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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

For restaurants and retail: the new DT Research DT315CT
At the 2013 National Restaurant Association Show at Chicago's McCormick Place (May 18-21, 2013), (DT Research announced the DT315CT, an Intel Atom N2800-powered 9.7-inch Windows 7 tablet with capacitive touch, magnetic stripe reader to read payment, ID, and loyalty program cards, a 2D barcode scanner to improve inventory management, and a 5M camera to verify promotions and set up. [See description, analysis and specs of the DT Research Dt315CT] -- Posted Tuesday, May 21, 2013 by chb

Samwell Ruggedbook: Computer use in utility meter systems remote control
While manual utility (electricity, gas, water, heat) meter reading still exists, it is labor-intensive, error-prone, and not well suited to handle the increasing demand for complex and unique purpose metering including tiered and special use tariffs, and extended monitoring. In a new feature Taiwanese Samwell (which will be at Computex Taipei, June 4-8, 2013: TWTC Nangang Upper Level L1302) discusses the increasing use of rugged tablet computers such as their Ruggedbook SR820 to automatically read and manage smart meters, benefitting both utilities and customers via more information, higher accuracy, and better service. [Read Computer use in utility meter systems remote control] -- Posted Tuesday, May 21, 2013 by chb

DT Research announces 1-pound point-of-sale/service tablet
DT Research announced the DT307SC, a 7-inch tablet weighing only a bit over a pound, and available with magnetic stripe reader, 2D barcode scanner, RFID, and rear-facing camera with LED flash. Running Windows CE or Windows Mobile, the ARM-powered DT307 is easily integrated with third-party applications. As with most products from DT Research, the DT307SC includes the comprehensive remote management through the server-based WebDT Device Manager software. [See description, analysis and specs of the DT Research DT307] -- Posted Sunday, May 19, 2013 by chb

Pansonic upgrades Toughbook H2 rugged tablet
Panasonic announced it has updated the Toughbook H2 tablet with an Intel 3rd generation Core i5-3427U processor, boosted the standard hard disk from 320 to 500GB, improved estimated battery life from 6.5 to 7 hours, and enhanced connectivity with using an Intel Advanced-N 6235 module (802.11a/b/g/n and Class 1 Bluetooth 4.0 + EDR) and offering either 3G Gobi with GPS or 4G LTE mobile broadband. -- Posted Thursday, May 16, 2013 by chb

Dell drops price of Windows RT tablet
Dell, one of the few companies offering a Windows RT-based tablet, dropped the price of its 32GB XPS 10 tablet from US$449 to just US$299. A version with 64GB, dock, and 4G LTE dropped from US$799 to just US$499. That's not a good sign for Windows RT, but good news for anyone seeking a true bargain (we liked our Windows RT tablet; see Windows RT: How Suitable is it for Vertical Markets? Part 1 and Part 2). [Dell XPS 10 Tablet webpage] -- Posted Wednesday, May 15, 2013 by chb

DT Research introduces rugged 9.7-inch Windows tablet
DT Research introduced the rugged Windows 7-based DT398 tablet as a tougher, more performance-oriented complement to their roster of point-of-sale tablets. The DT398, which has a 9.7-inch XGA resistive touch display and uses either an Intel Celeron or Core i7 processor, was specifically built to meet the requirements of government and military deployments, though the company also targets construction, utilities, inspections and public safety. [See description, analysis and specs of the DT Research DT398] -- Posted Wednesday, May 15, 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

New: Rugged Tablet comparison tool
In order to let interested parties and prospective customers more easily learn about, and compare, rugged tablets, RuggedPCReview.com has added a Rugged Tablet Comparison Tool. The tool allows you to compare the full specs of up to three rugged tablets side by side, and instantly link to our assessment and analysis of the product. About 50 rugged tablets have been included so far, and we're still in the process of adding more products. [Check out the Rugged Tablet Comparison Tool]

-- Posted Monday, May 6, 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

Review: Logic Instrument Fieldbook A2
We reviewed Logic Instrument's second generation Fieldbook, a smaller and lighter version of a standard industrial tablet computer. Measuring a compact 9.1 x 5.9 x 1.8 inches and weighing a bit over three pounds, the tough and rugged Fieldbook has a 7-inch 1024 x 600 pixel display, and all I/O is via standard ports. The highly configurable device is now powered by an economical Intel Atom N2600 CPU, can provide full-shift operation on a charge of its two batteries, and offers a wealth of optional integrated data collection and wireless functionality such as scanning, RFID, GPS and 4G/LTE radio. [See review of the Logic Instrument fieldbook A2] -- Posted Tuesday, April 2, 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

Microsoft releases embedded versions of Windows 8
Microsoft announced the general availability of embedded versions of Windows 8. These include Windows 8 Embedded Pro (full capability of Win 8; see here), Windows 8 Embedded Standard (componentized version of Windows 8; see here), and Windows Embedded 9 Industry (fixed platform for retail, finance and hospitality applications; see here). More info is available from Microsoft's Windows Embedded 8 site. -- Posted Wednesday, March 20, 2013 by chb

Added: Logic Instrument Fieldbook B1 rugged and highly configurable 10.4-inch Windows 7 tablet
Logic Instrument introduced the Fieldbook B1, a 10.4-inch class rugged Windows 7 tablet powered by an Intel Atom N2600 processor. The Fieldbook B1, which uses a resistive digitizer, can handle 6-foot drops, extreme temperatures, is IP65 sealed, yet weighs only 3.5 pounds. The B1 can be equipped with RFID, 3.5G WWAN or 4G LTE, 1D/2D scanner, and it offers RS232 legacy support. [See description, analysis and specs of the Logic Instrument Fieldbook B1] -- 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

ConnectedHealth introduces Nursing Manager app on Android tablet
ConnectedHealth announced the availability of the ConnectedHealth Nursing Manager Application (NMA) and ConnectedHealth Secure Medical Tablet. Working together, the new system automates the collection of medical information for patients in a clinical setting. Pricing for the Secure Medical Tablet with NMA begins at US$500, with a monthly software subscription fee. [See press release] -- 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

