July 2018

On July 25, 2018, Panasonic announced the Toughbook FZ-T1, a rugged, elegant 5-inch Android v8.1-based combination of smartphone and handheld computer to further expand the company's lineup of rugged, durable devices for mobile workforces in a wide range of roles and industries, including retail and hospitality, manufacturing, transportation and logistics. IP68-sealed and able to handle 5-foot drops, the Toughbook T1 offers industrial-grade scanning and comprehensive onboard communication. [See description, analysis and specs of the Panasonic Toughbook T1]

First look: Panasonic Toughbook FZ-L1
On July 25, 2018, Panasonic announced the Toughbook FZ-L1, a slim and sleek 7-inch Android v8.1-based tablet designed for data collection in retail stores, warehouses field service, transportation and delivery or many other environments where a fragile consumer tablet just won't do. Weighing less than a pound, the IP67-sealed Toughbook L1 includes an integrated barcode reader that is field-configurable for landscape or portrait modes. [See description, analysis and specs of the Panasonic Toughbook L1] -- Posted Thursday, July 26, 2018

Rugged and refined Toughbook N1 delivers the power and tools that workers demand
Panasonic, an industry leader in mobile computing solutions that are purpose-built for the way people work, today announced a major update to its popular and acclaimed Toughbook N1 rugged handheld device. The latest 4.7-inch device has been refined to meet the challenges of today's workplaces, with hardware and features designed to make capturing, sharing and analyzing data faster and easier than ever. [See Panasonic press release]
-- Posted Tuesday, July 24, 2018

A closer look at Panasonic's updated Android Oreo-based Toughbook FZ-N1 handheld
Panasonic originally launched the Android-based 4.7-inch Toughpad FZ-N1 early 2016, together with a Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise-based sibling, the Toughpad FZ-F1. The Android version went on to be very popular, whereas with Microsoft's withdrawal from the mobile space, the FZ-F1 is now gone. To prove its commitment to the handheld space, Panasonic has upgraded the FZ-N1, now under the Toughbook brand, with a faster processor, enhanced electronics, more memory and storage, and various refinements. RuggedPCReview takes a first look at Panasonic's updated Toughbook handheld. [See description, analysis and specs of the Panasonic Toughbook FZ-N1] -- Posted Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Full review: Winmate M101BK tablet/vehicle-mount hybrid with integrated keyboard
The Winmate M101BK is not your typical tablet. It's a Windows 10 tablet with an integrated physical keyboard, one large enough to be actually useful. It has ten function keys. It's also a vehicle-mount computer that's light and handy enough to be used as a standalone tablet, with enough battery to power it through extended data collection and other tasks. [See full review of the Winmate M101BK -- Posted Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Winmate and JLT Mobile Computers to co-host InfoAG Conference
Winmate will be co-exhibiting at the InfoAG Conference with JLT Mobile Computers, a key partner that specializes in providing rugged wireless computers and IT solutions to the agriculture industry. The conference, titled “The Premier Event in Precision Agriculture,” taking place July 17-19 at Union Station in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, has been the premier event for the discussion and advancement of precision agriculture, drawing interest from agriculture professionals globally. [See InfoAG Conference and to register] -- Posted Monday, July 16, 2018

Case study: Panasonic's partnership with the grants office helps Colorado first responders
Two small cities in Colorado, Canon and Trinidad, were looking to implement mobile technology for their first responder network. However, like many small public sector agencies, they were worried about having room in their budgets for these much needed new mobile computers. But working with Panasonic enabled them to discover new avenues for funding that they didn’t know were available to them. [See Panasonic's partnership with the grants office helps Colorado first responders] -- Posted Friday, July 13, 2018

Juniper Systems donates $88k worth of data collection devices to Utah State University's College of Natural Resources
Since the beginning, Juniper Systems has put an importance on education, conserving natural resources, and serving the community. By donating 25 Mesa 2 Rugged Tablets, 6 Geode Sub-meter GPS Receivers, and all the appropriate accessories to Utah State University’s Quinney College of Natural Resources, we strive to continue this focus. These data collection tools will be used to educate undergraduate students on the basics of modern GIS and field data collection and to support graduate student and professor field research projects around the world. [See Juniper Systems donates $88k worth of data collection devices to Utah State University's College of Natural Resources] -- Posted Thursday, July 5, 2018

Full review: RuggON Rextorm PX501
Now in its 3rd generation, RuggON Corporation's Rextorm PX501 has always been one of the toughest, most polished rugged tablets available. Designed as a general purpose rugged tablet, the PX501 can be used for a vast variety of applications. Its sharp and bright 10.1-inch display makes it especially suitable for graphics-intense mapping and positioning deployments where precision and minute details matter. The powerful Intel "Kaby Lake" processor makes for excellent performance and very good battery life. A very compelling rugged tablet solution that convinces on every level. [See full review of the RuggON Rextorm PX501] -- Posted Thursday, July 5, 2018

Zebra Technologies to acquire Xplore Technologies
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), and Xplore Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: XPLR) today announced that their boards of directors have approved a definitive agreement in which Zebra will acquire all outstanding common stock of Xplore for $6.00 per share in cash. Under the terms of the agreement, Zebra plans to effect the acquisition via a tender offer. [See Zebra press release] -- Posted Thursday, July 5, 2018

Xplore Technologies reports fiscal 2017 financials, announces acquisition by Zebra
Xplore Technologies reported financials for all of their fiscal 2018 that ended ended March 31, 2018. For the entire fiscal year 2018, Xplore reported revenues of US$86.9 million, up 11.6% from US$77.9 million for fiscal 2017. There was net profit of US$0.3 million for the full year, compared with a net loss of US$2.6 million in 2017. Xplore reported revenue of $20.3 million for fiscal Q4, 2018, up 20% from the $16.9 million in the year-ago fourth quarter. CEO Tom Wilkinson stated: “Our success as the #2 global provider of rugged tablets and strong growth outlook earned the notice of Zebra Technologies, the global leader in rugged mobile computers, barcode scanners and barcode printers. This morning we announced an agreement to be acquired by Zebra for $6.00 per share." [See Xplore fiscal 2018 financials] -- Posted Thursday, July 5, 2018