N-rig DuoSense in new Sony Vaio Duo 13 Ultrabook
N-trig, provider of the DuoSense integrated active pen and multi-touch technology, announced that its pen and touch controller powers Sony’s VAIO Duo 13 Ultrabook. DuoSense offers an active pen to improve the user experience and enhance productivity, offering high accuracy, advanced palm rejection and hover capability for ease of control and navigation. Two different pen tips are included, providing different friction levels on the glass surface to closely pursue the desired pen-on-paper user experience. [See N-trig press release] -- Posted Monday, June 17, 2013 by chb

Microsoft announces general availability of Windows Embedded Compact 2013
Microsoft announced the general availability of Windows Embedded Compact 2013. Unlike the Windows Phone consumer-oriented versions (and Windows Embedded Handheld that's based on Windows Phone 8), WEC 2013 is clearly targeted at small industrial devices based either on x86 or ARM processors. The press release emphasizes applications such as logic controllers, HMI panels, RFID scanners, lab equipment, GPS devices and other embedded devices. There is now Visual Studio 2012 support, quicker startup, and a general emphasis on improved performance. [See Microsoft WEC 2013 press release and the Windows Embedded Compact 2013 product page] -- Posted Thursday, June 13, 2013 by chb

Intel announces next-gen "Bay Trail" Atom platform for tablets and ultra-mobile devices
Intel also announced that its next-generation 22nm Intel Atom processor-based SoC for tablets based on the Silvermont microarchitecture will include quad core processing, Gen 7 graphics, support for DX11, full HD, Intel Burst Technology 2.0, hardware-based security features, 2x CPU improvement and 3x graphics improvement, and support for both Windows and Android. [See Intel press release] -- Posted Wednesday, June 5, 2013 by chb

Intel Atom inside new Samsung Galaxy Tabe 3 10.1-inch tablet
Intel scored a strategically important design win by having Samsung use an Intel Atom chip in its new GALAXY Tab 3 10.1-inch Android tablet. The device will be powered by the "Clover Trail" Intel Atom Z2560, a dual-core design running at 1.6GHz. While Intel optimistically proclaims that its Atom chips "are designed and optimized for a lightning-fast applications experience, responsive Web browsing, stunning 3-D graphics, advanced camera capabilities and vivid HD video with energy efficiency for outstanding battery life," it should be interesting to see how Intel-powered tablets fare in the Android space that's traditionally been dominated by a variety of ARM processors. [See Samsung press release and Intel Atom Z2520, 2560 and 2580 brochure] -- Posted Wednesday, June 5, 2013 by chb

Rugged notebooks: challenges and opportunities
We've been working on setting up our new rugged notebook comparison tool over the past few weeks. So far, the tool, where users can compare the full specs of up to three rugged notebooks side-by-side, has far fewer entries than our comparison tools for rugged handhelds and rugged tablets. Why are there only relatively few products out there, and what is the overall rugged notebook situation? [Read more...] -- Posted Tuesday, May 28, 2013 by chb

Added: VT Miltope RPDA-1
VT Miltope's RPDA-1 is not for everyone. In fact, the Alabama-based specialist in rugged computing gear for military, industrial, and commercial aviation applications designed the device as a flexible and highly configurable rugged PDA platform able to run Windows CE, Windows Mobile, Linux or Android on its OMAP 3530 processor with Army requirements in mind. It has a 480 x 800 pixel 4.1-inch touchscreen and can be paired with expansion modules to address numerous military and industrial I/O and communications requirements. [See description, analysis and specs of the VT Miltope RPDA-1] -- Posted Tuesday, May 28, 2013 by chb

New: Rugged Notebook comparison tool

In order to let interested parties and prospective customers more easily learn about, and compare, rugged and semi-rugged notebook computers, RuggedPCReview.com has added a Rugged Notebook Comparison Tool. The tool allows you to compare the full specs of up to three rugged laptops side by side, and instantly link to our assessment and analysis of the product. We're still in the process of adding more products, so check back or recommend additional products to be added. [Check out the Rugged Tablet Comparison Tool] -- Posted Tuesday, May 28, 2013 by chb

