Posted by
Emmy Silak on Mon, Apr 29, 2013 @ 11:17 AM
Laptop Magazine gives the iX104C5 DMSR-M2 with integrated CAC Reader a thorough review, and a four out of five star rating. Some highlights from the article:
The Verdict: Made for the military, the Xplore iX104C5 DMSR-M2 tablet can take a serious beating and offers an ultrabright display.
"...Designed for the military and law enforcement, the Xplore iX104C5 DMSR-M2 is wrapped in a thick MIL-spec tested magnesium chassis that can take all manner of abuse. Its Core i7 processor and sunlight readable dual-mode touch-screen display also add to its utility in a variety of situations."
"...To call the Xplore iX104C5 DMSR-M2 a tank would be an understatement. The tablet has survived some of the military's more rigorous testing, including MIL-STD-810G, MIL-STD-461 and IP67. That means that the magnesium-clad device can withstand extreme temperatures (minus 32 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit), humidity (up to 95 percent) and constant vibration.
The M2 can also hold its own against blowing rain, sand and dust and a 4-foot drop onto a concrete surface when turned on. When the tablet is turned off, it can survive a 7-foot fall. Thanks to its airtight seals, tablet can also be submerged in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes.
We put the M2 through a series of torture tests. We started by dropping the tablet from a height of 7 feet. The slate endured a multitude of drops without so much as a scratch.
We then placed the M2 into our sink for 10 minutes. Then we put it in a dishwasher for a cycle; the tablet emerged from its cleaning a little soapy, but unscathed.
Finally, we stuck the M2 in a freezer for 10 minutes beneath a couple of ice cube trays. The M2 was a little cool to the touch, but none the worse for wear."
Posted by
James Plas on Mon, Apr 15, 2013 @ 08:45 AM
Xplore and Novatek partner to provide rugged tablet solution for the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry
AUSTIN, Texas – April 15, 2013 – Xplore Technologies Corp., the manufacturer of the world’s most powerful, longest-lasting and rugged tablet on the market, and Novatek International announced the Novatek EM-Mobile, the latest environmental monitoring mobile application. The Novatek EM-Mobile combines a rugged tablet equipped with software designed specifically to provide real-time electronic data to increase efficiency in the environmental monitoring and manufacturing processes for the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry.
Running on an Xplore iX104C5 DMCR (Dual-Mode Clean Room) rugged tablet, the Novatek EM-Mobile solution can be utilized in the sensitive environment of clean rooms without impact, while providing the real-time information needed to manage the pharmaceutical manufacturing process. It is dustproof, waterproof, and can be sanitized using standard chemical disinfectants without damaging the product. It is impervious to harsh cleaning solvents and contaminants of all types, a major benefit needed for clean room operations.
“Our partnership with Novatek further highlights Xplore’s commitment to delivering tailored rugged tablets built to meet the sophisticated demands of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries,” said Mark Holleran, president and chief operating officer of Xplore Technologies. “The synergy between hardware and software, between Novatek and Xplore, demonstrates how the merging of the latest technologies can be applied for the advancement and improvement in laboratory operations.”
The new Novatek EM-Mobile greatly increases operational efficiency for pharmaceutical professionals. The device streamlines the manufacturing process by facilitating real-time labeling, collection and tracking of environmental monitoring, utility monitoring and product bioburden samples. The system provides completely secure and compliant electronic data management. It also allows pharmaceutical professionals to create accurate and meaningful analysis through the software’s robust reporting, trending and facility/clean room mapping capabilities.
“Through the partnership with Xplore Technologies, we are able to further cater to the pharmaceutical industry by creating a completely mobile product that improves operational efficiency, reduces risk and improves quality in the environmental monitoring and manufacturing process,” said Mike O’Grady, director of sales and marketing for Novatek International. “Xplore not only makes the most rugged tablet on the market but also meets stringent clean room standards—a major factor in our decision for partnering with the company.”
Integrating with Novatek International’s environmental monitoring management software, the Nova-EM, the Novatek EM-Mobile solution module is compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 regulations, which enables it to serve as the system of record for all environmental monitoring and utility monitoring information. The complete package consists of a wireless barcode scanner, wireless barcode printer, a stainless steel cart and mount that can be used to store and transport sampling media, and various air sampling and particle counter equipment.
