Rugged Juniper Archer handheld now with Hemisphere sub-meter GPS
The Juniper Systems Archer Field PC—which provides full Windows Mobile functionality and excellent connectivity in a virtually indestructable device—is now available with a special version of the Hemisphere GPS XF101 receiver that fully integrates with the handheld to deliver sub-meter DGPS to location-based applications in the most demanding environments. [Read full description and specs of the Archer Field PC/Hemisphere XF101 DGPS] -- Posted Friday, June 26, 2009 by chb

NVIDIA Tegra -- Days of Future Past?
Roughly a decade after the likes of IBM, HP, NEC, Compaq unveiled netbooks with 800 x 600 pixel displays based on Microsoft's H/PC Pro operating platform, NVIDIA proclaimed that "The Future of Mobile Computing is happening Now!" That future is built on NVIDIA's Tegra computer-on-a-chip and soon to be available in a slew of Windows CE-powered netbooks from Pegatron (Vivid), MobiNova (Mabo and Elan), Wistorn (M5), CCI (CN88), ICD (Ultra), and Inventec (Rainbow). NVIDIA stresses displays of at least 1024 x 1280, up to 1080p video playback, and up to five times the battery life of conventional netbooks. It should be interesting to see if this catches on. All prior large form factor CE efforts failed because they were not really Windows. [See NVIDIA's Tegra devices page] -- Posted Tuesday, June 16, 2009 by chb

Full review: Getac PS535F
The GETAC PS535F rugged handheld complements the company's lineup of rugged notebook and tablet computers. It is a compact, handy device that offers a well-balanced combination of Windows Mobile/Pocket PC convenience and targeted professional features such as integrated high-accuracy GPS, a full 480 x 640 pixel VGA display, e-Compass, altimeter, and 3-megapixel camera. [Read review of the GETAC PS535F rugged handheld] -- Posted Saturday, June 13, 2009 by chb

Palm and Windows Mobile and how the iPhone really changed everything
We've covered mobile computing since 1993, and so with all the hoopla over the much anticipated release of the Palm Pre in early June of 2009, here are some thoughts about the ever-changing fortunes of the mobile platforms in our industry [... more] -- Posted Friday, June 12, 2009 by chb

New: Intermec CN50 3.5/3.75G wireless multi-function handheld
Intermec introduced the Windows Mobile 6.1-based CN50 mobile computer that provides 3.5G/3.75G wireless support in a small and handy, yet quite rugged, package that weighs just 12 ounces, but includes 1D/2D barcode scanning, a 3.1-megapixel camera, GPS and digital compass, and an accelerometer for automatic display orientation. "Flexible network" technology allows using either CDMA or UMTS networks, and the device supports Intermec's new eDMI (enhanced mobile document imaging). [See description and specs of the Intermec CN50] -- Posted Wednesday, June 3, 2009 by chb

New: Intermec CN4 Series with 3.5G wireless support
At a time where adherence to security standards, customer satisfaction and total cost of ownership matter more than ever, Intermec introduced the CN4 and CN4e rugged mobile computers that build on the company's CN3 platform. The new Windows Mobile 6.1-powered devices support advanced 3.5G wireless WAN, Intermec's new eDMI (enhanced mobile document imaging) and they are even more rugged than the CN3 line (IP64, 6-foot drop, -4 to 140F). See description and specs of the Intermec CN4 and CN4e] -- Posted Wednesday, June 3, 2009 by chb

Ultra-rugged handheld with true Xenon photo flash
Two Technologies, headquartered in Horsham, PA, which designs and manufactures customizable, rugged handheld computers, introduced the ultra-rugged Hydrus Luna. The IP68-rated Windows CE-powered device sports 40 hour battery life and a 5-megapixel camera with a true Xenon photo tube flash. See description and specs of the Two Technologies Hydrus Luna] -- Posted Wednesday, May 13, 2009 by chb

Amrel handheld biometric solution on a rugged PDA platform
Built on Amrel's rugged DA5 PDA platform, the DA5-B includes a digital face camera with integrated flash, an optical fingerprint scanner, a built-in iris illuminator and auto-capture iris scanner, and an acoustic sensor. Combine that with a biometric software suite software and you have a handheld device that enables mobile biometric recognition and data capture for military, law enforcement, and many other security applications. [See description and specs of the Amrel DA5-B handheld biometric solution] -- Posted Thursday, May 7, 2009 by chb

Socket Mobile has shipped 15,000 SoMo 650 handheld computers
In its most recent financials, Socket Mobile says it has shipped over 15,000 SoMo 650 handheld computers into the business mobility market. Socket conceived the Windows Mobile-based SoMo 650 as a compatible platform to work in conjunction with its broad line of peripherals and add-on cards. The SoMo line has recently been expanded with the 650rx, a special antimicrobial version for healthcare markets. -- Posted Thursday, April 23, 2009 by chb

