Archive for the ‘Other’ Category

Steve Chippy of UMPC Portal shows the Amazon Kindle for PC software in a bit more depth that we did in our videos here. Chippy is using a Viliv X70 for the review which is larger than the Viliv S5 that we used. We have both the Viliv X70 and S5 available here in Melbourne for demonstrations.

From Chippy’s video we learnt that the grey sidebars in the reading pane can actually be used for page turning – a handy feature for a touch screen UMPC. We also learnt a simple way to control the screen brightness on the Viliv X70. Wonder if it works the same on the S5? Off to test…

With the release of the Amazon Kindle software for PC as well as the Barnes & Noble eBook software, there has never been a better time to get into creating a digital library. On top of that, we now have good, practical, affordable UMPCs like the Viliv S5 to read eBooks on.

Of course eBooks have been around for years now and there are many titles available, but the addition of Amazon and Barnes & Noble to the market mean that there are many more quality current titles available.

In the following video we take a look at the S5 as an eBook Reader. Then in part 2 we compare the Amazon Kindle software to the Barnes & Noble software.

eBook Reading on UMPC – Part 1

eBook Reading on UMPC – Part 2

We take an up close look at the new Motion Computing C5 MkII MCA (Mobile Clinical Assistant) Tablet PC. We take the C5 outside to show of the capabilities of the new Hydis AFFS+ display with Gorilla Glass.

The Motion C5 includes a powerful Intel Core 2 Duo processor and huge array of options like:

• RFID
• Smart Card Reader
• Bar Code Reader
• Solid State or Traditional Hard Drives
• Telstra Next G certified mobile broadband
• GPS.

Of course it also carries the best screen technology currently available (Hydis AFFS+) making the C5 the most comfortable Tablet PC to read indoor and outdoors without sacrificing battery life.

This is an exceptional Tablet PC and thanks to the strong Aussie dollar, it is currently very well priced.

We have a demonstration unit available for you to get your hands on anywhere within Australia. Contact us for demonstration today on 03 9012 6602 or via our website today.

The Xplore iX104C4 is a super tough IP65 rated rugged Tablet PC. Because the Xplore is ATEX certified we have been able to deploy it on gas inspection work for the coal seam gas projects in Western Queensland.

Whilst the Xplore is not intrinsically safe (no computer is), it is safe for use in certain dangerous environments (ATEX / UL1604 Class I / Div II.). You will need to check to be sure that the ATEX certification that this device carries will satisfy the requirements of your work environment. Give us a call to discuss it.

The Xplore is built with a triple layer magnesium housing and a unique patented bumper system that enables it to pass a direct drop test onto concrete from 4 feet. It also comes with a choice of Wacom active digitiser or a Wacom digitiser / touch screen combination.

Importantly Xplore also uses smart outdoor screen technology to ensure maximum viewing without needless power draining backlighting. And best of all, with Xplore you don’t have to sacrifice computing power for ruggedness. The iX104C4 uses an Intel Core 2 Duo processor giving it great computing performance.

Thanks to www.RuggedPCReview.com for the pictures in this video. You can read their review of the Xplore iX104C4 here.

I got caught out in one of Melbourne’s four seasons (the rainy one) with one of our Motion F5 tablet PCs recently. As you can see from the video below, the Motion F5 has an IP 54 rating, so it takes it all in stride…

The Motion F5 has an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance. IP is an industrial rating scale for Intrusion Protection. The first number, in this case a 5 relates to the dust rating, and the second number relates to the water rating.

To achieve these ratings, the Motion F5 – and for that matter the Motion C5 – must run through a series of physical endurance tests. The machines must operate through the testing without failure. To see the tests in action, watch below:

Motion F5 Water Test

Water is sprayed constantly onto the Motion F5 from all sides for 1 hour. It must continue to operate throughout the test.

Motion Dust Protection Test

Whilst this video shows the Motion J3400, the Motion F5 and C5 pass the same test. The Tablet PCs are subjected to a fine dust cloud for 8 hours and must continue to operate.

Motion F5 Drop Test

The Motion F5 unit is dropped from 3 feet onto all sides, corners and faces. It must continue to operate throughout this test to pass.

Motion F5 Gorilla Glass Test

This demonstration shows a 1kg ball bearing dropped onto the screen. As you can see, the screen flexes but does not break thanks to the Corning Gorilla Glass technology.

Tablet PCs like these go into places that regular computers don’t go. It is important that you choose a Tablet PC that is designed to go where you want it to go!

On the 20th of October Barnes and Noble introduced the “nook” eBook reader to the US market. No doubt this move was designed to compete with the success of the Amazon Kindle which until now has not been available to Australian customers.

Australian readers are probably thinking, “great, another e-reader that won’t be available to us.”

But dedicated e-book reading devices aren’t for everyone (I personally don’t want another device to add to my collection 10+ Tablet PCs!), so the good news is that Barnes and Noble trumped Amazon by also releasing their e-Reader software for PC as well as MAC and iPhone. Only days later Amazon matched them by announcing Kindle reader software for PC and MAC too.

