Which vehicle mount is right for your laptop?

If you’re a mobile professional and you frequently find yourself on your computer while in the driver’s seat, a Vehicle Laptop Mount, which includes a universal laptop tray, is a good option for holding your laptop inside your vehicle.

If you have not found the right vehicle computer mount solution on our website, please feel free to call our Vehicle Mount Specialist at 1-866-784-4338 or complete our Vehicle Computer Mount Questionnaire. A vehicle mount specialist will contact you as we have many additional solutions available.

Group Mobile Press Center – Press Release (September 17, 2009)

Group Mobile, a provider of rugged, mobile and field-use computing products, announced that they made the Inc. 5,000 list of fast growth companies in the U.S. for the third year in a row.

To read the complete article, click on our Press Center.

For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED8

Self-Assess Your Mobile Computing Needs

A rugged mobile computer is essentially a portable computer that’s been engineered to stand up to the toughest conditions. There are many different kinds of rugged computers and they come in a variety of different sizes, form factors and prices.

If you’re thinking of buying a rugged mobile computer, but not quite sure which computer will best meet your needs here is a quick Systems Requirement Questionnaire you can review and complete. It will only take a few minutes and it will guide you to what a rugged mobile computer can offer.

To speak to a rugged mobile computer expert, call us at 1-866-784-4338; or visit us online at www.groupmobile.com.

How Rugged Computers are Rated?

Demand for rugged computers is growing at a rapid rate. But how can you tell how rugged a mobile computer really is?

Listed below are some of the more common ratings and standards frequently used by manufacturers to define a product's degree of ruggedization.

IP (Ingress Protection) Ratings
NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturer Association) Ratings
MIL-STD (Military Standard) or MIL-SPEC (Military Specification)
IS (Intrinsic Safety)

Click here to clarify what each of these specifications truly mean when describing the “ruggedness” of a mobile computer.

Guide to Rugged Computers

We have a comprehensive guide about Rugged Computers on the Group Mobile website

This guide will teach you about rugged computers and the features that make them different from conventional computers, as well as some other considerations such as vehicle docking, warranties and the price vs. the cost of owning a rugged computer.

Click here to learn more on rugged computers

Key Features of a Rugged Computer

Rugged computers differ from commercial computers in a few significant ways. Some of the differences between rugged and commercial computer are as follows:

Casing
Rugged portable computers are made out of magnesium which provides protection against drops and other bangs and knocks.

Shock-mount
A rugged computer’s disk drive is shock-mounted. The shock-absorbing materials allow the disk drive to withstand drops and vibrations that are prevalent in a moving vehicle.

Waterproof
Fully rugged computers are sealed against the outdoor elements such as rain, dust, dirt and other environmental elements. This also protects against liquid spills, such as coffee or soft drinks, which can often occur in a mobile environment.

Brightness of the display screen
Most semi-rugged and all fully-rugged portable computers offer brighter displays for excellent outdoor viewability.

To learn more visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-784-4338

Panasonic’s Toughbook 19, 30 and U1 now even more Tough!

Panasonic has announced that its Toughbook models 19, 30 and U1 are the first computers to be MIl-STD-810G-certified from an independent third-party test lab.

MIL-STD-810G is a series of testing standards and procedures issued by the United States Army, in order to recognize products accepted for use by all agencies and organizations within the Department of Defense.

Group Mobile now offers the tougher Panasonic’s Toughbook 19, 30 and U1 with MIL-STD-810G. For more information please visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED8.

Big Price Drop on Panasonic Toughbook 52

The Panasonic Toughbook 52 notebook has all of the features that you need to make a great notebook computer and the tough design gives you the flexibility to work wherever you need to, whether in the office or in the field. Group Mobile is offering a great new low price on the Panasonic Toughbook 52. Check out our website or call us at 1-866-784-4338 to buy the Panasonic Toughbook 52 today!

What does MIL-STD 810E or MIL-STD 810F refer to for Rugged Mobile Computers?