Full review: Juniper Systems Allegro MX
When you work out there in the field, your gear must be absolutely 100% reliable and able to handle whatever comes its way. Even bears. Juniper Systems' Windows Mobile 6.1-based ultra-rugged Allegro MX Field PC is a tough tool for the job. Based on proven technology, it's large enough to be operated with gloves, has excellent connectivity and expansion potential, both keyboard and keypad, and it's waterproof (we checked). [See full review of the Juniper Systems Allegro MX] -- Posted Sunday, April 5, 2009 by chb

Trimble’s Yuma rugged tablet wins Best of FOSE
Trimble announced it received a Government Computer News (GCN) Best of FOSE (Federal Office Systems Exposition) award for the new Yuma™ rugged tablet computer. The Yuma brings full office capabilities to the field in a mobile package with its Microsoft Windows operating system and wireless connectivity. -- Posted Friday, April 3, 2009 by chb

Handheld U.S. Kenaz GPS for Recon rugged PDA
Anyone who bought their Recon handheld not only for its features and performance, but also for its exceptional ruggedness (4-foot drop spec, IP67 sealing), and who needs to retain this ruggedness even after adding a high-sensitivity GPS receiver should take a look at the rugged Kenaz offerd by Handheld U.S. [See detailed description and specs of the Handheld U.S. Kenaz GPS receiver ] -- Posted Tuesday, March 17, 2009 by chb

Microsoft announces strategy for Windows Marketplace for Mobile
Microsoft announced the developer strategy for the next generation of Windows® Phones, which includes a number of key benefits for developers. [Check out the Windows Marketplace for Mobile developer strategy] -- Posted Thursday, March 12, 2009 by chb

Coming soon...
Check http://client.marketplace.windowsmobile.com/ and you'll get a PDA-formatted "Coming Soon" screen announcing the Windows Marketplace for Mobile. -- Posted Thursday, March 12, 2009 by chb

Motorola adds mid-range enterprise digital assistants
Bridging the gap between consumer PDAs and industrial devices, Motorola's new MC55 "Enterprise Digital Assistant" combines PDA, phone, walkie-talkie, data communication, GPS, and scanning all into one handy 12-ounce device. The MC55 comes in an "indoor" version with a keypad, and a GPS and WWAN-equipped "outdoor" version with a QWERTY thumbtype keyboard. Both are based on Windows Mobile, have a 2-megapixel camera, a large 3.5-inch display and can survive 4-foot drops. Choose between 1D laser scanner or 2D imager. [Read description and specs of the Motorola MC55 EDA] -- Posted Monday, March 9, 2009 by chb

Treo Pro available with Sprint March 15
Palm announced the upcoming availability of the sleek Windows Mobile 6.1-based Palm Treo Pro smartphone for the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network on March 15. Treo Pro will be available through all Sprint retail channels for $199.99 with most two-year subscriber agreements. It also will be available through the Palm Store and Palm's B2B sales organization.
-- Posted Friday, March 6, 2009 by chb

GETAC releases powerful hi-res rugged GPS PDA
Getac announced the latest addition to its comprehensive line of rugged mobile computing solutions. The GETAC PS535F handheld computer is the company's next generation, fully rugged GPS-enabled PDA with a 3-megapixel camera, e-compass, VGA display and altimeter. The PS535F is a significant technology and upgrade to the PS535E model that has been on duty at the RuggedPCReview.com offices for a few months. [See description and specs of the GETAC PS535F rugged GPS PDA] -- Posted Sunday, March 1, 2009 by chb

Australian freight company uses Intermec CN3
Intermec seems to be on a roll with its CN3. Australian freight pickup and distribution service provider Coastal Midwest Transport is implementing its new Transporta dispatch system with the help of Interdev and Intermec CN3 units from Gamma Solutions. The GPS-enabled, Windows CE 5.0-based CN3 units scan barcodes and assessment notes, track proof of delivery signatures, then forwarded the data for real-time tracking of freight logistics. [See description on Industrial IT] -- Posted Thursday, February 26, 2009 by chb

Socket Mobile reports record revenue for 2008
Socket Mobile, Inc. reported revenue for the 2008 full year totaled a record $26.6 million, a 10% increase over revenue of $24.1 million for 2007. Socket Mobile said, "...customer response to our SoMo 650 handheld mobile computer has been excellent and we expect the SoMo to continue to increase its market acceptance. Since the introduction of the SoMo in 2007, we have shipped more than 10,000 units and unit sales have grown in every quarter. For the 2008 full year, SoMo sales grew to $4.7 million, compared to $1.3 million in 2007. -- Posted Friday, February 20, 2009 by chb

