August 2011

DAP Technologies to include AirWatch software for remote management
DAP Technologies announced it will embed AirWatch's Mobile Device Management (MDM) software on its rugged handheld and tablet computers for enterprise and industrial applications. DAP customers will receive a free, one-year subscription to the MDM solution, which enables organizations to remotely secure, monitor, manage and support all mobile devices. Beginning in October, DAP’s M9000 tablets, M1000 handhelds and M2000-series handhelds will be the first products to ship with MDM. -- Posted Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Rugged Tablet PC provider MobileDemand earns spot on Inc. 5000 list
Rugged Tablet PC provider MobileDemand announced that it has earned the 2,978th spot in the 2011 Inc. 5000 fastest growing US private companies list. In the category of Computer Hardware, MobileDemand ranks 21st in the nation in terms of growth. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy--America’s independent entrepreneurs. [See press release] -- Posted Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Discrete graphics card shipments see slight decline in Q2 2011
According to Jon Peddie Research, overall shipments of graphics add-in boards for Q2 2011 were 16.1 million units compared to 19.01 million for Q1 2011. This includes the "discrete" graphics subsystems that can greatly boost graphics performance (especially 3D and OGL) in performance-oriented mobile systems (such as rugged notebooks by Getac, GD-Itronix and Panasonic). In terms of marketshare, Nvidia controls 59% and AMD 40.6%. -- Posted Monday, August 29, 2011

GD Fortress Technologies' COTS 'Suite B' encryptor provides protected network access
Fortress Technologies, part of General Dynamics C4 Systems, announced the release of its DS310 commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Suite B encryptor for secret communication between wired or wireless devices and networks. At LandWarNet 2011, General Dynamics will showcase the DS310 operating with a General Dynamics Itronix rugged computer platform at the Fortress Technologies and General Dynamics booths. -- Posted Wednesday, August 24, 2011

United Airlines launches paperless flight deck with 11,000 iPads
United Continental Holding announced that it is converting to paperless flight decks and deploying 11,000 iPads to all United and Continental pilots. The electronic flight bags (EFB) replace paper flight manuals, and as a first for major network carriers, provide pilots with paperless aeronautical navigational charts through an iPad app. Distribution of iPads began earlier this month, and all pilots will have them by year end. Our take: This is another example of consumer mobile technology branching into traditionally "rugged" areas and can be viewed as an opportunity lost to traditional "rugged" manufacturers who have not yet moved forward into this space. -- Posted Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Trimble expands harvest solution to include yield monitoring and row guidance
Trimble introduced yield monitoring and row guidance capabilities providing farmers with an integrated solution to meet their harvesting needs. Expanding on Trimble's Connected Farm solutions, which wirelessly sync precision farming data, these new capabilities help farmers record and analyze crop yield and moisture performance in the field, as well as accurately steer combines along rows. This is an excellent example of how advanced and applied mobile technology can increase productivity. -- Posted Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Stealth.com announces rugged hardware customization services
Stealth.com Inc. (Stealth Computer), a manufacturer of industrial rugged computers and peripherals announced their new hardware customization service. Stealth has a history of delivering industrial rugged products that fill a market that is not served by traditional computer manufacturers or suppliers. -- Posted Tuesday, August 23, 2011

RFID Solution from Intermec and Sonrai Systems Gives Charleston County increased visibility into recycling
Intermec announced that in partnership with Sonrai Systems, a provider of waste management solutions, it has helped Charleston County, South Carolina more than double recycling participation and in some areas exceed 70% recycling levels.  The use of Intermec RFID technology has been instrumental in providing Charleston County with unparalleled accuracy within its environmental management program with productivity rates increasing by 83%. -- Posted Monday, August 22, 2011

Juniper Systems shipping IntuiTrace Irrigation Mapping Software
Juniper Systems announced the shipment of IntuiTrace Irrigation Mapping Software, created to produce as-built documentation for landscape installation and maintenance contractors. IntuiTrace was designed specifically for use on a rugged handheld computer and is compatible with the Juniper Systems Mesa Geo Rugged Notepad and Archer XF101. [See press release] -- Posted Thursday, August 18, 2011

HP kills webOS devices, including TouchPad
HP will discontinue operations for webOS devices, specifically the TouchPad and webOS phones. HP said "the devices have not met internal milestones and financial targets. HP will continue to explore options to optimize the value of webOS software going forward." -- Posted Thursday, August 18, 2011

