News Week of August 31, 2008

StellarWindow: A Virtual Planetarium For Your Tablet PC

StellarWindow is a great little toy from Japanese company Fairy Devices. Billed as an "interactive planetarium", iIt's a combination of hardware and software that gives a guided tour of the starry night sky. A USB dongle contains accelerometers and a compass, and this talks to the software to tell it exactly where your computer is pointing.

Hold it up (this is recommended for notebooks and tablets, not desktop PCs) and StellarWindow will show the section of sky behind it and offer extra information on stars and planets. It also works backwards: pick a constellation and the software will tell you which way to look. It won't be cheap, though: the launch price is expected to be ¥26,000, or $240. For that you could grab a cheap telescope and a book of star maps.  (Source: Charlie Sorrel, Wired Blog Network

Textbooks: education’s long con

Option number two is even more interesting. It explores the possibilities of open source. Imagine if electronic copies of textbooks were available for free consumption on a laptop, tablet PC or Kindle. There might be advertisements in between chapters to support server costs, but probably not. If scholars are willing to contribute some of their time in the interest of accessible knowledge in an environment where information could be modified, we could produce high quality text in a controlled setting. Look at the success experienced by Firefox and Wikipedia. We check Wikipedia before we do Britannica, and most individuals know Firefox is superior to Internet Explorer. Open source is generally the accepted method in producing high quality products with individually low resources.   (Source: Jonathan Li, The Daily Evergreen)
Posted Friday, September 5, 2008 by ChrisD
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MSI Wind benchmarks: maybe I shouldn't have bought that $1300 UMPC

Overall, I'm impressed with nearly all of the Intel Atom netbook benchmarks I've seen. And surprised to a degree. Having spent nearly $1,300 on an Intel Core Solo UMPC earlier this year, it's phenomenal that benchmarks between the two are so close when compared to netbooks that are around 30% to 50% in terms of price. Of course there are plenty of other factors in a purchase decision, but still... it's amazing when you think about it. Stay tuned for the BatteryEater test as I should be running that later today. Let's see what the minimum runtime of the MSI Wind is with a 6-cell battery; I'm guessing 4.5-hours with WiFi on and the screen at 50% brightness. For my usage patterns, that should equate to nearly 5.5-hours of mobile computing on the Wind.  (Source: jkOntheRun)
Posted Thursday, September 4, 2008 by ChrisD
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Google Chrome is not Tablet and touch friendly

I’m finding it to be OK as a slimmed down browser. I’m even typing this post with it right now.

I will say, that so far, it appears that the browser is too keyboard/mouse centric for me. I think it could be designed better for a touch device (or Tablet PC device). I see that Michael Arrington is thinking of using Chrome with their TechCrunch Tablet which supports touch. I’m skeptical that it’s going to work well without changes.

Here are three issues I see of the bat:  (Source: Loren Heiny, Incremental Blogger)

Motion Announces Upgrades to the LE1700 Semi-Rugged Tablet PC

Award-winning slate tablet PC features new capabilities that improve durability and performance for highly mobile professionals who compute while walking or standing

AUSTIN, TX – September 3, 2008 – Motion Computing®, a leader in mobile computing and wireless communications, today announced upgrades to the highly versatile LE1700 Tablet PC. The LE1700 is a semi-rugged tablet PC with a 12.1 inch display that is designed specifically to improve the productivity of professionals who spend the majority of the workday computing while walking or standing. Its flexible design, superior ergonomics, integrated features and adaptable capabilities provide high-end performance in a lightweight, mobile design that is ideal for use across a wide range of work environments.

The enhancements to the LE1700 are designed to improve usability in the field without impacting battery performance:

• An additional Intel® Core2 Duo processor option, the Ultra Low Voltage U7500, offers up to a 10 percent increase in performance over the previous Core Solo processor without impacting battery life
• Enhanced UltraView and UltraView Anywhere displays which provide a brighter, wide viewing angle in an SXGA+ resolution of 1400 x 1050
• A new 64GB solid state drive (SSD) option that provides better performance and added durability by better protecting the PC against extreme shock and vibrations

“Motion customers across industries are using the LE1700 to improve productivity by giving mobile workers a semi-rugged tool designed to work the way they do,” said David Altounian, President and COO of Motion. “The upgrades to the LE1700 are a direct reflection of feedback we get from end users and we are confident that they will see even greater field usability benefits based on these enhanced capabilities.”

