Group Mobile offers Getac rugged computers with military certification

Getac has gained MIL-STD-810G, MIL-STD-461F and IP65 certification via an independent testing lab which should prove once and for all that the gadgets being offered by Getac can withstand even the severest environmental conditions.

Getac products receiving MIL-STD-810G, IP65 certification include its A790, B300, and M230 rugged notebooks, V100 rugged convertible notebook, E100 rugged Tablet PC, and PS535 rugged Handheld.

Visit www.groupmobile.com to learn more about Getac rugged computers or call us at 1-866-784-4338

Introducing the New DRS ARMOR™ X10gx Tablet PC

The DRS ARMOR™ X10gx tablet computer is loaded with communications capabilities in a lightweight, yet fully rugged, package. It offers connectivity abilities such as Gobi™ wireless broadband, RF switching, integrated GPS, 802.11n WiFi, and Bluetooth® wireless. The Armor X10gx rugged tablet is MIL-STD-810G and IP67 certified, making it perfect for jobs where shock, vibration, dust, dirt, water, and temperature extremes are present. Read more…

Features:
- Large 10.4" daylight viewable display with optional dual touch technology (pen + touch)
- QuickBack data recovery system provides advanced protection for your valuable data
- Optional Class I, Division 2 Hazardous Location configuration available in November 2010

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

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

Submit your Product Review Now!

We’ve had a great response to our request for Product Reviews. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far! If you haven’t sent in your review yet please take a few minutes to answer our quick 4-question survey so we can add your thoughts to our Product Reviews Page.

Here are a few of the reviews we’ve received so far…

Panasonic Toughbook 74
Reviewed by Van S. on July 9, 2010
"I travel frequently and visit a lot of construction sites. I was getting tired of replacing my commercial laptop a few times a year and decided to buy something sturdier. My CF-74 has held up great! I have had it for about 18 months now and haven't had any issues with performance or durability."

Getac B300
Reviewed by Tomas R. on July 10, 2010
"I'm amazed at how well this computer is sealed! It's a good size and weight, and the backlit keyboard is one of the best I've seen."

Trimble Ranger
Reviewed by Darrin F. on July 10, 2010
"I settled on the Trimble Ranger because I needed a bigger keypad and I've not been disappointed. It's so easy to handle in the field. I would like a bigger screen, but that's my only request."

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

Rugged Computer Product User Reviews

We believe that Product User Reviews are extremely valuable to those looking to acquire technology products. For this reason Group Mobile collects and shares user product reviews on our website for all to see. If you use a rugged portable computer, of any make or model, please take a few minutes to complete our four-question Rugged Computer Survey. To read other user reviews, visit www.groupmobile.com/productreviews.asp. To learn more about Group Mobile or to purchase a Rugged Computer, visit www.groupmobile.com or call 866-RUGGED8.


                                                       

Your Guide to Rugged Mobile Computers

Rugged Computers, also known as hardened computers, and ruggedized computers have been around since the late 1970s / early 1980s, so they basically have been around as long as the PC industry itself. It was quickly discovered and understood that commercial-grade PCs, designed for office workers or even highly-mobile, white-collar workers and frequent flyers, would not hold up in an in-field, in-vehicle, outdoor, or warehouse/factory type of environment. Rugged technology has been developed to allow what is a fairly delicate piece of sophisticated electronics, to be able to function and survive while on-the-go, in the field, and even in tough environmental conditions. Rugged computers have proven time and time again to save end users and organizations large amounts of money, time, and grief due to their durability, reliability, longevity, and 3- to 5-year full warranties… Read more…

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

What is MIL-STD (Military Standard) or MIL SPEC (Military Specification) ?

MIL-STD (Military Standard) or MIL SPEC (Military Specification) is a series of performance and manufacturing guidelines set by the US Department of Defense for military and commercial equipment and applications. These guidelines specify allowable parts and environmental condition ranges that a tool or other device must be able to operate in to meet compliance.

Some products will carry a MIL-STD-810E rating and others will state that their rugged notebooks are MIL-STD-810F compliant. The latest, MIL-STD-810G, is a revision of MIL-STD-810F and E. The tests and methods are the same but the results have been re-written to provide clearer direction. MIL-STD-810G testing is for a range of extreme conditions including 72" drops, shocks, vibration, humidity, altitude, rain-, dust- and sand-resistance, temperature extremes and thermal shock. Most rugged manufacturers have switched to providing ruggedness testing information using MIL-STD-810G, but some still cite the older standard.

MIL-STD-810 test method is used to generate confidence in the environmental worthiness and overall durability of material system design. The testing process follows guidelines which include program documentation, program roles, test standards and laboratory test method guidelines for all categories. The laboratory test methods are broken down into 24 categories. Learn More...

Group Mobile is looking for user reviews from YOU

Group Mobile, and our customers, need your help. We believe that User Reviews are extremely valuable to those looking to acquire technology products. For this reason we are collecting user product reviews and will be posting them on our website for all to see. If you use a rugged portable computer, of any make or model, please take a few minutes to complete our quick 4-question survey.

Take the Survey

Your user product review will help others make more informed buying decisions. And having numerous, candid user product reviews on our website will help you in the future when you are next in the market for a rugged computer.

Thank you in advance for your participation and valuable contribution! For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

Helpful Tools at www.groupmobile.com

There are a number of tools on our website designed to help you find what you need. Click the links below to check them out. And don’t forget, you can always Contact Us directly if you would like one of our Rugged Computer Specialists to offer their expertise in finding the solution that’s right for you!