Received: Motion Computing's August 2011 newsletter
We received Motion Computing's August 2011 newsletter. Info on new CL900 accessories, webinars, events, and reviews (including ours, both web and video). See an online version here. -- Posted Thursday, August 18, 2011

GD-Itronix introduces rugged GD400 enterprise cross-over handheld/smartphone
General Dynamics Itronix introduced the GD400, a rugged enterprise handheld computer combines smartphone, computing, and data collection functionality. Powered by an 800MHz ARM Cortex 8 processor and running Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5.3, the GD400 offers excellent data capture capabilities with an expanded keypad, 1D/2D imager, various sensors, GPS, and camera with flash. The 3.7-inch sunlight-readable display has full VGA resolution, and despite compact size and low weight, the device is impressively rugged. [See description and specs of the GD-Itronix GD400] -- Posted Thursday, August 18, 2011

YouTube video of AMREL DB6 1.5-pound Windows 7 handheld
Though the rugged 1.5 pound AMREL DB6 looks like a PDA, it actually runs Windows 7 on a 5-inch 800 x 480 pixel display. Fedmil.com did an informative 7-minute interview with AMFREL, demonstrating the DB6. [Check DB6 video on YouTube] -- Posted Wednesday, August 17, 2011

MobileDemand rugged Tablet PCs now on GSA schedule 70 through GB Tech
MobileDemand, a provider of rugged Tablet PCs for military, government and public sector agencies, announced a reseller partnership with GB Tech in Houston, TX, a provider of logistics and IT services to the aerospace, homeland security, energy and healthcare industries. The GSA Schedule 70 award allows the federal, state and local governments to purchase MobileDemand products from GB Tech through a streamlined process and pre-negotiated pricing. -- Posted Tuesday, August 16, 2011

IP67-sealed, Gorillia-Glassed Moto DEFY+ crossover
The day Google announced the purchase of Motorola Mobility, Moto introduced the DEFY+ water-resistant, scratch-resistant (Gorilla Glass!) and dust-proof IP67-sealed Android 2.3 smartphone. The DEFY+ has a 3.7-inch touch screen, a 5MP camera, a 1GHz OMAP 3620 CPU, a microSD Card slot, but apparently it will only be available in Asia, Latin America and Europe when it is released. Definitely one of the emerging consumer/rugged crossover products that may/will eventually clash with the likes of Motorola Solutions' S400 WinMo-based "enterprise digital assistant" smartphone and similar devices. -- Posted Tuesday, August 16, 2011

DAP Tech enhances rugged M2000 handheld with Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 and biometrics module
DAP Technologies' M2000, a pocket-sized rugged handheld that scans barcodes, is now available with Microsoft Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 (before it was Windows CE 5.0) and a new add-on rugged biometrics module with fingerprint and credential-reading capabilities (shown in the image). The biometrics module includes a 3-track mag stripe reader, a FIPS 201- certified fingerprint reader, and a Machine Reader Zone (MRZ) reader for passports and other travel documents. -- Posted Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Full review: Getac S400 semi-rugged notebook
We conducted a thorough review of the Getac S400 and found it to be one the primary and most competent contenders in the semi- rugged notebook market. It is an attractive, modern and very well executed design with a wide-format 14-inch multi-touch display that provides Intel Core i3 and i5 power and excellent connectivity to numerous applications where a standard consumer notebook just won't do. Yet, despite its tough and rugged appearance, the S400 is a fairly compact machine that weighs only about 7 pounds. [Read review of the Getac S400] -- Posted Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Trimble introduces next gen GNSS-Inertial OEM modules
Trimble introduced its next gen AP Series of embedded GNSS-Inertial OEM modules plus Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), featuring a high-performance 220 channel multi-frequency GNSS receiver with dual-antenna heading support. The new modules offer improved mobile positioning accuracy and robustness, and add GNSS heading for improved orientation performance without the need of a second GNSS card, all with a reduction in size, weight and cost over previous versions. [See Trimble GNSS page] -- Posted Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Quantum3D expands line of rugged embedded systems
Quantum3D announced two additions to its line of Thermite rugged embedded computers. The Intel Atom E680T-based Thermite TL 2000 offers small size and power efficiency, while the Intel Core i7-610E-based Thermite XVG 4000 offers high-performance processing power to accommodate a range of field-deployed applications. -- Posted Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Google to acquire Motorola Mobility
Google and Motorola Mobility announced that Google will acquire Motorola Mobility in a US$12.5 billion cash transaction. According to the press release, "The acquisition of Motorola Mobility, a dedicated Android partner, will enable Google to supercharge the Android ecosystem and will enhance competition in mobile computing. Motorola Mobility will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. Google will run Motorola Mobility as a separate business." Note that this will not include Motorola Solutions, the spun-off part of Motorola that provides rugged mobile computing products and solutions. [See press release] -- Posted Monday, August 15, 2011

