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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

Panasonic introduces rugged UMPC
With the CF-01 rugged PDA no longer available, Panasonic introduced a rugged ultra-mobile PC, the Toughbook CF-U1. It's a magnesium-bodied tablet built around Intel's highly energy-efficient Atom Z5200 processor that promises up to nine hours of operation from twin batteries. The U1 has a 5.4-inch 1024 x 600 pixel touchscreen, an expanded thumb keyboard, and great connectivity both onboard and via expansion modules that can accommodate a SmardCard or RFID reader. Also available are 1D/2D barcode readers, GPS and a 2 megapixel camera. Pricing starts at US$2,499. [Read description and specs of the Panasonic Toughbook U1] -- Posted Thursday, June 26, 2008 by chb

Using a rugged Tablet PC as a hammer
In its latest video, MobileDemand shows a man using an xTablet Tablet PC as a hammer to drive several large nails into a board. An accelerometer is attached to the computer to record impact data. [See "We could use a hammer..." or view the video on blip.tv] -- Posted Monday, June 23, 2008 by chb

Fujitsu's little U810 wins eWeek Excellence award
Fujitsu announced that its LifeBook U810 convertible mini-notebook won the 8th Annual eWEEK Excellence Awards in the desktops and notebooks category. Fujitsu bested Hewlett-Packard's HP Compaq dc7800 and Lenovo's ThinkPad T61. [see description and specs of the Fujitsu Lifebook U810] -- Posted Monday, June 16, 2008 by chb

Full review: GETAC E100 -- light and handy tablet
Getac introduced the E100 in early 2008 as a light, versatile rugged Ultra Portable Tablet PC for field and customer service applications. It's smaller than a standard sheet of paper and weighs just a bit over three pounds. It has a magnesium housing and an integrated numeric keypad makes rapid data entry easy. The E100 is totally silent as there is no fan. The Intel A110-powered tablet also has a SmartCard reader, an ExpressCard slot, and that it can be equipped with integrated GPS and your choice of 3G wireless network connectivity. The 8.4-inch display is sunlight-readable and the battery is strong enough to last almost four hours. [Read full review of the Getac E100 rugged Tablet PC.] -- Posted Sunday, June 1, 2008 by chb

Full review: Advantech MARS 3100R rugged Tablet PC
We reviewed the Advantech MARS-3100R, a rugged industrial tablet computer from an experienced Taiwanese embedded and industrial systems company with a worldwide presence. It's small and handy, and weighs just five pounds. A 1.2GHz Intel Core Duo U2500 processor provides a good balance between performance and battery life. The aluminum-alloy body is very solid, sealed to IP54 specs, and can take a beating. Combined with full 1024 x 768 pixel XGA resolution on a 10.4-inch display with dual panel input, the MARS-3100R excels in applications that require as much screen real estate as possible in a very compact, rugged computer. [Read full review of the Advantech MARS 3100R rugged Tablet PC] -- Posted Tuesday, May 27, 2008 by chb

Case Study: MobileDemand xTablets at Box Canyon Dairy
MobileDemand issued a new case study showing how Box Canyon Dairy in Wendell, Idaho, uses rugged Tablet PCs, RFID and special software to implement a more efficient process for the health, care and breeding of livestock. "I gained an additional two hours in my day to do something else," said dairy general manager Scott Haag. "As for my employees, it cuts in half the amount of time they spend looking for animals." [See MobileDemand Tablet PC case study] -- Posted Tuesday, May 27, 2008 by chb

MobileDemand demonstrates Tablet PC ruggedness on videos
MobileDemand has created short videos that show in dramatic fashion how rugged their xTablet Rugged Tablet PC really is and how much abuse it can take. If you want to see a Tablet PC being dropped, splashed, rained on, and even used as a hammer to pound nails into a board, view their latest video or see screen snaps and description of the torture tests. -- Posted Friday, May 9, 2008 by chb

GETAC E100 tablet now also resold by TabletKiosk
The GETAC E100 rugged Tablet PC is now also being resold by TabletKiosk as the GETAC 840XT. The IP54-sealed tablet measures just 11.1 x 7.2 inches and weighs barely more than three pounds. It's powered by a very energy-efficient 800MHz Intel A110, comes with a sunlight-readable 8.4-inch display and built-in GPS. [Read description and specs of the GETAC E100] -- Posted Thursday, April 3, 2008 by chb