Please visit www.ntint.com, for more information about Novatek International. For more information about Xplore Technologies, please visit www.xploretech.com; you can read more about its clean room tablet, the iX104C5 DMCR, at www.xploretech.com/products/iX104C5_DMCR/ or the joint solution at http://www.xploretech.com/Novatek_EM_Mobile.
About Xplore Technologies
Xplore Technologies Corp. has been a leading global provider of truly rugged tablets since 1998. With nearly 90,000 deployments, Xplore tablets are among the most powerful and longest lasting in their class, withstand nearly any hazardous condition or environmental extreme, and feature competitive pricing and significant ROI. The company's products are sold on a global basis, with channel partners in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia Pacific. Xplore Technologies’ tablets are deployed across a variety of industries and sectors, such as energy, military operations, manufacturing, distribution, public services, public safety, government, healthcare and other areas with hazardous work conditions. For more information, visit the Xplore Technologies website at www.xploretech.com.
About Novatek International
Novatek International provides a new breed of all-encompassing, process-driven laboratory information management system (LIMS) and other software solutions that target the pharmaceutical, biotech and other healthcare industries. Our unique portfolio of out-of-the-box, easy to use software solutions features specialized modules that help you manage all aspects of your quality environment with less effort and time. Novatek delivers solutions that go beyond LIMS for total enterprise wide automation. For more information, please visit www.ntint.com.
Posted by
Jae Lee on Wed, Apr 03, 2013 @ 09:49 AM
USA: Xplore Technologies Corp. has announced the newest addition to its rugged tablet portfolio, the iX104C5-M2. The new rugged tablet is an upgrade to Xplore Technologies’ current iX104C5-M, and is made to specifically meet the specialized security needs of military and government personnel.
The new iX104C5-M2 introduces additional hardware security with a fully integrated common access card (CAC) reader, which provides a secure and more trusted platform experience for military personnel. An ISO 7816 smart card issued by the U.S. government must be inserted into the device to access information appropriate to the user’s security clearance on the tablet.
The CAC reader ensures that critical data is only accessible by the appropriate, qualified user. Since the CAC card is completely contained within the iX104C5-M2 CAC reader, it poses no threat of possible damage resulting from foreign objects.
The iX104C5-M2 rugged tablet is outfitted with an Intel Core i7 processor, is Windows 8 compatible, and offers the most advanced performance platform in its class. The speed and efficiency of Xplore’s military tablets allows federal and Department of Defense users to deploy high-end enterprise level applications with confidence and reliability.
Read the Full Article.
Learn More About the iX104C5 DMSR-M2.
Posted by
Jae Lee on Wed, Apr 03, 2013 @ 09:46 AM
Xplore Technologies introduced a new version of their ultra-rugged tablet computer, the iX104C5-M2. In essence, this is a specialized model for military and government personnel that require additional hardware security on top of the various security hardware, software and firmware measures already inherent in modern computing technology. What the new M2 model adds is an integrated common access card (CAC) reader. With the reader, in order to get access to critical data, a U.S. government issued ISO 7816 smart card must be inserted.
Read the Full Article.
Learn More About the iX104C5 DMSR-M2.
Posted by
Jae Lee on Wed, Apr 03, 2013 @ 09:39 AM
Xplore Technologies introduced a new version of their ultra-rugged tablet computer, the iX104C5-M2. In essence, this is a specialized model for military and government personnel that require additional hardware security on top of the various security hardware, software and firmware measures already inherent in modern computing technology. What the new M2 model adds is an integrated common access card (CAC) reader. With the reader, in order to get access to critical data, a U.S. government issued ISO 7816 smart card must be inserted.
Read the Full Article.
Learn More About the iX104C5 DMSR-M2.
Posted by
Jae Lee on Wed, Apr 03, 2013 @ 09:23 AM
This morning, March 27, 2013, Xplore Technologies introduced a new version of their ultra-rugged tablet computer, the iX104C5-M2. In essence, this is a specialized model for military and government personnel that require additional hardware security on top of the various security hardware, software and firmware measures already inherent in modern computing technology. 
What the new M2 model adds is an integrated common access card (CAC) reader. With the reader, in order to get access to critical data, a U.S. government issued ISO 7816 smart card must be inserted.