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

Four of five dentists recommend....
Dell reports that according to "Tablets in Large Enterprises: Dell Latitude 10 with Windows 8 vs. Apple IPAD, A Principled Technologies Test Report," commissioned by Dell itself in January of 2013, "Latitude 10 tablets are up to 17 times faster and 94 percent less expensive to deploy than iPads in large scale enterprise implementations." -- Posted Tuesday, February 26, 2013 by chb

DAP releases compact 7-inch M7000 rugged enterprise tablet with procap multi-touch
DAP Technologies added to its roster of rugged handhelds and tablets with the new DAP M7000. It's an enterprise-oriented rugged Windows 7 tablet with a 7-inch 1024 x 600 pixel wide-format screen with capacitive multi-touch. Powered by a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N2600, the 1.7-pound tablet can accommodate SSDs up to 128GB, has IP65 sealing, a 4-foot drop spec, and comes with an impressive array of features. [See description, analysis and specs of the DAP Technologies M7000] -- Posted Tuesday, February 19, 2013 by chb

Video: Graphium Health streamlines EMR implementation with Motion Tablet PCs

Motion uploaded a new video to YouTube that highlights the use of Graphium Health's Anesthesia EMR, a cloud based, Tablet PC driven system that strikes a smart balance between handwritten and electronic data entry. Using Motion C5 and J3500 tablets, Graphium's goal was to capitalize on the tablet PCs' unique stylus capabilities, replacing paper records with an electronic solution that enhances efficiency, reliability and accuracy. The video shows how the system is being used in hospitals. [See Graphium Health Streamlines EMR Implementation with Motion Tablet PCs video] -- Posted Friday, February 15, 2013 by chb

Added: GammaTech Durabook TA10
The GammaTech Durabook TA10 is an ultra-rugged tablet computer with a 10.4-inch XGA display with resistive multi-touch and optional active pen. Geared towards high-performance applications with available Intel 3rd generation Core processors, the highly customizable 5-pound TA10 can handle 5-foot drops, extreme temperatures and it carries IP65 sealing. There's plenty of onboard connectivity and the starting price is around US$2,300. [See description, analysis and specs of the GammaTech Durabook TA10] -- Posted Monday, February 4, 2013 by chb

Added: TabletKiosk Sahara Slate PC i500
We added a product page with description, analysis and specs for the Intel Core i7-powered TabletKiosk Sahara Slate PC i500. It's an enterprise-oriented Windows tablet light and handy enough to be carried around, but with a large (and excellent) 12.1-inch dual mode (procap multi-touch and Wacom pen) 1280 x 800 pixel screen. There's very good onboard connectivity and a wealth of options and peripherals modular through TabletKiosk's product line. [See TabletKiosk Sahara Slate PC i500] -- Posted Tuesday, January 22, 2013 by chb

Review: TabletKiosk eo a7400 7-inch enterprise Windows tablet
TabletKiosk has been in the tablet computer business for a good many years, and it shows. The 7-inch, Intel Atom N2600-powered TabletKiosk eo a7400 combines new technology (such as projected capacitive multi-touch) with a rational, mature tablet design for enterprise users. Now in its 4th generation, the unassuming eo is surprisingly quick, practical, and a good answer for many enterprise applications that require Windows in a small and light tablet package. [See review of the TabletKiosk eo a7400] -- Posted Monday, January 21, 2013 by chb

Expected 2013 global tablet sales
DigiTimes expects global tablet sales to be in the 170 to 180 million range for 2013, with 7 to 8-inch models enjoying most of the growth and making up over 60% of all shipments. -- Posted Tuesday, January 15, 2013 by chb

Gammatech's new semi-rugged Durabook CA10 tablet
GammaTech introduced the Durabook CA10, a semi-rugged Windows tablet computer based on the dual-core 1.6GHz Intel Atom N2600. The 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 screen offers 2-finger resistive multi-touch, mass storage is via speedy SSD, there's good onboard connectivity, there are optional RFID and 1D/2D scanning, and the device can handle 4-foot drops. Semi-rugged, though means only IP43 sealing, but the starting price of US$1,299 is attractive. [See description, analysis and specs of the Gammatech Durabook CA10] -- Posted Thursday, January 10, 2013 by chb

Also new: Android 4.0 7-inch Panasonic Toughpad JT-B1
At CES< Panasonic also introduced the smaller 7-inch Toughpad JT-B1. The 1.2-pound, TI OMAP-4460 powered tablet runs Android 4.0 on a bright 500-nit procap 1024 x 600 pixel multi-touch screen with AG and AR treatments. The Toughpad can handle 5-foot drops, is IP65 sealed and starts at US$1,199. [See description, analysis and specs of the Panasonic Toughpad B1] -- Posted Wednesday, January 9, 2013 by chb

Panasonic introduces Windows 8 Toughpad FZ-G1
At CES in Las Vegas, Panasonic introduced the Toughpad FZ-G1, a Windows 8-based rugged tablet with a high resolution (1920 x 1200 pixel) 10.1-inch capacitive multi-touch screen that also comes with an active pen for jobs that require more precision than the touch of a finger. The FZ-G1 has a 3rd gen Intel Core i5 processor, up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of solid state disk, can handle 4-foot drops, extreme temperatures, and it carries IP65 sealing. [See description, analysis and specs of the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1] -- Posted Tuesday, January 8, 2013 by chb

Full review: Android-based ultra-rugged SDG Systems RAMPAGE 6 with large 5.7-inch display
The RAMPAGE 6, based on Juniper System's indomitable Mesa rugged notepad, is for those who want a virtually indestructible handheld/tablet, but one that runs Android instead of Windows. SDG Systems did the conversion and is the exclusive distributor of the unique device as well. The RAMPAGE 6 has a satisfyingly large 5.7-inch touch screen that reduces squinting and offers lots of real estate for complex apps. It is also super-solid, offers good performance and battery life, good ergonomics and ease of use, while still weighing less than 2.5 pounds even with scanner and two batteries. [See full review of the SDG Systems RAMPAGE 6] -- Posted Thursday, December 27, 2012 by chb

