Trimble introduces the next (and much quicker) generation of its rugged Yuma tablet computer
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

On October 29, 2012, Trimble introduced the Yuma 2 rugged tablet computer as a mobile computing solution for anyone who needs full Windows capabilities in the field for construction, transportation, public safety, field service, forestry, utilities, mapping, insurance and any other outdoor or service-related industry.

So what is the Trimble Yuma 2? That'd be a very tough tablet computer with a 7-inch display, one that runs Windows 7 to fit right into standard Microsoft software infrastructures, one that runs a full shift on a battery charge, and one that includes some of the slick technologies available on consumer market tablets, such as capacitive touch.

The Yuma 2 measures 9.6 x 6.3 inches, is an inch and a half thick, and weighs 2.6 pounds with the standard dual batteries. The sunlight-readable (more on that later) display measures 7.0 inches diagonally and offers WVGA resolution, which means 1024 x 600 pixel in the by now almost ubiquitous 16:9 wide aspect ratio format.

Why is it called the Yuma 2? Because it's the follow-up to Trimble's original Yuma rugged tablet, which is now listed as a legacy product. While the new Yuma is generally in the same class as the original model and also weighs the same, the new one is a bit larger (9.6 x 6.3 vs. 9.0 x 5.5 inches), but it's also thinner (1.5 vs. 2 inches).

Size, however, is not the only thing that changed. The new Yuma should be a whole lot quicker than the one it replaces thanks to a switch from a Atom Z530 laboring hard under the hood of the original, to a dual-core Atom N2600. The new processor also means a faster accompanying chipset, faster DDR3 memory, and definitely much faster graphics. We haven't benchmarked the new Yuma yet, but based on the original benchmarks and our experience with the N2600 chip in other tablets, we wouldn't be surprised to see 3X overall performance.

Much more speed, however, is just one part of the story. With over a hundred million iPads sold and many millions of other tablets, users now expect the effortless, elegant operation of capacitive multi-touch. That's not so easy in a rugged tablet that must remain usable in the rain and with gloves on, and Windows 7 wasn't exactly written with capacitive touch in mind. Trimble addressed that problem with a capacitive touch technology that works with fingers, stylus or capacitive gloves. Being able to easily zoom in and out of maps, images and web pages obviously comex in very handy in a device like the Yuma 2. We'll report on how well that works once we have a review unit for hands-on.

But there's more. Trimble calls the 7-inch screen of the new Yuma 2 a "dual technology display system" and also "hybrid reflective and transmissive." It doesn't say so in the specs, but we wouldn't be surprised if that means it's Pixel Qi's technology where pixels have both a transmissive and a reflective part, each controlled separately. If that is so, then the Yuma 2 would offer bright colors indoors, and then a high contrast reflective picture in direct sunlight. Again, we'll know more once we have a review unit.

On the storage side, Trimble equipped the Yuma with a 4GB of DDR3 RAM and a 64GB solid state hard disk instead of rotating media, with a 128GB SSD optionally available. That is a definite plus when it comes to ruggedness as SSDs are inherently better equipped to handle extreme temperatures, shock and vibration. There is no mention in the specs of expansion card slots.

In terms of ruggedness, Trimble indicates a very wide operating temperature range of -22 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and MIL-STD-810G performance for drops, vibration, and humidity. You can tell from the looks alone that this is a nicely protected machine. It can survive multiple 4-foot drops and carries IP65 sealing, where the "6" means total protection against dust, and the "5" that it can handle low presure water jets from all directions (albeit with limited ingress). Interestingly, in this area the original Yuma did better with full IP67 sealing, meaning it was fully waterproof.

For connectivity, the Yuma 2 has 802.11b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0, GPS (of course) with 2-4 meter accuracy. There is also an integrated 5-megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash. The camera is capable of geotaging, i.e. attach GPS coordinates to images taken. There are two USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port, a docking port, and customers can order an optional dual-mode Penta-Band GSM and CDMA 3.75G WWAN data module.

Like its predecessor, the Yuma 2 doesn't have an integrated keyboard or keypad. Instead, you use touch or a stylus to operate it. You can also use an onboard pop-up keyboard or an optional external one for data entry. The device also has three programmable function leys and a five-way navigation pad. Since the Yuma 2 may be used in a wide variety of applications, Trimble offers an optional office docking station as well as vehicle, pole and window mounts.