Why is the ability to read such cards and to provide data access only with such a card important? Because it's mandated in directives and policies such as the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) that requires that all federal executive departments and agencies use secure and reliable forms of identification for employees and contractors. A chip in the CAC contains personal data, such as fingerprint images, special IDs and digital certificates that allow access to certain federally controlled systems and locations. As a result, both Federal agencies and private enterprise are now implementing FIPS 201-compliant ID programs.
But what exactly do all those card terms mean? What's, for example, the difference between a CAC and a PIV card, and how do they relate to Smart Cards in the first place? Well, the term "smart card" is generic. It's simply a card with a chip in it. The chip can then be used for data storage, access, or even application processing. A CAC is a specific type of smart card used by the US Department of Defense. A PIV (Personal Identification Verification) card is also a FIPS 201-compliant smart card used by the Federal government, but it's for civilian users. Then there's also a PIV-I smart card where the "I" stands for "Interoperable," and that one is for non-Federal users to access government systems.
The way a CAC works, specifically, is that once it's been inserted into the CAC reader, a PIN must be entered and the reader then checks via network connection with a government certificate authority server, and then either grants or denies access. The CAC stays in the reader for the entire session. Once it's removed, the session (and access) ends.
What this means is that only computers that have a CAC reader can be used for certain military and other governmental work. And the new Xplore iX104C5-M2 provides that reader. It's built directly into the chassis where it is secured and protected.
I had a chance to talk with Xplore Technologies representatives prior to the release of the new model. They said they created this new version specifically to meet the requirements of the Department of Defense, the Air Force, and Homeland Security. According to them, the potential market for CAC-equipped ruggedized tablet is 50,000-100,000 units. Considering that a rugged Xplore tablet lists for over US$5k, that would value that market at between half a billion and a billion dollars. Xplore's competition, of course, will step up to bat as well, and not all CAC-equipped computers will require the superior ruggedness and portability of an Xplore tablet,. But it's easy to see why Xplore, a company with roughly US$30 million in annual sales, would throw its hat in the ring. Even winning a small percentage of the estimated value of this market could have a sizable impact on Xplore.
While I'm at it, let me recap what Xplore Technologies is all about and what they have to offer. Unlike the flood of Johnny-come-latelies attempting to grab a slice of the booming tablet market, Xplore has been making tablets for the better part of two decades. Starting in the mid-1990s, the company began offering some of the finest and most innovative rugged tablet computers available. They were at the forefront with integrating multiple wireless options into a rugged tablet, offering truly outdoor-readable displays, and providing dual mode digitizers that automatically switched between active pen and touch. We reviewed their current iX104C5 tablet platform in detail a couple of years ago (see here) and declared it "one of the best rugged tablet designs available today." In the meantime, Xplore has broadened the appeal of the platform with a number of versions targeted at specific industries and clienteles, and this latest M2 version continues that tradition with a very timely product.
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Learn More About the iX104C5 DMSR-M2
Posted by
Emmy Silak on Tue, Apr 02, 2013 @ 10:13 AM
Rugged tablet maker Xplore Technologies isn’t ready to give up to the iPad or Microsoft’s Surface when it comes to tablet deployments in government or military. The firm has just launched its latest tablet, the Windows 7-based iX104C5-M2.
The new model is an upgrade to Xplore Technologies’ current iX04C5-M and introduces some handy new features, including a full-integrated common access card reader (CAC) for ensuring that critical data is only accessed by the appropriate users.
The tablet is also fitted with an Intel Core i7 processor, can be upgraded to Windows 8 (it runs Windows 7 Professional), and comes with 4GB of memory (expandable to 8GB) and connections for USB, RJ-45, microSD and Serial Port.
It is military-certified (MIL-STD-810G) for working in harsh conditions, and is able to withstand a seven-foot drop while operating and operate at temperatures ranging between -34F and 140F. The 10.4-inch sunlight readable LCD display is said to be impenetrable to dust and debris.
The model, which also comes as standard with a camera and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n support, is now available to order from Xplore Technologies. Optional extras include a tablet dock, a tablet stand, GPS and mounting hardware accessories.
Texas-based Xplore celebrated being listed on the NASDAQ for the first time in November and is by no means a stranger when it comes to military tablet roll-outs. The company announced earlier this month that it had provided another 200 tablets to the U.S. military, which deployed 900 of the same model back in December.
