May 2013

Rugged, tough AND secure: Xplore iX104C5-M2
RuggedPCReview.com got some extended hands-on with the recently introduced 2nd gen special military version of the Xplore Technologies iX104C5 platform. It comes with an integrated common access card (CAC) reader. The degree of security the CAC provides is mandatory for many branches of government and their contractors, giving the Xplore tablet an edge where that matters. In the process we re-benchmarked Xplore's invincible tablet (which now also supports Windows 8), and it's as impressive as ever. [See Xplore Technologies iX104C5-M2] -- Posted Thursday, May 30, 2013 by chb

Duke University researchers use MobileDemand xTablet T7200 rugged tablet computers at Mount Everest base camp
When a Duke University team of researchers set up shop at the Mount Everest base camp at 17,650 feet to study the mystery of human survival in low oxygen environments, they entrusted their data to MobileDemand xTablet T7200 rugged tablet PCs. Under very trying circumstances, the tablets worked just as expected. [See Case Study: Computers in High Altitude Expeditions] -- Posted Thursday, May 23, 2013 by chb

For restaurants and retail: the new DT Research DT315CT
At the 2013 National Restaurant Association Show at Chicago's McCormick Place (May 18-21, 2013), (DT Research announced the DT315CT, an Intel Atom N2800-powered 9.7-inch Windows 7 tablet with capacitive touch, magnetic stripe reader to read payment, ID, and loyalty program cards, a 2D barcode scanner to improve inventory management, and a 5M camera to verify promotions and set up. [See description, analysis and specs of the DT Research Dt315CT] -- Posted Tuesday, May 21, 2013 by chb

Samwell Ruggedbook: Computer use in utility meter systems remote control
While manual utility (electricity, gas, water, heat) meter reading still exists, it is labor-intensive, error-prone, and not well suited to handle the increasing demand for complex and unique purpose metering including tiered and special use tariffs, and extended monitoring. In a new feature Taiwanese Samwell (which will be at Computex Taipei, June 4-8, 2013: TWTC Nangang Upper Level L1302) discusses the increasing use of rugged tablet computers such as their Ruggedbook SR820 to automatically read and manage smart meters, benefitting both utilities and customers via more information, higher accuracy, and better service. [Read Computer use in utility meter systems remote control] -- Posted Tuesday, May 21, 2013 by chb

DT Research announces 1-pound point-of-sale/service tablet
DT Research announced the DT307SC, a 7-inch tablet weighing only a bit over a pound, and available with magnetic stripe reader, 2D barcode scanner, RFID, and rear-facing camera with LED flash. Running Windows CE or Windows Mobile, the ARM-powered DT307 is easily integrated with third-party applications. As with most products from DT Research, the DT307SC includes the comprehensive remote management through the server-based WebDT Device Manager software. [See description, analysis and specs of the DT Research DT307] -- Posted Sunday, May 19, 2013 by chb

Pansonic upgrades Toughbook H2 rugged tablet
Panasonic announced it has updated the Toughbook H2 tablet with an Intel 3rd generation Core i5-3427U processor, boosted the standard hard disk from 320 to 500GB, improved estimated battery life from 6.5 to 7 hours, and enhanced connectivity with using an Intel Advanced-N 6235 module (802.11a/b/g/n and Class 1 Bluetooth 4.0 + EDR) and offering either 3G Gobi with GPS or 4G LTE mobile broadband. -- Posted Thursday, May 16, 2013 by chb

Dell drops price of Windows RT tablet
Dell, one of the few companies offering a Windows RT-based tablet, dropped the price of its 32GB XPS 10 tablet from US$449 to just US$299. A version with 64GB, dock, and 4G LTE dropped from US$799 to just US$499. That's not a good sign for Windows RT, but good news for anyone seeking a true bargain (we liked our Windows RT tablet; see Windows RT: How Suitable is it for Vertical Markets? Part 1 and Part 2). [Dell XPS 10 Tablet webpage] -- Posted Wednesday, May 15, 2013 by chb

DT Research introduces rugged 9.7-inch Windows tablet
DT Research introduced the rugged Windows 7-based DT398 tablet as a tougher, more performance-oriented complement to their roster of point-of-sale tablets. The DT398, which has a 9.7-inch XGA resistive touch display and uses either an Intel Celeron or Core i7 processor, was specifically built to meet the requirements of government and military deployments, though the company also targets construction, utilities, inspections and public safety. [See description, analysis and specs of the DT Research DT398] -- Posted Wednesday, May 15, 2013 by chb

Added: Lenovo ThinkPad X230t
Yes, Virginia, it used to be IBM that made the ThinkPads before they sold the business to Lenovo, and the first ThinkPads some 20 years ago were just that, pads, and not notebooks. It was only when pen computing failed to catch on that ThinkPads became laptops. But IBM and then Lenovo never really gave up on tablets, and the current Lenovo ThinkPad X230t is the latest in a long line of convertible laptops. It looks big and heavy now compared to Lenovo's sleek IdeaPads, but it has plenty of power, is very reasonably priced, and exudes a timeless elegance. [See description, analysis and specs of the Lenovo ThinkPad X230t] -- Posted Monday, May 6, 2013 by chb

Added: Fujitsu Stylistic Q572
Fujitsu has been a pen computing and tablet pioneer for over 20 years, and that know-how shows in their Stylistic Q572 business-class tablet. The 10.1-inch WXGA (1366 x 768 pixel) IPS anti-glare display is bright (400 nits) and uses the N-trig DuoSense capacitive multi-touch and active pen combo. There are dual cameras (720p front, 1080p and 5mp stills rear), SD and Smart Card slots, and solid state storage up to 256GB. The Q572 is powered by an AMD Z-60 APU that includes AMD RADEON HD 6350 graphics, and runs either Windows 7 or Windows 8. [See description, analysis and specs of the Fujitsu Stylistic Q572] -- Posted Monday, May 6, 2013 by chb

New: Rugged Tablet comparison tool
In order to let interested parties and prospective customers more easily learn about, and compare, rugged tablets, RuggedPCReview.com has added a Rugged Tablet Comparison Tool. The tool allows you to compare the full specs of up to three rugged tablets side by side, and instantly link to our assessment and analysis of the product. About 50 rugged tablets have been included so far, and we're still in the process of adding more products. [Check out the Rugged Tablet Comparison Tool]

-- Posted Monday, May 6, 2013 by chb