Digitimes: Tablets to pass notebooks in 2015
Digitimes published a new global mobile device shipment forecast that's pretty interesting. All in all, mobile device shipments are pretty much on a straight increase from about 100 million in 2007 to about 420 million in 2015. However, notebook shipments leveled off at about 200 million in 2010 and no further growth is projected. Tablets, however started at virtually zero in 2009 and will increase at a high growth rate until they pass notebook shipments in 2015. -- Posted Friday, December 14, 2012 by chb

Getac's V100 and V200 fully-rugged convertible tablets get Intel 3rd gen Core processor technology
Getac announced the introduction of the next generation of its V100 and V200 fully rugged convertible tablets. Both models can now be configured with third-generation Intel Core processors (either the 2.6 GHz Core i5-3320M or the 2.9 GHz Core i7-3520M) with vPro technology. In Getac's testing, the new V100 and V200 are 251% and 177% faster than the predecessor models, respectively. Graphic performance, in particular, is significantly improved. -- Posted Wednesday, December 12, 2012 by chb

MultiTouch Ltd introduces Hybrid Tracking for large interactive displays
Multi-touch is increasingly used everywhere, including large interactive displays. Up to now, the problem was that the infrared sensor technology used by many of those displays are easily impacted by external light sources. MultiTouch Ltd. is now addressing that with its new Hybrid Tracking technology that works by capturing the shadows from external infrared light and combining that information with the reflections that are recognized by the infrared sensors through the LCD display. [See an impressive YouTube demo of Hybrid Tracking] -- Posted Wednesday, December 12, 2012 by chb

Full review: Motion CL910 tablet
With its durable business-class 10-inch CL900 tablet, introduced almost two years ago, tablet pioner Motion clearly presented the shape and functionality of things to come. The CL910 is an updated, faster version of the original CL900, and we've had a chance to test it for several month. What we found is a quick, handy and eminently functional Windows 7 tablet that should appeal to mobile professionals in numerous markets. [See full review of the Motion CL910] -- Posted Wednesday, December 12, 2012 by chb

Microsoft Surface RT gets expanded retail distribution
Microsoft announced plans to make Microsoft Surface available at additional retailers as soon as mid-December. "Our plan has been to expand the retail presence for Surface after the first of the year. Based on interest from retailers, we are giving them the option to carry Surface with Windows RT even earlier," said Steve Schueler, corporate vice president, Microsoft Retail Sales and Marketing. [See Microsoft press release] -- Posted Wednesday, December 12, 2012 by chb

Samwell to show new RUGGEDBOOK 310 at CES in Las Vegas
Samwell announced that it will show and demonstrate their new Rugged Tablet PC 310 at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (January 8 through 11, 2013) at their booth No. 35505 in South Hall 4. The 310 is an OMAP4460-powered 7-inch Android 4.0.4 tablet with a choice of capacitive or resistive touch display, significant ruggedness, and an expansion bay that allows configuration for various deployments. [See description and specs of the Samwell RUGGEDBOOK 310] -- Posted Monday, December 10, 2012 by chb

News Corp to shut down "The Daily" tablet newspaper
CNN Money reports that News Corp is shutting down its "The Daily" tabled-based publication. Launched with an initial US$30 million investment, 100 staffers, and a US$26 million annual running cost, The Daily turned out to be financially unfeasible despite a claimed over 100,000 paying subs. [See CNN's article] -- Posted Monday, December 3, 2012 by chb

Windows 8 off to slow start
According the the NPD Group's Weekly Tracking Service, the consumer Windows PC and tablet market didn't get the boost it needed from the launch of Windows 8 in the U.S. Since the Windows 8 launch on October 26, Windows device sales have fallen 21% compared to the same period last year. Windows 8 tablet sales have been almost non-existent, with unit sales representing less than 1% of all Windows 8 device sales to date. That's quite disconcerting given that Windows 8 was designed to be touch and tablet-centric. NPD noted, however, "The strong performance of Windows 8 notebooks with touchscreens, where Windows 8 truly shines, offers some reason for optimism. These products accounted for 6% of Windows 8 notebook sales at an average price of US$867 helping to re-establish a premium segment to the Windows consumer notebook market." [See NPD press release] -- Posted Thursday, November 29, 2012 by chb

China itself buys mostly iPads
While inexpensive Made-in-China "Whitebox" tablets are seemingly everywhere, Analysys International reports that just 2.6 million tablets were sold in China itself in the third quarter of 2012, and of those, 71.4% were Apple iPads. Lenovo was a distant second with 10.5%. -- Posted Thursday, November 29, 2012 by chb

Windows RT: how suitable is it for vertical markets? (Part II)
I had planned a quick follow-up on my first impressions of the Microsoft Surface RT tablet and Windows RT in general (see Part I). But now it's almost a month later, so why the hesitation? It's not because of Microsoft's hardware. I am as impressed with the Surface RT tablet as I was when I first took it out of its box. [... read more] -- Posted Wednesday, November 21, 2012 by chb

And Winmate also offers an Android version
Following the recent trend of offering hardware platforms with a choice of operating systems, Winmate Communication is offering their new rugged 7-inch tablet with Android 4.0 as well. The Winmate M700DT4 has the same 7-inch 1024 x 600 pixel wide-format screen with capacitive multi-touch as the Windows version, but uses a 1GHz TI OMAP 4430, only weighs 1.45 pounds and includes all the sensors and communication needed for the full Android experience. It, too, has IP65 sealing, a 4-foot drop spec, and a very wide operating temperature range. [See description and specs of the Winmate M700DT4] -- Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2012 by chb

New: Winmate M700D highly configurable rugged Windows tablet
Taiwanese Winmate Communication is fleshing out its roster of rugged handhelds and tablets with the new Winmate M700D. It's a rugged Windows tablet with a 7-inch 1024 x 600 pixel wide-format screen with capacitive multi-touch. Powered by a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N2600, the 1.7-pound tablet can accommodate SSDs up to 128GB, has IP65 sealing, a 4-foot drop spec, and can be configured for a wide range of applications and deployments. [See description and specs of the Winmate M700D] -- Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2012 by chb

