Getac rugged V100 tablet gets Core i7 update

Getac has updated its ruggedized convertible tablet PC, the Getac V100, with a 1.2GHz Intel Core i7 processor.  That, the company claims, is good enough for a 47-percent performance boost over the last-gen model – in no small part thanks to Turbo Boost – making it the fastest dual-core ruggedized convertible on the market (a pretty small ecosystem, they must admit).


The new CPU slots in alongside the Getac QuadraClear display, a 1,200 NIT panel designed for easy use while outdoors.  It also has glove-friendly multitouch, and the whole thing is clad in magnesium alloy, rubber and stainless steel.
Otherwise the same specs as before make an appearance, so there’s a shock-mounted 320GB hard-drive, waterproof keyboard, rotating 2-megapixel webcam, Bluetooth and WiFi, along with optional GPS and 3G.  No word on pricing for the updated model; we’re checking in with the company now.
Press Release:

GETAC UPGRADES ITS POPULAR V100 CONVERTIBLE PC WITH UP TO 47% HIGHER PERFORMANCE
Intel® Core™ i7 Processor, 1200 NITs QuadraClear™ Display,
Glove-Friendly Multi-Touch Display All Protected with Magnesium
Alloy Casing and 5-Year Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
IRVINE, CA. July 15, 2010 — Getac Inc., a leading innovator and manufacturer of rugged computers that meet the demands of field-based applications, is upgrading its popular V100 fully rugged convertible with several new features and upgrades, including an Intel® Core™ i7 1.2 GHz processor, the fastest dual-core processor of any rugged convertible on the market.
Tests show the new V100 clocks in at up to 47% faster than its predecessor by combining Turbo Boost Technology for processor-intensive applications and a 4MB Intel Smart Cache, readily available to each of the processor cores, to ensure maximum performance whenever and wherever it’s needed. For field workers who find themselves in dangerous and extreme environmental conditions, system speed and performance is a critical and mandatory feature and the V100 convertible now offers the fastest in its class.
Another important feature of a rugged mobile computer is the ability to view the display in direct sunlight. The V100 offers Getac’s exclusive QuadraClear™ technology, which allows easy viewing in direct sunlight by incorporating special anti-reflective coatings, linear and circular polarizers, and a 1200 NIT LED display. In addition, the V100 provides glove-friendly, multi-touch technology for easy operation of its 10.4-inch display in extreme environments where industrial gloves are essential.
“The V100 fully rugged convertible has always been very popular because of its advanced feature set and super bright 1200 NITS screen,” said Jim Rimay, president, Getac. “With better performance, memory, storage and wireless capabilities, the new Getac V100 is more advanced and flexible as ever and even better suited for mobile field workers and users of rugged notebook PCs.”
Weighing a comfortable five pounds, the V100 is MIL-STD-810G and IP65 compliant and ready for almost any environment or extreme working conditions. Its Magnesium alloy case, shock mounted 320GB hard disk drive and sealed I/O caps and doors prevent damage from solid particles, moisture, and sudden impacts often associated field applications.
The V100, which easily transforms into a rugged tablet PC with one quick rotation of the display, includes a number of additional standard features including a full-size waterproof, 83-key membrane keyboard for ease of use, Windows 7 (downgradable to Windows XP), an integrated 200 degree reversible 2.0MP webcam, PCMCIA expansion slot and SD card reader, wireless Bluetooth and the industry-leading 5-year, bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Optional features include MIL-STD 461F, SATA 80GB SSD drive, dual-touch mode 1200 NITs QuadraClear™ sunlight readable LED display (multi-touch and digitizer), 83-key waterproof backlit rubber keyboard, fingerprint scanner, 3G Gobi™ 2000, and GPS system.
About Getac
Getac Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Getac Technology Corporation. Getac Technology Corporation, a key subsidiary of MiTAC-Synnex Business Group (2009 consolidated revenue 18.3 billion USD) was established in 1989 as a joint venture with GE Aerospace to supply defense electronic products. Getac’s business coverage includes; rugged notebooks, rugged tablet PCs and rugged handheld devices for military, police, government, communications, manufacturing and transportation applications ranging from fully rugged and commercial-grade rugged. Getac’s strong R&D capabilities allow it to provide a high level of customization and all-aspect hardware-software integration solutions. Apart from the rugged computing business, Getac is also involved with the design and manufacture of plastic and lightweight metal components. The acquisition of Waffer Technology in 2009 has made Getac the world’s third largest aluminum-magnesium alloy producer. For more information, visit us.getac.com

Apple: iPhone 4 signal fix coming to address “totally wrong” bars

Apple has pushed out what it’s calling an open letter to iPhone 4 users, in which they claim that the smartphone’s signal reception issue is down to the fact that “the formula we use to calculate how many bars of signal strength to display is totally wrong.”  Instead of incorrect holding causing signal loss, Apple says that in fact the strong signal reports are what are incorrect, and the subsequent drop in apparent strength is, in fact, the real level.  ”[Users] big drop in bars is because their high bars were never real in the first place” they explain.