Advantech introduces semi-rugged industrial tablet
Taiwanese Advantech, a global vendor of embedded and industrial computing platforms, introduced the MARS-3100S Industrial Tablet PC. The 3100S has a 10.4-inch display and runs XP Pro or XP Embedded on a power-efficient AMD LX 800 processor. With a magnesium-alloy housing and rubber bumpers the 3100S can survive 3-foot drops. IP54 sealing and the usual MIL-STD-810F testing compliance make this new Advantech product suitable for use in manufacturing, warehousing, shop floor maintenance, field service, transportation, law enforcement, fire or other emergency services. [See description and specs of the Advantech MARS-3100S tablet] -- Posted Wednesday, March 19, 2008 by chb

Added: Gateway C-141
The Gateway C-Series Tablet PC convertible (now called an "adaptable notebook") goes on with the C-141 models, following up on the CX200 Series introduced in October of 2005 and the company's initial M275 Tablet PC convertible. [See description and specs of the Gateway C-141 Tablet PC convertible] -- Posted Monday, March 10, 2008 by chb

DRS Tactical lunches ARMOR line of rugged computers
DRS Tactical, located in Melbourne, Florida, announced ARMOR, a line of rugged mobile computers with an emphasis on data protection technology, anywhere connectivity and sunlight readable display options for industrial and government customers. The initial products of the ARMOR line include the compact C12 notebook convertible and the X10 Tablet, a 9th generation Hammerhead. -- Posted Thursday, March 6, 2008 by chb

Detailed review: GD-Itronix Duo-Touch II
The Duo-Touch II by General Dynamics Itronix is a compact, rugged Tablet PC now in its fourth generation. Upgraded electronics provide an overall benchmark performance improvement of 67% over the predecessor model. The Duo-Touch II also uses the GD Itronix DynaVue daylight viewable display technology for very good outdoor readability. Users can toggle between touch screen mode and an active digitizer, enhancing functionality and ease of use. The 4-pound Duo-Touch II is a fully rugged computer, has IP54 sealing, and can accommodate up to three different integrated radios plus GPS. [Read detailed review of the General Dynamics Itronix Duo-Touch II]
-- Posted Tuesday, February 26, 2008 by chb

LXE acquires Swedish Akerström, adds two touchscreen vehicle mounts
LXE, Inc. accounced it has acquired Swedish mobile computer maker Akerströms Trux. With the acquisition, LXE adds two Windows XP-based vehicle-mount panel computers to its lineup of handhelds. The Tx700 and Tx800 are rugged forklift and vehicle-mount computers running Windows XP or XP Embedded. The Intel M processor powered panel computers have 10.4 or 12.1-inch touch screens and feature superb onboard connectivity. The TX700 is also available in a Windows CE version. [See description and specs of the LXE Akerström Tx700/Tx700 CE and Tx800 panel computers] -- Posted Thursday, February 21, 2008 by chb

Roper Mobile announces rugged Duros Tablet PC
Roper Mobile Technology -- a subsidiary of Roper Industries that combines DAP Technologies, JLT Mobile Computers, and Black Diamond Advanced Technology -- introduced the Duros Rugged Tablet PC. The Duros is a fourth generation Windows XP-based tablet PC that is sealed to IP-65 specifications and passes the requisite MIL-STD 810F ruggedness tests. Equipped with a sunlight-viewable 8.4-inch SVGA resistive touchscreen and powered by either an AMD Geode LX 800 or a 1GHz Intel Celeron M , the comes with hard drives up to 120GB (or a solid state drive up to 64GB). The battery is hot swappable and the Duros has integrated WiFi, Bluetooth, GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS and optional GPS. It is geared towards harsh field applications such as mining, construction, utilities, public safety or military. [See description and specs of the Roper Mobile Duros rugged Tablet PC]

