Pen Computing Magazine

Elegant multi-function handheld: Casio IT-800

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:24:28 -0700

Called the Cassiopeia DT-5300 in Japan, Casio Business Solutions is selling the PXA320/WinMo 6.5-powered Casio IT-800 with its big 3.7-inch full-VGA display as a multi-function mobile computer/scanner/communicator into vertical markets. This elegant and quite handy Casio has an integrated 1D/2D imager, an AF camera with LED flash, a contact-less Smart Card reader, SIM/SD/micro-SD card slots, and more. [Read description and specs of the Casio IT-800]

Review: Advantech UTC-520 interactive touch computer

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:24:07 -0700

Ruggedized panels are replacing older manually operated or mechanical information displays in many public and corporate places. RuggedPCReview.com is taking a detailed look at Advantech's UTC-520 "ubiquitous touch computer" designed for such applications. The UTC-520 has a 21.5-inch touch screen with 1366 x 768 native resolution, and is powered by a 1.66GHz dual-core Atom D510 processor. No fan needed, dual RJ45 jacks, and the device can run Win XP/XPE, Wind 7, or Embedded Standard 7. [See review of the Advantech UTC-520 interactive touch computer]

Microsoft and partners unveil Windows Phone 7 portfolio

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:23:48 -0700

Microsoft and partners HTC, Samsung, LG and Dell revealed nine new Windows Phone 7 handsets that will be available this holiday season in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. All new phones are based on the Qualcom Snapdragon processor and run Windows Phone 7, Microsoft's latest attempt at a mobile OS that ties into Xbox LIVE, Microsoft Office Mobile, Zune, Windows Live, Bing and other parts of Microsoft's portfolio. Read Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 press release and here's a look at the launch devices.

Almost 50% increase in Q2 2010 year-to-year smartphone unit sales

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:23:29 -0700

According to Gartner, sales of smartphones grew to over 61 million in Q2 of 2010, compared to just 41 million the same quarter of 2009. Market shares were (2009 share in parentheses): Symbian 41.2% (51.0%), RIM 18.2% (19.0%), Android 17.2% (1.8%), Apple iOS 14.2% (13.0%), Windows Mobile 5.0% (9.3%). So it's a huge boost for Android, a big loss for Microsoft, and holding ground for Apple and RIM, with Symbian still leading, though we're not sure what exactly Gartner considers a Symbian smartphone. [See report here]

Huge demand for tablets expected

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:23:13 -0700

According to cens.com, Topology Research Institute (TRI) projects iPads to account for 70% of global tablet PC shipment of 37 million units in 2011 and help fuel demand for tablet PCs overall. Demand for such devices is expected to hit 130 million units by 2015, or 34%, of total notebook PC shipments expected that year. [See iPad-Killers Take Aim at the Tablet PC Market]

Handheld Nautiz X3: aggressively priced rugged smartphone/multi-purpose computer

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:22:52 -0700

The Handheld Group has announced the Nautiz X3, a small 9-ounce rugged multi-purpose handheld aimed at service engineers in the field who today have both a phone and a bulky rugged PDA. The Nautiz X3—which has a camera, 3.75G radio, compass, altimeter and Runs Windows Mobile 6.5—will compete with the Motorola ES400 and the Intermec CS40 for users who seek to seek to combine those functions into one device. Compared to the competition, the new and aggressively priced (US$999) Nautiz X3 provides substantially more ruggedness with IP65 sealing and a 6-foot drop spec. [Read description and specs of the Handheld Nautiz X3]

Fully modular: Psion Teklogix Omnii XT10

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:22:36 -0700

For a while now Psion-Teklogix has been concerned about offering their customers the exact right handheld computer for a given job. This resulted in the "Modulus" concept that modularizes their hardware platforms as much as possible. With their new full-size Omni XT10, the company is now offering a fully modular ultra-rugged handheld that adheres to the stated goal of offering flexibility, modularity and an open platform to their customers. [See description and specs of the Psion Teklogix Omnii XT10]