Added: Panasonic Toughbook C2, optimized for Windows 8
Panasonic added the Toughbook C2 to its lineup. It's a semi-rugged 4-pound convertible notebook with a speedy Intel 3rd gen i5 chip, a bright 12.5-inch wide-format display with capacitive touch and an active pen, and up to 15 hours of battery life. It's also Panasonic's first Toughbook model specifically optimized for Windows 8. [See description, analysis and specs of the Panasonic Toughbook C2] -- Posted Tuesday, November 13, 2012 by chb

TabletKiosk offers free memory and SSD upgrades on select business Tablet PCs
TabletKiosk announced that until the end of the year, customers who purchase select Sahara Slate PC i500 Tablet PCs with a capacitive touch screen will receive a free memory upgrade to 8GB RAM and a free upgrade to a Solid State Drive (SSD). [See press release] -- Posted Tuesday, November 13, 2012 by chb

Full review: MobileDemand xTablet T1200
Need a high-performance, fully rugged tablet computer that can also run Windows 8? The MobileDemand xTablet 1200 fits the bill with a 10.4-inch 1000 nits AFFS+ resistive multi-touch display, Intel third gen Core-i5 power, very long battery life, and extensive onboard connectivity ranging from legacy RS232 to USB 3.0 to 3G and 4G LTE WWAN. [Read our full review of the MobileDemand xTablet T1200] -- Posted Monday, November 12, 2012 by chb

Review: DAP Technologies MT1010 rugged Windows tablet
DAP Technologies introduced the MT1010 rugged Windows tablet on October 30, 2012. RuggedPCReview.com analyzed a pre-production version of the 2.9-pound tablet which has a 10.1-inch wide-format 1280 x 800 pixel display with capacitive multi-touch, uses an Intel Atom N2600 processor, offers plenty of onboard I/O and data capture options, and is equipped with accelerometer, magnetometer, light sensor, and a vibration motor for advanced apps. For ruggedness, there's a wide operating temperature range (-4 to 122F), a 6-foot drop spec, and IP65 sealing. [See review of the DAP Technologies MT1010] -- Posted Monday, November 5, 2012 by chb

Microsoft sued over live tiles
And.... Microsoft is already being sued for the use of live tiles in Windows 8. Portland-based SurfCast claims they infringe on one of its patents. In part, the abstract of the patent in question says, "the present invention comprises a graphical user interface which organizes content from a variety of information sources into a grid of tiles, each of which can refresh its content independently of the others." That should keep a good number of lawyers busy for a while. [See Surfcast patent] -- Posted Thursday, November 1, 2012 by chb

Google introduces 10-inch Nexus 10 with 2560-by-1600 resolution
Google followed up on its first (and quite well-received) Nexus 7 tablet with the Nexus 10 that differentiates itself with a 2,560 x 1600 pixel 10-inch screen with Gorilla glass protection. The Nexus 10 is powered by a dual core A15 processor, runs Android 4.2, has 2GB of RAM and 16 or 32GB of storage. There are 1.9mp and 5mp cameras, microUSB and microHDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, and a 9-hour battery. The 16GB version is US$399, the 32GB model US$499, available November 13. [See Google Nexus 10 page] -- Posted Monday, October 29, 2012 by chb

Microsoft Office RT 2013 final version available
Only two days after introducing Windows RT that includes a preview version of Home & Student Office 2013, the final version became available as a free 586MB download via the Windows legacy Control Panel>Windows Update. -- Posted Sunday, October 28, 2012 by chb

Windows RT: how suitable is it for vertical markets?
Though as of this writing, October 27, 2012, Windows 8 and RT were just officially unveiled a couple of days ago, reams have already been written on Windows 8 and, to a much lesser extent, Windows RT. We got our Surface RT tablet on October 26 with the intent on reporting on the Surface hardware and RT software in some detail. However, our emphasis will be on their suitability for vertical and industrial markets. For a first impression of Windows RT, and some very interesting findings, read on... -- Posted Saturday, October 27, 2012 by chb

What will Microsoft's Surface RT tablets mean?
What will the arrival of Microsoft's Surface RT tablets mean to the vertical and industrial market? Will there be rugged tablets running Windows RT? Or will the ever-important leverage factor dictate that most enterprise and industrial tablets remain x86-based and compatible with legacy Windows? [read more] -- Posted Tuesday, October 16, 2012 by chb

Microsoft Surface with Windows RT tablet available for order with October 26 delivery
Microsoft announced more details on its Surface tablets, and offered "special limited quantity pre-order" of the Surface with Windows RT tablet, with delivery by October 26, 2012. Pricing for the Surface RT: US$499 32GB w/o touch cover, US$599 32GB with touch cover, and US$699 64GB with touch cover. Different color touch covers or a "type" cover are available at extra cost. Tablet specs: 10.8 x 6.8 x 0.37 inches, 1.5 pounds, Nvidia Tegra T30 processor, 2GB RAM, 32 or 64GB storage, 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, dual 720p cameras, 10.6-inch display (1366 x 768), 5-pount multi-touch, USB 2.0, microSDHX. We ordered ours and will report in detail asap. [See Windows Surface RT page and Comparison Surface Windows RT vs Surface Windows 8 Pro -- Posted Tuesday, October 16, 2012 by chb

Sony halts Tablet S sales for not meeting splash proof spec
According to TechHive, Sony has stopped sales of its Android-based 9.4-inch Xperia Tablet S because the tablet "may not meet the splash proof specification." Sony is now offering a free inspection program (see here) and cautions "to protect your product, please be sure not to use your Xperia Tablet S where water may splash onto it." -- Posted Friday, October 12, 2012 by chb

Handheld Group announces high-res, Atom N2800-powered 10-inch rugged Windows tablet
Handheld Group announced the launch of the Algiz 10X rugged tablet PC. The Intel Atom N2800-powered Algiz 10X runs Windows 7 on a 16:9 aspect ratio wide-format 1366 x 768 pixel sunlight readable display. The IP65-sealed unit has a resistive digitizer for unambiguous operation in any environmental conditions, comes standard with 4GB of DDR3 RAM, 64GB SSD, u-blox GPS, 5mp camera, Bluetooth 4.0, and optional Gobi 3000 carrier-independent mobile broadband. [See description and specs of the Handheld Algiz 10X] -- Posted Tuesday, October 9, 2012 by chb

