News Week of August 12, 2007

MobileDemand xTablet T8600 Review

MobileDemand's xTablet T8600 is no ordinary tablet. In fact it isn't even sold to the consumer market. You can get your hands on one of these rugged tablets if need be, but they are mostly just for the business industry. In fact one of their biggest clients is Anheuser Busch, who uses over 1,000 xTablets for distributing purposes. This military standard tablet has many other big name clients too such as Disney and FEMA.

Front view of MobileDemand's xTablet T8600.  (Source: Tiffany Boggs, TabletPCReview.com)

Laptops that make the grade for students

This shouldn't be as much of a concern for a person whose laptop will be used as a stationary desktop replacement and which will be plugged into a wall's electrical outlet for its power. Tablet PCs, which let you write on the screen with a stylus pen, will also be smaller and lighter in design than a traditional laptop, but tend to cost more.  (Source: Marc Saltzman, The Gazette)
Posted Friday, August 17, 2007 by ChrisD
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Dual-Core and Dual-Use Combined in One Fully Rugged Mobile System

Kontron NotePAC Duo: Rugged Convertible Notebook and Tablet PC with Intel® Core™ Duo Processor

Today, Kontron announced the new fully rugged Kontron NotePAC Duo equipped with a flip-and-rotate display to instantly convert the notebook into a tablet PC.

With the 1.2 GHz Intel^® Core™ Duo U2500 processor, Intel^® 945 GMS chipset and up to 2GB DDR-RAM, the dual-core and dual-use convertible rugged PC, Kontron NotePAC Duo, offers outstanding mobile performance and an operation time of up to nine hours with only one lightweight battery pack.

Designed to meet strenuous everyday demands, the convertible Kontron NotePAC Duo is the ideal companion for field personnel in law enforcement and public safety as well as utility and field services. Application areas include on-site, menu based data acquisition and computer aided maintanance in the field, amongst others.

The 2.2 kg lightweight Kontron NotePAC Duo with magnesium alloy chassis is fully MIL-STD810-F compliant and IP54 dust and rain protected. Graphics provided by the directX 9.0c compliant Intel^® GMA 950 are displayed on a 10.4 inch XGA (1024x768) or wide 12.1 inch WXGA (1280x800) resistive touch-screen. Optionally, an extremely rugged display with protective digitizer screen and stylus pen offers extreme dirt resistance for hard-core outdoor usage. The Kontron NotePAC Duo provides a sunlight-readable option and a built-in light sensor which automatically adjusts screen brightness according to the ambient light for optimal legibility under all conditions.

With embedded GSM, GPRS, UMTS (HSDPA/EVDO), WLAN 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth V2.0 class 2, the Kontron NotePAC Duo allows access to next-generation wireless data networks almost anywhere in the world. 1x 10/100/1000 Ethernet-T, analog 56 k modem, 2x Cardbus, 2x USB 2.0, 1 x COM and VGA complete the feature set. Field personnel will also appreciate the built in 1.3 mega pixel webcam for on-site documentation or video conferencing, making the Kontron NotePAC Duo an ideal collaboration platform for working cross-site.

The external USB combo drive (CD write, DVD read) or USB dual drive (CD/DVD write) reduce system size and weight. The rugged docking station with additional ports (2x RS232, 2x USB, LPT, Line in/out, 2 x USB) and a pass-through antenna port for a wireless modem makes the Kontron NotePAC Duo ideal for in-vehicle applications and, with the optional internal GPS module, even helps with navigation.

The convertible notebook and tablet PC, Kontron NotePAC Duo, is now available with Windows XP or Windows XP Tablet edition 2005 (with digitizer screen).  (Source: Press Release)

Now Write on the Screen of Your Tablet PC

The Tablet PC is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable pieces of engineering of our times. The advantages of using this PC are innumerable. Its portability (it’s even lighter than a laptop) and user friendly features have made it a rage among the present generation. It is most popular amongst students, researchers and even people who are having a moving job, like people in sales and marketing.

One of the most unique features of a Tablet PC is the fact that the user can write on the screen of the computer using a digital touch pen. And the other interesting fact about this feature is that the imprint on the screen is in the user's own handwriting. The user can save the document in his handwriting in the Tablet PC and can even view it or take its print.  (Source: Draven John, Article Alley, via Gotta Be Mobile)
Posted Thursday, August 16, 2007 by ChrisD
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A Laptop That Lets Students Take Notes Two Ways

Parents and students seeking a back-to-school computer may want to consider a tablet PC. These convertible devices, which allow you to switch from keyboard to pen input, are ideal for note-taking.

