August 2017

Talk about timing. A mere couple of weeks after we published our long term review of Dell's original Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet, Dell released its successor, the Latitude Rugged Extreme Tablet. The new model is much more powerful than the original and yet can last considerably longer between charges thanks to higher capacity batteries. Its considerably sharper display will be well received, as will be the addition of a USB Type C port, and the noticeably lighter weight. The new kickstand makes the tablet an even better 2-in-1 solution. [See Dell press release and RuggedPCReview's description, analysis and specs of the Dell 7212 Rugged Extreme tablet]

Long term review: Dell Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet
Dell has relatively quietly established itself as a major provider of rugged laptops, convertibles and tablets. RuggedPCReview has had the opportunity to have a Dell Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet in the office and for everyday use on the desk, on the road, and in the field. The tough Dell tablet turned out to be a pleasant, competent and totally trouble-free companion and productivity tool. [See long-term test and review of the Dell Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet] -- Posted Tuesday, August 15, 2017 by chb

DT Research: Why the military needs purpose-built tech from trusted solution providers
In a recent blog entry, DT Research explains why when it comes to military computing, rugged tablets provide the best bet for successfully achieving a variety of goals, including protecting data and troops deployed in response to in-theater conflicts. The military does not need the added threat of dropped communication and not being able to reliably access detailed plans. [read DT Research blog -- Posted Tuesday, August 15, 2017 by chb

An inside look at R&D: Panasonic Toughbook put to the test
Makers of rugged mobile computers test their products in accordance with various ruggedness testing procedures described in documents such as the MIL-STD-810G. Most of the time, testing is done by specialized third party testing labs, but market leaders generally also do their own testing in their own labs. Panasonic just issued a blog post and video that covers how Panasonic ensures that its mobile devices live up to the promise of rugged reliability. [See An inside look at R&D: Panasonic Toughbook put to the test] -- Posted Monday, August 14, 2017 by chb

Xplore Technologies reports profitable first quarter results
Xplore Technologies announced revenues of US$20.0 million for Q1 of their fiscal year 2018, reflecting increased sales of rugged tablets as well as resolution of previously disclosed supply chain constraints (up from US$16.5 million for Q1 2017). Q1 2018 showed a net profit of US$239k compared to a net loss of US$1.7 million in Q1 2017. For fiscal 2018, Xplore continues to anticipate revenue to range between $75 million and $85 million and also anticipates multiple profitable quarters and positive cash flow for the full fiscal year 2018. [See Xplore press release] -- Posted Thursday, August 10, 2017 by chb

Xplore rugged tablets driving data collection efforts for net zero deforestation project in Colombia
Xplore Technologies. (NASDAQ: XPLR) announced that its XSLATE D10 Android rugged tablets are being used as the primary data collection platform for the Net Zero Deforestation Project currently underway in the rainforests of Caquetá, Colombia. The project, a joint-effort between the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and The Nature Conservancy local office, aims to map and analyze the spatial and demographical implications of the deforestation process occurring in the region. [See Xplore press release] -- Posted Tuesday, August 8, 2017 by chb

DT Research and Phase II deliver rugged tablets for Mobile IT for defense teams
DT Research, a leading designer and manufacturer of purpose-built computing solutions for vertical markets, announced that along with Phase II in booth T13 (RTO Consulting), they will showcase rugged tablets for mobile IT at the AFCEA Technet show in Augusta GA from August 8th to 10th. [See DT Research press release] -- Posted Tuesday, August 8, 2017 by chb

IDC: tablet market declines in Q2/2017
IDC reports that worldwide shipments for tablets declined 3.4% year over year in 2Q17, reaching 37.9 million. The decline included detachable tablets. "There's been a resetting of expectations for detachables as competing convertible notebooks offered a convincing and familiar computing experience for many," said Jitesh Ubrani, senior research analyst with IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Device Trackers. Of market leaders, Apple sold 11.4 million tablets for the quarter, up 14.7% over Q2/2016. Samsung stayed at 6 million. [See IDC release] -- Posted Tuesday, August 8, 2017 by chb

Group Mobile launches website dedicated to Getac rugged mobile computing products
Group Mobile, a rapidly expanding premier provider of innovative, full-service mobile technology solutions today announces the launch of a new microsite dedicated to Getac rugged devices and accessories. Getac's business includes rugged notebooks, rugged tablets and rugged handheld and mobile video system devices for military, police, fire, utility, insurance and field-service customers. The ShopGetac.com microsite will provide Getac and Group Mobile customers with a faster and more flexible way to shop for Getac rugged devices and accessories online. [See Group Mobile press release] -- Posted Wednesday, August 2, 2017 by chb