The Intermec CS40 Mobile Computer

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:22:05 -0700

If you feel iPhones and such are nice, but not quite rugged enough and they don't really fit into your corporate enterprise systems, Intermec has a device for you. It's the new CS40 that's small and handy enough to fit into any pocket, has an industrial-strength 1D/2D scanning engine, 3.75G WWAN, a QWERTY or a phone key layout, Windows Mobile 6.5, and the kind of ruggedness and longevity that consumer phones just can't match. [See description and specs of the Intermec CS40]

GPS increasingly becoming a standard feature

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:21:43 -0700

According to a new research report by Berg Insight, global shipments of GPS-enabled GSM/WCDMA handsets increased 92% in 2009 to 150 million units. More and more, GPS is becoming a standard feature on new smartphones and handhelds, making GPS related applications from mapping, to GIS functionality and numerous other apps (check out Berry tracking!) possible and almost mandatory.

Motorola releases fast, tough MC65 EDA with dual 3.5G WWAN

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:21:24 -0700

Motorola released the MC65 enterprise digital assistant. It's an ultra-rugged (6-foot drop, IP65 sealing) handheld that combines advanced data capture via a Symbol SE4500 1D/2D imager, PDA functionality, with software-configurable dual 3.5G GSM HSPA and CDMA EVDO Rev A WWAN. This means the device can use virtually any carrier anywhere. Also new compared to the MC55: full VGA display, USB 2.0, larger battery, and more internal storage. [See description and specs of the Motorola MC65 Enterprise Digital Assistant]

Motorola releases MC9500-K Series variant with GOBI

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:21:07 -0700

Motorola announced a special version of its MC9500-K Series of industrial-class mobile computers. The new MC959B is for users who need a data-only version of the series, but require the ability to use different carriers and different wireless technologies. The MC959B is, to the best of our knowledge, the first handheld to include Qualcom GOBI technology. [See the MC9500-K series Motorola]

Handheld Algiz XRW: an ultra-rugged netbook

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:20:41 -0700

The Handheld Group has introduced the Algiz XRW, and anyone who's been waiting for a fully rugged netbook will welcome this new addition to Handheld's lineup. The XRW, which stands for "Xtreme Road Warrior," runs Windows 7 Ultimate on a 2.0GHz Atom Z550 processor, has 2GB of RAM, a 64GB solid state disk, and has a 10.1-inch daylight-readable 1366 x 768 pixel wide-format display. With IP65 sealing, the footprint of a netbook, and weighing just 3.3 pounds, the Handheld Algiz XRW can go anywhere. [See description and specs of the Handheld Algiz XRW]

1080p HD video everywhere: Microsoft's new LifeCam

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:20:20 -0700

All of a sudden 1080p HD video is everywhere, and very affordably so. Microsoft just introduced a new addition to its LifeCam series with the LifeCam Studio that can do true 16-9 aspect ratio 1080p video. The cam will be available for an estimated retail price of US$99.95 at BestBuy. [See LifeCam Studio product page]

Motorola releases new healthcare-oriented rugged handheld

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:19:57 -0700

Motorola released the MC75A0-HC enterprise digital assistant, a device designed for use in healthcare organizations and other medical settings. Based on the popular MC75A, the new healthcare version can handle the cleaning agents used in disinfecting gear in clinical settings, and it fits in with a blue/white color scheme. Based on the 806MHz Marvel PXA320 and running Windows Mobile 6.5, the MC75A0-HC is designed to help improve patient safety and worker efficiency in any healthcare setting. [See description and specs of the Motorola MC75A0-HC]

N-trig DuoSense (pen & multi-touch)

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:19:38 -0700

Digitizer maker N-trig took the "back-to-school" season as an opportunity to issue a press release on the many uses of its innovative DuoSense technology that combines digital pen functionality with multi-touch. DuoSense is currently used in various HP, Dell and Lenovo products and is a competitor to Wacom's G6 Multi-Touch technology used in the Motion J3500 tablet.

New Intel Atoms, and how Oracle is helping Microsoft

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:07:57 -0700

So Intel adds a couple of new Atom chips to its growing and rather confusing roster of low-end chips. What do the new D425 and D525 mean for you? And Oracle's suing Google over Android! What's up with that? [read more...]

