Windows marketshare falls, Apple gains
Windows marktshare continues to fall, reaching a new low of 88.68% in December 2008. Historically, Windows marketshare was in the mid to high 90s. Apple in the meantime, whose marketshare was at a minuscule 3% just five years ago is now approaching 10%. [See OS marketshare stats] -- Posted Monday, January 5, 2009 by chb

The amazing success of "netbooks"
These days, "netbooks" get a lot of press. You' think a "netbook" were some sort of miraculous new device, a technological breakthrough that lets you do new and wondrous things. In fact, "netbooks" are nothing more than little notebooks. There is absolutely nothing new or exciting about them. And there is nothing that makes them earn the "netbook" name. However... [Read The amazing success of "netbooks"] -- Posted Monday, January 5, 2009 by chb

60% of the world's population has cellphones
3G Americas reports that as of December of 2008, there are four billions cellphones in use, representing about 60% of the world's population. Of those, it's estimated that over 400 million have 3G service, with UMTS/HSPA having a 77% share, far outpacing CDMA EV-DO (see release). These figures are in interesting contrast to Poverty Facts and Stats that says that in 2005, at least 80% of the world's population lived on less than US$10 a day. -- Posted Wednesday, December 31, 2008 by chb

Intel Atom in larger notebooks?
According to Digitimes, there's pressure on Intel to allow use of its inexpensive Atom processors in netbooks with displays larger than 10.2 inches. Atom chips do not provide the performance of Intel's Core 2 Duo processors, but cost less and are extremely power-efficient. -- Posted Wednesday, December 31, 2008 by chb

Full review: Handheld US M3 Mobile
Those who need a rugged yet light and compact industrial multi-function PDA should take a look at the M3 Mobile offered by Handheld U.S. It's a Pocket PC, a GSM/GPRS/EDGE voice/data phone, a 2-megapixel camera, and a terrific data capture device thanks to an extended keypad and either a laser scanner or 1D/2D imager. You can also get integrated GPS and the battery can last through a full 8-hour shift. While light and handy, the M3 Mobile has a wide operating temperature range and can handle 5-foot drops. [Read full review of the Handheld US M3 Mobile] -- Posted Monday, December 29, 2008 by chb

Palm gets another US$100 million equity investment
Palm announced that Elevation Partners has agreed to make an additional $100 million equity investment in Palm. Under a definitive agreement reached today, Elevation will increase its investment in Palm by acquiring newly issued Series C preferred stock that is convertible into Palm common stock at a price of $3.25 per share, a 31% premium to the closing price of Palm common stock on Dec. 19, 2008. -- Posted Monday, December 22, 2008 by chb

Stocking Stuffers 2008
For the past several years, our intrepid guru of all things mobile, Dr. Tim, has offered suggestions for stocking stuffers that you can use for your digitally addicted friends. Or, if you are so afflicted yourself, you may wish to drop a few hints based on the ideas herein. Check out Dr. Tim's 2008 Stocking Stuffers! -- Posted Sunday, December 21, 2008 by chb

Toshiba first to announce 512GB solid-state drives
Toshiba became the first to announce 512GB solid state drives in a new series of SSDs that also includes 64, 128 and 256GB capacities in flash modules or more conventional 1.8 and 2.5-inch enclosures. At over US$3/GB, pricing remains significantly higher than that of standard rotating media hard disks. This means that SSDs will likely remain optional, albeit at times highly desirable, equipment for most mobile devices in the foreseeable future. -- Posted Thursday, December 18, 2008 by chb

Palm reports sobering financials, hints at new platform
Palm reported total revenue of $191.6 for the second quarter of fiscal 2009, which ended Nov. 28, 2008. Smartphone sell-through for the quarter was 599,000 units, down 13% year over year. Smartphone revenue was $171.0 million, down 39% from the year-ago period. “We’re working through an undeniably difficult period,” said Ed Colligan, Palm president and CEO, “but near-term challenges shouldn’t overshadow the fact that we are on track to deliver a breakthrough new platform and products that will bring a truly differentiated smartphone experience to our customers and reestablish Palm as a leading innovator in the mobile industry.” -- Posted Thursday, December 18, 2008 by chb

Treo 80w cradle/battery
When Dr. Tim reviewed the Palm 800w a few months ago, he lamented the lack of accessories and the new, non-standard connector. More recently he reviewed several handheld screen control applications as an alternative to cradles, which no longer seem to come in the box as in the days of old. Well, Palm now has a nice cradle available for the 800w, and it’s nice to have a cradle again. [See report on the Treo 80w cradle/battery] -- Posted Wednesday, December 17, 2008 by chb

Case Study: Dive Support Computing with General Dynamics Itronix MR-1 rugged UMPC
Scuba divers rely on wrist- or console-mount dive computers to safely explore the vast world beneath the ocean surface. Most dive computers can communicate with desktop and notebook computers, but the feature is rarely used in a timely, productive manner. We used the super-compact General Dynamics Itronix MR-1 rugged UMPC as a dive support computer on a dive expedition to Honduras where we needed long battery life, a sunlight-viewable display, and the ability to be used on a dive boat mattered. [Read case study "General Dynamics Itronix MR-1 rugged UMPC boosts safety and productivity"] -- Posted Tuesday, December 16, 2008 by chb

Handango and Best Buy team up for apps
Handango and Best Buy announced a first of its kind deal to bring smartphone apps to Best Buy's retail stores nationwide. Through the partnership, Handango will offer Best Buy Mobile customers a content catalog of apps ranging from business and productivity to entertainment and games for Windows Mobile, Blackberry, Palm, and Symbian S60 smartphones. The apps now can be purchased for specific devices at the point of sale using Best Buy's in-store digital Mobile Genie system. -- Posted Monday, December 15, 2008 by chb

