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All Entries Tagged With: "TabletKiosk"
TabletKiosk Sahara 15” Kiosk
TabletKiosk just showed off their new 15” Sahara slate kiosk featuring a 3M capacitive touch digitizer. This is a mountable solution, has a 1.06 Celeron processor, 4GB of ram. It is a beast – good thing it is designed to be mountable.
TabletKiosk’s eo TuffTab
TabletKiosk’s eo TuffTab is undergoing a complete redesign: Intel Atom 1.6 ghz, 2gb ram, gps, dual hot-swappable batteries, pcmcia slot, GOBI. Shipping in May.
More pictures after the break.
TabletKiosk’s eo i7300 – 7” Active Digitizer and Touch
TabletKiosk’s redesigned i7300 7” ultra-mobile pc will feature a auto-sensing Wacom active digitzer and touch – the only 7” active digitizer on the market. In addition, it will now feature a Intel Atom 1.6 ghz processor and dual hot-swappable battery. With both batteries, TabletKiosk’s report a 9 hour battery life. digitizer
The eo i7300 will ship in April
TabletKiosk’s New MediSlate
Just got out of a meeting with TabletKiosk where they showed off their new MediSlate MCA. The screen is resistive touch, has dual hot-swappable batteries, and runs an Intel Atom processor. It’ll be available to order in the middle of January, shipping end of January, no pricing available at this point. Here some pictures.
TabletKiosk has reported a 40% sales increase in 2008 over 2007, and had a record month in December. Their vertical focus is working very good for them.
More pictures after the break.
We Love Reviewing Stuff
Gail Levy and the UMPC Is Dead Meme
Gail Levy of TabletKiosk has an interesting post about the UMPC is Dead meme. Her point is a good one. UMPCs may in fact be well on their way out as a consumer device, but she still sees some life in the 7 inch Tablet PC form factor. From her perspective within TabletKiosk, they are still seeing growth in non-consumer sectors for the eo platform and TabletKiosk is looking to show off their latest line extensions at CES 2009.
I, for one, am glad to hear Gail’s perspective on this because it is important both for the 7 inch screen size as well as for larger Tablet PCs. There is hope within the niche.
Chad Essley Reviews The Sahara i440D Tablet PC
In true artist fashion, Chad Essley has reviewed the popular Sahara i440D Tablet PC from Tablet Kiosk. I really like his fresh approach to reviews. Coming from an artist who places a high value on the pen and the digitizer, you’ll find this review very, very helpful and entertaining.
This morning, as I sleepily wombled around the house.. I managed to do something.. something very very STUPID. I spilled and ENTIRE FULL CUP OF COFFEE on my new laptop. The I440D! AAGGGHHH!!! I immediately turned the power off, but it was too late. The machine was running, but the screen was black. Agh!! I had to send it back to TabletKiosk for repair! The review is definitely postponed.. I thought..
GBM Podcast #62: An Inventory of the Tablet PC Space
What’s going on of late in the Tabletscape? Rob and Warner take an inventory of what we’ve seen lately (or not) from the various Tablet PC OEMs, and also discuss what we might or might not see coming up in the month’s ahead. They also spend some time talking about Rob’s issues with Dell and the N-Trig Digitizer. Where that is going no one really knows, but with multi-touch in Windows 7 about to debut is there really a reliable device out there to test it on? In addition to welcoming Rob back to the podcast, they also welcome back the Nothing But Net segment as they talk about what’s going on in the still wacky world of Netbooks these days. And make sure you check out the latest GBM Contest and win yourself an I’m A PC t-shirt.
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Download GBMPodcast #62 here. (51.5.7MB 56.20 minutes)
- Lenovo/HP Tablet PC Shootout
- Lenovo/Dell Tablet PC Shootout
- GBM Contest: Are You a PC?
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GETAC G840XT- Out In The Field With The GPS
As I continue my review of the GETAC/TabletKiosk G840XT, this post is going to focus on the integrated GPS reciever that is built into the unit. Though we had some initial doubts, the GPS proved to be a solid performer for data collection while being tested out in the field.
Some background:
Normally when out in the field we are using a Total Station or a Trimble GeoXT GPS unit. Most of my experience has been with the GeoXT unit, so that is what we will be comparing for now. The Trimble GeoXT unit has an accuracy rating of ‘sub meter’ and after post processing one can get some really accurate results. As always, the more satellites the unit can see, the better the results. The GeoXT is built for accurate data collection so there is a large antenna right on the top of the unit so it can see as many satellites as possible.