Full Apple iPhone 4 reception letter after the cut

“Upon investigation, we were stunned to find that the formula we use to calculate how many bars of signal strength to display is totally wrong. Our formula, in many instances, mistakenly displays 2 more bars than it should for a given signal strength. For example, we sometimes display 4 bars when we should be displaying as few as 2 bars. Users observing a drop of several bars when they grip their iPhone in a certain way are most likely in an area with very weak signal strength, but they don’t know it because we are erroneously displaying 4 or 5 bars. Their big drop in bars is because their high bars were never real in the first place.”

Apple reckon they were “stunned” to discover the anomaly, and that they will be pushing out a new firmware update within a few weeks time that will address the falsely-displaying bars, not only on the iPhone 4 but on the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G.  That will adopt AT&T’s “recently recommended formula for calculating how many bars to display for a given signal strength”: as Apple say, the signal itself will remain the same, but the way it’s displayed will change.
The Cupertino company also plans to make the one, two and three signal bars on the iPhone “a bit taller so they will be easier to see.”  Apple maintain the iPhone 4 offers the best wireless performance to-date.
Press Release:

Letter from Apple Regarding iPhone 4
CUPERTINO, Calif., July 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Dear iPhone 4 Users,
The iPhone 4 has been the most successful product launch in Apple’s history. It has been judged by reviewers around the world to be the best smartphone ever, and users have told us that they love it. So we were surprised when we read reports of reception problems, and we immediately began investigating them. Here is what we have learned.
To start with, gripping almost any mobile phone in certain ways will reduce its reception by 1 or more bars. This is true of iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, as well as many Droid, Nokia and RIM phones. But some users have reported that iPhone 4 can drop 4 or 5 bars when tightly held in a way which covers the black strip in the lower left corner of the metal band. This is a far bigger drop than normal, and as a result some have accused the iPhone 4 of having a faulty antenna design.
At the same time, we continue to read articles and receive hundreds of emails from users saying that iPhone 4 reception is better than the iPhone 3GS. They are delighted. This matches our own experience and testing. What can explain all of this?
We have discovered the cause of this dramatic drop in bars, and it is both simple and surprising.
Upon investigation, we were stunned to find that the formula we use to calculate how many bars of signal strength to display is totally wrong. Our formula, in many instances, mistakenly displays 2 more bars than it should for a given signal strength. For example, we sometimes display 4 bars when we should be displaying as few as 2 bars. Users observing a drop of several bars when they grip their iPhone in a certain way are most likely in an area with very weak signal strength, but they don’t know it because we are erroneously displaying 4 or 5 bars. Their big drop in bars is because their high bars were never real in the first place.
To fix this, we are adopting AT&T’s recently recommended formula for calculating how many bars to display for a given signal strength. The real signal strength remains the same, but the iPhone’s bars will report it far more accurately, providing users a much better indication of the reception they will get in a given area. We are also making bars 1, 2 and 3 a bit taller so they will be easier to see.
We will issue a free software update within a few weeks that incorporates the corrected formula. Since this mistake has been present since the original iPhone, this software update will also be available for the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G.
We have gone back to our labs and retested everything, and the results are the same– the iPhone 4’s wireless performance is the best we have ever shipped. For the vast majority of users who have not been troubled by this issue, this software update will only make your bars more accurate. For those who have had concerns, we apologize for any anxiety we may have caused.
As a reminder, if you are not fully satisfied, you can return your undamaged iPhone to any Apple Retail Store or the online Apple Store within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.
We hope you love the iPhone 4 as much as we do.
Thank you for your patience and support.

Apple TV refresh rumors reignite: new UI designers hard at work?

Rumors about Apple’s plans for Apple TV have reignited, with the NYTimes stepping into the fray with the tidbit that the Cupertino company has apparently recently hired “several user interface and graphics designers who have a background in broadcast design for television.”  Meanwhile a second source – recently employed by Apple and working with their television group – claims the work is being done in a different design group within the company, though failed to indicate which one.  That could fit in with speculation earlier in the year that Apple is preparing an iOS-based Apple TV replacement.


Those rumors tipped a compact, iPhone 4 sized box that would have little more than power and HDMI connectivity, running the same operating system as found on Apple’s iPhone and iPad, and connecting via WiFi.  Such a device would already have a head start running apps like NetFlix, ABC TV, Hulu and others.
Apple spokespeople have declined to comment on the report, and it’s unclear exactly how much information is new and how much comes from the persistent and long-running rumors and speculation we’ve already heard.  Still, with an updated UI and a slicker OS the Apple TV could well hold its own against Google TV and maybe even win back support from those who have jumped to the latest, HDMI-equipped Mac mini.  Steve Jobs apparent dismissal of Blu-ray and confidence in internet downloads and streaming would certainly indicate that Apple are betting on network-connected STBs.

Recycling Containers

In my office, every day, always use a thousand sheets of paper that is used both in applications as well as for the report. But in fact in every preparation of reports and applications are often a lot of paper used or the employee fails to make the application and the report is wrong. Luckily my office has an incredible tool that functions Recycling Containers, you can get it here http://www.office1000.com/discount/recycling-containers.html . I guarantee, with the existence of this tool in your office, there will be no papers to be wasted, because this tool can make all the paper return can be used for anything else and could be useful for us