BSQUARE doing well

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:07:34 -0700

Mobile computing pioneers may remember BSQUARE as an early Windows CE software developer as a mobile and embedded systems house. While not too many companies from that era are still around, BSQUARE is, and is doing well. They just reported record earnings of US$26.9 million for Q2 of 2010, and scored a record net income of US$4 million. BSQUARE CEO Brian Crowley reported "a great job of driving sales growth of both Microsoft Embedded and Windows Mobile licenses" and a general "continued momentum in Microsoft Windows Mobile license sales." [See BSQUARE press release]

Assessment of potential iPad competitors

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:07:15 -0700

With the Apple iPad having such a huge lead in the tablet market, how will the compeition react? That's what CNET's Erica Ogg discusses in her insightful article "The clock is ticking for iPad competitors".

LXE announces Atom/Windows 7 Marathon field computer

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:06:56 -0700

LXE announced an interesting new machine. The LXE Marathon field computer picks up the "open book" design that combines a display and a keyboard in a very compact tablet. The Marathon weighs just over two pounds, has a 7-inch outdoor-viewable touchscreen, runs Windows 7 on an Intel Atom processor, and includes a high-res camera, a fingerprint reader that doubles as a mouse, and also offers a wealth of bolt-on accessories such as a mag stripe reader, 2D imager and extended battery for up to 8 and 12-hour operation. The device, which measures about 8 x 7.6 inches, includes Gobi WWAN, 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth, and is sealed to IP 65 specs. [See LXE press release]

Android contemplations

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:06:36 -0700

Off the cuff, the way we see it is that Android has a better than even chance of becoming the OS of choice for tablets and other mobile devices. Android is really nothing more than another Linux distribution, but one backed and sort of run by Google. Microsoft, of course, will make the usual argument of leverage and security and integration into other Microsoft products, but the fact is that Linux itself can be at least as secure as anything Microsoft makes. Just look at the Mac OS which is also Unix-based, and Unix is the basis of Linux. [read more...]

Foxconn annualized revenues over US$70 billion

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:06:13 -0700

According to Digitimes, Foxconn's July 2010 revenues were US$6.2 billion, which translates into over US$70 billion on an annualized basis. Foxconn, a Taiwanese electronics contract manufacturer and part of Hoi Han Precision Industries, makes products for Apple, HP, Dell, Nokia, Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, etc. Foxconn has had some bad press recently (employee suicides), and the phenomenal growth raises a question: how much longer will US companies actually be able to build anything themselves? Will that manufacturing knowledge simply get lost and the efforts to avoid higher US salaries turn out to have been short-sighted in the long run?

Full review: Advantech PPC-157T panel PC

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:05:49 -0700

There are numerous industrial and control applications that require rugged panel PCs. RuggedPCReview.com tested the Advantech PPC-157T, a versatile industrial panel computer from an experienced Taiwanese embedded and industrial systems manufacturer. The 15-inch panel offers good performance with a 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo processor, comes with your choice of touchscreen (resistive, capacitive or WAV), and offers excellent onboard connectivity, including extensive legacy support. [See review of the Advantech PPC-157T panel PC]

Why I may not use an iPhone much longer

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:05:27 -0700

Yes I know, provocative title. But I didn't choose it to add to the anti-iPhone chorus and litany championed by legacy publications like PC World. And I also didn't choose it to tell you about the latest HTC Awesome or Droid Maxximus that outdoes the iPhone in this spec or that. I didn't even choose it because I have become a convert to Android, though as a professional reviewer I am certainly interested in that latest and apparently finally successful mobile Linux implementation. [read more...]

Webinar: The New Motion J3500 Overview

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:14:45 -0700

On August 10, 2010, Motion Computing offers a free webinar explaining the features and benefits of the new Motion J3500 tablet computer. RuggedPCReview.com recently reviewed the Motion J3500 (see here) and came away more than impressed with the new machine's speed and amazingly useful dual-touch technology that combines iPad-style capacitive touch with the precision of a Wacom electromagnetic digitizer. Those in the market for a J3500 note: attend the webinar and get US$500 off a new Motion J3500! [Register]

Netbooks hitting brick wall?

