ARCHIVE FOR THE ‘rugged-tablet’ CATEGORY

In this excerpt from a recent Field Service News webcast sponsored by rugged computing specialist Xplore Technologies FSN Editor-in-Chief, Kris Oldland is joined by Steve Priestly and Cliff Adams of Xplore and Bob Ashenbrenner of Durable Mobility Technologies as they discuss some of the key questions around device choices field service organisations should be making including asking whether the lines between rugged and consumer are blurring, how to decide which form factor is right for your service technicians and just how often should field service companies be seeking to update the devices that they have deployed within the field.

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The full webcast is available to fieldservicenews.com subscribers and if you are a field service industry practitioner you may qualify for a complimentary industry subscription.

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 Xplore Technologies Corp has recently announced its flagship Android™ rugged tablet, the XSLATE D10, is available with the upgraded Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system. The Intel®-powered XSLATE D10 has long been considered the “fully rugged Android champion” in its 10.1” tablet class. This latest OS improvement provides Xplore customers with even greater return on investment (ROI) thanks to Marshmallow’s security, power management and mobile device management enhancements.

“Companies of all sizes, across all global industries, come to Xplore because they need to mobilize their workforces with highly secure, highly versatile enterprise-grade computing solutions that won’t compromise their sensitive data or the safety of their workers. They know that Xplore consistently builds and refines best-in-class rugged tablet solutions with the customers’ best interests and big picture operational objectives in mind,” explained Ron Harter, senior director of software development at Xplore. “With this latest XSLATE D10 OS upgrade, customers will maintain the Android-defined flexibility they mandate within their mobile IT environments but gain critical new computing functionality that will lead to performance and efficiency gains.”

[quote float="left"]With this latest XSLATE D10 OS upgrade, customers will maintain the Android-defined flexibility they mandate within their mobile IT environments but gain critical new computing functionality that will lead to performance and efficiency gains -Ron Harter, Xplore Technologies

The new Android 6.0.1, Marshmallow OS improves the battery life of the Xplore XSLATE D10 rugged tablet more than 10 percent, extending the use time beyond 8 hours*. Google’s latest battery optimization techniques work in combination with a new Marshmallow-specific application standby feature to prevent workflow applications from draining the battery and causing undue disruptions to the user. A hot-swappable second battery option provides up to 22 hours of continuous work time. The upgraded XSLATE D10 tablets also provide IT managers and users with several enhancements to the Android for Work and Voice Assist APIs, each of which will prove indispensable to organizations seeking greater worker efficiency and, therefore, faster application responsiveness.

 

“Often, when our customers first evaluate today’s mobile computer options, they are shocked to find how many are either incompatible with existing software, unable to meet security standards, or incapable of connecting to existing systems,” noted Josh Austin, CTO of OPEN Inc, the creator of SafetyPAD and an Xplore partner. “Our fire and EMS customers need complete, uninterrupted accessibility to critical data resources in and out of the office, and the Xplore XSLATE D10 rugged tablet is the only platform that enables them to easily leverage the inherent flexibility of Android. Xplore’s overt attention to quality, connectivity, and performance in the engineering of the XSLATE D10 has enabled our customers to easily achieve every one of their mobility goals. The recently expanded OS features will enable us, as a software provider, to further optimize and scale our solutions.”

The XSLATE D10 has been lauded for its user-friendly features, including a bright outdoor-viewable multi-touch display; eight standard I/O ports; and 4G LTE, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi technologies. It also comes standard with several collaboration tools that enable hi-res image capture and video conferencing as well as multi-user login. The rugged tablet’s numerous MIL-STD-810G tested, IP65-rated and ATEX/C1Z2-certified Hazardous Location safeguards combine with a 64GB Solid State Drive (SSD) to keep workers productive – and their work protected – in every environment.

The XSLATE D10, named Intel’s 2016 Client Platform of the Year, is also a highly secure and fully managed mobile computing solution. It can easily be deployed, configured, secured, and upgraded using a number of enterprise mobility management (EMM) platforms, including Airwatch, MobileIron and SOTI Mobi Control. And customers benefit from the standard TPM, Kensington Lock option, and expanded security and encryption features now available via the Marshmallow OS.

