As tablets are becoming ever more popular in the workforce, there's an increasing need for products that are slim and light, but also tough enough for work in the field. One such tablet is ARBOR's fanless Android-based octa-core powered Gladius 10 that includes an industrial-grade scanner, excellent cameras, mini-HDMI, and IP65 sealing. [See full review of the ARBOR Gladius 10] -- Posted Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Juniper blog: creating specialized solutions based on Juniper Systems rugged handheld hardware 
In an example of how rugged handhelds can be customized for specific deployments and then rebranded, Juniper Systems worked with partner E.H. Wachs to create the specialized HC-100 handheld. The HC-100 acts as a controller and a data collection device for their trailer and vehicle-mounted valve exercisers. [Read Juniper blog on creating the E.H. Wachs’ Valve Maintenance Controller] -- Posted Saturday, December 12, 2015
Janam's flagship line of rugged mobile computers now offers dual-OS support
Janam announced an addition to its XM series of rugged mobile handhelds. The new XM70, while retaining the form factor of the company's popular XM66, offers dual OS support. Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 remains available, but the XM70 also supports Android Jelly Bean. This allows customers to hedge their bets, examine migration possibilities, while benefitting from full peripheral compatibility with the XM66. The XM70 also brings substantial tech upgrades and doubles performance. [See Janam media release and RuggedPCReview's description, analysis and specs of the Janam XM70] -- Posted Wednesday, December 9, 2015
An assessment of the Apple Pencil
A few weeks after the Apple iPad Pro began shipping, the Apple Pencil is now available also. Steve Jobs was adamantly opposed to pens, but 5-1/2 years after the iPad was first introduced, the Apple Pencil is here, at least for the big iPad Pro. It's expensive (US$99), but it may well change what users expect from a tablet. How well does the Apple Pencil work, and has Apple learned from history? [Read our assessment of the Apple pencil] -- Posted Monday, December 7, 2015
MobileDemand reveals two new rugged Windows 10 tablets with barcode scanning
MobileDemand announced the addition of two new powerful yet affordable Windows Professional devices with barcoding scanning capabilities. The 10.1-inch xTablet T1500 and the 8-inch xTablet T8500 are engineered specifically for the mobile workforce, where productivity is priority and device downtime is not an option. [See description, analysis and spec of the MobileDemand xTablet T8500] -- Posted Friday, December 4, 2015
Digitizes sees move to larger size tablets
DigiTimes predicts that Apple's iPad Pro and Microsoft's Surface 2-in-1 devices will boost demand for large-size tablets (more than 30 million units in 2016), partly offsetting shipment declines in small-size segments. This will result in global tablet shipments dropping only 4.8% on year to reach 196 million units in 2016. DigiTimes also sees China-based white-box players gradually forced out the tablet market as profit margins decline due to lack of differentiation. -- Posted Tuesday, December 1, 2015