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:14:22 -0700

Our friends at Hot Hardware reviewed the new Asus Eee PC 1201PN that uses NVIDIA Ion-2 discrete graphics on top of the Atom N450's own graphics. The results are disappointing. Probably hampered by the rock bottom prices that do not leave room for profit or innovation, netbooks, apart from growing larger, have barely progressed over the past two years. They're still slow and limited, and that's a bad thing in the iPad era with its ever increasing customer expectations. While netbooks already having grown larger and heavier (and often more expensive), but without delivering much in terms of features and performance, they're in increasing competition with much more powerful low-cost regular notebooks that simply offer a lot more. [See Hot Hardware's review of the Asus Eee PC 1201PN]

Synaptics ClearPad 7200 Series

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:14:04 -0700

Synaptics announced its ClearPad 7200 Series technology geared towards OEMs designing a wide range of multi-touch (up to 10 simultaneous touches) products such as clamshell notebooks, slates/tablets, and "fourth screen" devices like digital photo frames and electronics readers. Designed to support glass-based screens up to 10.1", the ClearPad 7200 Series uses a multi-ASIC based architecture and supports both I2C and USB interface.

Full review: Fujitsu's tiny UH900 mini-notebook

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:13:47 -0700

What is a big full-size notebook is much too big, and even a handy netbook is still too large, but you do need full Windows 7 functionality and a high-res screen? Then you should look at the Fujitsu UH900 mini-notebook. The little 1-pound marvel, powered by a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 chip, sports incredible 1280 x 800 pixel resolution on its jewel-like 5.6-inch display, offers multi-touch, has a full-function keyboard and a speedy 62GB solid state disk, onboard Garmin Mobile PC GPS, and good connectivity, both wired and wireless. And even the price is not out of line. So how well does it all work? [Read full review of the Fujitsu Lifebook UH900]

Microsoft licenses ARM architecture

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:13:13 -0700

ARM and Microsoft announced that they have signed a new licensing agreement for the ARM architecture. The agreement extends the collaborative relationship between the two companies. Since 1997 Microsoft and ARM have worked together on software and devices across the embedded, consumer and mobile spaces, enabling many companies to deliver user experiences on a broad portfolio of ARM-based products. [See press release]

Juniper introduces the Mesa Rugged Notepad

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:12:54 -0700

If the new Mesa Rugged Notepad by Juniper Systems looks large, it's because it is. Aiming to offer the best of Tablet PCs and a rugged handhelds (but none of the drawbacks), the Marvell PXA320-powered Mesa runs Windows Mobile 6.5.3 on its exceptionally large 5.7-inch VGA display. Larger size means larger battery, too, and the Mesa runs up to 16 hours on a charge. Add to that exceptional ruggedness and IP67 sealing, and you have an interesting option for any number of outdoor jobs that require a bit of extra screen real estate. [See description and specs of the Juniper Systems Mesa Rugged Notepad]

Infoworld: iOS 4 decisively beats Android 2.2

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:12:29 -0700

In a comprehensive feature entitled "Mobile deathmatch: Apple iOS 4 vs. Android 2.2", Infoworld concluded that "iOS 4 beats Android OS 2.2 in almost every category." iOS earned an overall 8.0 "very good" score whereas Android 2.2 received only a 6.1 rating and "fair" score.

iPad on the Road -- Part IV

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:12:01 -0700

And yet another trip with the iPad. This time a 10-day product review trip to the Honduran island of Roatan. I took along all my dive gear, as well as a boatload of underwater cameras, both of the still and video variety, so luggage space was at a premium... [read more]

PC World removes iPhone 4 from Top-10 chart

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:11:38 -0700

Legacy tech pub PC World has removed the iPhone 4 from its Top 10 Cell Phones chart, accusing the best-selling Apple product of "faulty hardware." [See PC World's announcement]

Socket introduces low-cost barcode scanners for iPad, iPhone, Ipod touch

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:11:19 -0700

Socket Mobile announced its new line of wireless barcode scanners designed specifically to work with the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The Socket Bluetooth Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS) Series 7, starting at US$395, is a lightweight, pocket-sized barcode scanner with a range of up to 330 feet designed for healthcare, hospitality, retail and field service.