Fujitsu’s Lifebook T2010 is its latest entry into the tablet PC market. As a laptop, it has all the standard features: a 12.1-inch display, 1 to 4 gigabytes of memory, a hard drive of up to 160 gigabytes, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.   (Source: Stephen C. Miller, New York Times)

Reliability & Service Awards Survey 2007

Win over 60 prizes worth over $40,000!

Last year our inaugural Reliability & Service Awards proved to be Australia's biggest ever tech survey. This year we want it to be even better. But we need your help.

At PC Authority we know how to rate tech products for quality, performance, features and value. But it's you, the reader, who can tell us what products are like to live with. Did your laptop fall apart the minute it ran out of warranty? Did your PC manufacturer try and wriggle out of fixing your machine? Are you on your fifth iPod in two years? Perhaps an online store greatly impressed you, or tried to steal your money? Either way, we want to know. Here's your chance to tell the world about your experiences.

The 2006 results were fascinating, not least because Telstra came bottom out of every list. Indeed, one out of every two customers were so dissatisfied with Bigpond’s Internet service that they wouldn’t recommend it to a friend. Only DoDo Internet came close to doing so badly, and that’s a far, far smaller company. This established a trend: some of the most interesting conclusions seemed to be drawn, not so much whose results were the best but from whose results were the worst.

To sweeten the deal, we've assembled an even bigger and more valuable prize pool than last year. Just answer the questions (you don't have to answer them all!) for your chance to win one of the following...

2 x Fujitsu laptops

The Halls Of Higher (Tech) Learning

ThinkPad X61s (Lenovo). A new laptop is a practical gift for any student. This ultraportable convertible tablet PC, which starts at $1,439, is a small machine that packs a big punch

With a weight of 3.77 pounds and a thickness of 1.3 inches, the X61s is easy to lug around campus. An optional extended battery gives it nearly 8 hours of run time between charges, enough to last a typical day of class.

As a tablet, it features a 12.1-inch screen that lets students take handwritten notes and draw diagrams. With a quick twist of the screen, students can use the device as a conventional notebook PC. More at www.lenovo.com.  (Source: CNN, Investor's Business Daily)

Summer Ushers in Two New Fujitsu Convertibles, Proving Smaller and Lighter Can Still Pack a Punch!

Versatile and Extraordinarily Light LifeBook Mini and Ultra-Portable Convertible Notebooks Deliver Mobility Without Compromise

SUNNYVALE, CA--(Marketwire - August 14, 2007) - Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation today announced the palm-sized LifeBook(R) U810 mini and the ultra-portable LifeBook T2010 convertible notebooks delivering unmatched mobility and versatility with no compromises. The new notebooks are packed with the features and capabilities mobile professionals and on-the-go consumers demand; users will appreciate the sleek, highly functional design of these ultimate mobile devices.

Weighing a scant 1.56 pounds with a 5.6-inch WSVGA Crystal View LED display and a newly designed, ultra slim QWERTY keyboard, the LifeBook U810 notebook is the world's smallest tablet convertible*. Available next month, the mini-powerhouse works the way you like, regardless of the environment. As a standard notebook, it's easy to access mail, work on presentations, or just surf the web. Twist the screen and the LifeBook U810 notebook is now a handheld Tablet PC with a touch screen for finger or pen input. The multi-function capabilities of the LifeBook U810 notebook make it ideal for watching a movie, listening to music, viewing and editing documents, surfing the Internet, or video conferencing and digital picture taking using the notebook's integrated camera. And best of all, the LifeBook U810 notebook is a full function mini notebook capable of running standard notebook applications. Once back at the office or at home, simply dock the notebook into the docking station and use an external display and keyboard to deliver a true desktop experience.

The LifeBook U810 notebook is equipped with the energy efficient Ultra Low Power Intel(R) A110 processor optimized specifically highly mobile devices With a standard 4-cell battery, it delivers up to 5.5 hours(1) of computing time. The mini convertible offers users a choice of operating systems to meet their needs, and is available with Windows Vista(R) Home Premium, Windows Vista(R) Business or Windows(R) XP Tablet PC Edition 2005.