Panasonic issues case study on successful tablet implementation for auto insurer
Panasonic published a new case study highlighting auto/home/life insurer Amica's successful deployment of Toughbook 19 convertible tablets, which have increased auto appraiser efficiency and overall customer satisfaction. [See Panasonic case study Amica deploys toughbook 19s to auto appraisers to improve efficiencies and enhance customers’ satisfaction]. -- Posted Monday, October 8, 2012 by chb

Added: the new TabletKiosk eo a7400 Windows tablet
Many business applications require a small and handy tablet that runs Windows but still offers the capacitive multi-touch interface the public now almost takes for granted. And that's what TabletKiosk offers with their new eo A7400 7-inch tablet. It's based on the 1.6GHz Intel Atom N2600, offers up to 128GB of SSD, weighs under two pounds, and can accommodate optional 3.5G and a mag stripe reader. And there's also optional dual input that combines procap and a Wacom digitizer. [See analysis and specs of the TabletKiosk eo A7400] -- Posted Thursday, October 4, 2012 by chb

GammaTech releases second-gen Mobile Clinical Assistant tablet
GammaTech announced the Durabook T10L2, a ruggedized tablet loosely fashioned after Intel's mobile clinical assistant reference design of a few years ago. This is GammaTech's second gen MCA, and it shows in a number of improvements such as a more ergonomic design, a multi-touch display, and a switch to the dual-core Intel Atom D525 processor platform. Being designed for indoor clinical environments, the Durabook tablet is not only tough and rugged, but also easy to clean and disinfect. [See description and specs of the GammaTech Durabook T10L2] -- Posted Tuesday, October 2, 2012 by chb

Intel unveils Atom Z2760, Windows 8 tablets that use it
Intel announced the dual-core/four-thread 1.8GHz Atom Z2760 processor which, the company says, was designed specifically for Windows 8 tablets and tablet convertibles. The Z2760 uses 32nm process technology like the recent "Cedarview" processors, but unlike all older Atoms that used the 45nm process. For graphics, there's the Imagination Technologies' PowerVR SGX545 core, package size is 14 x 14 mm, and there's complex power management that extends battery life. Intel also announced a number of Windows 8 tablets that will use the new Z2760, such as the Acer ICONIA W510, the Asus Vivo Tab, the Dell Latitude 10, the Fujitsu Stylistic Q702, the HP ENVY x2, the Lenovo ThinkPad 2, the Samsung Smart PC, and the ZTE 98. [See Intel Z2760 fact sheet and list of Z2760 tablets] -- Posted Thursday, September 27, 2012 by chb

Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q702 Incorporates N-trig active pen and multi-touch
N-trig announced that Fujitsu's new STYLISTIC Q702 11.6-inch business hybrid tablet (sort of like a larger version of the Asus Transformer) incorporates the new DuoSense fourth gen product line. Designed for enterprise use, and really with Windows 8, the device can be used as a tablet, but also has an attachable keyboard docking station so it can be used as a traditional notebook computer. The STYLISTIC Q702 is first in using the G4 DuoSense solution featuring active pen and multi-touch capabilities on the same touch sensor. [See n-Trig press release] -- Posted Tuesday, September 25, 2012 by chb

iOS 6 available for download
On September 19, 2012, Apple made iOS 6 available for download. The new version of the OS coincides with the release of the iPhone 5 which will be shipping as of September 21, 2012. Among major changes and new features are a new Apple-made Maps application, an improved Siri that is now also available on the iPad, Facebook integration, shared Photo Streams, a Passbook app for boarding passes and other cards, and numerous improvements in FaceTime, Mail, Safari, and throughout the OS. [See Apple's iOS 6 page] -- Posted Thursday, September 20, 2012 by chb

Review: Barnes & Noble NOOK Tablet
Barnes & Noble's NOOK is in a tough position, what with having to fight the iPad and the Kindles and everyone else. But the elegant little tablet has been hanging in there, and we see quite a lot of them out there. Dan Rasmus examined the NOOK Tablet in detail, and talks about what it is, what it isn't, who it's for, and how it fits in. [Read the Barnes & Noble NOOK Tablet review] -- Posted Tuesday, September 11, 2012 by chb

Added: Unitech TB100 rugged Android tablet
While there is a growing selection of consumer media tablets, there are far fewer durable and ruggedized tablets for the business and vertical markets. That's why rugged handheld maker Unitech entered the tablet market with the TB-100. It's an Android 3.2 7-inch tablet with 1280 x 800 resolution, Gorilla glass, a dual core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, a wide -4 to 140F operating temperature range, 4-foot drop and IP65 sealing. [See description and specs of the Unitech TB100] -- Posted Monday, September 10, 2012 by chb

Added: NORCO PPC-3308 rugged Atom-powered tablet for fleet management
NORCO recently introduced the PPC-3308 rugged Tablet PC. The device has a SVGA sunlight-readable 8.4-inch with a resistive digitizer, is powered by a 1.5GHz Intel Atom Z670 processor, runs Windows 7 or Linux, and weighs just under three pounds. Robust construction, solid state storage (up to 64GB), and those prominent protective corner bumpers help the PPC-3308 survive 4-foot drops. Sealing is at the IP64 level, and the device is configurable with numerous options (3G/4G/LTE WWAN, GPS, 1D/2D barcode, RFID, MSR, etc.). [See description and specs of the NORCO PPC-3308 rugged tablet] -- Posted Thursday, September 6, 2012 by chb

Synaptics ClearPad Series 3 offers multi-touch even with gloves
Synaptics announced that the new Nokia Lumia 920 and Nokia Lumia 820 will be the first smartphones in the world to use a new multi-touch experience based on the Synaptics ClearPad Series 3 capacitive touchscreen sensing technology that supports use with gloves and fingernails. [See Synaptics ClearPad Series 3] -- Posted Wednesday, September 5, 2012 by chb

