- Matt Faulkner

I have a fun weekend ahead of me with this one!  We bought one of those large wooden swings sets for my daughter, and guess who gets to put it together...  Yep, that will be my weekend.  Of course, it will all be worth it when she sees the final product!!

How does this relate to Tablet PC's?  Well, I have the G840XT from TabletKiosk and what better use than when I am outside working!  I took the instruction manual and scanned it into a PDF.  From that PDF, I have been using the rugged unit to help keep track of things as I am getting everything prepared.  The first step was to use the G840XT to take an inventory of what was in the box and label every piece of wood (this will help me later).  Using the tablet, I checked off one by one as I took it out of the box!

I have the rest of the instructions from the manual on the G840XT and will be using the unit as I move outside.  This is a great use of this rugged machine as I don't have to worry about it falling off the stack of wood, dropping it in the grass or anything else that I would have to worry about during the construction if I was using a regular Tablet PC!  Maybe I'll add some video to the InkShow I am filming of me accidentally dropping it off the swing set when I am finished with it!

- Rob Bushway

Tablet PC technology really begins to shine for businesses when it is coupled with software that helps to streamline work flow, which in turn, helps cash flow. That is what Active Ink Software's Service Manager does by automating the process of work orders, communications with service technicians, and invoicing back in the home office. In short, it is a complete end-to-end solution for the field force office by integrating QuickBooks with form data capturing in the field.

The Service Manager incorporates the following features:

· Business form templates.

· Interoperability with QuickBooks® Accounting.

· Connectivity with Microsoft’s Outlook.

· Pen input, handwriting recognition and signature capture.

For more info on the The Service Manager, read the press release below, visit Active Ink's website, and watch the video (WMV). The Service Manager is available for $999.

Active Ink Software, Inc. announced the general availability of The Service Manager, a tablet PC application for field service professionals.

The Service Manager automates the process of managing incoming service calls and emailing work orders to technicians in the field. The work orders are filled out on a tablet PC and forwarded back to the home office where an invoice is automatically generated. The whole process of dispatching service professionals, filling out work orders and generating invoices has been completed automated.

- Rob Bushway

MobileDemand's xTablet seems to have a problem with gambling. First, it makes a mysterious appearance in Vegas during CES 2008; and now, it has taken over ABC's new game show, Wanna Bet.

Tune in Monday evenings, at 8pm Central Time on ABC, to watch the celebrity panel use the xTablet to record their bets. Should be fun - just be sure to keep an eye on your wallet...

 

- Truc Bui

I love watching destruction of office equipment. Maybe it's my secret desire to give a few of my non-functioning peripherals the Office Space treatment. In all seriousness though, having a durable external hard drive is essential in the mobile space. Popular Mechanics has posted a head-to-head review complete with video of four popular portable external hard drives and drop-tested them to see which one held up the best.

 

 

- Rob Bushway

When folks get their hands on a MobileDemand xTablet T8700, they normally try to push the edges in testing. Such is the case here.

RuggedPCReview.com not only got the T8700 wet, they took it underwater with them and inked while swimming and scuba diving. Totally amazing that it still worked when submerged in so much water, and for so long. This is well worth your watching.

 

 

- Truc Bui

Back in February, RMT released a resistive touch rugged tablet for the vertical market. Rugged PC Review finally got their hands on a review unit and posted an in-depth look on their site. One of the most intriguing aspects of the Duros is the option to run Windows XP Embedded. The advantage of having XP Embedded is a minimal installation of the OS.  A company can custom design the OS around specific components depending on what the tablet is needed for. As little as 8MB with a bootable kernal or 40MB of OS footprint would be needed for day-to-day operations. With such a small impact on system resources from the OS, the Duros proved to be quite zippy with even the slow 500MHz processor. Full customization includes a choice of operating systems ranging from the lightweight XP Embedded and Linux utilizing AMD's LX 800 chipset operating at 500MHz to the resource intensive Windows Vista running Intel's Celeron M ULV 373 chipset at 1.0GHz. Hard drive options start with a 40GB HDD and ends at 120GB with a 64GB SSD thrown in for good measure. More pictures and the full review can be found on Rugged PC Review's site.