A United States Defense Standard often called a military standard, "MIL-STD", or "MIL-SPEC", is used to help achieve standardization objectives by the U.S. Department of Defense.

MIL-STD 810E refers to the type of testing that the mobile computer is put through to determine its ruggedness. Rugged mobile computers will state that it is MIL-STD 810E rated or may say it is MIL-STD 810F compliant. They both mean the same level of ruggedness is applicable. MIL-STD 810F is just a revision of MIL-STD 810E and applies more to the testing process rather than the resulting rating. MIL-STD 810E and F are the highest standards for ruggedized testing for mobile computers.

To learn more about MIL-STD or MIL-SPEC visit http://www.groupmobile.com/standards.asp

Website Update – Universal Vehicle Mounts

Check out our website at www.groupmobile.com for Universal Vehicle Mounts. We have recently created this section and are constantly updating it with more options and brands such as RAM, Gamber-Johnson etc. At Group Mobile we offer competitive pricing and great customer service. Please call us at 1-866-RUGGED8 or visit our website to place your order today.

Introducing Getac 9213 Business Rugged Laptop

Getac, a brand known mostly for its fully rugged notebooks, is introducing its first business rugged laptop. Getac 9213 is its smallest and lightest business-rugged notebook computer. The Getac 9213 has a very thin and sleek design, a big shift from what we normally think of when the brand comes to mind. Group Mobile has added the Getac 9213 to its line of business rugged laptops.

Getac 9213 Features:

Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor technology
Drop Tested up to 75cm
Excellent Liquid-Resistance
Up to 8 Hours of Battery Life
Embedded Fingerprint and TPM Security Functions
802.11 a/g/n WLAN and Bluetooth
Magnesium Alloy Chassis
Shock-protected HDD
13.3'' WXGA TFT LCD with LED Backlight
1.3M Pixels CMOS Camera
2 Digital Mic Array

For more information on the Getac 9213 Business Rugged Laptop visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED8

Keywords

Group Mobile has sponsored links on search engines such as Google, Yahoo and MSN. Generally, we show up in the top 10 links relating to industry specific keyword searches (eg: Rugged Computer). Simply, type in a query for rugged computer or a similar keyword in the search field and hit enter. You will then see a link to Group Mobile’s website (mostly in the top 10) linking you straight to the landing page for the product you are looking for. If not, you can help us serve you better by suggesting relevant keywords that will pull up our site for the information you need.

We have updated our Closeout Section

Look for great deals and products listed on the Closeout Section of our website. It consists of vehicle mounts, memory upgrades, computer carry cases, batteries and more. We're updating the site with new items on a regular basis, so keep checking back often. (www.groupmobile.com)

Call us at 1-866-RUGGED8 for pricing and product availability.

Rugged Keyboards

Group Mobile offers a comprehensive range of keyboard products for harsh and challenging environments. Many of these products meet NEMA 4, 4X and IP 65 specifications, making them resistant to dust, dirt, water and corrosive liquids. Rugged keyboards are the perfect solution for tough environments, including vehicle mounts in emergency, police, transport trucks etc. Also, the keyboard’s dust and waterproof feature allows for easy disinfecting and sterilization, which is essential for a clean medical environment. Some of these rugged keyboards feature a user-friendly integrated touchpad, backlit keys for low-light environments, and a one-touch emergency key.

For more information on rugged keyboards visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED8

Vehicle Mounts

Laptop computer vehicle mounts are gaining popularity these days because using vehicles as mobile offices is becoming more common. A laptop computer vehicle mount holds a laptop, tablet or netbook in place while in a vehicle. Vehicle mounts allow you to mount your laptop computer in your vehicle, often with no drilling necessary. Most of these attach to the existing hardware of your passenger side seat, without impacting the ability to use the passenger seat. It supports the laptop and allows you to adjust to different viewing angles and computer placement.

A vehicle mount keeps your computer securely in place and close at hand for increased efficiency. 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.