Two Technologies unveils Safari rugged handheld
Two Technologies introduced the rugged Safari handheld computer designed for a broad range of outdoor and indoor applications. The IP65-sealed Safari can handle 5-foot drops, a wide operating temperature range, and runs Windows CE .NET 5.0 on a 520MHz version of the Marvell PXA270 processor. There is a 3.5-inch QVGA touchscreen, various keypad layouts, integrated barcode scanning, WiFi, Bluetooth, and a variety of options including GSM/GPRS/EDGE, GPS and RFID. [Read description and specs of the 2T Safari rugged handheld computer] -- Posted Friday, December 5, 2008 by chb

Review: DT Research WebDT 520 fixed-mount panel computer
There is an increasing demand for rugged fixed-mount/panel computers for use in forklifts, emergency vehicles, warehousing, marine and many other applications. We reviewed the very compact WebDT520 by DT Research. It is a cost-efficient rugged panel computer with a bright 12.1-inch touch screen, touch-optimized operation, good performance and excellent connectivity and expansion options. [See full review of the DT Research WebDT 520 rugged panel computer] -- Posted Monday, November 24, 2008 by chb

Fujitsu unveils its own Mobile Clinical Assistant
Shortly after Panasonic announced its mobile clinical assistant, Fujitsu-Siemens unveiled its own MCA, the Esprimo MA. Like Motion Computing's pioneering C5, the Esprimo MA is based on Intel's MCA reference platform that prescribes a 10.4-inch display in a light and handy tablet with an integrated handle. The Atom Z530-powered Esprimo has an integrate camera, dual SmardCard reader, touch and digitizer, as well as optional 1D/2D barcode reader and RFID. The hot-swappable battery lasts four hours and the device weighs less than three pounds. [See description and specs of the Fujitsu-Siemens Esprimo MA] -- Posted Friday, November 21, 2008 by chb

Final issue of Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine
We just received the 2009 Smartphone & Pocket PC Super Resource Guide, an awesome compilation of anything and everything dealing with the Windows Mobile platform. Due to lack of support, it is also the final issue of Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine. That is a crying shame. [Read Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine -- the shortsightedness of letting an incredible resource die] -- Posted Friday, November 21, 2008 by chb

Socket cordless scanners now support BlackBerry
Socket Mobile announced the compatibility of Socket data capture solutions with the BlackBerry Bold, Pearl and Curve, and soon the newly released BlackBerry Storm as well. The Socket Cordless Hand Scanner (available with CMOS imager or Class 1 or 2 laser) connected to a BlackBerry through application or SocketScan software can be used for various enterprise bar code scanning functions, such as inventory and asset management and field service. -- Posted Tuesday, November 18, 2008 by chb

PCMCIA announces release 2.0 of ExpressCard standard
PCMCIA, the trade association for PC Card and ExpressCard technology, announced the release of the ExpressCard Standard 2.0. This version has been significantly updated to accommodate the faster speeds increasingly demanded by today's high-performance mobile technologies. ExpressCard technology is the next-generation PC Card technology for high-performance expansion of desktop and mobile systems. ExpressCard and PC Card slots can be found in more than 95% of notebook computers. -- Posted Tuesday, November 18, 2008 by chb

Full review: RMT SwitchBack rugged UMPC
The RMT SwitchBack is a fully rugged Ultra-Mobile PC with a very compact footprint of 7.4 x 5.9 inches and weighing just over three pounds. A modular "BackPack" system adds almost unlimited connectivity and expansion. What sets the SwitchBack apart is a unique processor architecture where a standard Intel processor is a peripheral to a Xilinx Virtex 5 FPGA platform that, with special programming, can perform complex, sophisticated tasks at record speed. Those who harness this power will find in the SwitchBack a compact, rugged machine of unparalleled flexibility. [Read full review of the RMT SwitchBack rugged UMPC] -- Posted Tuesday, November 18, 2008 by chb

PhatWare judged Best in Notes and Handwriting Recognition
PhatWare Corporation has again claimed "Best of Category" honors in Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine's Best Software Awards competition. The company has earned the top spot in two different categories: PhatWare's PhatNotes won twice in the "Utilities-Notes" category for both Pocket PC and Smartphone platforms, while the company's CalliGrapher handwriting recognition software took top honors in the "Utilities-Handwriting" category. -- Posted Tuesday, November 18, 2008 by chb

Dual-core Atom 330: worth waiting for?
Intel's Atom processors with their super-low thermal design power seem a perfect fit not only for netbooks, but also for rugged mobile systems that need maximum battery life. RuggedPCReview.com has benchmarked the popular Atom N270, but many may hold out for the dual-core Atom 330 chip. Is it worth waiting for? PCPro ran benchmarks on an early system, and the results are mixed. [See PCPro's Atom 330 benchmarks] -- Posted Friday, November 14, 2008 by chb

BlackBerry Storm to be available from Verizon Nov. 21
The much anticipated BlackBerry Storm will be available from Verizon Wireless starting November 21 for US$199.99 with the obligatory 2-year service contract. See our full preview of the BlackBerry Storm and Verizon's Storm page. -- Posted Thursday, November 13, 2008 by chb

Review: SPB’s new WinMo keyboard
Our Dr. Tim has probably reviewed all of the on-screen keyboards for Windows Mobile devices by now. However, he is always glad to see a brand new one. SPB’s new keyboard is a welcome addition to the stable of inputting workhorses. [Read review of the new SPB keyboard for Windows Mobile] -- Posted Wednesday, November 12, 2008 by chb