Full review: Clover Systems SunBook -- netbook with the amazing Pixel Qi triple-mode sunlight display

Fact is that even the best current technology outdoor-viewable displays struggle in direct sunlight. Pixel Qi's innovative new triple mode display technology doesn't. It's a new sort of transflective that's bright and vibrant indoors, eBook-like in direct sunlight, and inbetween in the shade. Clover Systems offers the US$795 SunBook, a Samsung netbook with a perfectly integrated Pixel Qi screen. How well does it work? [Read full review of the SunBook netbook with triple mode Pixel Qi display]
-- Posted Monday, August 15, 2011

AIS releases IP67-sealed high-bright industrial Panel PC
AIS says it has released a fully-enclosed ruggedized touch screen Intel Atom N270-based Panel PC featuring a 1,000 nits high-bright industrial grade LCD panel for outdoor and harsh applications. The panel carries full IP67 sealing. [See AIS IP67 industrial Panel PC] -- Posted Monday, August 15, 2011

XES adds small rugged COTS-based APR system
Extreme Engineering Solutions (X-ES) announced the XPand6000 rugged ATR system measuring 4.9 x 1.9. x 7.7 inches comprised of three types of industry-standard COTS components: rugged COM Express modules, PMC/XMC modules, and solid-state storage. The convection-cooled 4.5 lbs. XPand6000 can be deployed quickly into airborne or ground vehicles, and bolted to any available surface. [See X-ES XPand6000 product page] -- Posted Friday, August 12, 2011

AMREL issues white paper on battlefield connectivity for dismounted forces
Amrel published a short whitepaper that discusses the problems facing front-line computing including: data explosion, form factor, power, ruggedness, reliability, and interoperability. They review several approaches to overcoming these challenges, the potential of smartphones, and look at some of the Atom-based rugged computers currently on the market. [View AMREL white paper] -- Posted Thursday, August 11, 2011

From the blogs: Creating a paperless supply chain with rugged Tablet PCs
MobileDemand posted a new entry in its Ruggedized Computing Blog on creating a paperless supply chain with rugged tablet technology, outlining the concept and basic steps of such a system. [See entry] -- Posted Thursday, August 11, 2011

One of Panasonic's "business-rugged" ultra-lights gets an update: Toughbook S10
Apart from its semi-rugged and fully-rugged Toughbooks, Panasonic also offers several "business-rugged" Toughbooks that present Toughbook style and quality in much lighter versions. Panasonic has now updated its 12.1-inch business-rugged offering with a new 2nd generation Intel Core i5 processor, USB 3.0, more memory, and even longer battery life (up to 12.5 hours). The Toughbook S10 will be available in September 2011, starting at US$2,449. [See description and specs of the Panasonic Toughbook S10] -- Posted Wednesday, August 10, 2011

AVADirect adds GD Itronix computers
AvaDirect announced to better address the rugged mobile computing market, it has added GD Itronix notebooks and tablets to it lineup, saying that "GD Itronix combines the durable form factor, and high-performance of today's standards to bring a product that is sure meet any and all requirements set forth. The first GD Itronix products added are the GD8200 rugged notebook and the GD3015 rugged tablet. -- Posted Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Do you have "Grandpa Boxes" in your lineup?
A recent "Dilbert" comic strip made us think. Dilbert's working on his computer when a young colleague approaches and asks, "Are you getting a lot done on the Grandpa Box?" "The what?" Dilbert asks. "The people in my generation do our work on our phones and tablets," is the response. "I also have a laptop," Dilbert objects. "I'll text the nineties and let them know," the young gun says (see the strip). Do you have Grandpa Boxes in your lineup? If so, does that make sense, or is it time to move on? [Read Do you have "Grandpa Boxes" in your lineup?] -- Posted Monday, August 8, 2011