To find out more about vehicle mounts visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED8

Understanding Rugged

A rugged laptop or notebook offers mobile professionals the ability to work in any environment and in any location. Figure out what degree of ruggedness is right for you. There are three categories: fully rugged, semi-rugged, and business rugged.

Fully Rugged Laptop: These are fully sealed and designed to withstand rain, extreme heat or cold, or operate at job sites that are dusty, wet or muddy.

Semi-Rugged Laptop: These handle a rougher treatment than a consumer-grade laptop, but they are not fully waterproof or dustproof.

Business Rugged Laptop: Targeted to business people, these laptops have a durable magnesium alloy case and are drop and spill resistant.

For complete description and product information visit www.groupmobile.com

Getac upgrades its popular V100 rugged laptop/tablet PC

The upgrades for the Getac V100 include:

A Super Bright 1200 NITS LED Display
802.11n
ExpressCard slot functionality
1.2 GHz Intel Merom -> 1.4 GHz Intel Penryn
Increased in front side bus of 533 MHz -> 800 MHz
2MB L2 cache increased -> 3MB.
RAM increased from 2GB -> 4GB.
120GHB HDD (minimum) and 250GB HDD (maximum) increased -> 160GB and 320GB respectively

TCO of Rugged Computers

How much does it really cost?

Rugged mobile computers may have a higher initial price tag. However, studies have shown that rugged devices actually have a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) over time.

Total cost of ownership (TCO) is a financial estimate designed to help customers and finance managers assess both direct and indirect costs.

Some businesses tend to base their decisions to buy products on the purchase price and not on the product’s actual TCO. These businesses using low-cost non-rugged mobile computers pay a much higher price in repairs, increased support and lost productivity.

While a low-cost mobile non-rugged computer may appear to be the best bargain, the product’s total cost of ownership (TCO) is a more important consideration. That is why the majority of companies who take into account TCO, buy rugged computers instead of consumer-grade devices.

Mobile Clinical Assistant Panasonic Toughbook H1

Despite a major drop in the economy, one of the few bright spots for 2009 is in the healthcare arena. Computer manufacturers, therefore, are looking to create devices targeting this segment.

The Panasonic Toughbook H1 was designed specifically for medical care professionals, to meet the needs for mobility in both facilities and in-home health environments. The device improves workflow and eases clinical loads for doctors and nurses, helping healthcare organizations maximize efficiency and reduce errors. Because the Toughbook H1 is designed specifically for the healthcare industry, Panasonic has taken disinfection procedures into consideration too. Of course, as it bears the Toughbook name, the H1 is quite rugged as well.

The timing is nearly perfect to help elevate Panasonic to be a key player in this market, with nearly $20 billion of government money allocated to automate the healthcare industry over the next five years.

For more information on the Panasonic Toughbook H1 visit:
http://www.groupmobile.com

Save $1,400.00 on Panasonic Toughbook 19

Group Mobile is offering special pricing on a brand new Panasonic Toughbook 19. The MSRP is $3,799 and we are offering it to you for $ 2,399.00, a savings of $1,400.00! This is a special package and is available only while supplies last.

This special configuration of the Toughbook 19 includes:
Intel Core 2 Duo U7500 1.06 Ghz (Centrino) processor
10.4 XGA display with Digitizer Touch
80GB hard drive
1GB RAM
Intel 802.11 a/b/g
Bluetooth
WINXP Tablet

Add accessories such as a DVD/CD multi-drive, carry case, additional memory card, power cords, vehicle power cords, and vehicle mounting equipment.

Panasonic for the Environmental Friendly

Panasonic's Toughbook line just became even more appealing to those who are conscientious of the environment. The current line of Panasonic Toughbook's are EPEAT certified. What does this mean exactly?

EPEAT evaluates electronic products in relation to 51 total environmental criteria -– 23 required criteria and 28 optional criteria. To qualify for registration as an EPEAT product, the product must conform to all the required criteria. Products are also ranked in EPEAT according to three tiers of environmental performance - Bronze, Silver, and Gold. All registered products must meet the required criteria, and achieve Bronze status. The Panasonic Toughbook's have a silver EPEAT rating meaning that they meet all 23 required criteria plus at least 50% of the optional criteria.