-- Posted Wednesday, February 20, 2008 by chb

Updated DT Research information appliances
There was a time when "web tablets" were supposed to be the next big thing and even Microsoft got into the act with its "Mira" platform. That did not go anywhere, but today products like the WebDT 310 and the slightly smaller WebDT 360 from DT Research are being used as light and handy solutions for many mobile computing applications, now have laser scanner and MSR options, and they can run the XP Tablet PC Edition. [See description and specs of the DT Research WebDT 310 and DT Research WebDT 360]. -- Posted Friday, February 15, 2008 by chb

HTC Shift: does this "hybrid" solution show the future?
HTC's finally released ultra-mobile PC offers a fascinating look at hybrid technology that combines full Windows Vista with a Windows Mobile variant that offers instant-on and access to push email and PIM data. Vista is powerful but has short battery life; the "SnapVUE" Windows Mobile mode offers only essentials but can run as long as ten days. There are two processors and separate memory, a 1280 x 800 pixel 7-inch touchscreen, and an innovative slide-and-tilt QWERTY keyboard lets you use the Shift like a little notebook. [Read full description and specs of the HTC Shift "hybrid" ultra-mobile PC] -- Posted Wednesday, January 30, 2008 by chb

GETAC introduces Intel A110-based lightweight rugged Tablet PC
At DistribuTECH 2008 in Tampa, Florida, GETAC introduced a compact, lightweight rugged Tablet PC slate based on Intel's ultra low-power A110 processor. The E100 measures 11.1 x 7.2 x 1.26 inches and weighs just over three pounds. The 8.4-inch touchscreen display is available with a 800 nit daylight-viewable option. Using a magnesium housing, rubber bumpers, shock-mounted hardware and extensive sealing, the E100 is ruggedness-tested to MIL-STD-810F standards. Geared towards field and customer service applications, the system is available with "mission boxes" for customized market applications that use RFID, barcode and magnetic strip readers or digital cameras. [Read description and specs of the GETAC E100 ruggedTablet PC slate] -- Posted Tuesday, January 22, 2008 by chb

MobileDemand introduces sunlight viewable rugged Tablet PC
MobileDemand introduced the xTablet T8700, a compact, rugged Tablet PC slate based on a reliable platform that has seen duty in various vertical markets for years. There are significant technology enhancements in the new model that make the versatile tablet more practical than ever. The latest version of the xTablet is faster, especially with the optional Solid State Drive, and even handles Windows Vista efficiently with its Intel Core Duo processor and generous 2GB base RAM. The machine has an integrated numeric keypad, and is available with a mag stripe reader and scanner/imager. And the sunlight viewable dual-digitizer display is a big productivity enhancement for those who use the machine outdoors. [See our detailed review of the MobileDemand xTablet T8700] -- Posted Monday, January 14, 2008 by chb

Electrovaya releases Scribbler SC4000 Tablet PC
Electrovaya announced the launch of the Scribbler SC4000 series. The sleek new Tablet PC slate combines an Electrovaya 70Wh Lithium Ion SuperPolymer battery, a 1.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo U7500 ULV CPU, fingerprint security, a 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, 802.11a/b/g WiFi, gigabit Ethernet, a 60 GB SATA 5400 rpm hard drive (upgradeable up to 160 GB) and 1GB RAM (upgradeable to 4 GB). It includes a TPM security module and there is a sunlight-readable screen option for the wide viewing angle 12.1-inch display. The Scribbler SC4000 weighs 3.3 pounds and is less than an inch thick. The Scribbler SC4000 comes with Windows Vista or Windows XP Tablet 2005. [See Electrovaya SC4000 spec sheet] -- Posted Thursday, January 10, 2008 by chb

OQO adds 64GB SSD and sunlight-optimized display
OQO expanded its UMPC line with the addition of a 64GB solid state drive option and the introduction of a new display technology offering dramatic improvement in direct sunlight readability with greater than 50% reduction in unwanted reflections. This expansion addresses several growth segments of the UMPC market. Field service professionals, for example, require outdoor-useable UMPCs in tough environments. The OQO model 02 with 64GB SSD uses high performance NAND Flash. The Sunlight Optimized display uses proprietary anti-reflective films in order to reduce specular reflections between the internal layers of the display itself, resulting in reduced reflections in direct sunlight and improved contrast when used in outdoor viewing scenarios. [View OQO Model 02 description] -- Posted Monday, January 7, 2008 by chb

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