March 2019

While the majority of rugged vehicle mount tablets have been Windows-based, Android is coming on strong in that segment as well. Winmate just launched the FM10Q, a Qualcomm Snapdragon-based version of its 10.4-inch VMC that runs Android 8.1. The FM10Q has a magnesium housing, is IP65-sealed, and offers a 1000 nit high-bright display. [See Winmate's FM10Q Android VMC]

JLT Mobile Computers First to Sign Five-Year Navis Ready Agreement
JLT Mobile, a leading developer and manufacturer of reliable computers for demanding environments, today announced the signing of a long-term partnership with the Navis Ready Program. This makes JLT the first hardware provider to ensure that all its rugged computers for the port segment will be validated for use with major upcoming Navis N4 Terminal Operating System (TOS) releases for the next five years. [See JLT Mobile media release] -- Posted Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Zebra Study: Seven in ten enterprises cite E-commerce driving need for faster field operations
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), an innovator at the edge of the enterprise with solutions and partners that enable businesses to gain a performance edge, today announced the results of its latest vision study on the Future of Field Operations. The study reveals mobile technology investment is a top priority for 36% of organizations and a growing priority for an additional 58% to keep up with rapidly evolving and increasing customer demand. The findings indicate investments will be made in disruptive technologies and enterprise mobile devices to enhance front-line worker productivity and customer satisfaction in field operations including fleet management, field services, proof of delivery and direct store delivery workflows. [See Zebra media release] -- Posted Thursday, March 21, 2019

Honeywell: The Benefits of a Unified Platform for Mobile Computing
Honeywell's latest newsletter announces a whitepaper entitled "The Benefits of a Unified Platform for Mobile Computing: 4 Reasons to Use Mobility Edge for Your Device Deployments." Honeywell also says it currently is the only manufacturer committed to delivering Android R support. You have to supply your name and email to be able to download the white paper, but it may be worth it. [See Honeywell newsletter] -- Posted Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Analysis: Dell's 2019 rugged notebooks
Late 2018, Dell introduced successors to both its semi-rugged and fully rugged 14-inch laptops. The new machines are the Latitude 5420 and 5424 Rugged on the semi-rugged side, and the Latitude 7424 Rugged Extreme at the fully rugged end. RuggedPCReview is providing an overview of all three new machines, including comparisons, a brief discussion of each model, and benchmark performance testing. [See a detailed overview of Dell's 2019 rugged laptops] -- Posted Thursday, March 14, 2019

Trimble's dynamic 2019 lineup of rugged handhelds and tablets
Trimble's Mobile Computing Solutions Division has been busy as of late, adding three major new field productivity handhelds and tablets over the last few months. The 7-inch Yuma 7 brings Windows 10 performance into the field, the Ranger 7 does the same in an innovative form factor with keyboard handle, and the Nomad 5 handheld brings Android to the party. All three can accommodate Trimble's EMPOWER expansion and customization modules. [See a detailed overview of Trimble's 2019 lineup] -- Posted Tuesday, March 5, 2019