Benchmarking: How does the Atom N270 compare with chips commonly used in rugged systems?
Intel's Atom chips have unbelievably low power consumption even at fairly high clock speeds. Does that mean they are the perfect solution for rugged mobile systems that require both performance AND long battery life? To find out, RuggedPCReview.com ran benchmarks on a Atom N270-equipped computer and compared the results to machines using the A110 and ultra-low voltage Core Solo and Core Duo chips. How did the Atom do? To find out how the Atom N270 measures up, click here. -- Posted Monday, November 10, 2008 by chb

Apple passes RIM in smartphone race
According to Canalysis, Apple shipped 17.3% of all smartphones worldwide in Q3 of 2008, passing RIM's 15.2% and second only to market leader Nokia (38.9%). J.D. Power, in the meantime, reports the iPhone getting by far the highest customer satisfaction among business customers, well ahead of RIM (see ranking). -- Posted Friday, November 7, 2008 by chb

Dr. Tim on the XM/Sirius satellite radio merger
What happens when the two big satellite radio companies merge? Not much to be happy about, says Dr. Tim. [Read XM/Sirius Merger Sucks Seriously]
-- Posted Monday, November 3, 2008 by chb

Full review: RMT DAP CE8640B
RMT DAP Technologies' C8640B may look like a ruggedized UMPC, but it's not. It is a super-rugged Windows CE 5.0-powered handheld PC merging a 640 x 240 half-VGA touchscreen and a compact QWERTY keyboard into a handy and eminently useful package for a wide range of field-based applications where small size, total reliability, near endless battery life, and invincible toughness matter. [Read full review of the RMT DAP CE8640B] -- Posted Monday, November 3, 2008 by chb

Review: Sandisk Sansa Clip MP3 Player
The SanDisk Sansa Clip is one of the smallest MP3 players available. It’s array of colors make it an attractive choice and a good value for the money with its convenient clip attachment system. Our only wish would be that it have an expansion slot. [Read Tim Hillebrand's review of the anDisk Sansa Clip] -- Posted Saturday, November 1, 2008 by chb

iLounge releases comprehensive free 2009 iPod + iPhone Buyers' Guide
iLounge.com has released its 2009 iPod + iPhone Buyers' Guide, a comprehensive shopping guide to Apple's iPods, iPhones, their accessories, and software. It is neatly laid out like a print magazine and has ratings and reviews of a stunning number of products. The 2009 iPod + iPhone Buyers' Guide is the latest in iLounge's multi-million-downloaded series of digital publications, available immediately as a free download in PDF format. [Go to free 2009 iPhone Buyers Guide download page] -- Posted Friday, October 31, 2008 by chb

AT&T WiFi hotspots free for iPhone users
AT&T now offers free use of AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots to all Apple iPhone users. Doing so, however, is a wee bit cumbersome. When in range of an AT&T WiFi, select "attwifi", then enter your iPhone's phone number. You then get a text message from AT&T with a secure link to the hotspot. The link, however, will only be good for 24 hours. -- Posted Thursday, October 30, 2008 by chb

F-Origin and PVI show novel 8-inch touchscreen display module
The FDP 2008 show in Yokohama saw a lot of touch input solutions, among them an 8-inch SVGA Display Module by PVI, a maker of ePaper and small/medium LCDs and part of BOE Hydis, that combines PVI's display screen technology with F-Origin's zTouch technology that uses force sensitive sensors with specialized software to create low-cost, high-performance touchscreens and touchpads. -- Posted Tuesday, October 28, 2008 by chb

ActiveCaptain Mobile for Windows Mobile
ActiveCaptain Mobile's marine navigation tools, chart archive and electronic guidebook is now available for Windows Mobile phones. It's like TomTom® for a boat. ActiveCaptain Mobile for Windows Mobile combines chart archive and marine navigation with access to ActiveCaptain's wiki-style database of cruising information. Users can browse NOAA charts, create routes, track their location and check on thousands of marinas, anchorages, bridges, boat ramps, and other important boating data on their Windows Mobile phones. [Check out ActiveCaptain for Windows Mobile] -- Posted Monday, October 27, 2008 by chb

Arima Computer changes name
In a move that indicates what's considered hot and what not, Arima Computer, once one of the largest of Taiwan's notebook computer OEMs, is changing its name to Arima Photovoltaic and Optical. Arima had sold its notebook computer business to Flextronics a bit over a year ago. -- Posted Saturday, October 25, 2008 by chb

GD-Itronix case studies: rugged GoBooks operate under extreme conditions
General Dynamics Itronix issued two case studies covering the use of its rugged notebooks in extreme conditions. One describes how the rugged ultra-mobile GoBook MR-1 was used on the summit of Mount Everest under extreme temperatures and at over 29,000 feet of altitude. Connecting to a satellite phone, a GoBook MR-1 even sent an email from the top of Mt. Everest! The other covers the use of rugged GoBook XR-1 notebooks in a six-country mission in Africa designed to reduce malaria deaths. Here, the General Dynamics Itronix XR-1 held up under extreme tropical river conditions for over two months on inflatable boats. [Read Everest case study and Zambesi case study] -- Posted Tuesday, October 21, 2008 by chb

NetLibrary: panacea or opportunity missed?

eBooks did not take off in the revolutionary explosion many predicted, there has been a steady evolution. One interesting development is NetLibrary, a service that libraries can subscribe to that allows patrons to download eBooks and eAudiobooks. [Read Tim Hillebrand's explanation of NetLibrary]. -- Posted Saturday, October 18, 2008 by chb