Getac introduces rugged 7-inch Android tablet
Getac officially announced the Z710 rugged Android tablet designed for use in extreme work environments. The 1.8-pound Z710's sunlight-readable 7-inch 1024 x 600 pixel capacitive multi-touch display can also be used with gloves and a stylus, making it suitable for outdoors work and in the rain. The device has a 6-foot drop spec, a wide operating temperature range (-4 to 122F), and carries IP65 sealing. It can be equipped with WWAN, barcode reader, dual cams and RFID. [See Getac Z710 description and specs] -- Posted Tuesday, September 4, 2012 by chb

Intel Atom processors face uncertain future in PCs
DigiTimes says that Intel may be forced to adjust its roadmap for Atom processors in PCs. That's because netbooks, which were largely responsible for the Atom's success, are going away. Asus is phasing out its Eee PC netbook line, Acer may also drop out, and almost everyone else is concentrating on tablets instead. In addition, Windows 8 licensing fees and the move to high-res displays and touch screens also doom inexpensive netbooks. That's unfortunate for the Atom line, especially since the latest Atom N2600 and N2800 performed very well in RuggedPCReview.com benchmark testing. It should be interesting too see how the Atom's future affects vertical market and embedded devices where Atoms are quite popular. -- Posted Monday, September 3, 2012 by chb

Apple future products
It never ceases to amaze us how much "expert" advice there is out there on future Apple products. Bizarre. -- Posted Wednesday, August 29, 2012 by chb

Sony releases slimmer 9.4-inch Tablet S as part of Xperia line
Sony announced today the launch of the aluminum-bodied, NVIDIA Tegra 3 quadcore-powered Android 4.0 Xperia Tablet S, a thin and light device packed with original apps and Sony exclusive features such as a universal remote control with a guest mode. The 1.26 pound Xperia Tablet S has a 9.4-inch 1280 x 800 pixel IPS display, HDMI, a full-size SD Card slot, a 10-hour battery, and it comes in 16GB (US$399), 32GB (US$499) and 64GB (US$599) versions. -- Posted Wednesday, August 29, 2012 by chb

Archos unveils very thin 101 XS tablet
Archos announced its Gen10 XS tablet line. The OMAP 4470-powered ARCHOS 101 XS, a 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 pixel Android 4.0 tablet that weighs 1.3 pounds and is less than a third of an inch thick, will debut mid-September followed by the ARCHOS 97 XS and ARCHOS 80 XS later in 2012. The 101 XS, which will retail for US$399, has 16GB of Flash memory, micro-SUB, MicroSD, mini-HDMI, WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0. [See Archos 101 XS page] -- Posted Tuesday, August 28, 2012 by chb

OmniVision launches cost-competitive 5-megapixel CameraChip sensor for tablets and smart devices
OmniVision, which makes digital imaging solutions, announced the OV5648, a high-performance, low-cost 5-megapixel CameraChip sensor for smartphones and tablets. The new sensor combines a smaller die size with higher quality photography and high definition (1080p/30 and 720p/60) video, and adding a significant improvement in low-light performance. The entire sensor fits into a 6 x 6 mm fixed focus module with a height of less than 4.5 mm. -- Posted Tuesday, August 28, 2012 by chb

DAP Technologies unveils ruggedized Windows tablet with 9.7-inch multi-touch IPS display
Today's market is ready to deploy tablets in numerous areas, but many businesses require a Microsoft OS platform and more ruggedness than media tablets can provide. DAP Technologies addresses these issues with their new Intel Atom N2600-powered M9700 2.2-pound tablet with a 9.7-inch multi-touch display that currently runs Windows Embedded Standard 7, but looks to be Windows 8 ready. The M9700's ruggedness specs far exceed those of consumer media tablets. [See analysis and specs of the DAP M9700 rugged tablet] -- Posted Friday, August 24, 2012 by chb

Latest MobileDemand blog: rugged tablets in retail
MobileDemand posted a new article entitled "Increase Retail Effectiveness with Rugged Tablet PCs." Note that MobileDemand posts brief articles on all sorts of ways of making tablet computers work for industry and business. The latest can always be found here, so if interested, check back frequently. -- Posted Wednesday, August 22, 2012 by chb

N-trig's active pen + multi-touch DuoSense certified for Win 8
N-trig announced that its DuoSense pen and multi-touch user interface has passed Microsoft's requirements for Windows 8 certification with approval of a production-ready system from a major OEM. Optimized for Windows 8 apps that take advantage of the active pen and multi-touch user interface, DuoSense seeks to transform the mobile computing experience from simple media consumption to content creation, increased productivity and true interaction. -- Posted Monday, August 20, 2012 by chb

Weird: Major vendors drop Win RT tablet plans due to "component supply delays"
According to Bloomberg, Toshiba followed HP in announcing it won't initially make tablets for Microsoft's upcoming Windows RT for ARM-based devices. The given reason was "component supply delays." Soooo... Windows tablets were always supposed too expensive and too clumsy to catch on, but now that Windows RT promises less expensive, sleeker ARM-based Windows tablets, the big players want to stay with good, old X86-based tablets. Seems a classic Catch-22. -- Posted Friday, August 17, 2012 by chb

Kno education app and Samsung GALAXY Note 10.1 bring interactive textbook experience to Android
Kno, an erstwhile tablet hardware hopeful turned pioneer in education software, announced that its digital textbook app will debut on Android with the new Samsung GALAXY Note 10.1, providing more choice for parents and students who are heading back to school. Kno's app with over 70 interactive features comes preloaded on the GALAXY Note 10.1, which features Samsung's S Pen technology to enable handwriting recognition and richer interactivity. -- Posted Thursday, August 16, 2012 by chb

