Description and analysis of enabling technologies
(by RuggedPCReview staff and contributors)

While product reviews and specs are important, understanding underlying technologies is equally important. This is why RuggedPCReview.com explains the major technologies, platforms, and developments in detailed primers and overviews.

• Rugged notebooks: challenges and opportunities (2013)
  A look at ruggedness definitions, the types of products available today, and the future outlook.

• Security via Common Access Card (2013)
  A look at how Xplore Technologies addressed Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) via CAC.

• Not your father's Celeron (2013)
  How Intel quietly morphed the lowly Celeron into a competent, lower cost member of its Core families.

• Can your computer handle thermal stress? (2012)
  How thermal management technologies affect computing performance in extreme temperature environments.

• Should you require FIPS 140-2 validation for Wi-Fi client devices? (2012)
  A Laird Technologies White Paper.

• Who will make rugged tablets? (2012)
  Rugged Tablet PC company executives answer RuggedPCReview's questions about opportunities in the rugged and semi-rugged tablet market as a result of the iPad's popularity.

• Clover Systems SunBook (2011)
  A look at the Pixel Qi display technology, incorporated into a Samsung netbook. By Conrad Blickenstorfer

• Still/video imaging in mobile devices (2011)
  Conversation with Ambarella's Chris Day about the state of still/video imaging in mobile computing devices. By Conrad Blickenstorfer

• Android Contemplations (2010)
  Thoughts about the use of the emerging Android OS platform in tablets. By Conrad Blickenstorfer

• Intel vPro technology (2010)
  What is Intel's vPro and how can you use it. By Conrad Blickenstorfer

• Discrete graphics (2010)
  What are discrete graphics, and why would you need them? By Conrad Blickenstorfer

• Intel "Moorestown" Z6xx Atom platform (2010)
  A look at Intel's Atom initiative and the "Moorestown" platform, Intel's shot at a new generation of tablet/smartphone processors. By Conrad Blickenstorfer

• Intel 2010 Core i3/i5/i7 (2010)
  A look at Intel's new 2010 Core i3/i5/i7 processors and how they will affect rugged computing. By Conrad Blickenstorfer

• Intel Atom N450, D410 and D510 (2009)
  A description and discussion of the second generation of Intel Atom processors, introduced in December of 2009. By Conrad Blickenstorfer

• Gorilla Glass (2009)
  A look at Corning's chemically strengthened Gorilla Glass that promises better protection at less weight (and fewer fingerprints!). By Conrad Blickenstorfer

• UMPC update at the end of 2007
  Microsoft introduced the UMPC with much fanfare. Where is it at the end of 2007? By Geoff Walker

• Notebooks with Outdoor-Readable Screens (2007)
  A comprehensive, technical look at the state-of-the-art in outdoor-readable display technologies and how major companies use it. By Geoff Walker

• The Ultimate Outdoor-Readable Touch-Screen Display (2007)
  Examination, discussion and assessment of the GD-Itronix DynaVue outdoor viewable display technology. By Geoff Walker

• Inductive Pen Sensing vs. Resistive Input Technology (2006)
  A discussion of teh technologies, design considerations and outlook of digitizing technologies. By Ian Scholey

• UMPC Update (2006)
  An analysis of what happened after Microsoft's big UMPC announcement in 2006. By Geoff Walker

• What exactly does "rugged" mean and how is it measured?
  An overview of criteria to be considered when determining ruggedness requirements. By Conrad H. Blickenstorfer

• A Guide to Understanding and Interpreting Rugged Computer Specs
  Manufacturers often list various tests their products passed. What do all those standards and specs mean? By Tim Crews

• Wide-Angle LCDs and the Tablet PC - A discussion of wide-angle display technologies (2004)
  Wide viewing angle displays revolutionized screen technology. This overlook desctibes the technology and who uses it. By Geoff Walker

• Rugged computing terminology and standards
  A description of some of the well known and lesser known ruggedness specifications. By Conrad H. Blickenstorfer

• Special Report: Webpads
  Yes, webpads and tablets are nothing new. In 2002 we asked whether they are the next big thing, or just a fad. By Geoff Walker