March 2018

Few remember that tablets are not new. In the early 1990s tablets were the hottest thing. Unfortunately, the technology wasn't there yet, and the designers of those early tablets built them around handwriting recognition. Which also wasn't there yet, and may never be. Fast-forward to today. Tablet technology has arrived, but mostly without pens. It's usually just finger-tapping. And handwriting recognition is a non-issue. Heck, cursive writing has even dropped from the Common Core Curriculum Standards! The folks at Xplore Technologies think that's most unfortunate. Because a rugged tablet can be one of the best platforms for real-time handwritten documentation when you’re far away from your desk. [See Mobile Workers Take Note of Tablets’ Handwriting Skills]

Janam launches industry's most versatile rugged mobile computer
Janam Technologies LLC, a leading provider of rugged mobile computers that scan barcodes and communicate wirelessly, today introduced the newest and most powerful addition to its XM series of key-based, rugged mobile computers. The XM75 optimizes productivity for organizations that require a flexible device for capturing and processing business-critical data. With a brilliant 4.3-inch capacitive touch screen and backlit numeric keypad, the XM75 is one of the only rugged mobile computers that is specially designed for mobile workers that prefer keypad and touch screen functionality in the same device. [See Janam press release] -- Posted Thursday, March 29, 2018

Harris Corporation introduces new two-channel leader radio that significantly improves US Army battlefield communications
Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS) has introduced a new advanced two-channel handheld radio that simultaneously delivers voice and data networking to U.S. Army leaders, significantly improving critical battlefield communications. The AN/PRC-163 Army Radio is easy to use, lightweight and rugged, and features a flexible software-defined architecture — enabling users to quickly add new waveforms and applications from the battlefield. [See Harris press release] -- Posted Tuesday, March 27, 2018

New: JLT Mobile JLT6012 rugged vehicle-mount supports both Windows 10 IoT and Android 7
Not so very long ago, virtually every computer ran Windows. That's changed. Enterprise systems and desktops still mostly run Windows, but almost all smartphones and a good many tablets run Android now. So it makes eminent sense to offer a vehicle computer with the choice of Windows 10, but also Android, the OS that was designed for quick touch and which is familiar to almost everyone by now. And that's exactly what JLT Mobile Computers has done with its new JLT6012. [See description, analysis and specs of the JLT Mobile Computers JLT6012] -- Posted Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Samsung's ruggedized Galaxy Tab Active2 — a tablet built for today's digital business needs
Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today announced the U.S. availability of the Galaxy Tab Active2, a rugged tablet designed for mobile workers who conduct business outdoors or beyond office walls, including in the field, industrial locations, and harsh weather. The device provides easy access to essential functions in extreme conditions—such as high/low temperatures and wet environments—and advances seamless workflow by combining high durability and LTE connectivity with a range of innovative capabilities for business users. [See Samsung press release] -- Posted Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Durabook Americas expands product line with introduction of fully-rugged U11 tablet
Durabook Americas, Inc., the North American branch of Twinhead International Corporation, today introduced the newest member of the DURABOOK family, the fully rugged 11.6" DURABOOK U11 tablet. The new device features an Intel® 7th Generation CPU, Windows® 10 Pro, MIL-STD-810G and 461F ratings, DOD-level security and a full HD sunlight readable LCD. The U11 is ideal for flight line maintenance, field diagnostics, and data collection applications, found in a variety of demanding markets, including defense, law enforcement and field service, where users often operating in extreme conditions. [See Durabook Americas press release] -- Posted Thursday, March 15, 2018

Havis introduces three docking series for Panasonic Toughbooks
Havis Inc., a leading manufacturer of mobile office solutions, has introduced three new series of docking stations and cradles for Panasonic Toughbook computers. Each of the new series are Panasonic Toughbook Certified, which means they have passed a rigorous testing process, met demanding performance standards, and shown the electronics are fully compatible. The Havis docking station series (DS-PAN-1000) is available for Panasonic's Toughbook 20, 2-in-1 Laptop, and is designed to be compatible in full laptop mode or tablet only configurations. Havis docking solutions for Panasonic's Toughbook 33 includes the DS-PAN-1100 for the full 2-in-1 Detachable Laptop, while the DS-PAN-1200 is for the tablet only. [See Havis press release] -- Posted Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Mass storage issues — Will the emergence of PCIe-based SSDs redefine mobile computing performance?
First there were rotating hard disks, then came various types of solid state disks, bringing a number of improvements. But cost per gigabyte was high, which meant that storage capacity was limited due to cost. Then costs came down and industry leaders began looking at remaining bottlenecks. And found them in PCIe-based solid state disks. RuggedPCReview takes a look at the mass storage issue and amazing performance improvements. [See Mass storage issues] -- Posted Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Added: MilDef DF8A 5-inch rugged military Android handheld
MilDef, now handling the former AMREL computer lineup, introduced an updated version of the AMREL DF7A. The MilDef DF8A, designed for dismounted platoon/company commanders and specialists, runs Android on a bright 5-inch procap screen, provides excellent versatility and configuration options, including the choice of optional rugged connectors or connecting the DF8A with a single cable to a breakout box with extra interfaces. [See description, analysis and specs of the MilDef DF8A] -- Posted Monday, March 5, 2018

Rugged Computing Case Studies: Handheld ALGIZ 10X improves order fulfillment at 150,000-square-meter warehouse
Today's shoppers can place orders in seconds with the tap of a button — and they expect order fulfillment and shipment processes to be equally streamlined. Because fast, accurate order fulfillment is so critical, Swedish chain store Jula is using Algiz 10X ultra-rugged tablets to assist order pickers and shipping employees in its massive warehouse facility. [See ALGIZ 10X improves order fulfillment at 150,000-square-meter warehouse] -- Posted Friday, March 2, 2018

Janam delivers value-driven, rugged smartphone without sacrificing power and performance
Janam Technologies LLC, a leading provider of rugged mobile computers that scan barcodes and communicate wirelessly, today announced the launch of the XT100 rugged touch computer. Packed with every business-critical feature that enterprise organizations require, the XT100 surpasses its competition by delivering the latest enterprise-grade technologies in a stunning package, all at an extremely attractive price point. The XT100 packs the power and performance of an industrial rugged mobile computer in a slim smartphone design and is built to survive demanding work environments. [See Janam press release] -- Posted Thursday, March 1, 2018