November 2016

MobileDemand has a long track record of offering new and interesting rugged tablet PC products, and the 8-inch Intel Cherry Trail-based xTablet T8650 is no different. It's a tough, handy and versatile Windows 10 tablet that — thanks to its Intel RealSense 3D camera system — can also be used as a pilot and test bed for bleeding edge 3D data capturing and manipulation technology. RuggedPCReview conducted a detailed analysis of the T8650 and its unique camera. [See full review of the MobileDemand xTablet T8650]

Industry 4.0: The Making of the Mobile Information Worker
Like IoT, the Internet of Things, the term "Industry 4.0" is talked about a lot these days. In essence, Industry 4.0 describes a world where intelligent networked systems go beyond mere machine control via feedback systems, interdisciplinary cooperation, IoT technology, and advanced resource/demand management to morph into "intelligent" or at least "smart" factories. Where does that leave workers? Xplore's latest blog describes how we're seeing a rise in "information workers" who are valued for their capacity to make better-informed decisions and take more meaningful actions to improve the quality and efficiency of increasingly specialized manufacturing operations. [Read "Industry 4.0: The Making of the Mobile Information Worker"] -- Posted Wednesday, November 30, 2016 by chb

Added: Fujitsu Stylistic V535 rugged Windows tablet
Fujitsu was among the tablet computing pioneers in the early 1990s, and remained a market leader with its innovative Point, PenCentra and Stylistic Tablet PC designs for many years. Their current rugged tablet offering is the Intel Bay Trail-powered 8.3-inch Stylistic V535 Windows tablet that features a very interesting expansion "shell" system as well as multi-modal input. [See RuggedPCRewview's description, analysis and specs of the Fujitsu Stylistic V535] -- Posted Tuesday, November 29, 2016 by chb

ICEE Company picks Getac T800 rugged tablet to streamline sales, service, training
Getac reports that the ICEE Company will provide its service technicians and sales reps with Getac's fully rugged T800 tablets to streamline work management processes and conduct remote online training with field staff, reducing the need for service center visits and maximize the time with customers. ICEE selected the Getac T800 because it provided a single solution to the computing and communication needs of its field staff. Beyond capturing service data, the device needed to be rugged, incorporate a fast processor, include a large viewing screen in a small form factor, and a variety of integrated features necessary for field work. [See Getac media release and RuggedPCReview's analysis of the Getac T800] -- Posted Tuesday, November 29, 2016 by chb

U.S. Army expands deployment of DT Research ultra-rugged tablets to third facility
DT Research announced the U.S. Army continues to expand the use of the DT311 series Ultra Rugged Tablets into additional army facilities to support training missions and other logistics. This is the third Rugged Tablet contract that the U.S. Army has awarded DT Research this year. "We are honored to have the U.S. Army choose our Rugged Tablets again," said Daw Tsai Sc.D., president of DT Research. "The U.S. Army has strict requirements for advanced durability, powerful computing, robust connectivity, and fully integrated data capture options for the Rugged Tablets they use. We are proud to meet these high standards and deliver a specialized tool that will serve the U.S. Army well in their diverse environments." [See DT Research media release and RuggedPCReview's description, analysis and specs of the DT311 Series] -- Posted Monday, November 28, 2016 by chb

BARTEC partners with Winmate to release HazLoc ATEX / IECEx Zone 1 and CID1-certified tablet
Electrical equipment operating in hazardous locations where flammable gases, vapors, or dusts occur must be designed so that it does not cause ignition or explosions. German BARTEC has been working with Winmate to create a line of rugged Windows tablets certified for use in Zone 2 and Zone 1 locations. The new sunlight-readable 10.1-inch, Intel Braswell-powered BARTEC Agile X IS tablet PC provides not only HazLoc ATEX / IECEx Zone 1 and CID1 certification, but also offers unique features such as built-in scanner, hot-swappable battery in HazLoc areas, direct USB access in Zone 1, and an expansion port system. [See BARTEC and RuggedPCReview's description, analysis and specs of the BARTEC Agile X IS] -- Posted Friday, November 18, 2016 by chb

Xplore rugged Android tablet chosen for underwater vehicle HMI
Xplore Technologies announced that Strategic Robotic Systems (SRS) has exclusively selected the Xplore XSLATE D10 Rugged Tablet use in an intuitive Human Machine Interface to control its new hybrid FUSION underwater vehicle. FUSION was designed for mine countermeasure, explosive ordinance disposal and other military inspection tasks, as well as search and rescue or body recovery operations. [See Xplore media release and SRS FUSION page] -- Posted Wednesday, November 16, 2016 by chb

Xplore reports their fiscal Q2/2017 financials
Xplore Technologies reported Q2 financials for its fiscal year 2017. Revenue was US$20.0 million compared to US$16.5 million in Q1/2017 and US$28.85 million for fiscal Q2/2016. Xplore reported a net loss of US$536,000 compared to a net income of US$403,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The revenue decrease compared to the same quarter last year resulted from softer sales in Europe and timing of customer shipments. Xplore chairman and CEO Philip Sassower said "Fiscal second quarter revenue increased 21% sequentially on rising shipments while operating costs declined significantly, placing Xplore firmly on track for profitability in the second half of this year." [See Xplore media release] -- Posted Friday, November 11, 2016 by chb

Panasonic upgrades Toughpad FZ-G1 Windows tablet
Panasonic announced it has updated its 10.1-inch Toughpad FZ-G1 Windows tablet. Initially introduced early 2013, Panasonic's Toughpad FZ-G1 was upgraded from Intel 4th generation "Haswell" to 6th generation "Skylake" processor technology. Now equipped with a 2.4GHz Core i5-6300U processor with Intel HD Graphics 520, the G1 also gets Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 WiFi, solid state storage up to 512GB, and a water-proof digitizer pen. Battery life with the standard battery is now up to 14 hours. The FZ-G1 starts at US$2,899. -- Posted Monday, November 7, 2016 by chb

SMART High Reliability Solutions announces HRS-M1 highly ruggedized MLC Solid State Disks
SMART High Reliability Solutions — which specializes in ruggedized, high-performance and high-capacity solid-state drives for defense, aerospace and industrial markets — announced its HRS-M1 2.5" SATA 6Gb/s SSD. The HRS-M1 is packaged in a high strength, industrial enclosure to protect it from harsh elements. It's MIL-STD-810-tested for shock and vibration at extreme operating temperatures of -40°C to +85°C. The HRS-M1 can handle operation at altitudes up to 80,000 feet, and comes in capacities up to 1.92 TB. [See Smart HRS media release] -- Posted Wednesday, November 2, 2016 by chb