For more information about the new Xplore XSLATE D10 Android platform, please visit www.xploretech.com/D10.

 

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The world's longest-establish rugged tablet PC maker, Xplore Technologies, has partnered with CLS America to launch the Thorium X, a first-in-class satellite communications tablet system based on the Xplore XSLATE D10 Android rugged tablet PC, meaning "off-the-grid" workers in the UK and Europe can maintain operations almost regardless.

Xplore has received an initial order from OEM customer CLS for 1,000 XSLATE D10 units and will fulfill follow-on orders as needed. It is now available in the UK and Europe.

Thorium X comes with the Thorium Application for immediate use of satellite email, weather, mapping and more.  Thorium X also comes with a ThoriumWeb account, so users can log on and see their locations, the data moving through the system, electronic forms results, connected sensor values and a number of other features.

Thorium X is priced at $2,299.00 (satellite and Wifi)  and $2,499.00 with cellular. There is a range of satellite service packages available, starting at $20 per month plus usage charges.

Mark Holleran, president and COO of Xplore, said: “One of Xplore’s strengths is the ability to engineer flexible rugged tablet technologies that allow OEMs such as CLS to customise and implement future-proof mobility solutions based on our industry-leading platforms. By adding satellite data communications capabilities to the best Android rugged tablet on the market – the Xplore XSLATE D10 – CLS both expands the addressable market and enables increased ROI for customers operating off the grid mobile workforces.”

 

The Intel-powered Thorium X features an integrated Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD) modem and flexible satellite antenna that significantly expands the reliability, speed, and cost-effectiveness of mobile communications. As a result, users will be able to maintain continuity in their professional activities from any remote location around the globe – and most likely at a lower cost than most cellular data plans.

Michael Kelly of CLS America said: “We know that communications challenges in places or during times when no cellular or WiFi is available costs global industries and governments millions of dollars.Thorium X now allows people to stay connected via satellite 100% of the time, and at a fraction of the cost of satellite phones.”

In fact, Thorium X users will have the unprecedented ability to access email, view statistical reports of missions, engage in M2M communication and monitoring, and send electronic forms – among other critical tasks – via satellite in real time. A bright, 10.1” outdoor viewable screen and Glove Touch capabilities make it easy to conduct secure, TPM 1.2-protected transactions day or not, even in inclement weather. Thorium X software solutions are also available as a tablet app and desktop platform to securely facilitate mapping functions, deliver weather reports, and perform data compilation and transmissions in real-time via the rugged satellite tablet.

Michael Kelly added: “The launch of Thorium X means that users no longer have to rely solely on WiFi or cellular network connections. This is a huge win for people and teams who work in remote areas, or during times that other communications have been compromised, especially those supporting global operations related to emergency management, military, environmental monitoring, government, fisheries, and other field-centric industries."

 

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Rugged computer designer and manufacturer, Getac, today announced the release of its second generation T800 fully rugged tablet -- the T800 8.1.

Its thin and ergonomic design allows greater productivity for mobile field workers and those operating in tight spaces and extreme environments.

It offers best-in-class battery and an optional hot-swappable SnapBack battery for potentially limitless life.

“Getac continues  to push the boundaries for mobile rugged devices and the Getac T800 fully rugged tablet does just that with its improved power efficiency, durability and security options,” says Chris Bye, President of Getac UK.

The new 8.1” touchscreen T800 includes an Intel® ATOM™x7 Quad Core processor, providing improved power efficiency as well as the best battery run-time performance in its class. The tablet also takes advantage of the advanced security solution that’s in-built in Windows 10.