The GETAC G840XT GPS
Like I said in my initial post, we were a bit worried when we first started thinking about using the GPS unit inside the G840XT. Built in system with no external antenna – we thought the reception was going to be unusable. In my previous tests while filming the InkShow, I was on the move and it did a good job while walking around. This test was going to be taking points while standing still, so the fix was hopefully going to be much better.
The Testing:
Since the G840XT was just a trial run for us, we had both units out in the field. The real work was done on the GeoXT and the GETAC with a custom application running was an innocent bystander. The performance of the GETAC was surprising as we started collecting at each site. When looking at the screen, our location on screen was showing up almost spot on where it was supposed to be on the aerial photos. As we were collecting data, the point locations form this little PC were amazingly accurate. Then once we started comparing the data back in the office to the points collected by the GeoXT we were even more suprised. I wouldn’t go so far as saying it would replace the GeoXT, but for a full featured, rugged, full Windows running PC it is a very good option. Plus, the bigger screen allows for more data to be seen from the surrounding area, giving an almost ‘in field’ analysis. For example, If we see an area with lots of collected items within one grid, we can assume we are going to find adjoining items in an adjoining grid before we even get there.
The Results:
After looking at all of the points and comparing them with the sub meter GeoXT, we were surprised that the overall accuracy was within an average of 3 feet from the true location on the ground. Some were well off and those skewed the results, but most were within an acceptable range. There are 2 things to mention here though – 1. We were in an open field with clear view of the satellites 2. The unit had time to get a good reading while we were taking our actual reading from the GeoXT. These are just factors to be aware of because if you are only using one unit, the acquisition time and PDOP take a some time to provide a good accurate reading. Since the GETAC was used second, this gave plenty of time for the unit to acquire a good strong signal.
GPS Final Say:
We were very happy with the results of the GPS. I don’t feel it could take the place of the Trimble GPS unit for high accuracy data collection with the hardware setup we had with the G840XT, but if you are looking for an accurate GPS for other types of projects this could be a great unit right out of the box. A couple off the top of my head would be:
Telephone pole locating – with post processing aerial rectification of the data where needed
Trail marking
Storm Structure collection
Note: Tests and situations vary, these are my results and yours may vary in accuracy.
Tablet PC 101: Slate Tablet PCs
Many of our readers are looking to get in to a tablet pc for the very first time. As one might expect, the terrain can be a little difficult to navigate. Tablet PC 101 will be a periodic primer series focused on the basics of Tablet PCs. While this is just a primer series, I’d encourage all readers to dig in to our forums for more in depth information on tablet pcs.
There are two basic types of Tablet PCs: convertibles and slates. Convertible Tablet PCs are full computers and look just like a notebook pc, only the screen swivels around so it can also be operated in “slate” mode. Slate Tablet PCs are also full computers, but they typically lack a notebook style keyboard, with some even offering a slide-up or built-in keyboard to the face of the screen. Both convertibles and slates can be operated by a digitizer pen, a finger, a keyboard, or a portable keyboard. Input using the pen is done by handwriting a note, writing in to a input window which then converts your handwriting to text, or is pecked out using an onscreen keyboard. Input can also be accomplished by using the keyboard or speech recognition.
Let’s dig in a little deeper to slate Tablet PCs:
Slate Tablet PCs come in various sizes, ranging from 5” to 12.1”, with most of them being in the 12.1” size range. The digitizer is normally either active ( works only with a pen ) or is dual mode (switches between active and touch). Most slate tablet pcs also have docking stations, so they can be used with a full keyboard, mouse, and monitor while deskbound or needing to dock in a vehicle. There are a range of non-rugged, semi-rugged, and rugged slate tablet pcs. Though not always the case, slate tablet pcs are often lighter than their convertible cousins. Slate Tablet PCs also lack a built-in cd drive, relying instead on a portable drive. However, slates, like Motion Computing’s F5, are now including rear-facing web cams to capture pictures like a traditional camera would.
People interested in slate tablet pcs will typically fit one or more of the following scenarios:
- they use their computer while walking or standing around
- when away from the office, they don’t typically need a keyboard. If the need to type comes up, a portable keyboard will usually suffice
- taking notes with a pen is a primary input need over a keyboard
- their job involves a lot of touch input
- collection of form data in an office or kiosk environment
- graphic artist
- delivery personnel
- field force workers
- medical worker
- Salesperson
- might need a secondary computer to compliment a more powerful desktop / laptop
Checkout some of the following companies and their line of slate Tablet PCs:
- Axiotron – ModBook (Apple based slate tablet pc)
- Electrovaya
- Fujitsu
- MobileDemand
- Motion Computing
- OQO
- Panasonic
- TabletKiosk
- xPlore
- Also, checkout valued added resellers, like Allegiance Technology Partners, which offers free 48-hour demos of most of the tablet pcs listed above
GETAC G840XT Out In The Field
Over the past few weeks the GETAC has seen some real action out in the field. This rugged unit from TabletKiosk appeared to be a great unit for our field work and it was in my hands at the right time! We used the G840XT as a little experiment to see if it would be beneficial for future data collection.