Unlocked Zinc II -- worthy Windows Mobile smartphone
inc II is the latest MWg Windows Mobile device to be released in the U.S. market following the Atom Life earlier this year. Its major features include a horizontal slide-out keyboard, build-in GPS, a 2.0 Mpx camera, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2.0 with unlocked UMTS Tri-band, and GSM Quad-band phone functionality. The US$599 Zinc II measures 109.5 x 59 x 18 mm weighs 159g, and has a 250 x 320 resolution 2.8 inch QVGA touch screen. Sporting a 500 Mhz Samsung processor, it only has 64 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM with a Micro SD memory slot. See Dr. Tim's full review of the Zinc II] -- Posted Sunday, October 12, 2008 by chb

Toshiba unveils new Portege M750 Tablet PC convertible
Mercury Computer Systems' rugged PowerBlock 50 real-time computing system measures 4 x 5 x 6 inches and weighs less than 7 pounds, yet a maximum performance configuration achieves 172 GFLOPS from its processors. The PowerBlock 50 is designed to put processing power next to the sensor in space-constrained platforms such as unmanned vehicles. Rugged features include o-ring sealing for pressure, humidity, and EMI isolation; high-reliability connectors; extended temperature ranges; and locking modules for shock and vibration immunity, and the PowerBlock 50 chassis is designed throughout to isolate its internal electronics from all external environmental and physical conditions. [See Mercury's PowerBlock 50 product page] -- Posted Friday, October 10, 2008 by chb

RIM email + iPhone look and feel = BlackBerry Storm
With the Apple iPhone juggernaut showing no signs of slowing down, everyone else must make sure not to be left behind. That's why RIM will ship the BlackBerry Storm later in 2008 for use on Verizon Wireless in the US and Vodafone in Europe. Similar in size and weight to the iPhone, the Storm combines traditional BlackBerry email prowess with a cool new look and more consumer-oriented features. [Read description of the BlackBerry Storm] -- Posted Thursday, October 9, 2008 by chb

Asus planning touchscreen Eee PCs
According to the Taiwanese news service Digitimes, Asus is planning to introduce touchscreen versions of its unexpectedly successful, and as a result growing, line of ultralight Eee PCs. -- Posted Thursday, October 9, 2008 by chb

Full review:Xplore iX104C4 rugged Tablet PC
Xplore Technologies, one of the pioneers in rugged mobile computing, released its heavily updated iX104C4 ultra-rugged Tablet PC this summer. Among the areas where the compact 5-pound iX104C4 slate excels are the very bright 10.4-inch XGA (1024 x 768 pixels) sunlight-viewable AllVue Xtreme display and the Dual Mode interface that intelligently combines both an active digitizer and a touch screen without the need for manual switching. [Read the full review of the Xplore iX104C4] -- Posted Wednesday, October 8, 2008 by chb

RealEstate.com now on mobile
Finding an inexpensive home these days isn't too terribly difficult, what with prices dropping almost everywhere, but realestate.com makes it even easier with their new realestate.com/mobile available on Sprint and AT&T phones. -- Posted Wednesday, October 8, 2008 by chb

AHIMA session on Anoto digital pen technology
Anoto announced a session at the prestigious 80th American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Convention on the role of Digital Pen and Paper technology within health information management systems, as well as its contribution to enhancing usability and efficiency in the design of Electronic Health Records (EHR). The convention expects to draw more than 4,000 between October 11&16 at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in Seattle. -- Posted Wednesday, October 8, 2008 by chb

Sony's new Digital Book
Last week, Sony released its latest effort at a digital book. The PRS-700BC Reader Digital Book has a paperback form factor, a 6-inch E-ink touchscreen display with build-in LED reading light, adjustable text size, search capability and SD Card storage. The Sony Reader weighs 9 ounces and is just 0.4 inches thick. Problem is the US$399 price. Maybe Sony should subsidize it and make money on the books instead. -- Posted Monday, October 6, 2008 by chb

Motorola releases advanced VC6096 in-vehicle computer
Motorola introduced a very interesting addition to its line of vehicle-based panel computers. The VC6096 combines a robust Windows CE 6.1-based computer with GPS, integrated 3.5G wireless voice and data, engine computer connectivity, as well as digital I/O for communication with various sensors into an all-in-one transportation logistics solution. The VC6096's design combines a 6.5-inch full VGA display with a large backlit keyboard that actually provides an almost full-scale QWERTY layout (96.5%). [Read description and specs of the Motorola VC6096] -- Posted Monday, October 6, 2008 by chb

Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine Best Software Awards 2008 Winners Announced
The Winners in Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine's Eighth Annual Best Software Awards for Windows Mobile software have been announced at www.Smartphonemag.com/Awards. Eighty members of the Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine Board of Experts judged 936 Windows Mobile products in 194 Pocket PC and Smartphone categories. Winners are also listed in the Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine 2009 Resource Guide first seen late November. -- Posted Sunday, October 5, 2008 by chb

Fujitsu's first wide-format Tablet PC slate
For a pioneer in the pen computing/Tablet PC arena with almost 20 years of experience, Fujitsu has been keeping an exceedingly low profile in the Tablet PC arena as of late. Fujitsu Siemens quietly introduced the new ST6012 slate, the first Stylistic with a wide-format 1280 x 800 pixel display. The new machine sports a businesslike design, ergonomic improvements, and has switched to Intel's latest processor and ancillary circuitry technology without giving up any of its superb battery life. [Read description and specs of the Fujitsu Stylistic ST6012] -- Posted Saturday, October 4, 2008 by chb

Power of the brand: Matsushita becomes Panasonic
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. has changed its official corporate name to Panasonic, which is the giant Japanese electronic company's major brand. The name change includes the Japanese market "National" brand which will also change to Panasonic. -- Posted Thursday, October 2, 2008 by chb

