August 2021

Interesting article from Purdue University: Modern devices that use lithium ion batteries, like smartphones and electric cars, seem pretty robust. But try to use one in extreme heat or cold, and you'll see how susceptible they are to malfunctions and low performance due to temperature. Purdue University engineers have developed a solution: a "thermal switch" made up of compressible graphene foam, that dynamically adjusts to temperatures both inside and outside the device to maintain consistent thermal management. [read "Thermal switches" dynamically moderate heat of electronic devices]

Durabook rugged computers provide oil and gas field workers protected mobile solutions
Durabook, the global rugged mobile solutions brand owned by Twinhead International Corporation, offers a range of rugged computers for field workers in the oil and gas industry, where they are considered essential tools. Durabook rugged computers are up to the task for applications such as asset management, field data analysis, running diagnostics, and ensuring on-site safety in challenging environments with poor air quality, humidity, explosive atmosphere, salt and fog, and high temperatures. [See Durabook media release] -- Posted Thursday, August 26, 2021

Handheld unveils unique wearable SP500X ScanPrinter for logistics efficiency
Handheld Group, a leading manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, today introduced the SP500X ScanPrinter, a wearable device that brings revolutionary technology and efficiency to logistics operations. With this device, Handheld is also launching a new segment to its lineup of rugged computers: rugged wearables. More wearable devices will be added soon. [See Handheld media release -- Posted Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Review: Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2 semi-rugged laptop
The competition is heating up in the semi-rugged laptop arena. Panasonic released the Toughbook 55 Mk2, an upgraded version of its 14-inch enterprise laptop designed to hold up under trying conditions. Performance and functionality upgrades are substantial: a switch from 8th to 11th generation Intel Core processors and ancillary electronics, the addition of a Thunderbolt 4 port, the availability of an optional scanner xPAK module, to mention just a few. RuggedPCReview ran the upgraded 55 through its paces and we're impressed. [See review of the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2] -- Posted Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Panasonic updates award winning semi-rugged TOUGHBOOK 55 laptop
Panasonic System Solutions Company of North America, announced enhancements to the TOUGHBOOK® 55 laptop to provide mobile workers with added flexibility, functionality and performance in the most demanding and unpredictable environments. With an innovative modular design, the device features three expansion areas, as well as user-replaceable memory, storage and keyboards. These features will allow workers across manufacturing, transportation, logistics, field services, utilities, public safety and other fields, as well as federal and other government agencies to customize the device based on their needs. [See Panasonic media release] -- Posted Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Motorola Solutions reports Q2 2021 financial results
Motorola Solutions reported sales of US$1.971 billion for Q2, 2021, up 22% from US$1.618 billion a year ago. GAAP operating earnings for Q2 2021 was US$370 million, up 70% from US$218 million for Q2 2020. For Q3 2021, Motorola Solutions expects revenue growth of approximately 10% compared with the third quarter of 2020. "Our Q2 results were outstanding, highlighted by strong double-digit growth in both segments," said Greg Brown, chairman and CEO, Motorola Solutions. "The continued strong demand for our mission-critical technologies is driving our increased expectations for the full year.” [See Motorola Solutions press release] -- Posted Thursday, August 5, 2021

Trimble reports Q2 2021 financial results
Trimble reported sales of US$945.2 million for Q2, 2021, up from US$733.6 million a year ago. GAAP operating income for Q2 2021 was US$144.8 million, up from US$97.6 million for Q2 2020. "Our second quarter results exceeded expectations," said Rob Painter, Trimble's president and chief executive officer. "Growth in total revenue, annualized recurring revenue, and adjusted EBITDA reflect increasing end market strength and execution of our Connect and Scale 2025 strategy." [See Trimble press release] -- Posted Thursday, August 5, 2021

Full review: Getac K120
The Getac K120 is a fully rugged Windows 10 based tablet computer with a 12.5-inch display. The K120 can be used as a tablet or, in conjunction with a keyboard dock that offers additional functionality, as a laptop computer. The K120 is available with several Intel "Tiger Lake" 11th gen processor options and offers superior performance. The K120 is Thunderbolt 4 enabled for very fast data transfer, down-stream charging, driving two additional displays, as well as numerous USB peripherals. [See full review of the Getac K120] -- Posted Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Zebra reports Q2 2021 financial results
Zebra Technologies reported sales of US$1,377 million for Q2, 2021, up from US$956 million a year ago. Operating income for Q2 2021 was US$247 million, up from US$119 million for Q2 2020. “Our exceptional second quarter performance was driven by continued broad-based demand for our solutions and excellent operational execution. Despite ongoing industry-wide supply chain challenges, our team met customers’ mission critical needs, while delivering record sales and profitability that exceeded our outlook,” said Anders Gustafsson, chief executive officer of Zebra Technologies. [See Zebra Q2 2021 financials] -- Posted Tuesday, August 3, 2021

DT Research announces unique 6-inch Windows® 10 ultra rugged tablet with Walkie-Talkie communication
DT Research, a leading designer and manufacturer of purpose-built computing solutions for vertical markets, today announced the DT361AM and DT361AD, 6-inch military-spec rugged handheld tablets that run the Microsoft® Windows® 10 operating system and contain walkie-talkie communication and night vision capabilities. These highly robust, yet compact tablets weighing only one pound are purpose-built for mission-critical environments and designed to secure to a tactical vest for easy access. [See DT Research media release] -- Posted Monday, August 2, 2021