March 2013

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