July 2018

On July 25, 2018, Panasonic announced the Toughbook FZ-T1, a rugged, elegant 5-inch Android v8.1-based combination of smartphone and handheld computer to further expand the company's lineup of rugged, durable devices for mobile workforces in a wide range of roles and industries, including retail and hospitality, manufacturing, transportation and logistics. IP68-sealed and able to handle 5-foot drops, the Toughbook T1 offers industrial-grade scanning and comprehensive onboard communication. [See description, analysis and specs of the Panasonic Toughbook T1]

First look: Panasonic Toughbook FZ-L1
On July 25, 2018, Panasonic announced the Toughbook FZ-L1, a slim and sleek 7-inch Android v8.1-based tablet designed for data collection in retail stores, warehouses field service, transportation and delivery or many other environments where a fragile consumer tablet just won't do. Weighing less than a pound, the IP67-sealed Toughbook L1 includes an integrated barcode reader that is field-configurable for landscape or portrait modes. [See description, analysis and specs of the Panasonic Toughbook L1] -- Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2018 by chb

Handheld announces Verizon Wireless network certification for ALGIZ 8X and Algiz 10X tablets
Handheld Group, a leading supplier of rugged mobile computers, today announced that Verizon Wireless has tested its ALGIZ 8X and ALGIZ 10X rugged Windows tablets and has certified them for use on the Verizon 4G LTE network. Algiz ultra-rugged tablet computers are designed specifically for fieldworkers in challenging environments. [See Handheld news release] -- Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2018 by chb

iKey announces collaboration and availability of two new rugged keyboards for the Dell Latitude 12 Rugged Extreme Tablet
iKey, LTD announces two new rugged, sealed keyboards designed in partnership with Dell for the Dell Latitude 12 Rugged Extreme Tablet. This rugged solution is designed specifically for reliability, affordability and ruggedness, which are absolutely vital to mobile computing in public safety, industrial and energy applications. This Dell solution is being marketed to rugged customers worldwide. [See iKey press release] -- Posted Friday, July 20, 2018 by chb

Google hit with record antitrust fine over Android
European Union regulators have slapped Google with a record five billion dollar fine over using "Android as a vehicle to cement the dominance of its search engine" and pressuring device manufacturers to preinstall a growing number of Google apps. We've definitely seen an increase in the latter over the last several versions of Android, as well as a heavier hand by Google to use its tools and services on Android devices. Android, of course, is free, and so it should be interesting to see how this plays out. [See Gpogle hit with record $5 billion EU antitrust fine] -- Posted Wednesday, July 18, 2018 by chb

Full review: Winmate M101BK tablet/vehicle-mount hybrid with integrated keyboard
The Winmate M101BK is not your typical tablet. It's a Windows 10 tablet with an integrated physical keyboard, one large enough to be actually useful. It has ten function keys. It's also a vehicle-mount computer that's light and handy enough to be used as a standalone tablet, with enough battery to power it through extended data collection and other tasks. [See full review of the Winmate M101BK -- Posted Tuesday, July 17, 2018 by chb

Five ways to tell if your "rugged" tablet, laptop, or handheld is a knock-off
These days, almost any premium, high quality product will quickly be copied and offered at an often much lower price. But, apart even from the legality of blatant copies, are "knock-offs" truly a bargain? What if it looks pretty good and seems a great deal? Tom Kost of Xplore Technologies looks at some of these issues and how to guard against making mistakes in Five ways to tell if your "rugged" tablet, laptop, or handheld is a knock-off. -- Posted Tuesday, July 17, 2018 by chb

Winmate and JLT Mobile Computers to co-host InfoAG Conference
Winmate will be co-exhibiting at the InfoAG Conference with JLT Mobile Computers, a key partner that specializes in providing rugged wireless computers and IT solutions to the agriculture industry. The conference, titled “The Premier Event in Precision Agriculture,” taking place July 17-19 at Union Station in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, has been the premier event for the discussion and advancement of precision agriculture, drawing interest from agriculture professionals globally. [See InfoAG Conference and to register] -- Posted Monday, July 16, 2018 by chb

L-com Introduces new IP67-rated HDMI cables and coupler for extreme connectivity applications
L-com Global Connectivity, a preferred manufacturer of wired and wireless connectivity products, announced today that it has introduced a new line of waterproof HDMI cable assemblies for use in industrial computing, digital signage, factory automation, medical and harsh environment A/V applications. [See L-com press release] -- Posted Thursday, July 12, 2018 by chb

Juniper Systems donates $88k worth of data collection devices to Utah State University's College of Natural Resources
Since the beginning, Juniper Systems has put an importance on education, conserving natural resources, and serving the community. By donating 25 Mesa 2 Rugged Tablets, 6 Geode Sub-meter GPS Receivers, and all the appropriate accessories to Utah State University’s Quinney College of Natural Resources, we strive to continue this focus. These data collection tools will be used to educate undergraduate students on the basics of modern GIS and field data collection and to support graduate student and professor field research projects around the world. [See Juniper Systems donates $88k worth of data collection devices to Utah State University's College of Natural Resources] -- Posted Thursday, July 5, 2018 by chb

Full review: RuggON Rextorm PX501
Now in its 3rd generation, RuggON Corporation's Rextorm PX501 has always been one of the toughest, most polished rugged tablets available. Designed as a general purpose rugged tablet, the PX501 can be used for a vast variety of applications. Its sharp and bright 10.1-inch display makes it especially suitable for graphics-intense mapping and positioning deployments where precision and minute details matter. The powerful Intel "Kaby Lake" processor makes for excellent performance and very good battery life. A very compelling rugged tablet solution that convinces on every level. [See full review of the RuggON Rextorm PX501] -- Posted Thursday, July 5, 2018 by chb

Zebra Technologies to acquire Xplore Technologies
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), and Xplore Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: XPLR) today announced that their boards of directors have approved a definitive agreement in which Zebra will acquire all outstanding common stock of Xplore for $6.00 per share in cash. Under the terms of the agreement, Zebra plans to effect the acquisition via a tender offer. [See Zebra press release] -- Posted Thursday, July 5, 2018 by chb

Xplore Technologies reports fiscal 2017 financials, announces acquisition by Zebra
Xplore Technologies reported financials for all of their fiscal 2018 that ended ended March 31, 2018. For the entire fiscal year 2018, Xplore reported revenues of US$86.9 million, up 11.6% from US$77.9 million for fiscal 2017. There was net profit of US$0.3 million for the full year, compared with a net loss of US$2.6 million in 2017. Xplore reported revenue of $20.3 million for fiscal Q4, 2018, up 20% from the $16.9 million in the year-ago fourth quarter. CEO Tom Wilkinson stated: “Our success as the #2 global provider of rugged tablets and strong growth outlook earned the notice of Zebra Technologies, the global leader in rugged mobile computers, barcode scanners and barcode printers. This morning we announced an agreement to be acquired by Zebra for $6.00 per share." [See Xplore fiscal 2018 financials] -- Posted Thursday, July 5, 2018 by chb