Microsoft announces Windows Mobile 6.5 and app store
At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Microsoft announced Windows Mobile 6.5 that includes "an improved user interface that includes touch and other interaction modalities" by "stitching together the PC, the phone, and the web and bringing them closer together into a more seamless and simpler user experience." There's a new home screen and speedier access to major apps. Browsing is said to be better (including Flash Lite 3.1 support) on what from now on will simply be called "Windows phones." Microsoft also announced the Windows Marketplace for Windows phones. WinMo 6.5 phones will arrive this summer. [Read Microsoft press release for Mobile Congress 2009] Our take: Cosmetic improvements and emphasis on phones will do little to help Microsoft in the mobile space where Apple's elegance has redefined the market. What's needed is a deeper overhaul of all of Windows CE. -- Posted Tuesday, February 17, 2009 by chb

Glacier Ridgeline Q100: rugged PDA
The Glacier Ridgeline Q100 is an ultra-rugged PDA with IP67 sealing designed for data collection under difficult environmental conditions. The PXA270-powered runs either Windows CE 5.0 or Windows Mobile 6.1, offers exceptional onboard connectivity (3 USB, 2 serial, LAN) and numerous wireless options. A 3.7-inch full VGA display is available. [Read description and specs of the Glacier Ridgeline Q100] -- Posted Friday, February 13, 2009 by chb

Rugged Mentor Ranger tablet certified for Alltel
Mentor Engineering announced the certification of its Windows CE-based Ranger vehicle-mount tablet computer on the Alltel Wireless network. Alltel Wireless serves over 13 million customers across 34 states, including hard-to-service rural areas. Combined with Mentor's BBX wireless modem/AVL/telematic data collection device, the Ranger can be used in Vehicle Tracking and Monitoring systems. [See description and specs of the Mentor Ranger] -- Posted Thursday, February 12, 2009 by chb

Microsoft to launch My Phone service
Microsoft is launching a new service for Windows Mobile-based smartphones. Called Microsoft My Phone (very clever how that sounds...), the service syncs information to an online site so it's available should a phone get lost or replaced. You can also view and manage phone information with a browser and share photos. The service will be free. [See info on Microsoft My Phone] -- Posted Monday, February 9, 2009 by chb

Microsoft trying to catch up in mobile
CNET ran an interesting article on Microsoft's efforts to recover lost ground in mobile platforms. In it, Microsoft's Andy Lees explains how Microsoft fell behind and is now working on an overhaul, Windows Mobile 7, and an interim update with Windows Mobile 6.5. [Read CNET report on Microsoft's mobile catchup efforts] -- Posted Thursday, January 29, 2009 by chb

DT Research launches handheld POS device for quick customer service
DT Research announced a new line of ruggedized handheld computers specialized for Point-of-Service applications. The WebDT 400 Series has a fully integrated magnetic card reader as well as an RFID reader and barcode scanner. There are two versions of the device, one with a large 4.3-inch screen and one with a 3.5-inch full VGA screen and a 21-key numeric keypad. The hot-swappable battery lasts a full shift and the devices run Windows CE 5.0 on a 533MHz Samsung processor. Pricing starts at US$999. [See description and specs of the DT Research WebDT 400 Series ] -- Posted Monday, January 12, 2009 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

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

Trimble adds more powerful versions to its Juno lineup
Trimble added two models to its lineup of Juno handheld computers. The Juno SB and Juno SC handhelds are pocket-sized devices with integrated GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth, a 3-megapixel camera, a 533 MHz processor, 128 MB of RAM, a MicroSD/SDHC memory card slot, an all-day battery and a 3.5 inch display. -- Posted Tuesday, December 2, 2008 by chb

BSQUARE acquires TestQuest
Remember BSQUARE from the early days of Windows CE? They are still around, providing software and engineering services to developers of Windows-based embedded devices worldwide. BSQUARE also just acquired TestQuest, a leader in test automation and management solutions for mobile and embedded devices and applications for accelerated time-to-market. -- Posted Tuesday, November 25, 2008 by chb

SBSH Pocket Weather 2.1
There are many good Today Screen weather programs available these days, but SBSH Pocket Weather is one of our favorites. [Read Tim Hillebrand's review of SBSH Pocket Weather 2.1] -- Posted Monday, November 24, 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

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

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

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

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

Motorola to offer Windows Mobile 6.1 on its rugged handhelds
Motorola's Enterprise Mobility business from Motorola announced the availability of Windows Mobile 6.1 on its rugged mobile computers and enterprise digital assistants to better manage and deploy devices throughout the enterprise. Initial products to support the new platform will include Motorola's flagship MC9000 rugged mobile computers, the ergonomic MC3000 mobile computers and the size-optimized MC70 and MC75 Enterprise Digital Assistants (EDAs). -- Posted Monday, October 27, 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

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