 

- Rob Bushway

Businesses reap huge benefits when they are able to implement solutions like what Active Ink Software has demoed below. Using their form collection software and Motion Computing's Semi-Rugged F5 Tablet PC, Active Ink captures images real time using the F5 integrated camera, annotates them, and sync them to the home office using the F5's integrated WWAN. This is a great example of a software solution harnessing the power of the hardware to provide real value.

 

 

- Truc Bui

One of the most entertaining stress tests I've seen for a rugged tabletPC came from our very own GBM Team covering CES 2008 while abusing MobileDemand's xTablet. That abuse proved to be small potatoes compared to this video showing it being used as a hammer. The abuse continued with the release of an xTablet baseball bat video. Then there's video of the xTablet surviving a carwash on the MobileDemand website. I've just come across this video of the xTablet going for a swim posted on TabletPCMagazine. It's entertaining and amazing how well built and resilient the xTablet line is.

- Rob Bushway

The new rugged Ultra-Mobile PC from Panasonic is raising quite a few eyebrows these days, and rightly so. TrustedReviews.com has very thorough review of this intriguing rugged UMPC, including some up-close pics. As we've stated before, the integrated keyboard looks quite small and challenging, but given its intended use, it just might be a winner. I wonder what the impact of this device will be upon MobileDemand's T8700 and Motion Computing's F5 and the Getac?

Pricing: £900.00, which is roughly $1700.

 

From the author:

I've never been fully convinced of the merit of a UMPC. The problem with the platform has always been that a general purpose PC simply doesn't work in this form factor. However, Panasonic has taken the right approach, by creating a device that can be targeted at specific tasks, and has the potential to excel in the right environment.

If you're a field worker that needs a fully rugged machine, but doesn't need a fully featured notebook, the CF-U1 will make a perfect companion. The Atom platform gives this device a decent amount of grunt, while the dual battery setup makes for impressive operation times. The hot swap battery is the icing on the cake, meaning that you won't have to shut down in the middle of something important when you run out of juice.

The fully configurable nature also means that you can spec the CF-U1 with exactly what you need to get the job done. Ultimately, if you've been put off rolling out fully rugged ToughBooks to your team because of the high cost and heavy, bulky form factor, the CF-U1 is what you've been waiting for.

Thanks for the link, Herushan

 

- Matt Faulkner

We've seen quite a few rugged Tablet PC coming around lately, so this one fits right in with all these current releases.  The Algiz 10 Rugged Tablet PC looks quite impressive for the rugged tabletscape - I really like that handle on there, kind of like the Motion C5.  That handle should be really handy out in the field!

• ULV 1.2GHz Core Duo
• 80GB drive
• 2GB of RAM
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• EDGE / GPRS radio
• 9-cell 7800mAh Li-on battery (XP for 7 hours!!)

No word on pricing just yet...

- Rob Bushway

Motion Computing is improving upon their C5 / F5 Tablet PCs by integrating WWAN into the C5, offering SSD as an option, increasing HDD capacity at no additional cost, and introducing new accessories like the new Mobile Dock and Flex Carry hand strap.

If you have not been reading our Talk To Motion thread, be sure to. Fascinating comments for sure.

Motion Computing® , a leader in mobile computing and wireless communications, today announced the C5 mobile clinical assistant (MCA) and F5 semi-rugged tablet PC feature upgrades and new custom peripherals created for the unique design of the devices. The C5 now features integrated mobile broadband and solid state drive (SSD) options to extend its usability to the point of care, regardless of patient location. Additionally, the C5 and F5 now feature improved capacity with standard 80 GB hard disk drives (HDD) at no additional cost.

“Motion understands mobile workforces and we are focused on improving productivity across a broad range of environments, from the patient bedside to the construction site,” said Mike Stinson, VP of Marketing at Motion. “Customer feedback is a critical part of improving our tablet PCs, and based on recent input we’re confident that these upgrades will enable our target customers to be more productive, no matter where work takes them.”

With the C5’s optional integrated mobile broadband, mobile clinicians can improve productivity by accessing important patient information, including digital images and patient history details. For many mobile point of care applications, such as those in home healthcare, ongoing connectivity will enable better collaboration with other treating clinicians and reduce travel time by allowing the immediate transfer of documentation after every patient visit, which can reduce processing delays and improve billing cycle times. Additionally, the optional SSD will help further protect the C5 from the occasional bumps and drops experienced by highly mobile professionals.