Here is a list of the Panasonic Toughbook's that have the silver EPEAT rating:

• Toughbook 19
• Toughbook 30
• Toughbook 52
• Toughbook 74
• Toughbook W5
• Toughbook Y5
• Toughbook T5
• Toughbook W7
• Toughbook Y7
• Toughbook T7
• Toughbook U1

On each product page an image signifying the silver EPEAT rating is found at the bottom of the overview page. It will look like this:
More Toughbook products will continue to be added as they are released and approved by EPEAT.

For anyone interested in a full list of the criteria that has to be met in order to become EPEAT certified, click here: http://www.epeat.net/Criteria.aspx#criteriatable

Click here for more information on Panasonic's EPEAT approved Toughbook products.

Panasonic Toughbook H1 (MCA) Mobile Clinical Assistant

Panasonic recently announced it's newest product to be added to their line-up: the Toughbook H1 MCA (mobile clinical assistant). The Toughbook H1 is lightweight, durable and ideal for the healthcare environment. Based on Intel's reference design, Panasonic's new Toughbook H1 features a bright 10.4" dual-touch display that offers both tablet and touchscreen functionality. It weighs only 3.4 lbs, with hot swappable twin batteries, and dimensions of 10.4" x 10.6" x 1.3-2.3". This mobile computing platform features an 80GB shock-mounted hard drive, the latest Intel® mobile processor technology, embedded wireless capabilities, and is designed to meet the specific needs of healthcare professionals. Below is a list of noteable features to the Panasonic H1.

• Fully-rugged durability for healthcare use with sealed fanless design for easy sanitization
• Long-life hot-swappable twin batteries provide limitless hours of use
• Built-In Camera, RFID reader, and Optional Barcode reader
• Lightweight, ergonomic design with carry handle and strap
• Daylight readable 10.4" dual touch display
• Complete range of integrated wireless features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optional Gobi 3G, and GPS

It will begin shipping in January of 2009.

Click here for more information on Panasonic's Toughbook H1 MCA (Mobile Clinical Assistant)

General Dynamics GoBook XR-1 Display Screen Technology

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Swiss Army Carrying Cases

Not only is Wenger the maker of the genuine Swiss Army Knife, but also the makers of carrying cases. Their line of cases includes:

• Notebook Cases
• Computer Backpacks
• Wheeled Cases
• Executive Accessories
• Notepad Refills

With such a variety of cases, you are guaranteed to find one to suit your needs. These variety of carrying cases can fit notebooks ranging from 15.4" to 17". These cases are made of strong materials that will last. They also contain a number of compartments and pockets to store all your accessories and files in an organized manner.

Click here for more information on Wenger's Swiss Army Cases.

Panasonic Announces 8 Series

Panasonic just recently announced its up and coming line of business rugged laptops called the 8 Series. The 8 Series consists of the F8, T8, and W8. All three of these laptops come with optional Gobi 3G wireless capability. This latest wireless technology allows you to have wireless capability virtually anywhere. A big upgrade with the 8 series is the increased hard drive storage. The F8 features a 160GB hard drive, and both the T8 and W8 feature a 120GB hard drive. These hard drives are removable and shock-mounted. The F8 and W8 come standard with a DVD Super Multi Drive with dual layer support. All three of the 8 Series laptops feature Intel Core 2 Duo processor technology. Another notable difference in the wireless options for the 8 Series laptops is the addition of draft-n Wi-Fi capability. The video adapters also got an upgrade to the Intel GS45. They all feature a lightweight and durable rugged design. The F8, T8, and W8 all have full magnesium casing and spill-proof keyboards. Their weight ranges from 3.0 lbs to 3.7 lbs. There is not a set release date on the 8 Series yet.

Click here for more information on the Panasonic Toughbook F8.