Other features of the T800 include:

• 10 hours of battery life with an additional 10 hours using a hot-swappable SnapBack battery option.
• Additional SnapBack options include a 2-in- 1 SmartCard and RFID/NFC reader, or 2-in-1 SmartCard and magnetic stripe reader.
• Getac’s signature sunlight-readable LumiBond® 2.0 display and a 170-degree screen viewing angle that is large enough to comfortably view documents and complete data entry with minimal scrolling.
• A full HD webcam for video conferencing, an 8MP rear camera with LED flash for crisp images and video, and dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and optional 4G for reliable connectivity. Optional Discrete GPS provides high-performance location awareness.
• Other security features include: TPM 2.0 monitors and protects system start-ups to ensure the device is tamper-free before releasing control to the operating system, while BitLocker protects data at rest, in use and in transit. Multifactor authentication options, such as a SmartCard and RFID reader, work in tandem with Microsoft Windows 10 identity protection features, including Microsoft Passport and Credential Guard for additional protection.
• MIL-STD810G and IP65-certified to survive drops up to six feet, rain, dust, vibrations, shock and extreme temperatures from -14.5 to 50°C (operating temperature) and -40°C to 71°C (storage temperature).

 

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Check out our review of the Getac V110 rugged convertible here 

 

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Rugged technology designer and manufacturer Getac has launched a rugged tablet targeted at the field service sector and developed using the principle of "marginal gains" - an approach adopted by Britain's all-conquering Olympic cycling team, explains UK President Peter Molyenux.

The Getac RX10 is a lightweight tablet with  features aimed at shaving minutes off field service worker tasks, meaning more work can be done, more reliably, resulting in increased time efficiency in a number of challenging working environments.

The RX10 specifications include an integral "grab-and-go" carry-handle, a 10.1in 800 nits  Lumibond HD screen incorporating sunlight readable technology, HD webcam, 8M pixel rear facing auto focus camera, smartcard reader , 3D antenna and integral GPS.  Computing power is provided by an Intel M vPro processor with up to 1.2Ghz, or 2.9Ghx with Intel Turbo Boos with 4MB Intel Smart Cache and up to 256MB SSD.  Windows 10 is pre-installed.

The 2D barcode scanner is located for ease of us while the clearer screen,  slightly better camera resolution, higher rugged rating, better ease of cleaning and  hot-swappable battery all add up to improve productivity, says Molyneux.

"On the face of it, RX10 is marginally better an offering than current-market specialist tablet products. But that's the key, it doesn't need to be that much different. It is the slight changes and enhancements in each feature over and above the current benchmark that make the difference, and means that workers dependent upon such technology can accrue a series of 'marginal gains' in time as their day goes on - ultimately adding up to completing more work in a typical shift, thereby saving money.

 

"If every feature contributes to an accrued tiny percentage improvement or gain in performance of a worker from a time-efficiency perspective, then it means, for instance, a single engineer or technician or using a tablet on a typical - but probably unscheduled - ten-hour shift will gain five or six minutes.  A great deal can be accomplished by somebody in the field in six minutes: an equipment check, surveying a snag, uploading a report, a key component change.

"For instance, the 3D antenna means communication and data downloading is slightly faster; it also means that communication can be sustained in areas where coverage is patchy. The processor does not need a cooling fan., meaning less draw on power, but, importantly, avoiding the consequences of the tablet overheating and shutting down for ten minutes. The grab-and-go handle means potentially fewer drops.

Rugged  credentials include certification to MIL-STD-810G and IP65  and the RX10 comes with a three-year warranty. "While rugged tech is often labelled expensive, in reality the gap is closing between something like RX10 and a consumer-market adapted tablet with rugged case."

"The extra few metres of communications provided by the 3D aerial can mean better coverage or faster data flow. Aligned with discrete built-in GPS that can mean a field-service operative is better able to locate equipment or infrastructure on a site visit. If it is an emergency repair, then that could impact, for instance, how quickly a building, industrial plant or even a town is reconnected to essential services.

 

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Xplore Technologies Corp has unveiled the XSLATE B10, a full-featured 10in  rugged tablet designed for the toughest environments. The tablet comes with eight ports, an IP65 rating and C1D2/ATEX certification.

"After spending a day on the job with the XSLATE B10, you’ll understand why this fully featured tablet PC sets a new standard in ruggedness and connectivity," said Mark Holleran, Xplore Technologies President and COO.

The B10 is designed to meet and exceed the needs of customers across a wide range of vertical industries, and the harshest workplaces, from frozen tarmacs to sweltering oil rigs.  Across telecommunications, manufacturing, transportation, distribution, construction or field service, businesses now have access to a fully rugged, lightweight tablet with all the ports and battery life necessary to stay active in the field.