Full review: the new Motion F5t tablet
The latest version of Motion's F5 "field tool" has received yet another major power boost thanks to a switch to the Intel 3rd generation Core processor platform. The performance boost is massive and clearly noticeable in almost every aspect. Our benchmarks show an overall 2x improvement over the predecessor model. Even with the much more powerful processor and the same size battery, battery life of the 10.4-inch 3.3-pound tablet has improved significantly. [Read full review of the Motion F5t tablet] -- Posted Tuesday, August 14, 2012 by chb

iPad has 72% marketshare in China in Q2 2012
DigiTimes reports that, according to Chinese Analysys International, the Apple iPad grabbed 72% tablet marketshare in China for Q2 of 2012. Lenovo was a very distant second at just 8.4%, Samsung, Acer, Asus, etc., all had under 4%. Given the large number of Chinese "white box" tablets, the iPad's dominance is surprising. -- Posted Wednesday, August 8, 2012 by chb

Use handwriting to search Google
Did you know you can use handwriting to search Google mobile on touchscreen devices? Simply enable "Handwrite" in the Google screen Search Settings. Thanks, Adam Pash at Lifehacker for pointing that out (see here)! -- Posted Monday, August 6, 2012 by chb

RIM introduces 4G LTE BlackBerry PlayBook
Research In Motion (RIM) launched a new and faster (1.5GHz dual-core CPU) 4G LTE BlackBerry PlayBook tablet with built-in support for cellular networks. Featuring the latest (QNX-based) BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2 software and 32GB of storage, the 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.4 inch 4G LTE BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is also enterprise ready. It can be managed with BlackBerry Mobile Fusion and includes BlackBerry Balance technology, which allows a user to use a BlackBerry PlayBook for both work and personal purposes by keeping business information highly secure and separate from personal information. -- Posted Friday, August 3, 2012 by chb

Thanks to tablets, 2012 will bring new world record in PC shipments
Canalys reported that global client PC shipments rose 12% to 108.7 million units year on year in Q2 2012. Growth in pads more than compensated for disappointing sales of Ultrabooks. The new iPad had the biggest single impact on growth rates in the quarter, but Asus and Samsung made progress with their Transformer and Galaxy Tab product lines. Total pad shipments increased 75% to 24 million units, representing 22% of all PCs. [See Canalys press release] -- Posted Thursday, August 2, 2012 by chb

InfoSonic launches IPx5-sealed R800 7-inch Android tablet
InfoSonics — a designer, manufacturer and provider of wireless handsets and related products to OEMs, carriers and distributors — announced its new shock-resistant Android-based WiFi/3G verykool R800 Outdoor Tablet with with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, up to 16GB of storage and an IPx5 sealing rating, which means it is protected against low-pressure water jets from all directions. [See InfoSonics R800 page] -- Posted Thursday, August 2, 2012 by chb

N-trig offers single-chip pen and multi-touch solution
N-trig, which makes the DuoSense pen and multi-touch user interface, announced that the fourth gen DuoSense chipset family includes single-chip solutions. While competing solutions require either two sensors or multiple chips to support pen and multi-touch, N-trig offers both on a single chip and a single sensor in a compact, low-power solution suitable even for the handheld market. [See N-trig DuoSense overview] -- Posted Tuesday, July 24, 2012 by chb

Motion releases more powerful CL910 tablet
Motion released the Motion CL910, a ultra-mobile, durable 2.2 pound tablet with a 1366 x 768 pixel 10.1-inch outdoor-viewable display that offers both the ease-of-use of projected capacitive multi-touch and the accuracy of an active pen. A new dual-core Atom N2600 processor and other tech updates yields significant performance improvements over the predecessor CL900 model. Pricing starts at US$1,259. [See analysis and specs of the Motion CL910] -- Posted Thursday, July 19, 2012 by chb

Getac E110 rugged tablet: compelling blend of legacy support and next gen technology
With a 10.1-inch daylight-readable 1366 x 768 pixel resistive multi-touch display that works with gloves on, and a speedy 1.86GHz dual core Intel Atom N2800 processor, Getac's new E110 rugged tablet offer a very attractive blend of legacy compatibility/support and next gen design and technology that should greatly appeal to its intended audience in field service, utilities, industry and public safety. [See description and specs of the Getac E110 rugged tablet] -- Posted Tuesday, July 17, 2012 by chb

NPD DisplaySearch: tablet shipments to pass notebook shipments in 2016
NPD DisplaySearch projects tablet shipments to surpass notebook shipments by 2016. According to the projection, while notebook PC shipments are expected to increase from 208 million units in 2012 to 393 million units by 2017, tablet shipments are expected to grow from 121 million units to 416 million units in this period. [See report summary] -- Posted Friday, July 6, 2012 by chb

Added: Updated Gammatech U12Ci rugged convertible notebook with Intel 3rd gen Core processor technology
GammaTech describes its updated Durabook U12Ci as a convertible notebook computer featuring Ultrabook performance in a rugged platform for mission critical applications. The 5.5 pound ruggedized device has been upgraded with available Intel 3rd generation Core i5 and i7 processors, promising much improved graphics performance, longer battery life, and USB 3.0 support, all at an economical price. [See description and specs of the GammaTech Durabook U12Ci -- Posted Monday, July 2, 2012 by chb

Google announces impressive US$199 Nexus 7 tablet
Google is trying hardware again by introducing the Nexus 7, a sleek, elegant 7-inch (1280 x 800 pixel) tablet powered by a quad-core Tegra 3 processor. There is 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth, a micro USB port, Corning glass, an 8-hour battery, GPS, gyroscope, magnetometer, accelerometer, and a front-facing camera. The 0.75 lbs. Nexus 7 is just 0.4 inches thick, will run Android 4.1 ("Jelly Bean") and come with either 8GB (US$199) or 16GB (US$249. If the device, which will start shipping mid-July, is as good as the specs suggest, Google may well have a big winner. [See Google Nexus 7 page] -- Posted Friday, June 29, 2012 by chb

Qualcomm launches Windows RT Metro Style App Developer Contest
Qualcomm announced at Uplinq 2012 the Windows RT Metro Style App Developer Contest, to identify the most promising app for Windows RT devices. The developers of the winning apps will be awarded up to $200,000 in cash prizes. Contest categories include best overall Windows RT app, most compelling connectivity use case, best gaming app, best productivity app and best AllJoyn peer-to-peer application. [See Windows Metro Style App Developer Contest] -- Posted Wednesday, June 27, 2012 by chb