Unlocked Palm Treo Pro now available in the US
Palm announced that the unlocked Treo Pro smartphone is now available in the United States. The Windows Mobile-based Treo Pro is unlocked, giving end users the flexibility to simply insert their existing active SIM card and immediately start using their Treo Pro anywhere there is GSM coverage, without a new contract. Worldwide travelers using the Treo Pro can cut costs on international roaming charges by popping in a local country SIM card wherever they go. -- Posted Friday, September 26, 2008 by chb

Lenovo reveals new ThinkPad X200t Tablet PC
The original IBM ThinkPad, all the way back in 1992 or so, was a pen computer, and a tablet at that. Consumer tastes dictated a switch to a notebook convertible format, and then for a good while there were no IBM Tablet PCs at all. When the ThinkPad line became part of Lenovo, that changed again. Lenovo now introduced an update to its X61 Tablet PC, the ThinkPad X200t. It gets the full Centrino 2 treatment, switches to a wide-format screen, includes WLAN and even wireless USB. And you can get one with ten hour battery life. [Read description and specs of the Lenovo ThinkPad X200t] -- Posted Thursday, September 25, 2008 by chb

New: Panasonic Toughbook F8
Panasonic announced the Toughbook F8, an ultralight with the looks and design of Panasonic's rugged line of Toughbooks, down to the handle Toughbooks are famous for. The new machine sports a wide-format 14.1-inch 1280 x 800 pixel WXGA display and, despite its small size and low weight of just 3.7 pounds, comes with an integrated dual-layer DVD Multi drive. Unlike most ultralights, the F8 packs serious performance with a 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SP9300 processor while still delivering six hours of battery life. What's not to like? [Read description and specs of the Panasonic Toughbook F8] -- Posted Thursday, September 25, 2008 by chb

Panasonic announces T8 and W8 business-rugged ultralights
In keeping with the tradition of offering frequent technological and other updates, Panasonic introduced new versions of its T and W series of business-rugged ultralights. Both models receive the Centrino 2 treatment with 1.2GHz Core 2 Duo SU9300 processors, new chipsets, and the Intel WiFi Link 5100 that supports draft-N. Hard disk size and maximum RAM have been increased, and the machines are optionally available with integrated Gobi 3G global mobile internet (WWAN). Both the touchscreen-equipped T8 and the W8 with its integrated DVD writer weigh less than four pounds and have exceptional battery life. [Read description and specs of the Toughbook T8 and Toughbook W8] -- Posted Thursday, September 25, 2008 by chb

Microsoft copies Apple, again.
After the ill-fated TV commercial campaign featuring Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld, Microsoft now unveiled a new campaign in which it copies Apple's long-running "I'm a PC" campaign. Strange tactics for a company that has a near monopoly. -- Posted Tuesday, September 23, 2008 by chb

Mobile phone barcode position paper
As more and more consumers are equipped with camera phones that are technically capable of reading barcodes, the global supply chain standards organisation GS1 released a position paper advising businesses to focus on standard barcodes for mobile applications. The aim is to prevent fragmentation in the current market for reading barcodes with cameraphones. [Read the GS1 position paper on camera phone bar codes] -- Posted Tuesday, September 23, 2008 by chb

Psion Teklogix introduces NEO
Psion Teklogix introduced the compact and handy NEO rugged terminal for retail and light industrial applications. The Windows CE 5.0-based NEO uses a 312MHz version of the Marvell PXA270, has a 2.7-inch QVGA sunlight-readable display with LED backlight, can be ordered with a numeric or alphanumeric keypad as well as with Bluetooth, WiFi and either a imager or laser scanner. The NEO can be use din extreme temperatures, survives 4-foot drop and carries IP54 sealing. [Read decription and specs of the Psion Teklogix NEO] -- Posted Monday, September 22, 2008 by chb

Microsoft shifts away from Gates/Seinfeld ads
According to CNET, Microsoft's US$300 million ad campaign to help restore Microsoft's image is shifting away from the Bill Gates/Jerry Seinfeld ads that have gotten a negative reaction. They should have used a tiny bit of that money to support Smartphone Magazine so it did not have to defect to Apple. -- Posted Thursday, September 18, 2008 by chb

Handango names iambic Palm OS developer of the year
iambic announced that Handango, the world's leading provider of smartphone content, has named iambic "Developer of the Year" for Palm OS. The award was bestowed during Handango's eighth annual partner summit, the "Handango Future Forum," which took place last week in San Francisco. iambic's portfolio of Palm OS products includes Agendus, a fully-integrated, personal information manager (PIM) that has been optimized for Centro/Treo smartphones, YourCall, a comprehensive, multi-faceted solution for Centro/Treo call management, that provides a selection of actions that can be taken before, during and after a call, and Vehicle Manager, for proactively tracking and managing car-related vitals (gas fill-ups, services performed, etc.). -- Posted Wednesday, September 17, 2008 by chb

WinMo 6.1 to be on 25 smartphones by holidays
Six months after the launch of its Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system, Microsoft announced that more than 25 phones powered by the platform are expected in market by holiday 2008 with many available today. Offering form factors ranging from touchscreens and QWERTY keyboards to dual sliders, the diverse spectrum of smartphones will be available from a wide range of device makers and mobile operators. -- Posted Thursday, September 11, 2008 by chb