Eletrobit unveils Android-based Specialized Device Platform
Finnish Elektrobit, a developer of embedded technology solutions for automotive and wireless industries, announced the EB Specialized Device Platform. It is an OMAP3xxx or 4xxx Android-based mobile device platform for specialized markets that can be used to create 'made-to-order' products with hardware and software features required for target markets and applications. Military vendors may specify MIL-STD-810G mechanics for a ruggedized Android handset, integration of a proprietary security engine or optimization of a proprietary software application to extend the device battery life. [See Elektrobit EB Specialized Device Platform page]
-- Posted Monday, August 8, 2011

Rugged ToughShell for iPhone 4: protection on the job
The folks at Speck Products, who already make the ToughSkin cases for iPhones, introduced the impressive ToughShell for iPhone 4. It's a three-layer silicone & TPE & Polycarbonate affair that provides maximum protection. For US$49.95 it's easy insurance against breaking your iPhone 4 on the job! [See ToughShell for iPhone 4 product page] -- Posted Sunday, August 7, 2011

Taiwanese rugged manufacturer reports increase
Digitimes reports that rugged notebook, tablet and PDA maker CReTE System posted revenues of US$7.9 million in July 2011, up 31% over July of the prior year. CReTE was founded in 1990, has over 300 employees, and has major representations in the US (AMREL) and Europe (MilDef Technology AB, Roda Computer). -- Posted Sunday, August 7, 2011

Panasonic integrates Interlink VersaPad into Toughbook 31
Interlink announced that Panasonic now integrates Interlink's "VersaPad" touchpad technology into their Toughbook 31. VersaPad is a resistive touchpad that uses pressure sensing technology, enabling a light touch and smooth tracking without being affected by moisture and other contaminants. VersaPad can be operated even with gloves or a passive stylus, and also be environmentally sealed to IP65 standards. [Our comment: We've criticized the responsiveness of the Toughbook 31 (and its predecessors) touchpad for many years, and can't wait to see if the new one works better. -- Posted Sunday, August 7, 2011

Panasonic Toughbooks now available via USAF Quantum Enterprise Buy (QEB) program
Panasonic announced that the U.S. Air Force has selected Panasonic Toughbooks for its rugged mobile computing requirements, including flightline, maintenance, mission, and support activities. The Toughbook 31 rugged notebook and Toughbook 19 rugged convertible tablet can be purchased as part of the USAF Quantum Enterprise Buy (QEB) program and will be delivered by Intelligent Decisions, a premier systems integrator servicing the Federal government. [See Panasonic Aviation Solutions Program] -- Posted Friday, August 5, 2011

Genius upgrades US$99 pressure-sensitive tablet
Taiwanese peripheral maker Genius launched an upgraded version of its G-Pen F610 Writing Graphic Tablet for Windows 7. As an ultra-slim, 6 x 10 inch wireless text graphic-design tablet, the Genius G-Pen F610 has 1024-level pressure sensitivity and 29 programmable Hot-Key areas to set up shortcuts for word processing, Internet and operating system tasks. Suggested retail price is US$99.90. [See G-Pen F610 product page] -- Posted Thursday, August 4, 2011

MobileDemand blog: tablets in hospitality
MobileDemand posted a blog article entitled "Move them along with rugged Tablet PCs; they'll thank you for it." It's outlining the many benefits of using tablets in the hospitality industry, including speeding up service on the hotel side of things, and increasing productivity and satisfaction in food service. [See MobileDemand blog] -- Posted Thursday, August 4, 2011

Symbol and Infinite Solutions settle patent issue
Symbol Technologies, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Motorola Solutions, and Infinite Peripherals announced that Infinite Peripherals has taken a license to Symbol's patented intellectual property. Under the patent license agreement, Infinite Peripherals has agreed to pay ongoing royalties for rights to Symbol's patents in the fields of laser and imaging barcode scanning accessories that are designed to attach to PDAs and smartphones. [See press release] -- Posted Thursday, August 4, 2011

Curtiss-Wright introduces new family of 3U CompactPCI rugged systems
Curtiss-Wright Controls Embedded Computing, a designer and manufacturer of COTS VME, OpenVPX, VXS and CompactPCI products for the rugged deployed defense and aerospace market, has introduced a new family of compact, natural convection-cooled rugged ½ ATR-style 3U CompactPCI systems, the MPMC-9320-x family of Multi-Platform Mission Computers. [See MPMC-9320 product page] -- Posted Thursday, August 4, 2011

