March 2014

Electronic devices can contain valuable data for those who investigate crimes. But extracting evidence from phones the traditional way requires multiple computers and software applications, and a lengthy set-up process in an indoor lab. The law enforcement organizations and forensics customers of Data Duplication Limited, a U.K.-based provider, needed an easy-to-use solution that could do all that in the field — and they found their solution in the Handheld Group's ALGIZ 7. [See Solving Crimes, Without Cracking Cases]

Motion launches sleek, lightweight Haswell-powered 12.5-inch full 1080p tablet with dual-mode input and a wealth of accessories
Tablet pioneer Motion Computing announced the latest offering in their mobile technology portfolio, the rugged Motion R12 tablet computer. The Intel Haswell-powered R12 has a 12.5-inch multi-touch screen with full 1080p 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution as well as a Wacom pen and Gorilla Glass 3 protection. The rugged R12 is just 0.65 inches thick, weighs under three pounds, has dual cameras (2mp and 8mp), 9+ hour battery life, can handle 4-foot drops and is IP54 sealed. There's Wireless-AC plus Bluetooth 4.0, integrated or dedicated GPS, as well as optional 4G LTE, 1D/2D scanner, HF RFID, and desktop and vehicle docks. [See description, analysis, and specs of the Motion R12 rugged tablet] -- Posted Tuesday, March 25, 2014 by chb

New on the Xplore Technologies blog
It's always important to get the rugged computing message out there, and Xplore Technologies is certainly doing its share on its very active blog. Recent postings include a feature on park rangers covering more ground with rugged tablets, one on how Common Access Card cards keep data safe for military personnel, one on advancing diagnostic power with rugged tablets in the manufacturing industry, one on how GIS technology on tablets can accelerate pipeline projects, one on rugged tablets helping cable TV installers, and one on warehouses seeing less disruptions working wirelessly. -- Posted Monday, March 24, 2014 by chb

CDW and leading developers deliver enterprise mobile apps via new App Marketplace
Business-oriented technology solutions provider CDW announced its new App Marketplace — a single, online destination that connects its customers with leading developers and enterprise mobile apps across multiple business functions. Unlike apps designed for individual users, the App Marketplace provides customized enterprise apps created by developers with proven and relevant experience. These include Avnet, Canvas, IBM, Lextech, SAP, Symphony Teleca and WillowTree, with more being added. [See CDW's App Maketplace] -- Posted Monday, March 24, 2014 by chb

Two Panasonic tablet issue white papers
Panasonic alerted us to two interesting white papers. The first looked at attitudes toward business tablets based on a survey of more than 230 IT decision makers representing an install base of 13,000 tablets. The study found that security rated as the top priority at 70%, battery life at 65% and durability at 53% -- but all three areas exhibited among the lowest degree of satisfaction. The second examines issues around reliability of tablets in the workplace, and found that 47% of British workers using consumer tablet PCs in the workplace experienced device failures in the past two years. [Read white papers Panasonic's Toughpad line: Reliable performance, rugged design and Tablet troubles: a study of tablet use in British business] -- Posted Friday, March 14, 2014 by chb

New articles on the Xplore Technologies Blog
Xplore Technologies' bloggers have been active. There's an article on How RFID Readers Improve Utility Pole Inspections, one on how Pennsylvania bridge repairs were aided by rugged tablets, and one on how rugged tablets help solar technicians shine on the job. Xplore technologies adds new articles on how rugged tablets are being used out there in the field every two or three days, so stop by the Rugged Xplore Blog often. -- Posted Tuesday, March 11, 2014 by chb

Class 1 Division 2 rugged tablets available from MobileDemand
MobileDemand announced that its popular xTablet T7200 and xTablet T1200 are now available as C1D2-certified rugged tablets. The certification covers usage in areas where combustible gases such as Acetylene, Hydrogen, Ethylene, and Propane (Groups A-D) are present abnormally. So if an accidental discharge happens, you can rest assured that our C1D2 tablets will not emit any electrical arcs or sparks, nor have any hot surfaces that will cause those gases to explode. [See product pages for the xTablet T1200 C1D2 and xTablet T1200 C1D2. -- Posted Tuesday, March 4, 2014 by chb