Intermec introduces CK3 rugged mobile computer
Intermec added a new rugged mobile computer to its growing lineup of mobile data capture and communications handhelds. The CK3 is a rugged, multi-purpose flashlight-style device designed for warehousing and retail markets. The compact and handy CK3 weighs about a pound, is based on Windows Mobile 6.1, can accommodate 1D and 2D scanners, an RFID reader, as well as a variety of wireless communications methods and keypads. [See description and specs of the Intermec CK3 rugged mobile computer] -- Posted Thursday, September 11, 2008 by chb

iPhone Life Magazine premieres on newsstands!
Now on newsstands and in bookstores is the premiere issue of iPhone Life, a glossy, perfect-bound 100-page magazine chock-full of the best iPhone coverage anywhere. iPhone Life comes courtesy of Thaddeus, one of the original, and most dedicated, publishers in the mobile enthusiast space. What's Apple's gain is Microsoft's loss as Thaddeus was forced to suspend publication of its excellent Smartphone Magazine due to lack of Microsoft, TelCo and OEM support and interest. Check out the iPhone Life Table of Contents and show your support by subscribing to iPhone Life. -- Posted Thursday, September 11, 2008 by chb

deCarta launches deCarta Mobile for LBS apps
deCarta, a supplier of software and services for the Location-Based Services (LBS) industry, launched deCarta Mobile, a location platform supporting location-enabled application deployment on mobile devices. deCarta Mobile is a client/server architecture with an easy-to-use J2ME client application programming interface (API) that provides a framework for rapid development of mobile mapping applications. Beta versions of deCarta Mobile are available on deCarta's devZone or from http://mobile.decarta.com/. -- Posted Tuesday, September 9, 2008 by chb

DEMOfall 08 kicks off
DEMOfall 08 kicked off this morning without a glitch as Chris Shipley, emerging technology analyst and DEMO executive producer, noted that the technology industry is moving into a new cycle. "In this next phase, we take the community of Web 2.0 and hone it into a sharper weapon. One that supports collaboration for a purpose, be it business or social. One that delivers information in anticipation of interests and needs. One that reaches beyond the elite early adopters to capture the imaginations and fulfill the desires of people whose lives are focused on the every day takes of work and family, of information and entertainment," Shipley said to a packed audience of more than 900. [View info on DEMO] -- Posted Tuesday, September 9, 2008 by chb

GETAC upgrades V100 with superbright display
GETAC upgraded its Core 2 Duo U7600 powered V100 rugged notebook convertible by including its Sunlight Readable Technology (SRT) that combines a superbright 1,200 nits LED backlight with circular polarization anti-reflectivity coatings for superb sunlight viewability. This is the technology GETAC pioneered in its B300 rugged notebook (see our GETAC B300 review). With the new display, the versatile V100 is a state-of-the-art solution for outdoor computing under all lighting conditions, even direct sunlight. [See review of the GETAC V100 rugged convertible notebook.] -- Posted Tuesday, September 9, 2008 by chb

Mio Technology to use Microsoft NavReady 2009
Microsoft announced that Mio Technology Corp., a producer of portable navigation devices with integrated GPS, expanded its support of the Windows Embedded offerings and will be shipping its next-generation PNDs on the Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 platform. Among NavReady 2009 advantages are quicker time to market, seamless connectivity, and a richer user experience via enabling of MSN Direct technologies. -- Posted Monday, September 8, 2008 by chb

Motion updates LE1700 semi-rugged tablets
Motion Computing announced an update to its successful line of LE1700 semi-rugged Tablet PC slates. As before, there is a performance and an economy version, but both now use Core 2 Duo processors. For demanding applications, there is now an optional 60GB Samsung solid state disk. The biggest news is the availability of an incredibly sharp SXGA+ 1400 x 1050 pixel display. It has a 170 degree viewing angle in all directions and can be ordered in a highly effective sunlight-viewable "UltraView Anywhere" version. Read a full review of the updated semi-rugged Motion Computing LE1700. -- Posted Wednesday, September 3, 2008 by chb

MIL-STD-810F 509.4 and thoughts on salt water exposure
MIL-STD-810F 509.4 (Salt Fog) is one the less-often cited testing methods described by the United States Department of Defense. Yet, salt water and fog can be absolutely deadly to computing equipment. Any rugged machine intended to be used in a marine environment should therefore be built with salt fog exposure in mind. [Read more on salt water exposure] -- Posted Tuesday, September 2, 2008 by chb

They-Got-Nerve department: Microsoft's "Ultimate Steal" program
After having killed pretty much the entire wordprocessing, spreadsheet, presentation and database industry by undercutting and buying up competitors, Microsoft is "re-introducing The Ultimate Steal program this school year, inviting students who are actively enrolled at educational institutions to purchase Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007 at a low student price of $59.95." So they stole the market by initially giving away their software, and now it's a steal that students get to pay for it? Way to go, Microsoft. -- Posted Thursday, August 21, 2008 by chb

Elitebook 2730p: HP's Tablet PC convertible gets Centrino 2 upgrade and more
HP introduced the HP Elitebook 2730p, a Tablet PC convertible and successor to the earlier 2710p. The 2730p comes with Centrino 2 processor and chipset upgrades, and has a wide-format WXGA (1280 x 800 pixel) 12.1-inch display with antiglare coating and an LED backlight. A sunlight-viewable version is available. A gigabyte of fast 800MHz memory is standard, and you can bump it up to a full 8GB. Quick 5400rpm SATA disks are available with 80 or 120GB capacity, or you can opt for a Solid State Drive. The Elitebook 2730p is not a fully rugged machine but it is definitely durable thanks to a magnesium-alloy chassis, chemically-strengthened glass, and goodies like HP DuraKeys and 3D DriveGuard. [Read description and specs of the HP Elitebook 2730p] -- Posted Wednesday, August 20, 2008 by chb

