June 2007

Intermec introduces handheld with autofocus near-far scanner
Intermec added to its CK31 line of flashlight-style handhelds with the CK31ex, the first handheld computer with integrated Intellibeam EX25 auto-focus near-far area imaging technology that can read virtually any symbology from six inches to 50 feet. This enables warehouse workers to consolidate their computing, data capture and documentation needs in a single device, improving productivity and reducing costs. The extended range clearly opens up new application opportunities and efficiencies. [See description of Intermec CK31/CK31ex]. [Read Intermec FAQ on the IntelliBeam technology] -- Posted Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Ordia Solutions Mobile Tactical Collaboration System
At Police Security Expo 2007, Ordia Solutions announced its Mobile Tactical Collaboration System solution for law enforcement, fire/EMS, and search and rescue agencies, and for fusion and emergency operation centers. MTCS integrates collaborative software tools, including drawing, white boarding, and voice-over-IP, with GIS and incident management tools. The software is delivered via a web browser and runs on mobile wireless information devices mounted inside emergency vehicles to drive effective and interoperable communication, collaboration, coordination, command and control among first responder. [Read release on Mobile Tactical Collaboration System] -- Posted Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Transcend 32GB ExpressCard Solid State Disk
With growing memory capacity and faster card standards, Solid State Disks (SSDs) are becoming ever more attractive for rugged and mobile applications. Transcend's RoHS-compliant ExpressCard/34 SSD is a smaller and faster plug-in module solution that supports USB 2.0 and PCI Express Applications, is compatible with Windows Vista and supports ReadyBoost function. It also comes bundled with a portable USB adapter, which makes it work as a regular USB flash drive. -- Posted Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Sybase iAnywhere mobile inspection toolkit
Sybase iAnywhere today announced the availability of a new toolkit targeted at creating mobile forms for field inspection and survey applications. The toolkit is built on the company's Information Anywhere suite, which enables developers to build always available applications that provide wireless and offline access to enterprise information. -- Posted Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Pana and Verizon announce embedded EV-DO Rev A for Toughbooks
Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of the Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers, and Verizon Wireless announced several new notebook certifications for embedded access to the EV-DO Revision A-based BroadbandAccess service from Verizon Wireless. Panasonic products now certified on the Verizon Wireless Revision A network include the rugged Toughbook 30 notebook and Toughbook 19 convertible tablet PC designed and tested for military, public sector and industrial users in more extreme environments and the semi-rugged Toughbook 74 notebook and business-rugged ultra-portable and thin-and-light notebooks—the T, W and Y series—designed for business travelers and mobile professionals in government, commercial and healthcare industries. -- Posted Thursday, June 21, 2007

GD-Itronix introduces the GoBook MR-1 ultra-mobile notebook
&tGD-Itronix has released the GoBook MR-1, a fully rugged Windows ultra-mobile notebook that measures just 6 x 4.5 inches and is about an inch and a half thick. The MR-1 is powered by a 1.2GHz Intel Core Solo processor, can accommodate 1GB of 533MHz DDR2 RAM, comes with a shock-mounted and heated 40GB disk (80GB available), and has a brilliant, razor-sharp 1024 x 600 pixel 5.6" SVGA-W with the GD-Itronix DynaVue technology that provides superb outdoor viewability. The MR-1's magnesium chassis and housing is sealed to IP54 standards and can take as much punishment as the company's fully rugged XR-1 notebook. The MR-1 can be ordered with as many as four integrated wireless systems (three radio plus GPS), including 3G high speed services. A clever "slice" expansion system allows for expansion via stackable modules. [Read full review of the GD-Itronix MR-1 ultra-mobile notebook -- Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Added: Talla-Tech ruggeds: RPDA-57 and Tacter-31M
We've added descriptions and specs of two rugged handhelds from Tallahassee Technologies. The RPDA-57 is a rugged Pocket PC running Windows CE 5.0 on a PXA270 processor. It is extremely flexible with a variety of modular backs. The Tacter-31M is a very compact full Windows machine available with either a 6.4-inch display or a XGA 10.4-inch screen, both sunlight readable. In June of 2007, Tallahassee Technologies received a $18.5 million purchase order from the US Marine Corps for the RPDA-57. [See descriptions and specs for RPDA-57 rugged military Pocket PC and Tacter-M31 rugged Windows handheld computer] -- Posted Monday, June 11, 2007

Feature: What Type of Flatscreen Should I Get?
Even if you're mostly mobile, you want a big easy-on-the-eyes flatscreen to do work in the office and at home. Technology Editor Geoff Walker analyzes the current LCD flatscreen market, explains concepts and advantages and presents his recommendations and choices, including three Editor's Choices. [Read "What Type of Flatscreen Should I get?"] -- Posted Monday, June 11, 2007

Identec merges GPS and RFID in GPS Tag
Identec Solutions announced the release of the first independently intelligent RFID tag, a satellite assisted tag that can isolate the specific location and movement of an asset. The GPS Tag has a read/write range of almost 2,000 feet and can be activated at any time with a reader, providing increased ease of access and reduced infrastructure. Self-tracking, the GPS tag uses satellites in combination with RFID to chart its route and movement. Once within range of a reader, the tag provides information of the assets movements. Use of this technology is well suited to any type of asset or personnel tracking application, and in particular for container and port transit. The receiver will be able to ascertain the exact route and journey of any asset or person. -- Posted Monday, June 11, 2007

Review: MobileDemand xTablet T8600
Offering integrated bar code and mag card readers for field data collection activities makes the MobileDemand xTablet T8600 Tablet PC a superb productivity tool for a variety of vertical market applications. It is also one of the few tablets with an integrated keypad, speeding up data entry. The fully rugged slate has a magnesium housing, extensive shock absorption, can survive multiple 3-foot drops and offers IP54 sealing (see our shower test. A massive battery allows for full-shift operation. Despite all this, the xTablet T8600 is very compact and weighs just 4.6 pounds. [Read full review of MobileDemand xTablet T8600 Tablet PC] -- Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007

GD-Itronix unveils semi-rugged GoBook VR-2 with DynaVue
General Dynamics Itronix unveiled the GoBook VR-2, a compact semi-rugged notebook using the company' stunning new DynaVue display technology that provides superb outdoor viewability on its 13.3-inch touchscreen display. This is one machine where you have to see outdoor performance to believe it. The VR-2 features excellent industrial design, state-of-the-art processor technology, and multiple wireless technologies including GPS and various 3G wide area wireless network systems. [Read detailed review of the GD-Itronix VR-2 semi-rugged notebook] -- Posted Tuesday, June 5, 2007

GD-Itronix DynaVue Outdoor-Readable Display Technology
General Dynamics Itronix has unveiled a remarkable daylight-readable display technology called "DynaVue." How good is it? Our technology editor Geoff Walker says, "Don't you just hate it when some marketing guy labels something as "ultimate"? Well, I've found something that really should be labeled as "ultimate." It's General Dynamics (GD) Itronix' brand-new DynaVue outdoor-readable touch-screen display technology." [Read technical review of the Itronix DunaVue Outdoor-Readable Touch-Screen Display technology] -- Posted Tuesday, June 5, 2007