Motion® continually adds features and options that help organizations reduce the number of devices technicians carry, improve workflow, reduce data collection errors and ensure users can communicate with host systems and each other from the field. With a new standard 80 GB HDD in the Motion F5 semi-rugged tablet PC, mobile field forces in construction, government, field sales and service, and manufacturing are now able to store more images and other documentation, allowing them to complete tasks and solve customer issues when away from the office.

Motion also announced today new peripherals, custom-designed for the C5 and F5 that offer expanded options to more easily transport, charge and utilize the PCs while away from the office or standard docking stations.

Motion Mobile Dock. The Motion Mobile Dock offers the convenience of docking the C5 or F5 in almost any location, such as a vehicle, wall or cabinet, and features full port replication and charging capabilities.

Motion Flex Carry. An ergonomic solution that provides alternate methods for carrying and holding the devices throughout the workday, the Flex Carry includes shoulder and hand straps and easily fits into the standard docking station for uninterrupted workflows.
Motion tablet PCs now ship with Windows Vista® Business, which offers integrated features that improve the tablet computing experience. Benefits include improved handwriting recognition, enhanced searching capabilities, tablet input panel with auto-fill features for email addresses and URLs and pen clicks that enable users to quickly conduct an action with a simple pen gesture.

The Motion F5, C5 and Flex Carry are available now through Motion’s network of resellers and distributors. The Mobile Dock is expected to ship August 1, 2008. Visit www.motioncomputing.com/buy/index.asp for more information.

- Rob Bushway

Rugged Tablet PCs have been getting quite bit of focus lately with MobileDemand's xTablet T8700, Motion Computing's F5, and Panasonic's most recent entry. Considering the unique nature and market for rugged devices, I've decided to launch a new forum category to discuss issues particular to rugged units: weight, testing, applications, verticals, semi-rugged, fully rugged, peripherals, etc. If you are using a rugged tablet pc, a developer for rugged apps, or are in the market for a rugged device, head on over.

- Rob Bushway

I've been having this back and forth discussion with Warner about Motion Computing's F5 Tablet PC. He's had it for several months and seems to conveniently forget to send it back to me, even though I bring it up on a weekly basis. I know he is busy using it to help launch his new theater, but I want it back; so, I thought I'd take my issue public.

I miss the F5 badly, Warner, and I want it. I love the inking, the 10" inch screen, the seamless bezel, the integrated WWAN, the handle, the semi-ruggedness - it is just a great slate tablet pc and I want to begin using it again.

You've got my address.

- Sierra Modro

Sybase iAnywhere announced today that they'll provide full support for the Panasonic Toughbook U1, the new rugged ultra-low-small PC. Sybase iAnywhere Afaria a core component of the Information Anywhere suite, provides comprehensive management and security capabilities to ensure that mobile data and devices are up-to-date, reliable and secure." Fundamentally more of an IT application, but it should certainly help the deployment possibilities for the new Toughbook U1.

Read the full Press Release

- Matt Faulkner

I noticed this today on YouTube - demonstration of the Winmate2007 rugged Tablet PC.  I could be wrong, but I don't remember seeing anything about this one in the past.  Very informative video and the case that comes with it looks useful too!

W770 is our new product, Rugged Tablet PC, VIA C7M CPU ,8.4" or 10.4" LCD with 4-wire touch screen, Microsoft Win XP embedded. It focuses on the vertical market as Law enforcement, Field service, manufacturing & warehouse, Fire and emergency services, transportation & distribution, Utility & energy and Military which need mobile and rugged device as W770 for the application. With a Rugged bag, the device is able to pass the drop test from 3 feet high. Please watch the video for its operating presentation.

- Rob Bushway

Only MobileDemand would think of this: using a T8700 Rugged Tablet PC to hit a baseball.

- Rob Bushway

MobileDemand is continuing to make progress in the rugged tablet pc space, this time inking a deal with Affiliated Foods Midwest:

Affiliated Foods Midwest, a member-owned grocery cooperative headquartered in Norfolk, Neb., recently partnered with rugged Tablet PC manufacturer MobileDemand to help simplify its order entry process and streamline operations - a move that helped significantly decrease the cost of goods sold for participating retailers.