Added: Dell Latitude E6430 ATG
ATG stands for "All Terrain Grade" and at Dell that means "semi-rugged." The 14-inch Dell E630 ATG, while based on the company's consumer Latitude E6430 models, is a good deal tougher and more durable with its spill-resistant keyboard, port covers, shock-mounted hard drive and LCD, and a sturdy magnesium base. Best of all, ATG customers get all the same state-of-the-art technology of the standard E6430 models, and that includes a large variety of 3rd gen Intel Core processors. [See description, analysis and specs of the Dell Latitude E6430 ATG] -- Posted Sunday, May 26, 2013 by chb

Duke University researchers use MobileDemand xTablet T7200 rugged tablet computers at Mount Everest base camp
When a Duke University team of researchers set up shop at the Mount Everest base camp at 17,650 feet to study the mystery of human survival in low oxygen environments, they entrusted their data to MobileDemand xTablet T7200 rugged tablet PCs. Under very trying circumstances, the tablets worked just as expected. [See Case Study: Computers in High Altitude Expeditions] -- Posted Thursday, May 23, 2013 by chb

3M aims to bring more color to LCDs
3M announced it is in the final stages of scale-up for its new 3M Quantum Dot Enhancement Film (QDEF). The new film allows up to 50% more color than current levels in LCDs. 3M says that current LCDs typically are limited to displaying 35% or less of the visible color spectrum, and that the new film will represent a drop-in solution that delivers clearly noticeable more saturated colors. [See 3M press release] -- Posted Tuesday, May 21, 2013 by chb

Motorola introduces freezer-rated Psion Omnii XT15f
Motorola Solutions introduced the Omnii XT15f, a special "freezer and condensation-rated" version of the Psion Omnii XT15 rugged handheld. Since the temperature extremes and condensation issues when working in and around freezers can affect displays, touch screens, keypads, battery life and longevity, the XT15f includes a variety of frost-free and heating technologies that address those issues. [See description, analysis and specs of the Motorola Solutions Psion Omnii XT15f] -- Posted Wednesday, May 15, 2013 by chb

Windows 8.1 preview to become available June 26
At the JP Morgan Technology, Media & Telecom Conference in Boston, a Microsoft representative told the audience that the update previously referred to as "Windows Blue" will be called Windows 8.1 and become available as a free update to Windows 8 for consumers through the Windows Store. In a blog post, Microsoft said a public preview of Windows 8.1 will be available starting June 26, timed with the Build developer conference in San Francisco. The preview will be available for Windows 8 and Windows RT. -- Posted Tuesday, May 14, 2013 by chb

6,500 Datalogic Elf mobile computers improve store replenishment efficiency at The Co-operative Food
Datalogic announced that The Co-operative Food, one of the largest food retailers in the United Kingdom, deployed 6,500 Datalogic's Elf Mobile Computer (see our analysis of the Elf) for speeding up daily operations, thereby increasing productivity of its SMART (Store Merchandising and Replenishment Transformation) system in more than 2,800 stores in the UK. [See Datalogic press release] -- Posted Wednesday, May 8, 2013 by chb

Price premium for touchscreens in notebooks to drop to below $50
DigiTimes reports that both Acer and Asustek aggressively promote touchscreen notebooks, which currently still only have about a 10% marketshare in global notebook shipments, with the percentage somewhat higher in Asia. Channel retailers expect the price gap between touchscreen and non-touchscreen notebooks to drop to below $50 later in 2013, down from $50-100. Our take: Maybe consumers don't want to pay extra for touch in notebooks that were never designed for touch, and where touching means lifting your arm and leaving unsightly smudges on the screen. -- Posted Tuesday, May 7, 2013 by chb