• Request a Quote Form
• Brand/Model Comparison Sheets Rugged Computing Guide
• Mobile Computing Self-Assessment
• Rugged Ratings Guide
• Vehicle Computer Mount Questionnaire
• Best Sellers List

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

Rugged Tablets for Highly Mobile Workers

Motion F5v with Touch

Dual Input Increases Flexibility and Ease of Use!

The Motion F5v Tablet PC is now available with a dual-input display to support both capacitive two-finger touch and high-resolution digitizer pen for increased flexibility and ease of use while gathering, accessing, or transmitting data. Mobile professionals benefit from the speed and convenience of natural gesture navigation, as well as the ability to capture signatures and navigate programs that require the accuracy of high-resolution pen input.

At only 3.3 lbs the Motion F5v makes it easy to take technology into the field to streamline processes and increase productivity. Available with up to an Intel® Core™ i7 vPro™ processor, the F5v offers uncompromising levels of power, security and manageability. With extended battery life, a hot-swap battery feature, superior performance and advanced remote management capabilities, mobile workers are equipped with a robust computing tool for accomplishing virtually any task. Read More...

Big Savings on the Trimble Yuma
Over $700 Off SRP

For a limited time, Group Mobile is offering a BIG discount on the Trimble Yuma rugged tablet computer!
  

The Yuma offered in this amazing sale features an 1.6GHz processor, 32GB Solid State Drive, 1GB DDRII memory, dual hot-swappable batteries, and built-in wireless capabilities including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®. It also features a sunlight viewable 7" touch screen display for easy viewing in all lighting conditions.

With the Trimble Yuma, conducting inspections, collecting data and information, capturing geo-tagged photographs, communicating with headquarters, and real-time transferring of data is made easy - all with the peace of mind that your important information is protected from dust, sand, mud, humidity, and temperature extremes by the Yuma tablet's rugged magnesium alloy shell. Read More...

Quantities are limited, so order yours now!

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

Ultra Rugged Computers for Extraordinary Conditions

Getac X500 
Fully Rugged Notebook
The Getac X500 fully rugged notebook joins extreme durability, ultra fast speed, and expandability to create the ultimate mobile computing solution for military and field operations. The Getac X500 is military-certified for operation in the most extreme conditions. It is certified for ruggedness and shock protection, and its IP65 rating protects the unit from water and dust. The Getac X500 rugged notebook's design and it's 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty make it an ideal mobile computing solution to meet virtually every communications and environmental challenge that military and field operations personnel face today.  Starting at $4,759

Xplore iX104C5 DMSR 
Fully Rugged Tablet
The Xplore iX104C5 DMSR (Dual-Mode Sunlight-Readable) fully rugged tablet stands up to real world conditions such as 4' operating drops to concrete, heavy rain, blowing sand and dust, continuous vibration, temperature extremes, and more. The iX104C5 utilizes a remote heat exchanger technology while maintaining a submersible IP67 rating. This fully rugged tablet delivers powerhouse performance with the Intel Core i7 platform as well as the AllVue Xtreme outdoor display technology.  Starting at $4,599

Trimble Ranger 3 
Fully Rugged Handheld
The Trimble Ranger 3 Series rugged handheld has the mobile computing tools field service workers depend on. Some standard integrated features on the Ranger include: an ultra-fast processor, 256MB RAM, and 8GB of Flash storage for speed and performance along with a 30-hour long-life, hot-swappable battery that can work all day without being recharged. It meets demanding military standards for drops, vibration, humidity, altitude, and temperature extremes. It also comes with an IP67 rating, meaning the Ranger handheld is completely sealed against dust, and can survive immersion in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. This rugged handheld is truly ready for the outdoors!  Starting at $2,699

Ever wonder how rugged computers are rated?  

Ratings are set by various government agencies, industry groups and/or independent laboratories and are cited by manufacturers in order to establish a more exact degree of environmental protection and reliability.

View IP-rating table and other standards/ratings

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

What does MIL-STD 810E or MIL-STD 810F mean?

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

Group Mobile Wants to Hear from YOU!

Group Mobile, and our customers, need your help. We believe that User Reviews are extremely valuable to those looking to acquire technology products. For this reason we are collecting user product reviews and will be posting them on our website for all to see. If you use a rugged portable computer, of any make or model, please take a few minutes to complete our quick four-question survey.

Take our quick survey to let us know how you rate your rugged computer.
Your user product review will help others make more informed buying decisions. Having numerous, candid user product reviews on our website will help you in the future when you are next in the market for a rugged computer. Thank you in advance for your participation and valuable contribution!

To read how other rugged computers users rate the machines they are using, visit the Rugged Computer Product User Reviews page.

2010 – Year in Review

New Rugged Computer Products in 2010

• Panasonic Toughbook 31 - Reliable, ultra-rugged laptop offering high performance
• Getac S400 - One of the most durable semi-rugged notebooks on the market
• Panasonic Toughbook S9 - Perfect mobile computing solution for the business traveler 

Group Mobile Best Sellers

• Panasonic Toughbook 52 - Powerful desktop replacement with a 15.4" widescreen display
• RAM Mounts - A flexible solution for nearly any vehicle
• Trimble Yuma - Rugged tablet designed for the most challenging work environments

To see the complete list, click here or for more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.