The fifth generation of Motion’s professional tablet PC has proven to be more durable than commercial notebooks and convertible tablet PCs. The LE1700 has been designed and vigorously tested to withstand typical bumps and drops experienced by users who walk, stand and compute. A variety of features come together to make the LE1700 a semi-rugged, reliable tablet PC for use in highly mobile environments:

• Lightweight, highly durable magnesium chassis
• 1.8 inch hard disk drive (HDD) that provides twice the shock protection of the industry standard 2.5 inch HDD
• Shock-mounted display and HDD with DataGuard™, an accelerometer that protects data during drops or other events that could potentially damage the hard drive
• Optional 64GB SSD for extreme shock and vibration protection

Customers across vertical industries such as construction, field sales and service, government and healthcare leverage the LE1700 to improve workflows, gather and input data in the field and improve data latencies by directly updating systems in real time. Created with the mobile professional in mind, its thin, lightweight and balanced design supports all day computing, whether users are indoors or outdoors. Weighing approximately three pounds, the tablet PC features rounded edges and thin dimensions for effortless usability and portability throughout the workday.

“Skanska has relied on Motion tablet PCs for several years to improve jobsite productivity,” said Kevin Hutchinson, Senior Vice President, IT of Skanska USA Building Inc. “We are excited about the new capabilities available in the LE1700. Motion’s dedication to offering the best technology for mobile workers in a compact, semi-rugged tablet PC has been a key factor in the success of our long-term relationship.”

The LE1700 is highly flexible for use in a variety of work environments with integrated features that improve accessibility and productivity while users are away from the office:

• Optional, embedded mobile broadband to seamlessly stay connected in the field
• Biometric fingerprint reader for enhanced security
• Ergonomic, attachable extended battery that offers a full day of usability
• Convertible Keyboard that can easily be attached to enable traditional data input while mobile
• Industry standard PC card slot for adding accessories and functionality without cables

The LE1700 with the latest available features is now available through Motion’s network of resellers and distributors. For more information on the LE1700 or Motion’s other award-winning tablet PCs go to www.motioncomputing.com, or for a list of reseller partners visit http://www.motioncomputing.com/buy/index.asp. For international inquiries visit http://www.motioncomputing.com/about/contact_international.asp  (Source: Press Release)

Motion Announces New Offerings for Its Most Rugged Tablet PCs

Smart Card Reader and EasyConnect USB/Ethernet Module Improve the Usability and Enhance Security Options for the F5 Mobile Field Tool and C5 Mobile Clinical Assistant

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Motion Computing^®, a leader in mobile computing and wireless communications, today announced the availability of two new options that improve the usability and security of the F5 Tablet PC and C5 Mobile Clinical Assistant (MCA). The new smart card reader enables companies to improve the security of critical data by enhancing authentication processes. Additionally, the EasyConnect USB/Ethernet module allows for easy connection to other devices or local area networks (LAN), without sacrificing the durability and protection offered by the fully sealed, protective design of the rugged tablet PCs.

The optional, integrated smart card reader, manufactured by ITG OMNIKEY^® supports both Windows^® XP and Vista^® operating systems and features an ExpressCard™ interface, a transmission speed of 12 Mbps, and the highest reading performance rate on the market today. Additionally, the EasyConnect USB/Ethernet module is lightweight, easily connects to the devices’ docking connector, and features one 2.0 USB port and one 10/100 Ethernet port.

In addition to the new technology options, Motion^® is announcing the new F5 Display Protection Plan (DPP). Now, in addition to the F5’s industry-leading, three-year, field-ready warranty that covers damage from short drops (approx. 30 inches) and ordinary course exposure to rain and dust, customers can now purchase the DPP additional coverage which allows them to have eligible damaged displays replaced at no charge, including shipping.

“These additions will help our customers continue to improve productivity by equipping mobile workers with tablet PCs that enable them to work no matter where work takes them, whether it be the patient bedside or a construction site,” said David Altounian, President and COO of Motion. “Motion continues to develop solutions that improve mobility and complement, not compromise, the rugged design that is critical to professionals that work in harsh or highly mobile environments.”

A variety of features make both the C5 and F5 rugged devices able to withstand the harsh environments often associated with highly mobile workforces.

• A lightweight, magnesium alloy internal frame that delivers structural rigidity
• A rubber Elastomer overmold that adds protection against bumps and drops
• Chemical-resistant resin that is easy to clean/disinfect
• A sealed design to help protect from harsh environmental conditions such as exposure to dust and moisture
• Optional Solid State Drive (SSD) for extreme shock and vibration protection
• Shock-mounted display and hard disk drive (HDD) with DataGuard™, an accelerometer that protects data during drops or other events that could damage the hard drive
• A Motion exclusive thermal management system that protects from data loss

Motion is also announcing the Carry Sleeve, a full-cover case designed specifically for the C5 and F5 that provides a shoulder strap, hand strap and easel for an easy hands-free work environment. The Carry Sleeve is the latest addition to Motion’s in-the-field productivity peripherals that expand options to more easily transport, charge and utilize the C5 and F5 while away from the office or standard docking station. Also available are the:

• Motion Mobile Dock. Offers the convenience of docking in almost any location, such as a vehicle, wall or cabinet, and features full port replication and charging capabilities
• Motion Flex Carry. An attachable, ergonomic solution that provides alternate methods for carrying the devices throughout the workday – it includes shoulder and hand straps and easily fits into the standard docking station for uninterrupted workflows
• ReadyDock. A multi-tablet storage and charging station from ATS for optimal space management and workflow improvement

The F5, the latest tablet PC from Motion, is a rugged, highly mobile PC that provides electronic clipboard functionality and is the ideal productivity tool for field workers who compute and enter data while standing or walking. Its lightweight, rugged design and integrated features provide onsite, real-time productivity in the harshest environments. Mobile professionals across construction, field sales and service, government and insurance are using the F5 because it provides all of the durability and functionality of a rugged PC without the extra weight and price associated with traditional, fully rugged devices.

“The F5 is the ideal tool for our water conservation teams that spend the majority of their time away from the office and are often required to work outside in unpredictable weather environments,” said Ted Calloway, Technology Analyst for Denver Water. “The rugged, fully sealed exterior ensures that the tablet PCs will remain protected despite changing environmental conditions and the lightweight, highly mobile design with convenient tablet input helps our mobile employees be more productive while in the field.”

The C5, the industry’s first MCA developed in collaboration with Intel^®, is a hospital-grade device that is proven in healthcare environments. Its rugged, disinfectable design and integrated features provide improved productivity while supporting the five rights of patient care – the right patient, right time, right medication, right dosage and right route. In a series of clinician usability studies conducted with leading healthcare organizations, the C5 has proven to improve point of care documentation, enhance clinician satisfaction, reduce transcription error rates, increase clinician productivity and improve clinical documentation accuracy.

The smart card reader and the EasyConnect USB/Ethernet module are available now, and the Carry Sleeve will begin shipping in October. For more information visit www.motioncomputing.com, or for a list of reseller partners visit http://www.motioncomputing.com/buy/index.asp. For international inquiries visit www.motioncomputing.com/about/contact_international.asp.   (Source: Press Release)

PERMANENTLY Delete Sensitive Data WITH Secure Delete 2.0

Burbank, CA) September 2, 2008—Diskeeper Corporation today released Undelete® 2009 which now includes an electronic data shredding feature called, SecureDelete® 2.0. This ensures your confidential files and even file remnants are permanently rendered unrecoverable.

Few realize it, but deleting files on a normal basis doesn't actually erase the data; it merely removes the pointer to that data on the disk thus allowing it to be overwritten. Behind the scenes, that data is still intact—leaving otherwise sensitive corporate information vulnerable to viewing.

With new SecureDelete 2.0 (enabled by default in Undelete 2009), files that are secure deleted are immediately purged from the recovery bin and then overwritten using sophisticated bit patterns governed by the National Security Agency/Department of Defense. This renders the formerly accessible data gone—forever.

“It's something that gives others peace of mind when they come to me with sensitive information,” notes Mark Chong of MOAT Digital Design Inc.  “There have been times when I've been entrusted with confidential data, which I delete afterwards using the SecureDelete 2.0 function.”.

But what of those files that have been “deleted” earlier in time and now reside in remnants across the drive’s free space? SecureDelete 2.0 now has a Wipe Free Space feature that securely deletes all such free space and renders its file remnants equally unrecoverable.

So before you make that decision to repurpose, recycle or dispose of a corporate computer—ensure you have Undelete 2009 installed. And take full advantage of its SecureDelete 2.0 feature, including Wipe Free Space. Only then can your sensitive data truly be secure from entering into the wrong hands.

Additional Functionality:

On top of the product’s SecureDelete 2.0 functionality, Undelete 2009 is a full blown data recovery application capable of salvaging all accidentally or maliciously deleted data on Windows systems (unless of course rendered unrecoverable by SecureDelete 2.0!).

Undelete 2009 Key Features: 

• SecureDelete 2.0 an electronic data shredder, ensuring confidential files and file remnants are permanently erased and unrecoverable. Includes Wipe Free Space.
• Recovery Bin captures all deleted files (except those SecureDeleted)
• Search Disk allows users to seek and recover accidentally deleted files easily.
• Version Protection for Microsoft Office® Files provides instant recovery of earlier or “saved over” versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint files.
• InvisiTasking® processing technology performs Undelete’s operations with zero overhead to ensure no performance hit.
• Emergency Undelete® recovers files deleted before installing Undelete 2009.

Free trialware, pricing and further information are available at www.undelete.com. Languages include English, French and Japanese. Purchase Undelete 2009 today.  (Source: Press Release)