Microsoft tablets a result of hardware partner failure? Not a chance.
Ever since Microsoft provided a glimpse at a couple of "Surface" tablet hardware prototypes, some in the media are describing Microsoft's apparent entry into the hardware market as a result of Microsoft hardware partner failure. As if, somehow, the combined might of the world's computer manufacturers failed to come up with tablet hardware good enough to do Windows justice. [... read more.] -- Posted Wednesday, June 27, 2012 by chb

Advantech 18.5-inch infotainment terminal now with Android 4.0
Advantech announced that its HIT-W181 infotainment terminal is now available with Android 4.0. The fanless HIT-W181 has an 18.5-inch 16:9 aspect ratio wide-format multi-touch screen and is powered by a 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Atom D525 processor. [See Advantech press release] -- Posted Monday, June 25, 2012 by chb

Overview of tablet computer history and future
With Microsoft's unveiling of the "Surface" tablet concept, there is in many places once again the misconception that somehow Microsoft invented the tablet back in 2001. Not so. Tablets have been around for much longer, and they were once nearly as hot as they are now (ever wonder why the ThinkPad laptop is called a pad?). For an interesting overview of tablet technology and some of the early products, view this presentation given by RuggedPCReview.com editor-in-chief Conrad H. Blickenstorfer in Taiwan in December of 2001. [View the "Past and Future of Tablets" presentation (PDF)] -- Posted Thursday, June 21, 2012 by chb

Finnish touch technology company Senseg recognized
Finnish Senseg announced it has been selected by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of its "100 Brilliant Companies" for its haptic touch technology that provides silent touch feedback without vibration by using Coloumb's force to create a small attractive force to finger skin. By modulating this force a variety of sensations can be generated, from textured surfaces and edges to vibrations and more. The technology can be integrated into a new generation of touch interface devices including tablet computers. [See Senseg technology page] -- Posted Thursday, June 21, 2012 by chb

Scriptel announces GloveCap glove-capable capacitive touchscreen technology
Scriptel Corporation announced GloveCap, a new capacitive touchscreen technology that can register contact through most types of electrically insulated materials and has the ability to distinguish touch from bare hands to thick insulated gloves. GloveCap technology can be used in a wide range of consumer and industrial applications including unattended outdoor interactive displays, tablets, computer monitors, medical devices, in-car navigation, and industrial controls. Products using GloveCap technology will be available in Q4 2012. [See Scriptel GloveCap page] -- Posted Wednesday, June 20, 2012 by chb

Motion Computing June 2012 newsletter
Motion Computing issued its June 2012 newsletter. Its spotlight is on Motion's large roster of peripherals for its CL900, F5/C5 and J-Series tablet computers. The newsletter also alerts to upcoming webinars and Motion news coverage. [See Motion Computing's June 2012 newsletter] -- Posted Tuesday, June 19, 2012 by chb

Making the Leap to Cloud Computing with Tablet PCs
MobileDemand posted a nice summary of cloud computing opportunities in a blog entry entitled "Making the Leap to Cloud Computing with Tablet PCs". -- Posted Tuesday, June 19, 2012 by chb

Microsoft unveils Surface tablets
Microsoft unveiled its "Surface" tablet computers in Hollywood, CA. The very iPad-esque looking Surface tablets, which are designed and engineered by Microsoft, will come in two varieties, one running Windows 8 on x86 processors (3rd gen Intel Core) and the other Windows RT on ARM-based systems. Both versions have 10.6-inch displays, kickstands and pressure-sensitive touch covers for typing in an arrangement similar to the Compaq Concerto of the mid-1990s. The x86 version will weigh two pounds and have a 42 watt-hour battery, the ARM version 1.5 pounds with a smaller 31.5 watt-hour battery. The RT model will be available when Windows 8 is released later this year, the x86 model three months later. Differences between the two versions: The x86 model has USB 3.0 instead of 2.0, microSDHC instead of microSD, DiaplayPort instead of Micro HD, up to 128GB instead of up to 64GB. [See Microsoft press release] -- Posted Tuesday, June 19, 2012 by chb

Bracketron unveils iRoom iDock keycard model
Bracketron announced the new Keycard model of its iRoom iDock, a powered, motorized in-wall iPad mounting solution for commercial and residential use. The Keycard model adds transponder technology to the iRoom iDock, providing additional security. The iRoom iDock Keycard can be flush-mounted in the wall to seamlessly integrate the iPad into any room. [See press release] -- Posted Friday, June 15, 2012 by chb

JLT Mobile signs partner agreement with FARA
Swedish rugged computer specialist JLT Mobile Computers said it has signed a partner agreement with Norwegian FARA, a provider of e-ticket solutions for the public transportation sector. In particular, FARA has chosen JLT’s rugged, flexible vehicle computer JLT8404 for its ticketing systems for buses. The computer was tailored to FARA's requirements that it be easily mounted in a bus. [See JLT press release] -- Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2012 by chb

Great article on the demise of Palm and the webOS
theverge.com ran a terrific, detailed story entitled "Pre to postmortem: the inside story of the death of Palm and webOS." Definitely worth reading! [See here] -- Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2012 by chb

Full review: Winmate 9.7-inch rugged Windows tablet with capacitive multi-touch
With Windows 8 getting closer, all eyes are on tablets that run the Redmond OS while still providing the iPad experience, and in a tougher package that can handle bumps and rain. Winmate has one of these, the M970D rugged tablet, and we got an early example for a full review. It is based on the rather quick Intel Atom N2600 processor and has a superb 9.7-inch capacitive multi-touch screen. [Read full review of the Winmate M970D rugged tablet] -- Posted Thursday, May 31, 2012 by chb

Review: Samsung Galaxy Note
As phones get ever larger, wouldn't it be nice to also have a pen for doodling and taking handwritten notes? That's what Samsung thought when it created the Galaxy Note with its huge (for a phone) 5.3" screen. Dan Rasmus takes a detailed look at this "Phablet" with its Wacom technology pen. Does it make sense? Does it work? Who is it for? [See Dan Rasmus' review of the Samsung Galaxy Note] -- Posted Tuesday, May 29, 2012 by chb

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