July 2008

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]

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