Xplore’s iX104C4 Tablet PC

Xplore’s newest addition to their product line is the versatile and durable iX104C4 Tablet PC. The iX104C4 powered by an Intel dual core processor and contains a 120GB IDE hard disk drive. It comes standard with 1GB of DDR2 RAM, with the option to upgrade to 2GB. It supports both Vista Business and XP Tablet PC Edition operating systems.

The triple-layer magnesium housings, patented bumper system, and customized gaskets allow for the durable iX104C4 to survive in the most challenging environments. The iX104C4 is warranted to US Military Standards (MIL-STD 810F), withstanding exposure to drops on concrete, vibration, extreme temperatures, as well as dust and moisture.

The iX104C4 tablet PC features a 10.4” XGA TFT display with an active digital sensor. There is the option to upgrade to a resistive tough digitizer (dual mode) display, or an optional dual mode AllVue Xtreme LCD display for enhanced indoor/outdoor viewability.

With a starting price of $3,895, the iX104C4 Tablet PC is a great deal for a tablet PC that packs power and function into the most rugged mobile computer in the industry.

Click here for more information on Xplore’s iX104C4 Tablet PC.

Mobile Printers and Scanners

Mobile printers and scanners are a great addition to a rugged computer. They are extremely portable and can be mounted in vehicles or carried in a small bag. With access to a printer at all times you can print such things as:

Airplane Boarding Passes

Directions/Maps to a Location

PowerPoint Presentations

Photos/Diagrams/Graphs for Presentations

Diagnostics

These are just a few of the many possibilities. Portable printers and scanners can deliver print quality that is as good as desktop models, and they can do so in a speedy manner. They have a lightweight design that makes them easy to travel with.

Group Mobile offers mobile printers and scanners manufactured by HP (Hewlett Packard), Canon, Fujitsu, and Pentax.

Click here to view a list of mobile printers and scanners offered by Group Mobile.

Rugged Fixed Mount Computers

Rugged fixed mount computers are designed to be fix-mounted to or on something such as a forklift, tank, bulldozer, or emergency response vehicle. There are two typical applications for a fixed mount computer:

• In a factory or industurial environment
• In or on a vehicle or any mobile conveyance

In a factory or an industrial environment, the fixed mount computer is often mounted to a wall or a piece of equipment for monitoring/control. Examples of a vehicle or mobile conveyance would be: cars, trucks, semis, forklifts, tractors, backhoes, ATVs, cement mixers, aircraft, ships, barges, etc.

These fixed mount computers are one-piece display computers and so they do not include internal batteries. Thse computers are not made to be carried around away from sources of power such as an AC outlet or a vehicle battery. Fixed mount computers are typically ultra-rugged, totally sealed, and designed to run and last for many years without problem. They are ready to face some of the harshest environmental conditions. Each computer meets stringent military specifications for vibration, shock, dust and moisture. The exterior housing is comprised of two solid precision milled aluminum halves with integrated passive heat-sinking, which increases the ability to handle temperature extremes. The interior is designed so that all boards are securely mounted with multiples screws and there are no loose wires or cables inside the machines to cause early failures.

Click here to view a list of fixed mount computers offered by Group Mobile.

Absolute Software - Computrace

Computrace software provides a robust and multi-layered security solution that allows organizations to address issues of regulatory compliance, data protection, computer theft recovery, and asset tracking. Major computer manufacturers have embedded the Computrace agent in the BIOS or Firmware of the computer to prevent Computrace from being removed by unauthorized users. Many IT professionals use Computrace to:

• Track & Recover Stolen Laptops
• Delete Data Remotely to Protect Confidential Information
• Detect Unauthorized Software of Missing Hardware
• Ensure Regulatory Compliance
• Create Predefined Alerts to Manage Appropriate Use Policies

Using any type of internet connection, Computrace works behind the scenes on your computer to silently and securely contact the Absolute Monitoring Center every 24 hours to report its location. If a Toughbook computer is reported missing or stolen, the machine is flagged to call in every 15 minutes. Even though these computers have Computrace embedded into them, you will have to pay a small price to activate the software within the computer. The starting price for Computrace is $125 for the 3 year subscription. This is a small price to pay to protect your investment. If data were to be stolen or lost, a lot of money could potentially be lost from that. Paying for Computrace can prevent that from happening.

Group Mobile’s lineup of computers that come with embedded Computrace include all Panasonic Toughbooks and the General Dynamics Itronix XR-1.

Uses and Benefits of Rugged Computers

What is a Rugged Computer?

When it comes to rugged computers, there are 3 different degrees of rugged: Business Rugged, Semi-Rugged, and Fully Rugged. Business rugged computers are made for business travelers and students and can withstand the everyday bumps, bangs, and spills. They come with a magnesium alloy casing, shock mounted hard drive and spill proof keyboard. They are one step up from commercial plastic laptops (Dell, Apple, Toshiba, etc.). Semi-Rugged computers on the other hand can take a little more abuse than the business rugged laptops and can usually handle a 3 ft. drop. Fully rugged computers have all of the rugged features of a business rugged and semi rugged computer, plus they are fully sealed which means they can withstand rain, dust and moisture. Semi rugged and fully rugged computers are made for people who work in a mobile or field computing environment.

Who Uses Rugged Computers and Why?

Whether you work in the military, construction, public safety, building inspection, mining, oil and gas, utility, agribusiness, or field service, a rugged computer will meet your every need. Their rugged features allow them to withstand the conditions anywhere you may need to go and give you the ability to complete all the tasks that need to be done.

Rugged computers prove to be extremely beneficial in these fields because their magnesium alloy case makes them 20 times stronger than the plastic casing found on most laptops. Many rugged computers also have or come with an option found on most laptops. Many rugged computers also have or come with an option for sunlight viewable screens. This is great for people who work in an outside environment because it allows them to see the screen’s display no matter what. Their waterproof keyboards and screens stand up to any liquids these rugged computers may face; whether its rain, mud or a spilled drink, rugged computers can stand up to them with full functionality. Many of them now come with shock-mounted hard drives which can withstand vibrations and drops. Fully rugged computers also have sealed ports which protects the computer from dust and moisture. So whether you’re in an extreme environment or a business office, a rugged computer can prove to be beneficial to you. These computers can make you more efficient at your job with little to no downtime. Due to their ability to withstand tough conditions, you don’t have to worry about them breaking or crashing. They are built to last longer than the basic plastic cased laptops.

Click here to view a list of fully rugged laptops.