For mobile professionals who desire a lightweight convertible without sacrificing battery life or display size, the LifeBook T2010 notebook, weighing in at approximately 3.5 pounds, is one of the lightest in its class. It is the first convertible notebook that comes very close to the weight of a slate tablet while maintaining exceptional battery life. Available immediately, this stylish ultra-portable with a slim 1.3-inch chassis features a 12.1-inch WXGA indoor/outdoor display with a bi-directional swivel. Its LED-backlit screen provides an exceptionally bright display for an improved visual experience even in sunlight.

The pen-enabled convertible boasts extraordinary battery life of up to 11 hours(1) with the extended battery option, or 9 hours (1) with a standard battery. The LifeBook T2010 notebook, powered by the latest Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Ultra Low Voltage U7600 Processor offers a choice of Windows Vista Business or Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005. A spill-resistant keyboard adds extra protection against accidents.

"The LifeBook U810 and LifeBook T2010 convertibles are the latest additions to the innovative line of Fujitsu convertibles ushering in the new generation of lightweight devices that offer exceptional mobility and extended computing time," said Paul Moore, senior director of mobile product marketing, Fujitsu Computer Systems. "The LifeBook U810 notebook hits the mark for on-the-go workforces and prosumers who appreciate the mobile aspects of a PDA, but need the power and compatibility of a notebook. And for customers who love our best-selling LifeBook T4220 convertible notebook with a modular bay, but would like a lighter 1-spindle version with longer battery life. The wait is over with the introduction of the LifeBook T2010 notebook."

Both the LifeBook U810 and LifeBook T2010 notebooks comply with the new Energy Star(R) version 4.0 guidelines. The environmentally friendly notebooks are packed with a suite of advanced security features to safeguard information including Trusted Platform Module support and two-level BIO lock, along with a fingerprint sensor for encrypting sensitive files with a finger swipe. The LifeBook T2010 notebook also offers an embedded Smart Card slot. Internet connectivity is easy via built-in Wireless LAN, LAN and Bluetooth(R) connections.

Price and Availability

The LifeBook U810 notebook, available in September 2007, is priced starting at $999(2). The LifeBook T2010 notebook, priced starting at $1,599(2) is immediately available through the Fujitsu direct sales force, website, channel partners and select retail outlets(3). Users can choose from a recommended configuration, or they can customize their system using the Fujitsu Configure To Order (CTO) program. See http://www.computers.us.fujitsu.com/store/index.shtml for further information.

Service and Support

The LifeBook U810 notebook and the LifeBook T2010 notebook are backed by a one- or three-year International Limited Warranty for U.S. and Canadian customers. The International Limited Warranty(4) includes technical support 24 hours a day, seven days a week(5), and unlimited online chat support. In addition, Fujitsu offers other warranty plans designed to meet the unique needs of mobile users. See http://us.fujitsu.com/computers for further information.   (Source: Press Release)

Motion C5 Tablet PC Video Review

Overall I think the C5 is a very nice tablet. It is put together very solidly and seems like it will stand up to a fair amount of abuse. The handle is just another way that Motion has taken something that should obviously be a component of a tablet PC and made it happen. The unit I've been playing with has 1.5Gb RAM, 30Gb hard drive and the optional barcode scanner. It has a standard, wide angle display. Like all Motion tablets, the screen is very crisp and clear. Unlike other Motion tablets, the screen is perfectly flush with the case. This has been done to enable easy disinfecting in a hosptial environment.   (Source: John Hill, ALLTP.com via GottaBeMobile)
Posted Tuesday, August 14, 2007 by ChrisD
Rating: 4 (Rate it) 1 Lowest 2 3 4 5 Highest Comments (0)

Fujitsu LifeBook U810 and T2010 Announced -- First Thoughts

The Fujitsu LifeBook U810 is a 5.6" screen Intel powered UMPC device. Fujitsu is actually calling it a notebook. which is probably a safer play given the stigma attached to past failures in the UMPC market, but for all intents and purposes it really is a form factor that develops on past UMPC devices such as the Samsung Q1 and Asus R2H. Some might even say it is reminiscent of the Sony Clie UX50. The Fujitsu U810 has been available in Asia for some time now, it's sold as the Fujitsu U1010 there. If you look to CNET Asia for a review of the device and user opinions, you'll see a mixed bag of people praising the form factor, but complaining about under powered performance for Windows Vista.  (Source: Andrew, TabletPCReview.com)