Palm introduces unlocked WinMo 6.1-based Treo Pro
Palm introduced the unlocked Treo Pro, a smartphone for businesses that seek to simplify their IT infrastructures and reduce costs. With its streamlined design and Palm shortcuts layered on top of Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, the Treo Pro, powered by a 400MHz Qualcomm MSM7201 processor, supports HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS/GSM and includes Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities, a 320 x 320 transflective touchscreen, a 2mp camera, and a microSDHC slot. See description and specs of the Palm Treo Pro. -- Posted Wednesday, August 20, 2008 by chb

Archos releases new internet tablets
Technology innovator Archos introduced the ARCHOS 5, the ARCHOS 5g and ARCHOS 7 "Internet Media Tablets." Featuring either a 5-inch (from US$349) or 7-inch (from US$449) WVGA (800 x 480 pixel) touchscreen, the slender ARM Cortex-powered tablets have hard disk storage capacities up to 320GB, and 802.11b/g WiFi to bring web browsing, media ad television to a small handheld device. The 30GB 5g model (US$549) has an internal 3.5G radio for fast internet access almost anywhere. Add the DVR station to turn your TV into a multimedia platform connected to the Web. [see the new ARCHOS Internet Media Tablets] -- Posted Wednesday, August 20, 2008 by chb

OQO may release Atom-powered device
According to InfoWorld, QOO demonstrated an Intel Atom-based device at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco, suggesting a possible Intel design win in a space where VIA has been strong with its low-power C7 processor. The device, tentatively labelled as "OQO MID" looks like an updated version of the company's current slide-bodied UMPC models. -- Posted Wednesday, August 20, 2008 by chb

Xplore launches top-of-the-line ultra-rugged iX104C4 tablet
Xplore Technologies introduced the latest addition to the iX104 line of ultra-rugged tablet computers, the iX104C4. The new machine provides improved performance with a power-efficient Core Duo processor, new wireless technologies (including 802.11N), as well as enhancements to several technologies pioneered by Xplore. The company's AllVue sunlight-viewable display is now even brighter, the dual-mode RF/touch digitizer is standard on all models, and the machine can be ordered with an optional 32GB Solid State Drive. A TPM 1.2 module has been added for security, completing a smart technology update to what already was one of the best rugged Tablet PCs on the market. [Read description and specs of the Xplore Technologies iX104C4 ultra-rugged Tablet PC.] -- Posted Monday, August 18, 2008 by chb

RAM announces Tough-Box consoles
There are many solutions when it comes to mounting and securing computers in a vehicle, but it is almost impossible to find versatile, high quality vehicle consoles that easily integrate with computer mounts. National Products/RAM-Mounts has been working on an evolution of common police vehicle console products and has taken a huge leap forward with a line of Tough-Box™ consoles that are fully compatible with the industry-leading RAM one-inch and half-inch pedestal systems, as well as with AMPS and VESA hole patterns, ensuring endless mounting possibilities and the ultimate in versatility. [Read about RAM Tough-Box consoles] -- Posted Monday, August 18, 2008 by chb

The waterproof, ultra-rugged Two Technologies Hydrus
Two Technologies has introduced the Hydrus, a PXA270/Windows CE 5.0 powered ultra-rugged handheld computer with stunning battery life in the 40-hour range. The 2.4 pound Hydrus carries IP68 sealing, which means it is totally waterproof. It can also handle extreme temperatures, and includes a 5-megapixel CMOS imager for pictures and barcode reading. The 55-key keypad is customizable and there is between 2GB and 32GB of Flash. [Read description and specs of the Two Technologies Hydrus] -- Posted Friday, August 15, 2008 by chb

Scanbuy launches 2D barcode app for Apple iPhone
Scanbuy, a leader in mobile marketing solutions, announced that its ScanLife 2D barcode application is now available for free on the iPhone App Store. Scanbuy's technology uses the phone's camera to give users an instant connection to information, without needing to search by keyword or type in a lengthy URL. Individuals can also create and scan Personal EZcodes to link to their blogs or networking sites by registering an account at www.scanlife.com. -- Posted Wednesday, August 13, 2008 by chb

Full review: Motion Computing F5 "Field Tool"
After Motion Computing, ever the pioneer in innovative tablet computers, introduced the Motion C5 Mobile Clinical Assistant in February of 2007, the response was overwhelmingly positive. The concept and execution of the lightweight tablet turned out to be so successful that the company decided to follow up with the Motion F5 "Field Tool" for mobile field workers. What's different about the F5, and how well does the handy tablet -- which includes a camera, scanner and optional RFID reader -- work in the field? [Read review of the Motion Computing F5] -- Posted Friday, August 8, 2008 by chb

Whatever happened to Transmeta?
You remember Transmeta, the chip company that promised lower cost and lower power consumption with its chips that did part of the work in software? That didn't work out so well, but Transmeta stayed in business licensing the innovative technologies and related intellectual property they had developed. They just granted NVIDIA a non-exclusive license to their Long Run and LongRun2 technologies for advanced power management, for a one-time, non-refundable license fee of US$25 million. It's a living.
-- Posted Thursday, August 7, 2008 by chb

Tablet PCs in academics
Several years ago, we published an article by Dr. Dave Berque of DePauw University on pen computing in education. Dr. Berque and several others involved in pen computing were then putting together the first Workshop on the Impact of Pen-based Technology on Education (WIPTE). Dr. Berque has since continued to be a firm supporter of Tablet PCs in education. Read "Prof. Dave Berque Discusses "Academic Possibilities" of Tablet PCs." -- Posted Wednesday, August 6, 2008 by chb

iPhone software update 2.01 hell
The iPhone 2.01 software update caused our iPhone to go into an indefinite backup/restore loop, creating useless backups. All data was lost from the iPhone. iTunes removed all purchased applications both from the phone and from its database, so we lost the applications we paid for. iTunes then downloaded music and photos from scratch. Not good. -- Posted Tuesday, August 5, 2008 by chb