Symbian-Guru.com disgusted, closes down

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:25:01 -0700

It's like deja-vue all over again. Psion once seemed like the heir apparent to Microsoft's bumbling Windows CE efforts, but they fumbled things badly and imploded (with the exception of Psion-Teklogix that sells industrial handhelds). At least the promising Symbian OS seemed to go places, but it, too, is approaching irrelevance as Nokia just can't get its act together in the smartphone market. How bad are things? So bad that Symbian-Guru.com, tireless Symbian and Nokia cheerleaders, is so disgusted with Nokia/Symbian that they are shutting down. [See Symbian-Guru.com Is Over]

Kin, we barely knew you

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:24:36 -0700

Microsoft takes another one on the chin as the company quietly folded the Kin team into the Windows Phone 7 team. There won't be a release of the peculiar phone in Europe, though Verizon continues to sell the Kins at reduced prices.

Cisco introduces Android-based Cius tablet

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:24:01 -0700

Cisco unveiled the Android-based Cisco Cius tablet, calling it a "virtual desktop integration" device. The Cius has a 7-inch touch display, weighs 1.15 pounds, has a front-mounted 720p HD video camera, a rear-facing 5mp camera, WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G, and runs 8 hours on a charge. The Cius can be used in conjunction with an alarmingly retro-looking base station with a big phone handset, and is said to become generally available Q1 of 2011. [See Cisco's Cius page]

Apple sells 1.7 million iPhones in 3 days

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:23:36 -0700

Apple said it has sold 1.7 million iPhone 4 smartphones during the new phone’s first three days of availability, even with some consumers being unable to get a phone due to a lack of supply. This makes the iPhone 4 launch Apple's most successful product launch ever. [Read Apple press release]

Summary for you: Apple iOS 4

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:23:13 -0700

Apple's latest version of the iPhone OS, iOS 4, adds a number of handy new features that should appeal to almost everyone. David MacNeill describes all new features and recommends the upgrade to anyone with an iPhone 3/3GS or second gen iPod touch. [Read Apple iOS 4 on iPhone 3GS]

Road & Track makes video accessible from print mags via bar codes

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:22:48 -0700

Everyone's trying to find the future of publishing, and one of our favorite car magazines, Road & Track, has come up with an interesting variant: The print mag will feature bar codes with stories that, when scanned with a smartphone via the Microsoft Tag Reader, run video accompanying the story on the smartphone. The reader is available for free for all major smartphone platforms.

AIS releases inexpensive Windows CE touch panel PC

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:22:13 -0700

American Industrial Systems Inc. (AIS) introduced a small, rugged 5.7-inch industrial Windows CE 5.0-based touchscreen computer intended for use as an IP64-sealed operator panel PC and graphic operator interface terminal. The VGA display features a bright 400 nits backlight and a resistive digitizer. Pricing for VARs starts at an exceptionally low US$399. [See description and specs of the AIS PM570M]

Psion creates website for "classic" Psion handhelds

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:21:50 -0700

Remember the old Psions that seemed like a decade ahead of their time? We do, too. Now Psion has set up a special section on their Ingenuity Working site dedicated to classic Psion devices. Check it out here!

Full review: Motion's new J3500 tablet with capacitive dual touch

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:07:34 -0700

Motion Computing has introduced the rugged Motion J3500 tablet, a sleek, slender full-featured, full-power tablet computer featuring an approximately 40% overall performance increase compared to the predecessor model courtesy of an ultra low voltage Intel Core i7 processor that incurs no penalty in battery life. The new machine also offers Motion's new capacitive dual touch, automatically combining capacitive touch and a Wacom digitizer. Add Gobi2000, a high res camera, more memory and larger disks, and you have a very impressive tablet. [Read full review of the Motion Computing J3500]

News Corp. buys e-reading platform designer Skiff

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:07:11 -0700

Now that the iPad has shown that the public likes tablets, everyone's trying even harder to find the future of publishing. News Corp., the US$32 billion global media company, has bought Skiff, LLC, which has designed an e-reading platform for tablets, ebooks, smartphones and such. Skiff, of course, drew most attention for its proposed Skiff eReader, a wondrous slate with a 1200 x 1600 pixel 11.5-inch e-Paper touch display sitting on a flexible steel substrate. The reader, which isn't available yet, apparently isn't part of the sale.