Added: Lenovo ThinkPad X230t
Yes, Virginia, it used to be IBM that made the ThinkPads before they sold the business to Lenovo, and the first ThinkPads some 20 years ago were just that, pads, and not notebooks. It was only when pen computing failed to catch on that ThinkPads became laptops. But IBM and then Lenovo never really gave up on tablets, and the current Lenovo ThinkPad X230t is the latest in a long line of convertible laptops. It looks big and heavy now compared to Lenovo's sleek IdeaPads, but it has plenty of power, is very reasonably priced, and exudes a timeless elegance. [See description, analysis and specs of the Lenovo ThinkPad X230t] -- Posted Monday, May 6, 2013 by chb

Added: Fujitsu Stylistic Q572
Fujitsu has been a pen computing and tablet pioneer for over 20 years, and that know-how shows in their Stylistic Q572 business-class tablet. The 10.1-inch WXGA (1366 x 768 pixel) IPS anti-glare display is bright (400 nits) and uses the N-trig DuoSense capacitive multi-touch and active pen combo. There are dual cameras (720p front, 1080p and 5mp stills rear), SD and Smart Card slots, and solid state storage up to 256GB. The Q572 is powered by an AMD Z-60 APU that includes AMD RADEON HD 6350 graphics, and runs either Windows 7 or Windows 8. [See description, analysis and specs of the Fujitsu Stylistic Q572] -- Posted Monday, May 6, 2013 by chb

Wacom introduces pen/multi-touch 21.5-inch display
Wacom announced the Cintiq 22HD touch, an addition to its expanding interactive pen display portfolio, now featuring multi-touch. Combining multi-touch with Wacom's pressure-sensitive pen technology, the new Cintiq 22HD touch offers an immersive on-screen experience and a more intuitive and natural way to work. Additional features including a 1920 x 1080 pixel 21.5 full HD display, an ergonomic rotating stand and 16 customizable ExpressKeys, make the Cintiq 22HD touch, which lists for US$2,499, an ideal creative platform for graphic designers, animators and game developers. [See Wacom Cintiq 22HD page] -- Posted Tuesday, April 30, 2013 by chb

Socket Mobile reports profitable 1Q2013
Socket Mobile, a longtime provider of mobile productivity solutions, announced 1Q2013 revenues of US$4.3 million, up 8% from 1Q2012. 1Q2013 net income was US75k, versus a net loss of US$872k 1Q2012. CEO Kevin Mills said that their SoMo 655 family of handheld computers and accessories grew 28% sequentially over the 4Q2012, and that the SoMo 655 (see our analysis of the SoMo 655) extends the availability of their classic PDA for at least five years (Microsoft announced continued support until 2020 for the Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 OS running on the SoMo 655). [See Socket Mobile press release] -- Posted Friday, April 26, 2013 by chb

1Q13: 1st time majority of all mobile phones sold were smartphones
According to IDC, the worldwide mobile phone market grew 4% year over year in Q1 of 2013. Vendors shipped 418.6 million mobile phones in 1Q13 compared to 402.4 million units in 1Q12 and 483.2 million in 4Q12. In the worldwide smartphone market, vendors shipped 216.2 million units in 1Q13, which marked the first time more than half (51.6%) the total phone shipments in a quarter were smartphones. The smartphone market grew 41.6% compared to the 152.7 million units shipped in 1Q12, but 5.1% lower than the 227.8 million units shipped in 4Q12. Samsung held the smartphone top spot with 32.7%, before Apple with 17.3%, with Samsung greatly extending its smartphone lead. -- Posted Friday, April 26, 2013 by chb

Apple reports fiscal 2Q13 results
Apple announced financial results for its fiscal 2013 second quarter ended March 30, 2013. The company posted quarterly revenues of US$43.6 billion and quarterly net profits of US$9.5 billion, or US$10.09 per diluted share. These results compare to revenues of US$39.2 billion and net profits of US$11.6 billion, or US$12.3 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 37.5% compared to 47.4% in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 66% of the quarter's revenues. -- Posted Wednesday, April 24, 2013 by chb