The 850 independent grocers that make up AFM previously used small screen handheld computers for their order entry process. This forced them to download data to a desktop computer to review, optimize and finally place the order. The co-op recognized that this was a time-consuming and inefficient process and presented an opportunity to switch to a new full screen, rugged mobile computing system.

- Matt Faulkner

I have been going over the TabletKiosk G840XT for a while now and have been pretty happy with what I have seen so far!.  The unit still feels really light for a rugged unit, that's for sure!  I didn't think I would like the 'number pad' at first, but after having it on the unit, it's a nice addition.  This InkShow is Part 1 of 2.  I needed to make sure I had a few shots of the device before I started to beat it up and break it right :)

In this InkShow I take the G840XT for an spin looking mostly at the software.   I add a couple of comments on the exterior that I didn't mention in the Shortcut I filmed a couple of weeks ago.  I go over some of the software that is specific to the machine and I also take it out on a quick GPS test.

- Rob Bushway

The folks at MobileDemand and the Box Canyon Dairy have been putting rugged Tablet PCs to the test, using them to help streamline management of the dairy's breeding and vet procedures. They've produced a thorough of a case study, complete with video and written documentation.

Here is a description of the problem MobileDemand was aiming to solve for Box Canyon Dairy, along with some videos, and more information on MobileDemand's website:

Idaho Dairy Reduces Cattle Wrangling Time by 50 Percent with New Software, RFID and a Rugged Tablet PC.

CHALLENGE

· Streamline management of the dairy’s complex breeding and veterinary procedures

· Provide employees with access to up-to-date information

SOLUTION

· Migrate existing software to a mobile, full screen TabletPC

· Introduce mobile version of DairyQuest on to fully digitize management of dairy’s veterinary procedures

RESULT

• More efficient, streamlined operations

• More accurate decision making, less errors

Scott Haag, general manager of Box Canyon Dairy in Wendell, Idaho is all too familiar with challenges of running large dairy. The 2,500-acre dairy roughly 100 miles southeast of Boise, has been in operation for the past 26 years and milks roughly 7,000 cows on a regular basis. The dairy owns an additional 1,000 dry cows and is in the process of buying another dairy, which will bring its total count to approximately 10,000 cows.

With an operation of this magnitude, management of the veterinary care and breeding of these animals is not only a priority but a necessity. So, when Haag decided to implement a more efficient process for the health, care and breeding of the cows, he turned to ProfitSource, a software developer for the agriculture industry based in Wisconsin, and MobileDemand, a rugged Tablet PC manufacturer based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The resulting implementation has completely transformed daily operations at the dairy.

By MobileDemand: http://www.RuggedTabletPC.com

And ProfitSource: http://www.DairyQuest.com

 

- Rob Bushway

A lot of readers like to know how different screen technologies work indoors and out.

In this video from MobileDemand, they compare their xView screen to their standard display.

 

Here are the show notes from MobileDemand's video:

This video demonstrates the difference in direct sunlight and indoors between the standard xTablet Tablet PC display and the new xView sunlight readable display.  We show you various angles during a sunny day in direct sunlight. 

Note that the displays are nearly equivelent indoors, while the sunlight readable display is far superior in direct sunlight.

We intend to also demonstrate the difference and viewability of each display while inside of a vehicle, such as a beer truck.  MobileDemand has sold thousands of tablets that are used in beer trucks and other vehicles with our standard display and have had great success.  That extra little bit of shade inside the vehicle makes all the difference so the standard display is easily viewable. 

The MobileDemand xTablet is your rugged computing solution for the wireless world. What sets the xTablet apart? Three words: POWER, CAPABILITY and RUGGEDNESS. With the industry’s highest processor performance, this resilient tablet PC can be used anywhere from the shop floor, to the delivery truck to the checkout line. And our military-tested ruggedness will meet your business’ performance standards. Features include:

· Integrated numeric keypad

· Bar-code scanner

· Credit card reader

· Sunlight readable display

· Vehicle mounts and accessories are also available to complete your system

The xTablet is a versatile, flexible and powerful performer that is designed with your needs in mind.