 Mobile Clinical Assistant in February of 2007, the response was overwhelmingly positive. The concept and execution of the lightweight tablet turned out to be so successful that the company decided to follow up with the Motion F5 "Field Tool" for mobile field workers. What's different about the F5, and how well does the handy tablet -- which includes a camera, scanner and optional RFID reader -- work in the field? [Read review of the Motion Computing F5] -- Posted Friday, August 8, 2008 by chb

FusionOptix Concept 7.0 LED backlighting
Mobile systems manufacturers contemplating a switch from traditional CCFL backlights to LED should check out the Concept 7.0 series by Fusion Optix. Concept offers the value of a greener, more robust light source without sacrificing performance. Combining LightControl™ components with Lumen LED strips results in LCD backlight systems (BLUs) that are thinner, brighter, more uniform, and greener than OEM standards. Thanks to its technology, Fusion Optix is able to use fewer LEDs per system, making Concept BLUs a cost effective solution for replacing CCFL with LED. We've reviewed systems with LED backlights, and like the slimmer and more flexible LCD cases and extra brightness they make possible. [Read about Fusion Optix Concept LED display systems] -- Posted Wednesday, August 6, 2008 by chb

Tablet PCs in academics
Several years ago, we published an article by Dr. Dave Berque of DePauw University on pen computing in education. Dr. Berque and several others involved in pen computing were then putting together the first Workshop on the Impact of Pen-based Technology on Education (WIPTE). Dr. Berque has since continued to be a firm supporter of Tablet PCs in education. Read "Prof. Dave Berque Discusses "Academic Possibilities" of Tablet PCs." -- Posted Wednesday, August 6, 2008 by chb

Tablet PC underwater video makes a splash!
Within a short time, the underwater review of an xTablet rugged Tablet PC by MobileDemand conducted by our sister site RuggedPCReview.com is creating a big splash. It can be seen on some of the popular video clip sites and has been viewed almost 14,000 times. Click the image of an editor operating the device underwater to see the video on blip.tv. But remember: Those guys are trained professionals. Do not try this at home. -- Posted Monday, August 4, 2008 by chb

Speech-to-speech tablet for military applications
Rugged Portable Systems, a division of Santa Ana, Calif.-based Secure Communication Systems, offers the Lynx ruggedized mobile speech-to-speech translation system for military and other applications. The 4-pound package includes special array microphone and speaker for real-time two-way speech translation over a distance up to 12 feet using Two Way Speech-to-Speech software such as SRI International's IraqComm, BBN's TransTalk, IBM's STST, and others. [Read description and specs of the Secure Comm Lynx rugged speech translator tablet] -- Posted Thursday, July 31, 2008 by chb

Added: description of the two new Fujitsu Tablet PC convertibles
We've added descriptions and full specs for Fujitsu's two new Centrino 2-based Tablet PC convertibles. The 4.5-pound LifeBook T5010 is the successor to the flagship LifeBook T4220 and has an active digitizer. The touch-screen value-priced 5.3-pound LifeBook T1010 looks like a larger version of the existing LifeBook T2010, has about the same performance and many of the same features as the T5010, but without high-end security features. See description and specs of the Fujitsu LifeBook T1010 and the Fujitsu LifeBook T5010. -- Posted Friday, July 25, 2008 by chb

Full review: RMT Duros rugged tablet
We reviewed the RMT Duros, a time- and field-tested rugged tablet computer made by one of the most respected manufacturers in the business. The compact tablet has a footprint of 10.2 x 7.8 inches and weighs just over four pounds. The body is made of aluminum and feels exceedingly solid and invulnerable. The bright 8.4" display has a responsive and very configurable touch screen. The Duros is a very rugged unit that is totally sealed against dust and can also handle water jets from all sides. It has a very wide operating temperature range (-4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit) and you never have to worry about it getting damaged. [Read full review of the RMT Duros rugged tablet computer] -- Posted Thursday, July 17, 2008 by chb

Fujitsu introduces two new 13.3-inch Tablet PC convertibles
Fujitsu announced the availability of the 13.3-inch widescreen, LifeBook T5010 and LifeBook T1010 convertible Tablet PCs equipped with the next-generation Intel Centrino 2 processor technology (Core 2 Duo P8400 and P8600 chips). The 4.5-pound LifeBook T5010 is the successor to the flagship LifeBook T4220 and has an active digitizer. The touch-screen value-priced 5.3-pound LifeBook T1010 looks like a larger version of the existing LifeBook T2010, has about the same performance and many of the same features as the T5010, but without high-end security features. Both machines have a bi-directional display hinge, include wireless draft-N or Atheros N for fast WiFi, optional Bluetooth v2.1, a 56 watt-hour battery, and optional wireless WAN. A spill-resistant keyboard helps guard against damage from common on-the-go spills, and a shock sensor helps protect the hard drive from damage. The LifeBook T5010 starts at $1,769 and the LifeBook T1010 at $1,299. -- Posted Tuesday, July 15, 2008 by chb

Extreme testing -- we're taking a Tablet PC underwater
Rugged computers are usually tested in accordance with stringent military procedures. But what do these environmental specifications mean in the real world? What happens when you spill more than a soda onto a computer? For example, could you take an IP54-rated rugged Tablet PC underwater? Rugged Tablet PC vendor MobileDemand encouraged us to find out. Click on the video window to see what happened, or view a larger version on blip.tv. -- Posted Monday, July 7, 2008 by chb

News managed by NewsPro.