Motorola MC35 Handheld Mobile Computer

The Motorola MC35 handheld mobile computer will keep your on-the-move workers connected, responsive and productive. This pocketable device puts the combined power of a mobile phone, notebook, camera and bar code scanner at the fingertips of your employees, in a durable device whose product life well exceeds that of the traditional consumer smartphone or PDA. The convergence of voice and data translates into one device for employees to carry and one device for IT to manage — simplifying your mobility architecture and your capital and operational costs. The robust mobile data capabilities include email, instant and text messaging, image capture and casual bar code scanning.

The MC35 offers business-essential durability, as it is built and tested to be able to withstand everyday use in a variety of environments. It's Intel XScale PXA270 (416 MHz) processor allows for desktop-like multimedia performance with lower power requirements. The Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition or the optional Mobile 6.0 operating system enables comprehensive voice and data enterprise functionality, including multimedia support and persistent memory. The audio speakerphone, headset, and push-to-talk functionality are flexible voice communication options that meet the needs of any business environment. It also has a high quality speakerphone, microphone, and transducer that provides outstanding voice quality and performance. The MC35 comes with EDGE GPRS/GSM compatibility for voice and high-speed wireless data. The optional wireless capability of 802.11 b/g allows for cost-effective data connectivity in the office. Bluetooth v1.2 comes standard with the Motorola MC35 and it functions as a wireless modem to allow for printing synchronization and much more. The GPS radio supports a wide range of value-add location-based services and applications.

An optional integrated high-resolution 2 megapixel camera with macro focus and LED flash enables on-the-spot high-quality imaging and enables the capture of documents as well as 1D and 2D bar codes. The MC35 features a 2.8" QVGA color touchscreen display that is easy to view in any lighting. Optional keyboard functionality choices allows multiple data input methods to maximize application functionality and serve user preference. It's user accessible SDIO card and multiple battery options gives ample power for full shifts in nearly any environment.

Click here for more information on the Motorola MC35.

Motorola MC3000 Rugged Handheld Mobile Computer

The Motorola MC3000 handheld mobile computer is small, lightweight and rugged for applications requiring high-quality data capture and high-performance real-time computing. you can customize this device to the specific demands of individual jobs, allowing employees to complete their work faster and with better results. The well-balanced brick form factor is ideal for scan-intensive environments, offering the best in comfort for your workers throughout an entire shift. The MC3000 excels at bar code scanning and wireless mobile computing within retail stores, warehouses, on loading docks, postal routes or any location demanding application performance and ruggedness.

The MC3000 has a light and ergonomic design that reduces user fatigue for higher productivity in scan-intensive applications. It's well-balanced brick form factor makes it comfortable to use in intensive scan environments for prolonged periods. The adjustable rotating scan turret with left, right, and front positions (laser version) allows the user to adjust the scanning positions for maximum comfort and productivity. The Motorola MC3000 has a 320 x 320 resolution color/mono display with backlighting. This is a 30% higher resolution than 1/4 VGA allows for, creating easy viewing in many environments for increased accuracy. The wireless 802.11 a/b/g LAN connectivity provides real-time data exchange. There is also an option for Bluetooth which enables the use of and wireless connection to a range of devices. The MC3000 has a rugged design that can withstand multiple 4' drops to concrete and up to 500 tumbles. It's IP54-rated sealing protects against water and dust for reliable performance in rough environmental conditions. The Intel XScale PXA270 processor and Microsoft Windows CE 5.0 (or Windows Mobile 6.1) operating system delivers high-speed CPU performance through familiar interfaces with wide software application support. The end user has keyboard options of 28, 38, and 48 keys to provide multiple data entry modes for maximum efficiency of the MC3000. It's device management with mobility services platform (MSP) enables real-time monitoring of critical mobile computer and wireless infrastructure parameters.

Click here for more information on the Motorola MC3000.