Datalogic helps shorten queues at Frankfurt airport
Datalogic Group, a leader on the market of bar code readers, data collection mobile computers, RFID and vision systems, through its subsidiary, Datalogic Scanning, has signed a contract with Frankfurt-Hahn Airport for the supply of Gryphon area imaging scanners to read 2D codes of boarding passes and for Check-In operations. Estimated savings ground control operations are 25 minutes each flight. Having recently braved the crowds at Frankfurt airport, those scanners aren;t deployed a minute too soon. [See Datalogic press release] -- Posted Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Intermec reports Q2 2011 financials
Intermec reported Q2 2011 revenues of US$221.1 million, with a net loss on a GAAP basis of US$3.8 million. That compares to 2010 Q2 revenues of US$161.2 million and net loss on a GAAP basis of US$2.7. Results for Q2 2011 include approximately US$34 million in revenues attributable to businesses acquired in March 2011 (primarily Vocollect). Excluding $11.8 million of restructuring and acquisition-related costs and adjustments, the Non-GAAP pre-tax net profit for the quarter was $8.1 million. Intermec expects Q3 2011 revenues to be within a range of US$215 to $225 million -- Posted Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Crystal Group joins Dexter Apache Holdings
Hiawatha, IA based Crystal Group Inc., designer and manufacturer of rugged, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) custom-designed computers, displays, networking devices, embedded systems, and storage devices, announced they have joined the family of companies formed by Dexter Apache Holdings, Inc. [See press release] -- Posted Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Full review: What to expect from Motion Computing's rugged CL900 Windows 7-based tablet
Tens of millions of iPads have been sold and everyone wants tablets, but integrating them into Microsoft Windows-based corporate IT is not so easy. So why not run Windows on a tablet? That's not so easy either. Motion Computing analyzed the situation and decided to bring, in a ruggedized form, much of what makes the iPad unique to those who need to run Windows. In a detailed report, RuggedPCReview discusses the US$899 Motion CL900 Windows 7-based tablet, its opportunities and challenges, how well it works, and where it fits in. [See full review of the Motion Computing CL900 tablet and a video demonstration of how it works] -- Posted Tuesday, August 2, 2011

AIS expands line of low-power HMI touch panels with ARM 11 processors
American Industrial Systems (AIS) has released a low cost 5.7” and 7” HMI touch panel PC featuring the Samsung ARM11 S3C6410X 16/32-bit low-power RISC microprocessor and Windows Embedded CE 6.0 or Linux OS. The embedded touch panel PCs are designed for ultra-low power consumption, shock & vibration resistance, and wide temperature operation to perform in a wide range of applications, providing OEM system integrators a pre-engineered solution for a faster time to market and reduced development costs. [See 5.7-inch and 7-inch AIS touch panels] -- Posted Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Getac upgrades their B300 rugged notebook computer
After having received a major technology update in September 2010, Getac's rugged B300 notebook computer was improved once again, this time with a switch from a 45nm Intel 2GHz i7-620LM to a 32nm 2.3GHz i7-2649M processor. The new chip not only has a faster overall clock speed, its system bus is twice as fast, graphics frequency has doubled as well, and the chip can use faster memory. The new model also has three USB 3.0 ports (two doubling as eSATA ports), even longer battery life (up to 30 hours with the dual battery option!), and standard -20F low operating temperature. 4G mobile broadband technology will be available beginning in Q4. Getac claims a 25% performance boost, which may be a conservative estimate. -- Posted Monday, August 1, 2011

Advantech and Adlink post record sales
Taiwan Economic News reported that with sales hitting all-time highs in the second quarter, Advantech Co. and Adlink Technology Inc., Taiwan`s two leading manufacturers of industrial personal computers (IPC), will see sales continue to grow in the third quarter. Advantech said its sales growth mainly comes from embedded computing, iService, and applied computing divisions, which achieved brilliant sales in Europe and the U.S. in the first half. [See CENS.com report] -- Posted Monday, August 1, 2011

Rugged tablets in aerial mapping: Applanix POSTrack and Ruggedbook SR820
Global enterprise increasingly relies on complex commercial land-based mapping, aerial and marine surveys, and remote sensing applications that use vehicle and sensor position and orientation to capture and mine data in ways never possible before. And they often work in conjunction with rugged, lightweight tablet computers with touch screens and displays that are both sunlight viewable and capable of being dimmed for nighttime applications. For an example, see Samwell's Ruggedbook SR820 tablet used with the Applanix POSTRack GNSS-Aided Inertial Direct Georeferencing and advanced Flight Management System. [See Ruggedbook/Applanix POSTrack page]
-- Posted Monday, August 1, 2011