Juniper Systems releases new version of the ultra-rugged Allegro Field PC
Juniper Systems, Inc., a provider of innovative field computer solutions for rugged applications, announced the new Allegro MX Field PC. Based on the company's Allegro CX but including many technology updates, the ultra-rugged Allegro features Windows Mobile 6.1, IP67 rating, a robust full keyboard, integrated Bluetooth and a Wi-Fi 802.11b/g option, long-term battery life, host and client USB, and large and highly outdoor-visible displays. The Allegro MX runs Microsoft® Windows Mobile® version 6.1 and is powered by the 624MHz version of the Marvell PXA270 processor. Durable in extreme environments, the Allegro is a premier choice for those who need a rugged field computer with a full keyboard. [See description and specs of the Juniper Systems Allegro MX Field PC] -- Posted Monday, August 4, 2008 by chb

RuggedPCReview.com underwater video makes a splash!
Within a short time, the underwater review of an xTablet rugged Tablet PC by MobileDemand conducted by our sister site RuggedPCReview.com is creating a big splash. It can be seen on some of the popular video clip sites and has been viewed almost 14,000 times. Click the image of an editor operating the device underwater to see the video on blip.tv. But remember: Those guys are trained professionals. Do not try this at home. -- Posted Monday, August 4, 2008 by chb

Speech-to-speech tablet for military applications
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] -- Posted Thursday, July 31, 2008 by chb

The mighty Palms
Remember when Palm ruled the mobile world? Peruse Pen Computing's historic reviews of over 60 Palm devices from Palm, Sony, Handspring, TRG, Symbol, Kyocera, AlpaSmart and Samsung. -- Posted Tuesday, July 29, 2008 by chb

Palm: Two million Centros sold
Palm said it has sold its two-millionth Centro smartphone, confirming the $99 product's growing momentum with traditional mobile phone users who want to move up to a phone that offers more functionality. Palm is now offering Centro in more than 25 countries in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific. [See what the Centro is all about.] -- Posted Tuesday, July 29, 2008 by chb

Full review: Palm Treo 800w
It has been quite some time since Palm has come to the table with a new Windows Mobile Professional device: enter the Treo 800W, WM 6.1. At first glance it doesn’t appear all that different than its predecessor, the Treo 750W. But there are some subtle and not so subtle differences. Read Tim Hillebrand's comprehensive review of the Palm Treo 800w. -- Posted Monday, July 28, 2008 by chb

Full Facebook on your Mobile Phone
Have you ever wished you could be notified automatically on your phone what’s happening on your Facebook site? Better yet, what if you could see what’s transpiring and be able to interact with Facebook on your phone just as you would on your desktop? A free application from Macrospecs, Inc. called FriendMobilizer makes this possible. [Read review of Friend Mobilizer] -- Posted Monday, July 28, 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

Palm releases handy Windows Mobile-based Treo 800w
Palm introduced the Treo 800w, a Windows Mobile 6.1-based smartphone for the Sprint network. The new Palm Treo measures 4.4x2.2x0.7 inches and weighs five ounces. It has a small 2.5-inch 320 x 320 pixel display, integrated GPS, a thumb-type keyboard, a 2-megapixel camera that can do video and a microSD card slot. The 800w is larger than the Palm Centro, but smaller and handier than the old Palm Treo 700. [Read description of the Palm Treo 800w] -- Posted Wednesday, July 16, 2008 by chb

Pana migrates CF-52 and CF-74 to Centrino 2
Panasonic announced upgrades to its semi-rugged Toughbook CF-52 and Toughbook CF-74 including migration to the new Intel Centrino 2 processor technology, enhanced video and graphics capabilities, increased hard drive capacity (160GB) as well as expanded Wi-Fi performance with the addition of 802.11 Draft N. A CF-52 Value model will have an Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz, the CF-52 Premium an Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4GHz, and the CF-74 the 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4GHz. Intel's Centrino 2 includes 45nm Core 2 Duo processors, the Mobile Intel 45 Express Chipset and Intel WiFi Link 5000, and represents an effort by Intel to sell chipsets and WiFi in addition to just processors, and to create the impression that a "Centrino 2 Inside" sticker represents a better computer. -- Posted Wednesday, July 16, 2008 by chb

Make space for Winterface
Vito Technology, one of the leading Windows Mobile developers, has just added an exciting new workhorse to its stable of finger-friendly iPhone-like applications. It’s called Winterface and functions as a program launcher, system monitor, and task manager. [Read Winterface review] -- Posted Monday, July 14, 2008 by chb

Garmin releases Oregon series of waterproof touchscreen GPS devices
Garmin introduced the Oregon series of handheld GPS devices for outdoor, marine and general applications, combining a touchscreen, rugged design and a variety of preloaded mapping options. The waterproof (IPx7 sealing) Oregon models weigh less than seven ounces, have a microSD card slot, barometric altimeter and electronic compass, and run 16 hours on two AA batteries. The Oregon 400t has 3D U.S. topographic maps. The 400i offers shoreline details, depth contours and boat ramps for U.S. inland lakes and rivers. The 400c provides charts for the coastal U.S. and Bahamas. The Oregon 300 has a worldwide basemap with shaded relief, and the Oregon 200 a basemap that can be supplemented with additional mapping. These new devices seem ideal to supplement rugged applications. Click for a full product comparison table] -- Posted Thursday, July 10, 2008 by chb

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