Benefits of Vehicle Mounts

Many people who work from their vehicles require a computer in their car or truck. Computers that are developed specifically for this use are called car computers, vehicle computers, mobile data terminals (MDT’s), or mobile computers. For anyone who plans to use a computer in a vehicle, they should add a mount to the vehicle. Adding a mount will provide ease of use, better ergonomics, and safety for both the computer and the user. Why would you want a computer mount when using your computer in a vehicle? The answer is simple - you cannot afford not to! A vehicle mount is a must have if you are driving with your computer in the vehicle. Here are some top reasons why mounting a computer in your vehicle is beneficial.

Safety is one of the top reasons to use a computer vehicle mount. Every year over 130,000 people are hurt by flying objects inside vehicles, not just during an accident but during sudden stops, turns and unexpected maneuvers. Your computer, or your employee’s computer, becomes a very dangerous object at unexpected times. The computer itself can be damaged, causing down time and potentially costly repairs.

Ergonomics and ease of use are additional reasons to install a vehicle computer mount. Having the computer in a comfortable and easy to reach position reduces back and eye strain as well as increases productivity. If you use a mobile printer, it can also be mounted keeping everything safe, within reach, and in a professional looking set up.

Group Mobile offers a wide selection of mounting options to choose from. We carry the top brands, including Gamber Johnson, RAM, Jotto Desk and LEDCO-CHARGEGUARD.

Click here for more information on vehicle mounts.

Rugged Computer Testing

Rugged computers go through a number of tests to ensure that they meet certain qualifications. These tests can be done in the laboratory, in a natural environment (field testing), or a combination of the two. Rugged computers are typically tested for drops, humidity, low and high temperatures, vibration, dust-resistance, thermal shock, water-resistance, and altitude.

For the drop test the laptops are dropped onto each face, edge, and corner in non-operating mode. Following this test, the computers are checked to make sure they boot up properly. The vibration test is conducted in both operating and non-operating mode. The rugged computers are clamped onto an aluminum plate and endure different frequencies of shaking for a total of one hour. For the water test, the computers are turned on and left open with the port covers closed. The rugged laptops endure streams of water for a total of 15 minutes.

For the humidity test, the rugged computers go through 10 days of temperatures being cycled from 86 to 140 degrees Farenheight, with a relative humidity of 95%. They are checked to make sure they are still operating near the end of the 5^th and 10^th day. For the dust testing the laptops are blasted with dust/sand coming from different directions.

In the high temperature test the computes are subjected to 140 degree farenheight temperatures in operating mode and 160 degree Farenheight temperatures in non-operating mode. In the low temperature test the computers are subjected to -20 degree farenheight temperatures in operating mode and -60 degree farenheight temperatures in non-operating mode. In the thermal shock test, the rugged laptops go through three cycles of extremely high (205 degrees farenheight) to extremely low temperatures (-60 degrees farenheight). This test is performed with the computers in both operating and non-operating mode. The last and final test is the altitude test. The rugged computers are tested at an altitude level of 15,000 feet.

Click here to view a list of fully rugged laptops.

Gobi Wireless

Panasonic just recently added Gobi wireless to their Toughbook 19, 30, and 52 computers. What is Gobi wireless you ask? Well, let’s take a look at it.

On October 23, 2007, Qualcomm introduced Gobi global mobile internet. Notebooks that have this multi-mode Gobi solution can have access to high-speed mobile internet/broadband services, as well as GPS, in virtually all parts of the world. Gobi-enabled laptop computers unify the most widely-deployed wireless carrier network technologies around the world to deliver global mobile internet. Gobi enables high-speed connectivity to all 3G & Legacy 2G networks worldwide with a single embedded device. The Gobi chips are certified to operate on CDMA2000, UMTS, and HSPA networks worldwide. They provide comprehensive support for all 3GPP and 3GP2 technologies. The embedded Gobi wireless solution includes Qualcomm’s MDM1000 chipset, associated software, and API. EV-DO Rev. A and HSPA are both supported and backwards compatible with the modules. GPS functionality is also included in the chipset.

In the past you would have to order the computer pre-configured with integrated Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T. Now with Gobi, you don’t have to choose. You can switch carriers without having to send the computer back to Panasonic to get it reconfigured. Another pro to Gobi is it’s cost. Compared to Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T integrated wireless options, Gobi cost less.

Getac B300

The Getac B300 is a fully rugged laptop with a 13.3” TFT XGA ultra-bright, sunlight readable display. The B300 also has optional touchscreen functionality. There is an option to upgrade the screen to a 1,200 NIT screen, which is one of the brightest in the industry. As a fully rugged laptop, the Getac B300 has fully sealed I/O caps and doors to prevent damage from solid particles such as dust and waster as well as moisture. Along with a magnesium alloy case, the B300 has a 120GB shock-mounted hard drive that is vibration and shock resistant. The magnesium alloy case is stronger than plastic so it protects the computer if it is dropped. A shock-mounted hard drive means that the Getac B300 can be mounted in a vehicle and the data on the hard drive will be protected. The Getac B300 also offers integrated options such as Bluetooth(standard), optional integrated GPS and optional mobile broadband wireless. The fully rugged Getac B300 also includes security features such as a fingerprint scanner, TPM v1.2 (Trusted Platform Module), and an optional smart card reader. Another great feature of the B300 is that the battery has a life of up to 12 hours. Weighing in at just 7.7 lbs. and dimensions of 11.9” x 10.35” x 2.36”, the Getac B300 qualifies as a top choice for a fully rugged computer.