Motorola introduces ES400 Enterprise Digital Assistant

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:06:51 -0700

The Enterprise Mobility Solutions division of Motorola introduced the ES400 Enterprise Digital Assistant. Fitting somewhere between a consumer smartphone and a ruggedized handheld, the ES400 is aimed squarely at enterprise users in field sales/service, retail, healthcare, etc. The ES400 runs Windows Mobile 6.5 with a custom front end, has WiFi, GPS, a 3.2mp camera that can also scan, and 3.5G WWAN for both the GSM and the CDMA side. With the iPhone having redefined expectations, the question is whether this sort of category-busting convergent device is what users want. [Read more...]

RuggedPCReview at the Handheld Group Business Partner Conference, Stockholm, Sweden, June 2-4, 2010

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:06:26 -0700

The Handheld Group had its annual Business Partner Conference June 2 through 4th, 2010, at the Elite Hotel Marina Tower in Stockholm, Sweden. The conference provided a venue to socialize with business partners and inform them on products, outlook and opportunities. RuggedPCReview.com was there, and here is our report. [read more...]

Waterproof case for the Amazon Kindle

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:06:03 -0700

For those who want to take their Kindle near or in water, M-Edge Accessories now offers the Kindle Guardian case. It's a nicely designed polycarbonate affair that comes in black, blue or red, runs US$79.99, and uses anti-reflective film to cut down on glare. Unfortunately, max depth is 1 meter, or just over three feet. So no Kindle reading during lengthy deco stops. [See Guardian Case for Amazon Kindle]

iPad on the Road -- Part III

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:10:55 -0700

Right on the heels of my last European trip, the iPad accompanied me on a very different kind of journey, a five-day dive trip to the California Channel Islands. That meant eight hours on the road each way to and from Santa Barbara, and the three days on the good ship Conception, an 80-foot dive vessel. [read more...]

Netbook market still booming

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:10:28 -0700

According to DisplaySearch, the total revenue for netbooks for Q1/2010 was US$3.51 billion, up by 56% from Q1/2009. DisplaySearch also said that In Q1 2010, Apple shipped almost 700K iPads into the channel, and in the first two months of Q2’10, the company sold more than two million iPads.

HP completes purchase of Phoenix's Linux-based quick-boot OS

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:10:11 -0700

Phoenix Technologies has sold its HyperSpace, HyperCore and Phoenix Flip instant-on technology to HP for US$12 million. Phoenix had developed the Linux-based system for people who were tired of waiting for Windows to boot. Instead, HyperCore allowed almost instant start-up and access to browsing and other core functions, while also running Windows. Phoenix apparently wasn't able to get traction with it, but HP, with aspirations in the emerging tablet market, may be able to build on the technology. [See Phoenix release]

Altek releases 3.5G phone with 14mp CCD camera

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:09:47 -0700

Taiwanese Altek Corporation announced the launch of the Leo, a combination of 14-megapixel camera with a true 1/2.3-inch CCD imager (virtually all cameras in phones use CMOS imagers) with a 3.5G (HSDPA) smartphone based on the Android OS. The Leo has WiFi, a 480 x 800 pixel optically treated 3.2-inch multi-touch LCD, Xenon flash, LED illuminator, a 3X optical zoom that starts at 36mm equivalent, and can do 720p HD video with H.264 compression. According to Altek, the camera uses their own "Sunny 9" processor. Available later this year, products like the Altek Leo will face one big question: do consumers want a full-function camera in their phone, or will they continue to uses separate devices. [Read Altek press release and description]

iPad on the Road - Part II

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:40:43 -0700

Back from a 3-1/2-day intercontinental trip that included a 17-hour trip to and a 22-hour trip back from Stockholm, Sweden. I checked what I'd usually consider a carry-on (the airlines don't charge for a checked bag on international routes, yet) and simply took along a shoulder bag just large enough for my MacBook Pro, a camera, the usual assortment of cables and chargers, and my iPad. How did that go? [...more]

iPad on the road - Part I

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:40:20 -0700

The editor takes his iPad 3G on the road, all the way to Sweden. So can the iPad replace the MacBook that came along as a backup? Can it handle full-blown presentations? Be ready for email and browsing whenever and wherever? Find out. [...more]

Fedora 13 released

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:39:53 -0700

A few years ago, Red Hat seemed poised to make a sizable dent into the desktop and mobile OS market with its then ubiquitous Red Hat Linux distribution (which we extensively tested on Tablet PC convertibles). In a knee-jerk reaction, Red Hat then decided to drop the free red Hat Linux and go after the much more profitable enterprise market instead. As a result, other free Linux distros took over and Linux missed a huge chance. Not all is lost, though. The Red Hat distro essentially continued as the Fedora Project, and Fedora 13 has just become available. [See The Fedora Project]

4G -- ready for prime time?

