March 2016

ARBOR IoT-500: Dashboard for the Internet of Things
The Internet of Things is coming on strong, and with it a flood of hardware and software tools and building blocks. One of them is the ARBOR IoT-500, a small Android-based mini-panel PC with a high-res 5-inch procap display and comprehensive connectivity. The ARBOR IoT-500 can be mounted almost anywhere and provides a handy dashboard for visualizing, and responding to, what the Internet of Things is doing. Applications are endless. [See description, analysis and specs of the ARBOR IoT-500] -- Posted Monday, March 28, 2016 by chb

Xplore Technologies launches new integrated website
Xplore Technologies announced it has launched a new fully integrated website that showcases the combined strengths and product offerings of Xplore and Motion Computing. The new Xplore website serves as a central resource for partners and customers, reflecting the integrated product portfolio and future of Xplore. "It has been an exciting year of bringing the Motion Computing product line together with Xplore under one corporate brand and product umbrella,” said Peter Poulin, chief marketing officer at Xplore Technologies. “Feedback from our customers on how best to address the global rugged tablet market was a critical factor in the design, and content, of our new integrated website. We are confident our customers will find the right rugged tablet platform to meet their industry and business requirements.” [See Xplore media release] -- Posted Wednesday, March 23, 2016 by chb

Full review: Janam XT1 5.9-inch Android rugged mini-tablet
What if you seek a light and handy data collection and communication device with a larger screen than virtually any other handheld computer, but one that comes in a package that's smaller than even compact tablets and offers integrated industrial grade scanning? Then it's time to look at Janam's Android-based 5.9-inch XT1 "mini-tablet." [See full review of the Janam XT1 mini-tablet] -- Posted Tuesday, March 22, 2016 by chb

Handheld signs framework agreement with Saab
Handheld Group announced that its Nordic subsidiary Handheld Scandinavia has signed a strategic agreement with Saab – a global defense and security solution provider. The 2-year agreement includes ultra-rugged tablets for Saab's military, aerospace and emergency services solutions and covers Handheld's existing range of tablets as well as future products. Saab has integrated Handheld’s Algiz 10X rugged tablet with Paratus, Saab’s modular information system for emergency care. The system has been deployed in ambulances throughout Sweden. Most recently, Saab deployed Algiz 10X rugged tablets equipped with SITHS smart card readers. SITHS (Secure IT for health care) is based on a two-factor electronic authentication protocol and is the current standard for all National Quality Registries in Sweden. [See Handheld Group news release] -- Posted Monday, March 21, 2016 by chb

Review: MobileDemand xCase for Microsoft Surface tablets
We've had a chance to field-test MobileDemand's xCase for Surface. Available for the Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface Pro 4, the xCase is really more than just a case. It's more like a tough, tight-fitting exoskeleton that converts a Surface tablet into a well-protected, easy-to-carry tool for jobs out there in the field, without losing any of the tablet functionality. [See review of the MobileDemand xCase for Surface] -- Posted Tuesday, March 15, 2016 by chb

Gamber-Johnson announces new Zebra TabCruzer docking stations
Gamber-Johnson announced a series of TabCruzer docking stations for the Zebra ET50/55 rugged tablets as an easy solution to meet material handling and other fleet vehicle connectivity needs. The TabCruzer for Zebra has tested and passed MIL-STD 810G vibration and shock testing, SAE J1455 crash testing, and cycle testing @ 30,000 cycles for lock and docking mechanism. [See Gamber media release and TabCruzer product page] -- Posted Friday, March 11, 2016 by chb

Rugged tablet quality: Just what telecoms need to build quality networks
Xplore Technologies' latest blog looks at the fierce competition between telecom providers where pricing wars and special teaser deals are used to gain and retain customers. However, long-term retention and profitability, says Xplore, remains dependent on service reliability and the delivery of innovative, on-demand, cross-platform technologies, And this, the blog states, is why several of the top U.S.-based global telecom operators have invested so significantly in rugged tablet technologies for their mobile workforce over the past decade. [See Rugged tablet quality: Just what telecoms need to build quality networks] -- Posted Monday, March 7, 2016 by chb

Report: Global Medical Tablet PC Market 2016
QY Market Research offers "The Global Medical Tablet PC Industry 2016 Market Research Report" on the current state of the Medical Tablet PC industry. The report is said to focus on leading industry players with company profiles, product pics and specs, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact info. There's analysis of upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis, as well as analysis of Medical Tablet PC industry development trends and marketing channels. (Note: we have not seen the report, nor does the release contain any data) [See Global Medical Tablet PC Market 2016] -- Posted Wednesday, March 2, 2016 by chb