Have you checked out the 2009 Group Mobile Best Sellers Guide?

On our "Best Of" page we make recommendations based on our opinions and feedback from our customers. Click here to view the full page or keep reading for a sampling...

Best Multi Media Semi Rugged Laptop - This would be the Toughbook 52 (with bundle upgrade) from Panasonic. It has a large 15.4” display with WUXGA resolution. It comes with 512MB of Video RAM, a Firewire connection for fast uploads/download of photos and other digital files, as well as main memory (RAM) expandable to 4.0GB.

Read more about the Toughbook 52

Best Bargain in a Vehicle-Rated Ruggedized Laptop - Check out the General Dynamics-Itronix GD6000. This mobile computer is classified as semi-rugged, since it cannot handle use in a pouring rain, but it has all the features required for use in an in-vehicle computing setup. Police departments love this unit, for example, for use in their cruisers. And the GD6000 is priced less than the comparable fully-rugged laptops.

Read more about the GD-Itronix GD6000

Most Versatile Fully Rugged Laptop - The Getac A790 has incredible versatility. The customer can choose from a 12”, or 14” display screen. The customer can pick either the touchscreen or non-touchscreen; and between a regular or daylight-readable display. The customer can select additional RS232, RS422, RS485, or SCSI-II ports. One can even add 2 more ISA slots or 2 more PCI slots. And there are other options for this rugged mobile computer, as well. This is, without question, the most “configurable” rugged laptop in the world.

Read more about the Getac A790

For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit http://www.groupmobile.com/ or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

Rugged Computer Features - Power and Batteries

Choosing the correct power accessories is an important aspect of ensuring you have the right solution for your rugged mobile computing requirements. Below we have listed the various choices and considerations:

AC Adapter - All mobile computers come standard with an ac adapter for plugging into a wall outlet. Some users buy an additional ac adapter in order to have one at work and one at home. Please note, desktop docks often do not come with an ac adapter as the manufacturer assumes you will use the ac adapter that came with your computer. Make sure you order an extra ac adapter with your desktop dock if you need more than one.

Vehicle Power Adapter - All rugged mobile and in-vehicle computers can operate from the power provided by a vehicle's battery. Usually this is accomplished by a 12V vehicle power adapter, also known as a cigarette lighter adapter. Your rugged mobile PC can also be connected directly to the vehicle's battery via a hot wire. But it is highly recommended that a power protection device is used in between any in-vehicle computer and battery to avoid hard-shut downs and other issues.

Battery - All portable computers come with a battery. The battery is normally a Lithium-Ion type and can be recharged 200+ times before it can no longer hold a charge. Therefore the batteries inside any rugged mobile pc need to be replaced every 1-3 years, depending on usage. The length of time that a charge will last varies greatly. The range is 2 hours to 10 hours depending on the battery, the computer and the usage.

Click here to read more about power and battery options for your rugged mobile computer. For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

Introducing Nexcom Rugged Tablet PCs

NEXCOM is a leading automation solution provider, combining innovation, connectivity, flexibility, ruggedness and fan-less design with today's latest and most reliable mobile computing technologies. With over 15 years of solid experience in the industrial PC field, NEXCOM offers new solutions to suit your rugged computer needs:

MRC 2100-E - Economical Mobile Rugged Computer
The NEXCOM MRC 2100-E is a cost-effective rugged handheld tablet computer designed for mobile workers requiring real-time information. This economical, yet rugged tablet PC comes equipped with the Intel® Atom™ Processor, integrated 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth, optional 3.5G mobile broadband engine, optional barcode scanner and optional RFID interface. The MRC 2100-E's IP54-rated rugged design makes this tablet PC suitable for use even in harsh environments.

MRC 2300 - Cost Effective Rugged Tablet PC
The NEXCOM MRC 2300 is an inexpensive, yet durable rugged tablet computer designed for mobile workers in need of real-time information. This economical rugged tablet PC has an 8" LCD sunlight readable touch screen display that utilizes LED backlight technology to optimize power consumption. This display, combined with integrated wireless capabilities make the MRC 2300 tablet PC ideal for in-vehicle use or for remote and outdoor conditions.

Click here to read more about the new Nexcom tablet PCs or for more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

Have you Considered a Docking Station for your Rugged Computer?

A docking station is a hardware frame with a set of electrical connection interfaces that enable your rugged notebook computer to effectively serve as a desktop computer. The interfaces typically allow your rugged laptop, tablet pc, or handheld to communicate with a local printer, larger storage or backup drives, and possibly other devices that are not usually taken along with an in-field computer. A docking station can also include a network interface card that attaches your ruggedized computer to a local area network. Variations include the port replicator, which is an attachment on a computer that expands the number of ports it can use, and the expansion base, which might hold a media drive, a floppy disk drive, and a battery charging station.

To find out a docking station for your rugged tablet pc, rugged laptop, or handheld, click here and choose the applicable product line. You can also search for other accessories while you’re at it – like great ruggedized carry cases, extra memory, or additional stylus pens.

For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

Will a Rugged Tablet PC work for me?

Rugged Tablet PC's are designed for those who work in the factory, warehouse or in the field and are often used for data collection activities. They can also take the place of the manual completion of forms. The primary value of a ruggedized tablet pc is that the data is collected or the forms completed once, and the information does not have to be entered or re-keyed into an office computer. This saves time and eliminates transcription errors. Signature capture is another popular usage, particularly for service or delivery workers who need to capture the customers' or package recipients' signature.

To take a look at the selection of rugged tablet computers that Group Mobile proudly offers – from the DRS Armor M10, to the Panasonic Toughbook H1, Motion Computing J3400, or Xplore iX104C4 and others- please click here.

For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.