GammaTech Durabook SA14: affordable semi-rugged high-performance laptop with numerous customization options
Where do you go if you want a notebook with the performance and technology of the latest consumer laptops, but one that's also tough and rugged while still being affordable? The new Durabook SA14 from Gammatech is such a machine. There are compromises in ruggedness (it's only semi-rugged), but you do get your choice of Intel 3rd-gen Core processors, lots of connectivity, a wide-format 14-inch 1366 x 768 pixel display with high-bright and touch options, and even an optional Blu-ray optical drive. [See description, analysis and specs of the Durabook SA14] -- Posted Wednesday, April 24, 2013 by chb

Added: QSI QTERM-G58 rugged HMI terminal
Also added: the QTERM-G58 human-machine interface terminal from QSI, which is the Salt Lake City-based US subsidiary of Swedish Beijer Electronics. The G58 is an ultra-rugged, highly customizable handheld terminal with such rare features as a sealed 12-pin multi-potocol connector to support EIA232/422/485 and USB, DC or battery operation, and either Windows Embedded CE 6.0 or QSI's own Qlarity object-based graphic programming language and environment. [See description, specs and analysis of the QSI QTERM-G58] -- Posted Monday, April 22, 2013 by chb

Added: Catchwell CW31 industrial PDA
Catchwell is a Korean manufacturer of rugged handheld computers and a top supplier of the Korean postal service. They make a number of very compact Windows CE/Windows Mobile devices such as the CW31 in the popular class of 3.5-inch keyboard PDAs. Powered by the 806MHz Marvell PXA320, the CW31 is available with your choice of 38- or 53-key keypad, 1D laser or 2D imager, and QVGA or full VGA display. It carries IP65 sealing and can handle 6-foot drops, yet weighs just 12.8 ounces. [See description, specs and analysis of the Catchwell CW31] -- Posted Monday, April 22, 2013 by chb

Added: Datalogic Skorpio X3
The Skorpio X3 is Datalogic's follow-up to its original Skorpio handheld. Like its predecessor, the X3 model is a compact, handheld computer designed to make data collection and assisted sale procedures in retail in-store environments as easy and comfortable as possible. There's now a faster processor, a slightly larger screen, and you get to choose from three different keypads. [See description, analysis and specs of the Datalogic Skorpio X3] -- Posted Thursday, April 18, 2013 by chb

Added: Janam XT85
Janam's XT85 is a compact, rugged keyboard PDA that merges legacy (design, display, IR, OS) and state-of-the-art (dual-band WiFi, 3G/4G WWAN, microSD, scanners) technology to appeal to enterprise deployments with higher operational and performance demands than older industrial handhelds can deliver, and where ruggedness requirements rule out consumer smartphones. [See description, specs and analysis of the Janam XT85] -- Posted Tuesday, April 16, 2013 by chb

Getac Z710 rugged tablet now with Android 4.1
Getac announced its Z710 Android-powered rugged tablet will now incorporate the Android 4.1 operating system. Specifically designed to work with dual-core processors such as the Z710's TI OMAP 4430, the rugged Getac tablet will now provide improved speed and responsiveness for field personnel. "The response to our Z710 rugged tablet has been amazing," says Jim Rimay, president of Getac. "Adding Android 4.1 OS allows us to unlock the second processor core -- improving the performance in addition to enhancing security and the user interface, and adding access to Google Play for our mobile customers." [See Getac press release, our full review of the Z710, and Getac's Z710 page] -- Posted Tuesday, April 16, 2013 by chb