So if you enjoy e-reading, you now have some new alternatives for reading eBooks on your Tablet PC. Of course, there eBooks have been around for a long time now, and there are many places to buy them online for PC. We list a few below, but feel free to add your suggestions in comments.

I guess the question is, what is the best Tablet PC to start e-Book reading on? Here is our list of recommended Tablet PCs for eBook Reading:

1. Motion F5, Motion C5 or Motion J3400 with Hydis AFFS+ – These are the top of the line Tablets with the best screen technology available by a country mile. You simply will not  get a better eBook reading experience on a PC (Best viewing angle, contrast, outdoor visibility and power consumption). So if you can afford it, start here. If you can’t, read on…
2. Viliv X70 EX Premium Air – A fantastic small and lightweight slate device with inbuilt 3G. Weighs only 660 grams and has a 7” colour screen that is not much bigger than an average paperback. Perfect for eBook reading.
3. Gigabyte M1028 – Reading eBooks on a netbook is not really a comfortable experience. Enter the Gigabyte M1028 – a touch screen netbook with a 10” convertible (swivel) screen. It performs fantastically as a netbook, but swivel the screen around and you have a colour eBook reader. Price is great too at less than AU$1000.

We’ll have to wait and see what Amazon come out with when they release their Kindle app next month, but in the meantime you can already get your eBooks on Tablet PC from a variety of sources:

• Barnes & Noble – One million titles
• Zinio – Great software and best source for Digital Magazines
• Adobe Reader Titles – Available in Australia from Dymocks
• eBooks.com – For all eBook formats
• Sony eBook Store – Download the software to use it
• Google Books – For out of copyright titles.

Here’s a snippet from the introductory post from the Barns and Noble “Unbound” blog:

There’s no denying it: eBooks are revolutionizing the way we read—and fast. Literature is moving from our shelves to our screens, and with it comes easy, instant access to eBooks, anytime, anywhere.

Computers and handheld devices are swiftly becoming the mediums of choice for many bibliophiles who no longer find it feasible to store and carry all of their physical books. And as a new generation turns to computer screens and PDAs for their information, digital learning is playing an increasingly crucial role in our schools.

If you’re after a good cheap Tablet PC to get started with, we have a recent model HP TC4200 going on eBay at the moment. The auction is finishing on Monday, so get on in and take a look at it.

It was used exclusively by one of our staff, and docked most of the time so it is in excellent condition.

Go to the eBay Auction here.

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Every few months we clear out our Motion Computing Tablet PC demonstration machines and internal stock.

This is your chance to pick up a bargain on Motion Tablet PCs. We have a number of executive and ex-demo Tablet PCs including:

• F5 Mk II – Intel Core 2 Duo with View Anywhere outdoor display, Bar Code / RFID Reader, Mobile Broadband and GPS
• F5 Mk I – Intel Core Solo with View Anywhere outdoor display, Bar Code / RFID Reader and Mobile Broadband
• J3400 – Intel Core 2 Duo with Hydis AFFS+ outdoor display, Mobile Broadband and GPS

Accessories such as docking stations and carry cases are all available. These will go quickly, so be sure get in early.

Visit our specials page at www.tabletpc.com.au more info or to enquire.

The Motion F5 and Motion C5 Tablet PCs are now officially tougher!

Motion Computing has officially launched the new C5 MCA and F5 Field Tablet PC with Corning Gorilla Glass – 4 times stronger than regular display glass.

Motion have also put together a great demonstration video for you, check this out:

To find out more about Corning Gorilla Glass, read this article where we leaked the news in August… Sorry Motion, but we have been delivering these to our customers for a while now…!

Of course this not only means better breakage protection, it will also limit scratching on the screen surface.

The Motion C5 and F5 were already certified to rugged US Military standards (MIL-810F) for drop and IP54 rated for dust and water protection.

Now when you couple this new tough display with the new Hydis AFFS+ outdoor display and Core 2 Duo processor and you have a very tough and cutting edge Tablet PC.

We have the Motion F5 and Motion C5 with Corning Gorilla Glass available for demonstrations now. Call us on 0400 687 887 or fill in the enquiry form on our website.

Screen breakage and scratching have always been a risk with Tablet PCs. Most Tablets are fairly resistant to scratching – particularly the rugged ones – due to the special glass that they use.

However, we have seen plenty of scratched up and broken screens over the last 7 years – especially after years of hard use.

Thanks to the innovators at Motion Computing and Corning that risk can now been significantly reduced. Motion have introduced Corning Gorilla Glass to the rugged F5 Tablet PC and C5 MCA. Gorilla Glass significantly improves scratch and breakage resistance for the F5 and C5 screens.

Motion recently updated the display on the F5 and C5 to include Hydis AFFS+ technology which puts C5 and F5 on par with the J3400 for outdoor readability. This is undoubtedly the best outdoor display technology on the market now (remember that outdoor viewing is not about brightness – nits).

The combination of Gorilla Glass and the Hydis AFFS+ outdoor display is a giant leap forward for the C5 and F5.

Motion Computing keep pushing the envelope in the Tablet PC game. These two innovations are huge for rugged tablet computing!