Motorola MC909X-K Rugged Handheld Mobile Computer

Designed for inside and outside work, the rugged MC909X-K offers advanced data capture options and integrated wireless, delivering true voice and data connectivity for salespeople, field repair personnel, and workers on the manufacturing, warehouse or retail floor. This versatile rugged handheld mobile computer scans 1D and 2D bar codes and images, while converging voice and multimedia running on nearly any application worldwide. This single cost-effective device offers rugged construction for harsh environments, combined with support for centralized remote management, to deliver the superior reliability and performance you need to put outstanding voice capabilities in the hands of your mobile workers.

The MC909X-K has an Intel XScale PXA270 624MHz processor that supports simple to complex multimedia applications. Enhanced memory architecture, 64MB expandable to 128MB, enables persistent storage. The operating systems Windows Mobile 5.0 Premium (non-WAN) or Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition (WAN) are offered with the Motorola MC909X-K and provide an intuitive user interface. The 1D and 2D bar code scanning allow for image capture and have intuitive laser aiming for automated real-time data capture. The integrated quad band EDGE/GPRS/GSM or iDEN radio WWAN options support converged applications world-wide through a single platform. The Bluetooth v1.2 radio allows for wireless synchronization, printing, and connection to a headset. The Motorola MX909X-K has an exceptionally rugged construction that is IP64 compliant and designed to withstand 6' drops to concrete across the operating temperature.

Click here for more information on the Motorola MC909X-K.

Motorola MC70 Rugged Handheld Mobile Computer

Put the power of a cell phone, PDA, computer, scanner and imager in the hands of your mobile workers with the first rugged enterprise digital assistant. Designed to withstand all-day everyday use in nearly any environment, this rugged Motorola MC70 handheld mobile computer delivers true anywhere, anytime wireless WAN/LAN/PAN voice and data communications, including superior voice functionality, data capture and the power to run nearly any application. This device provides everything your mobile task workers need to achieve a new level of enterprise productivity — whether they are in the warehouse, on the delivery route, on the retail floor taking inventory, or in a hospital.

The 3.5" color touchscreen display with LED backlighting makes for easy viewing in any lighting. The Intel XScale PXA270 624MHz processor it has offers desktop-like multimedia performance, but with a lower power requirements. End users can automate and error proof data collections, allowing for increased productivity, with use of the MC70's 1D and 2D bar code scanners which can scan from near contact to 55in. Users have the option of a 26-Key Numeric or 44-Key QWERTY keyboard. The Motorola MC70 offers support for standard and extended cards for expandable functionality. For the operating system the end user has a choice of Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Premium or Phone Edition. The MC70 is lightweight, yet rugged and built for year-round use in nearly any environment. The Motorola MC70 stood up to industry-leading double impact teting (drop and tumble) earning itself an IP54 rating.

Click here for more information on the Motorola MC70.

Motorola MC75 Mobile Computer

The Motorola MC75 Worldwide Enterprise Digital Assistant combines an unparalleled number of business capabilities into an easy-to-carry rugged device. 3.5G HSDPA and 3G CDMA-EVDO (Rev A) support provides high performance voice and data services around the globe. You will enjoy having all the features you need right at your fingertips in one device that is designed to endure all-day, everyday use outside the enterprise. The MC75 offers an array of features that set the bar for rugged design of the EDA-class devices. It has a rugged rating of IP54. Motorola's drop test is performed over the entire operating temperature range, ensuring dependable operation whether drops occur at room temperature or in exteme cold or heat.

The MC75 features a 3.5" (640 x 480) Transflective Color full VGA Touchscreen display that has LED backlighting. Choose from a number of options for the keyboard: 26-Key numeric, 44-Key QWERTY, 44-Key AZERTY, or 44-KEY QWERTZ. It comes with Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional operating system and has 128MB memory with 256MB of storage available. The MC75 has a wireless configuration of GPS, WWAN GSM/GPRS, WPAN, and Bluetooth and also features a 1D scanner. Integrated optional upgrades include: WLAN 802.11 a/b/g, a 2D Pico Imager, and Sprint EVDO Rev A.

Click here for more information on the Motorola MC75.