Added: Rugged Handheld Comparison Tool
RuggedPCReview.com has added a comprehensive rugged handheld computer comparison tool. The new utility allows site visitor to select via pull-down menus from about 100 leading rugged handhelds and compare complete technical specs of up to three devices side-by-side. Each tech spec includes an image of the device and a link to RuggedPCReview's description and analysis, as well as links to vendor pages. We're busy adding more rugged handhelds to the new comparison tool, and will also launch comparison tools for rugged tables, panels, and notebooks. [See the RuggedPCReview.com Handheld Comparison Tool] -- Posted Monday, April 15, 2013 by chb

Xplore adds Common Access Card reader-equipped rugged tablet for military and government
Xplore Technologies introduced a new version of their ultra-rugged tablet computer, the iX104C5-M2. In essence, this is a specialized model for military and government personnel that require additional hardware security on top of the various security hardware, software and firmware measures already inherent in modern computing technology. What the new M2 model adds is an integrated common access card (CAC) reader. With the reader, in order to get access to critical data, a U.S. government issued ISO 7816 smart card must be inserted. [read more]
-- Posted Wednesday, March 27, 2013 by chb

Genius releases EasyPen F610E tablet
Genius released the EasyPen F610E graphics-design tablet with a 6.25 x 10 inch working area, 4,000 line per inch resolution, and a 200 report rate per second. The tablet's cordless pen is pressure-sensitive with 2048 levels, and the package comes with Corel Painter Essentials 4 on both Windows and Mac, and also Genius Power Presenter RE II, Free Note and Office Ink for Windows. MSRP is US$119.99. [See product page] -- Posted Wednesday, March 20, 2013 by chb

Added: AMREL DT6 rugged tablet with integrated keyboard
AMREL recently released the ROCKY DT6, an Intel Atom Z530-powered rugged Windows 7 (or Linux) tablet with an 8.9-inch 1024 x 600 pixel resistive touch screen. The 4.4 pound DT6 differentiates itself with an integrated keyboard and extensive I/O, wireless and expansion options. [See description, analysis and specs of the AMREL DT6 rugged tablet] -- Posted Thursday, March 7, 2013 by chb

TabletKiosk Sahara a510 tablet certified by Konami for gaming
TabletKiosk announced that Konami Gaming Inc., a leading provider of slot machines and casino management systems has selected the Sahara NetSlate a510 Tablet PC as a recommended hardware platform upon which to run the table management module of SYNKROS, its casino management system. "After testing and comparing various tablet and touch screen PCs to provide access to the SYNKROS Table Management module, we selected the Sahara NetSlate a510 as a recommended hardware solution due to its durable construction, large 12-inch resistive touch screen and ability to run Windows 7 Professional," said Michael Ratner, director of product management for systems at Konami. [See press release] -- Posted Wednesday, March 6, 2013 by chb

Smartphones outselling regular cellphones in 2013
More smartphones are forecast to be shipped globally than feature phones in 2013, the first such occurrence in the mobile phone market on an annual basis. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, vendors will ship 918.6 million smartphones this year, or 50.1% of the total mobile phone shipments worldwide. -- Posted Wednesday, March 6, 2013 by chb

Full review: Getac Z710 7-inch rugged Android tablet
The Getac Z710 rugged tablet can do everything Android-based consumer media tablets can do and it can also be used as a phone, but this nicely designed and very solid tablet also offers industrial-grade scanning, RFID and contactless smart card reading. And its internal cameras are good enough not only for video conferencing, but also for documentation quality still images and HD video. Overall, the Getac Z710 is an attractive, well conceived and executed product that should be on the short list of anyone seeking an enterprise-grade Android tablet device. [See full review of the Getac Z710] -- Posted Wednesday, March 6, 2013 by chb

Handheld Group upgrades Nautiz X1 rugged smartphone and Algiz 10X rugged tablet
The Handheld Group has upgraded its interesting new Nautiz X1 ultra-rugged Android smartphone to 1 GB of RAM and 4 GB of Flash, and the optional extended Li-Ion battery now packs 3060 mAh Li-Ion (twice that of the standard battery). The rugged Algiz 10X tablet also receives an upgrade: it now comes standard with a 128 SSD. -- Posted Saturday, March 2, 2013 by chb