Go-Book MR-1 Price Drop

For a limited time, General Dynamics Itronix has dropped the price on their fully rugged GoBook MR-1 Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC). The price drop applies to their 512 MB models.

Was: $4,450

Now: $2,995

The GoBook MR-1 features an outdoor viewable screen with the new optional patent-pending DynaVue™ technology. This new technology allows for the computer to be used outdoors in the bright sunlight. One important thing to note about the GoBook MR-1 is its light weight (2.0 lbs.) and small form factor (4.8” L x 6.6” W x 1.6”D). Despite its light weight and condensed size, the GoBook MR-1 is fully rugged. This means that its ports are fully sealed to protect it from any outside elements such as dust or water. The hard drive has its own rubber frame that fits tightly and neatly against the metal enclosure and is shock- and impact-protected. The GoBook MR-1 also includes various industry leading optional wireless capabilities like Bluetooth, Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG module for WiFi, and a whole variety of 3G wireless options like mobile broadband wireless.

A variety of secure computing functions are also available with the GoBook MR-1 like the optional integrated fingerprint scanner and the optional SmartCard reader. Take advantage of this great offer while it lasts!

Toughbook U1 & Road Tour

The newest Toughbook product by Panasonic to hit the market is an Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) called the U1. Slightly bigger than a handheld, the Toughbook U1 offers the full functionality of a rugged laptop yet is small enough to fit in one hand. The U1 is a sleek, but functional unit that can run full-blown Windows XP. The Toughbook U1 features hot-swappable twin batteries and the ruggedness of a Toughbook laptop. Some of the integrated options of the U1 include GPS, 3G mobile broadband, a 2 MP camera, and fingerprint and barcode scanners.

The U1 is the toughest product offered by Panasonic. It features rugged features like a solid state hard drive, a magnesium alloy case, sealed ports, and drop spec of up to 4 feet. The design of the solid state hard drive offers more protection from vibrations and less vulnerability to wide temperature variations than a regular hard drive. The magnesium alloy casing on the Toughbook U1 is 20 times stronger than the regular plastic casing of laptops so they can withstand tougher conditions. The fully sealed ports protect the Toughbook U1 from outside elements such as dust, water, moisture, and extreme temperatures from entering the U1. The Toughbook U1 will begin shipping in September.

Panasonic is also hosting a road tour to preview the revolutionary new fully rugged Toughbook U1 UMPC. See the list below for dates and cities as well as further information pertaining to this event.

Introducing Panasonic’s Toughbook^® U1:
The power of a rugged laptop in the palm of your hand!

Come see how Panasonic and our partners are developing new solutions that will help your field personnel increase information accuracy, improve communication and produce more with less.


Also learn about:

• Wireless communication advances using GOBI
• Hot portable products with Intel’s new Montevina
• Indispensable tools to measure Return on Investment of portable products

Tough Tour 2008 Special Lunch Session 12:30 pm-2:30 pm

July 22 July 24 July 29 Aug. 7 Aug. 26

Norfolk, VA St Louis, MO Washington, D.C. Minneapolis, MN Rosemont, IL Boston, MA Atlantic City, NJ Palo Alto, CA Houston, TX

Aug. 28 Sept. 9 Sept. 11 Sept. 23 Sept. 25

Dallas, TX Phoenix, AZ Nashville, TN Anaheim, CA Columbus, OH Ft. Lauderdale, FL Denver, CO Atlanta, GA Seattle, WA

Don't miss the Panasonic Tough Tour Coming to Your Area:
Click on the button below to register for Panasonic’s Tough Tour 2008.

Intel Centrino 2 Upgrade on Toughbook 52 and 74

On July 15, 2008 Panasonic Toughbook® announced upgrades to their semi-rugged Toughbook 52 and Toughbook 74. The Toughbook CF-52 and the Toughbook CF-74 will now incorporate the new Intel® Centrino® 2 processors. With the addition of the new Intel® Centrino® 2 processors, the video and graphics capabilities of the Toughbook 52 and 74 have been enhanced significantly. The hard drive capacities have also been increased to 160GB from 80 GB. The Toughbook 52 and the Toughbook 74 are also expanding their Wi-Fi performance to include 802.11 Draft N. The new Toughbook 52 and Toughbook 74 will be available in August.

Panasonic Toughbook U1

The Panasonic Toughbook U1 is a rugged ultra lightweight PC (UMPC) that fits into the palm of your hand. The U1 proves to have many advantages over that of a notebook or tablet PC. The Toughbook U1 has a longer battery life; 9 hours vs. 4.5-8 hours on a laptop or tablet PC. Another obvious advantage is it’s size and weight. The U1 weights just 2.3 lbs. and can fit into the palm of your hand. The Toughbook U1’s touchscreen display provides a quick method of working and enables numerous usage scenarios (handwriting, annotating, in-car use). The Toughbook U1 can be taken almost anywhere whether it be at home, in a car, in a warehouse, or outside. It’s rugged design allows for the U1 to hold up to tougher conditions such as rain, mud, or being dropped. A few more advantages of the U1 is it’s fingerprint scanner security feature and it’s high-bright screen, which makes for easier reading when outdoors. There are also a number of accessories available for the U1 that prove as another benefit. These accessories include car mounts, docking stations, battery options, and cases. With so many features and such a small size, the U1 is sure to help increase productivity.

For more information on the U1 or to buy the U1 click here: http://www.groupmobile.com/product.asp/sku=3486/dept_id=82/Panasonic+Toughbook+U1+Rugged+UMPC+%3Cbr%3EPre%2DOrder+Now+%28shipping+Sep%2E+2008%29.html