This unit was a data collecting machine!! This is how we put it to the test:
The GPS:
The GPS unit built inside the GETAC was part of the reason we decided to use this Tablet PC for our testing, and the fact that I had been shipped the unit about 2 weeks before this field trip. We weren’t expecting too much from the GPS because it was built in to the unit and there wasn’t an external antenna. Knowing this information we didn’t expect to use it to collect the location of each item, but it would be great for mapping the general location of clusters, hot spots, corner locations and other general data points. As we moved further into the testing we realized that it could be used for a little more than general locations… we had some results that were within a foot!!
The Custom Application:
With the GETAC in our possession, it went under the hand of Visual Studio. This unit sporting a touch screen and a number pad was perfect for easily collecting data in the field. The big button number keys were considered while programming for easily entering numbers into the form, and making the buttons bigger on the screen when creating the application made for easy use of the touch screen. Adding these two things together made the collection easy and fast after the form was put onto the GETAC!
The Usability (Rugged/Design):
Taking this unit out in the field just made sense… I mean it is a rugged unit built up to Mil specs. How about actually using it though? Well, it ended up being a great experience. We didn’t have a case for it, but we’ll cover that in another post later in the week. The bumpers on each corner are there for protection, but they made a great ‘handle’ to carry the unit around while moving to and from each area. The balance on the G840XT felt good when cradling it in your arm, but was easier for the right handed people because of the placement of the number pad.
I will expand on each of these items over the next couple of days with deeper explanations and with more details of each item. There will be more thrown in to each post, but these are going to be the main topics for each of the following posts.
TabletKiosk and DEA Ink A Deal
TabletKiosk is forging into the event and management space via their new partner, Dean Evans & Associates (DEA). From their press release:
TabletKiosk®, a leader in Tablet PC and mobile computing solutions, is pleased to welcome Dean Evans & Associates (DEA), a leading developer of facility and resource scheduling and shared workspace management software solutions, as a new strategic ISV partner in the meeting and event management arena.
“As two innovation leaders in their respective markets, TabletKiosk and DEA are in a unique position to combine technologies to offer a wholly mobile terminal for managing resources,” said Martin Smekal, president of TabletKiosk. “Because DEA targets many of our same vertical markets that we do, including Healthcare, Education and State and Local governments, I see a great deal of synergy between our companies and look forward to a long term business relationship.”
For mobile deployment of its signature Event Management System (EMS), DEA has chosen the Sahara Slate PC i440T for its resistive touch screen interface combined with a sleek, carry-everywhere design.
GETAC G840XT Series Primer
It’s been a while since I have talked about the G840XT from TabletKiosk that I have been evaluating, but that’s about to change this week The unit has seen a lot of action but it hasn’t been here in the office – it’s been in action out in the dirt and rain!
For two weeks, that GETAC unit was out collecting data, getting dirty and put thru some major tests. This week I will be reporting the results of the test in a series of posts. i will be covering things form usability, performance, durability and in the end – a nice rugged test!
Stay tuned for the posts this week if you are interested in the GETAC G840Xt rugged Tablet PC!!
New Support Offerings for TabletKiosk / Linux Owners
TabletKiosk is making it easier for their Linux owners to get needed updates. The Mobility Matters blog has all the details, but here is a quick run down:
Our project manager in Germany has recently updated our Linux images and new applications (tkcontrol menu, hrw, drivers) on www.tabletkiosk.de for use with our slate tablet PCs.
These new Linux images will enable those less familiar with Linux to install our updates or drivers via their RPM package manger with one-click -and are supported by openSUSE, RedHat and other RPM-based Linux distributions.
In order to create an ongoing support system for Linux users, we are encouraging our Linux customers to click on the advanced settings tab to create an automatic prompt for future site updates and new applications as they are added. This will take TabletKiosk to the next level of Linux support as we continue to integrate ourselves as a full solution provider to our openSUSE installations.
TabletKiosk To Go From 6 to 10 Tablet SKUs in 2009
Gail Levy on Mobility Matters is blogging about TabletKiosk’s recently concluded Sales Team meeting. TabletKiosk has added some new members to its growing team but it also looks like we may see some interesting developments coming in 2009. According to Gail’s notes TabletKiosk will be jumping from 6 Tablet SKUs to 10 Tablet SKUs in 2009. We’ll have to keep our eyes open on how that will play out.
Check out the full post on Mobility Matters