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:39:27 -0700

Sprint is now advertising 4G wireless, with significantly faster download and upload speed. but given that AT&T and Verizon still argue who has better 3G coverage and speed, can we assume that 4G is ready for prime time? We're taking a look at 4G technologies and how it may all play out. [See 4G -- ready for prime time?]

IDC forecasts 7.6 million tablets shipped worldwide in 2010

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:39:05 -0700

According to IDC, the market for media tablets, fostered by Apple's iPad, will be driven by the device's attributes as a content consumption platform and the compelling applications and services that will be created to take advantage of them. IDC forecasts that worldwide tablet shipments will grow from 7.6 million units in 2010 to more than 46 million units in 2014. In comparison, IDC expects almost 400 million portable PCs will be shipped in 2014. [See IDC release]

RAM Mount for the Apple iPad

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:38:41 -0700

The Apple iPad transcends conventional computing boundaries and classifications. While it is not a rugged or vertical market device, many will use an iPad in addition to their current mobile computing gear, and in quite a few cases, iPads will replace older technology. That's probably why RAM-Mounts has introduced RAM Mounts for the Apple iPad, a series of mounting products designed to mount and take the iPad anywhere. We took a look at RAM's new iPad cradle and mounting solutions for you. [See RAM Mount for iPad]

Panasonic upgrades Toughbook 19 to Core i5 and Gobi 2000

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:38:08 -0700

Though Panasonic's Toughbook 19 didn't become the Toughbook 20 (as the recently upgraded Toughbook 30 became the 31), the enhancements to Pana's venerable notebook convertible might well have justified a new number designation as well. A switch from an Intel Core 2 Duo SU9300 to a Core i5-540UM brings major performance improvements at no penalty to battery life, there's now optional Gobi 1000 and WiMAX, a camera, the backlight is LED now, and you can get dual touch input. Ruggedness is substantially improved as well, with IP65 sealing (IP54 before) and an incredible 6-foot drop-spec (up from 3-foot). And the starting price is down, too, to US$3,399.

Full review: DLI 8400 rugged ultra-mobile tablet

Thu, 20 May 2010 08:27:01 -0700

The DLI 8400 is a rugged ultra-mobile tablet with an integrated keyboard suitable for a wide variety of field service, mobile payment, first responder, fleet management and similar applications. Measuring about 10 x 8 x 2 inches and weighing a bit over three pounds, the Atom Z530-powered DLI 8400 with its 7-inch WSVGA touchscreen and integrated magcard reader is significantly smaller and lighter than full-size rugged tablets but it is still large enough to serve as a full-function computer. In a detailed analysis, RuggedPCReview.com found the DLI 8400 a very competent and highly configurable ultra-mobile tablet that can run Windows 7 or several other operating systems. [See detailed review of the DLI 8400]

Panasonic unveils impressive Toughbook 31

Wed, 12 May 2010 14:25:05 -0700

Panasonic announced the Toughbook 31, a fully rugged notebook computer for tough jobs in the field, in vehicles, and in any situation where a standard notebook would quickly fail. The Panasonic Toughbook 31 replaces the Toughbook 30 with a variety of technology updates and enhancements that brings the platform technologically up-to-date without obsoleting existing customers' investment in Toughbook 30 docks and peripherals. Standard voltage Intel Core i3 and Core i5 processors provide high performance while still yielding exceptional battery life, LED backlighting makes for an even brighter 1,100 nits display, touch is now standard, optional Gobi 2000 supports 4G wireless, and the new model is more rugged than ever. [See detailed description and specs of the Panasonic Toughbook 31]

Microsoft frees Office Mobile 2010 for WinMo

Wed, 12 May 2010 14:24:40 -0700

Microsoft today went live with the 2010 edition of their cash cow Office and has added Office Mobile apps for Windows Mobile users at no cost. From the press release:

"Effective today, Office Mobile 2010 will be available for free via Windows® Phone Marketplace for all Windows Mobile 6.5 phones with a previous version of Office Mobile. People using Office Mobile 2010 can perform lightweight editing of Office documents and take notes on the go. With Office Mobile, people can work with Office documents stored on their phone, attached to an e-mail, and can browse, edit, and update documents stored on a Microsoft SharePoint 2010 site."