N-trig launches DuoSense Pen2, swipes at Wacom
N-trig announced the release of its second generation DuoSense Pen family. Available in models of 9.5mm, 8.0mm and 5.5mm diameter, the active pen solution employs high pressure sensitivity, hover and function buttons with advanced palm rejection, pursuing a natural writing experience for screen ink input in both rechargeable and battery-operated pen models. The N-trig press release quotes David Daoud, IDC's Research Director for Personal Computing as saying, "Up to now, the use of digital pens in personal computing has been irrelevant. The quality of such input devices and lack of applications made the digital pen experience rather painful." -- Posted Wednesday, February 27, 2013 by chb

Fujitsu announces enterprise-class, waterproof 10.1-inch Windows tablet
Fujitsu announced its new Arrows Tab Q852/F tablet for enterprise customers. The device is based on Intel's new "Clover Trail" Atom Z2760 processor, measures 10.4 x 6.7 x 0.4 inches, weighs 1.3 pounds, has a 10.1-inch 1366 x 768 pixel screen, integrated LTE mobile broadband, runs Windows 8, runs 10 hours on a charge, and comes with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of SSD. Most interestingly for enterprise customers who seek something more durable than your standard media tablet, the Arrows Tab tablets will carry IP58 sealing, meaning they're totally dust and waterproof. [See Fujitsu press release] -- Posted Tuesday, February 26, 2013 by chb

HP announces US$169 Android-based HP Slate7
HP announced the HP Slate7, an Android 4.1-based 1024 x 600 pixel 7-inch multi-touch tablet powered by a 1.6GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor. Despite its low price (starting at US$169), the 197 x 116 x 11 mm, 13-ounce Slate7 comes with dual cameras (3mp back, VGA front), uses HFFS screen technology, and has a micro-USB slot to complement the 8GB standard storage. Like HP's other tablet offerings, the upcoming (April 2013) Slate7 is handled by HP's newly formed Mobility Global Business Unit. [See HP Slate7 webpage, press release, and HP blog entry] -- Posted Tuesday, February 26, 2013 by chb

4K video soon available in smartphones and tablets
Aptina announced new 12- and 13-megapixel mobile image sensors for high end smartphones. The new sensors deliver superior low light performance and still and high speed video high dynamic range (HDR) allowing exceptional pictures and video with incredibly fine detail regardless of lighting conditions. The new AR1230 can capture 4K video at 30fps as well as 1080P video up to 96fps. The AR1330 adds enhanced image stabilization. Both sensors support super slow motion video, computational array imaging and 3D image capture and come in standard 8.5 x 8.5mm modules with low Z-heights to leading OEMs and camera module integrators. -- Posted Monday, February 25, 2013 by chb

Mobile pioneers: where are they now? BSQUARE
Bsquare was one of the first software companies when mobile computing emerged from predominantly proprietary platforms in the mid 1990s. Initially specializing on Windows CE, Bsquare expanded its operations into all sorts of embedded and mobile solutions. Where does Bsquare stand today? The company just reported fiscal year 2012 revenues of US$71.1 million, with a small profit of about a million. That's up from US$62.7 million for 2011, with a half million loss. What does Bsquare do these days? They are selling Windows Embedded and Windows Mobile as a Microsoft Value-Added Provider, board support packages for various mobile processor platforms, and various testing and certification tools. Bsquare's engineering services also include Linux, Android and QNX, and the company has launched a Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 porting service for Android, iOS and legacy Windows applications. -- Posted Friday, February 22, 2013 by chb

LG unveils 5.5-inch smartphone
Until not so long ago, every new cellphone was smaller and smaller. Now they're getting larger and larger. LG is now pushing the envelope with the Optimus G Pro which has a 5.5-inch display, stretching the definition of a mobile phone. -- Posted Tuesday, February 19, 2013 by chb

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