Key features include: eight built-in ports, four of them sealed even with port covers open; two True Serial port connections for access to legacy equipment; an Intel Core i5 processor, upgradeable to i7 vPro ; ultra-fast 4G LTE broadband, 802.11ac W and Bluetooth 4.0 and USB 3.0 connections; and RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet cable connection.

The B10 has a WXGA rugged IPS LCD backlit display and a projective 10-point touch capacitive touchscreen input with glove and wet modes plus a Wacom pen digitizer and active pen. There’s a 8 megapixel rear and 2 megapixel front camera, with xCature Pro camera application.
Optional productivity-boosting accessories include a removable companion keyboard, office or vehicle docking stations, kickstand, a second hot swappable battery to extend system runtime to 20 hours and an integrated barcode scanner.

 

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Xplore Technologies Corporation, the rugged tablet computer manufacturer, has expanded its presence in the UK with the acquisition of Motion Computing Inc. and its subsidiaries. The acquisition broadens Xplore's product portfolio to encompass rugged as well as ultra-rugged tablet computers. 

By bringing together two industry leaders, organisations in the United Kingdom now have access to the most robust product portfolio of rugged tablets in the industry that are purpose-built for the unique workflow demands of critical industries. Both Xpore and Motion by Xplore  products will continue to be available through local channel partners in UK

"We are excited to now offer the UK the broadest portfolio of purpose built rugged tablet computers and accessories,” said Ian Davies, country manager, Northern Europe, Xplore Technologies. “With more than 30 years of combined industry experience focused solely on the rugged tablet market, we are confident the strength of the collective companies will address a broader range of customer needs and provide a one-stop shop for rugged tablets.”

 

The portfolio of Xplore and Motion by Xplore tablet computers use powerful and modern processors and components and are tested more vigorously for shock, thermal, vibration, impact, ingress and emissions than any other in the industry.  In May, Xplore won the prestigious Mobile Platform Partner of the Year award at the 2015 Intel Solutions Summit in North America.

Xplore’s products enable the extension of traditional computing systems to a range of field and on-site personnel, regardless of location or environment, providing  an ecosystem that turns the tablet PC into a solution for their specific workflow.The company’s industrial grade rugged tablets meet the demands of customers in the energy, healthcare, utilities, manufacturing and distribution, public safety, field services, transportation, and military sectors.

 

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Xplore Technologies Corp manufacturer of some of the world's most powerful, longest-lasting and rugged tablets on the market, has announced that both the Windows-based Bobcat and Android-based RangerX models have achieved full ATEX certification.

The certification means that both models are safe to use in explosive atmospheres in the workplace.

This announcement means businesses with potentially explosive atmospheres can now deploy world-leading, fully rugged tablet PCs running either the Windows or Android operating system.

The ATEX Equipment Directive is designed to specify requirements for safe electrical and mechanical equipment and protective systems in potentially explosive atmospheres.  Xplore Technologies has met all essential health and safety requirements and undergone full conformity procedures for the BobCat and RangerX models.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 122 workers were killed in workplace explosions in 2012, and a further 5,000 injured.  In the UK, fire and explosions at work account for approximately 2 percent of major injuries reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

 

An explosive atmosphere can be caused by flammable gases, mists or vapours and combustible dusts. That means garages, flour mills, food production units, even timber processing units can all be at risk.

 

“It is often easy to assume explosive environments are the exclusive concern of the military and energy businesses but there are actually a lot more high risk work places than we might think at first,” said Sandy McCaskie, director, Xplore Technologies. “An explosive atmosphere can be caused by flammable gases, mists or vapours and combustible dusts.  That means garages, flour mills, food production units, even timber processing units can all be at risk.

 

“It is precisely these sorts of businesses that can benefit most from enterprise mobility and the ATEX certification means that they can have full confidence that their electrical equipment is not going to be a weak link in the protective chain,” said McCaskie.  “Xplore is not only extending that protection to their fully rugged tablet PCs that can deliver huge productivity benefits, but also offering real choice by securing the certification for both our RangerX and BobCat models. This is confidence without compromise.”

 

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