Pad available in nine more countries on May 28

Wed, 12 May 2010 14:23:16 -0700

Apple announced that iPad will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK on Friday, May 28. Customers can pre-order all iPad models from Apple's online store in all nine countries beginning on Monday, May 10. In the US, Apple has already sold over one million iPads and customers have downloaded over 12 million apps from the App Store, as well as over 1.5 million ebooks from the new iBookstore.

IDC: Smartphone sales, marketshare way up in Q1 2010

Mon, 10 May 2010 10:03:18 -0700

According to IDC, the worldwide converged mobile device (smartphone) market grew 56.7% year-over-year in first quarter of 2010, shipping a total of 54.7 million units. That's 18.8% of all mobile phones shipped. As far as Q1 shipping market share goes, Nokia is first with 39.3%, then RIM with 19.4%, apple closing in fast with 16.1%, then HTC with 4.8%, Moto with 4.2%, and the rest (presumably all the Japanese, Taiwanese, Korean and other Asian companies?) with 16.3%. These days, few phones are totally "dumb," so the exact definition of "smartphone" probably has a big impact on the numbers.

Windows XP on an iPad? I declare!

Mon, 10 May 2010 10:02:44 -0700

What you're seeing in the picture to the right is lots of folks' worst nightmare: Windows XP on an iPad. The real thing and fully functional. How is this possible? With a VNC client (I use VNC Viewer). The iPad is not really running Windows XP, of course; it's just running a piece of software that lets you view, control and use Macs, Linux boxes and, yes, PCs. [more ...

"Moorestown" — Intel's new Z6xx Atom platform and how it fits in

Mon, 10 May 2010 10:02:22 -0700

On May 4th, Intel introduced the next generation of its initial family of Z5xx Atom processor. Codenamed "Moorestown," the Z6xx family, together with a new I/O controller and signal processing chip are meant to make Intel competitive in the booming smartphone and internet access device market. On paper at least, the new processor family looks very good and may yet help Intel establish itself in the device market (which, interestingly, they abandoned when they sold the XSCALE application processor business to Marvell a couple of years ago). But before we go into details of Moorestown, let's backtrack and see how Intel's whole Atom venture began and developed. [more ...]

Bill Gates still believes in pen computing but iPad, not so much

Tue, 04 May 2010 11:56:18 -0700

In a wide-ranging interview just broadcast on FBN, Bill Gates commented on the state of Microsoft's tablet projects after the demise of the Courier project:

“Microsoft has a lot of different tablet projects that we're pursuing. We think that work with the pen that Microsoft pioneered will become a mainstream for students. It can give you a device that you can not only read, but also create documents at the same time.”

Though he praised Apple's success overall in the interview, he delivered a not-so-subtle jab at the iPad's lack of a stylus back in February, basically calling it a "nice reader" but that's about it:

"You know, I'm a big believer in touch and digital reading, but I still think that some mixture of voice, the pen and a real keyboard -- in other words a netbook -- will be the mainstream on that."

Publishing and the iPad

Tue, 04 May 2010 11:55:46 -0700

As a former print publisher, I spent some time comparing different approaches to magazine publishing on the iPad. Given the amount of hype about the iPad being the savior of publishing, I am surprised there is not an iMagazine app or some such. I mean, Apple could take the lead here yet again, creating the iTunes of the magazine world.

Jon Stewart's monolog on Apple

Tue, 04 May 2010 11:56:03 -0700

The April 28, 2010 Daily Show had anchor Jon Stewart dedicate an entire eight minute monolog on Apple's rather strong reaction to the next gen iPhone episode. Very funny.