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Posted by
Emmy Silak on Tue, Apr 02, 2013 @ 10:02 AM
Integrated common access card makes mobile computing safe and secure
AUSTIN, Texas – Xplore Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: XPLR), the manufacturer of the world’s most powerful, longest-lasting and rugged tablet in the market, has announced the newest addition to its rugged tablet portfolio, the iX104C5-M2. The new rugged tablet is an upgrade to Xplore Technologies’ current iX104C5-M, and is made to specifically meet the specialized security needs of military and government personnel.
The new iX104C5-M2 introduces additional hardware security with a fully integrated common access card (CAC) reader, which provides a secure and more trusted platform experience for military personnel. An ISO 7816 smart card issued by the U.S. government must be inserted into the device to access information appropriate to the user’s security clearance on the tablet. The CAC reader ensures that critical data is only accessible by the appropriate, qualified user. Since the CAC card is completely contained within the iX104C5-M2 CAC reader, it poses no threat of possible damage resulting from foreign objects.
“With the addition of an integrated CAC reader, military personnel will know that mission-critical information is contained securely on their mobile device,” said Dan Morris, director of military programs for Xplore Technologies. “And like all of our other products, the new iX104C5-M2 is a wholly field upgradable rugged tablet that makes military and government organizations nimble and effective, no matter what conditions they might find themselves in.”
The iX104C5-M2 rugged tablet is outfitted with an Intel® Core™ i7 processor, is Windows 8 compatible, and offers the most advanced performance platform in its class. The speed and efficiency of Xplore’s military tablets allows federal and Department of Defense users to deploy high-end enterprise level applications with confidence and reliability.
“We work closely with our military and government customers to provide products that meet their very specialized needs,” said Mark Holleran, president and chief operating officer for Xplore Technologies. “This next generation of our military-grade tablets provides added safety and security when our clients need it the most.”
Xplore Technologies’ iX104C5-M2 rugged tablet is designed for frontline personnel as well as fixed forward base operations, and is built to meet military specifications (MIL-STD-810G) guaranteeing performance in the most extreme environments. The tablet can withstand a seven-foot drop while operating, offers an award-winning sunlight readable display, is impenetrable to dust and debris, and operates safely in Class 1, Division 2 explosive zones. The new integrated CAC reader ensures that all data and material on the mobile device is safe and secure, increasing operational integrity.
Read the Full Article
Learn More about the iX104C5 DMSR-M2
Posted by
Emmy Silak on Tue, Apr 02, 2013 @ 09:46 AM
by Lyndsey Taylor
March 28, 2013
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Northwest Austin–based Xplore Technologies Corp. announced March 27 the release of its newest product, the iX104C5-M2 rugged tablet, which can withstand extreme weather conditions from about minus 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and requires a U.S. government agency badge for a user to log in.
Jim Plas, vice president of marketing at Xplore Technologies, a tablet manufacturer founded in the late 1990s, said the company was approached by the Air Force last summer about needing a tablet with secure access capability, which spawned the creation of the new device. Xplore Technologies is located at 14000 Summit Drive.
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 Photo by Lyndsey Taylor
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Plas said the company put the tablet through at least 26 different tests in order to meet U.S. military standards. Plas and his team dropped the 5-pound tablet from 7 feet in the air, submerged it in 3 feet of water, zapped it with electricity and put it in a heated oven, among other trials, to test its power and functionality under extreme conditions. The tablet is compatible with Windows 8 and has a built-in shield to make the device immune to electromagnetic fields. The device also has a screen that is viewable in any outdoor condition and a cooling system for extreme heat conditions.
“I think what [the new tablet] does is demonstrate our ability to listen to our customers and make a product that is viable for them and their situation. ... Our ability to meet our customers' needs is where we excel,” said Dan Morris, director of military programs for Xplore Technologies.
Plas said that in addition to the military, the company makes tablets to be used in fields such as utilities, manufacturing and distribution, oil and gas, and public safety and transportation. He said the company is scheduled to release another new product in the coming months.
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Learn more about the iX104C5 DMSR-M2
Posted by
Emmy Silak on Tue, Apr 02, 2013 @ 09:42 AM
Integrated Common Access Card Makes Mobile Computing Safe and Secure
Xplore Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: XPLR), the manufacturer of the world's most powerful, longest-lasting and rugged tablet in the market, has announced the newest addition to its rugged tablet portfolio, the iX104C5-M2. The new rugged tablet is an upgrade to Xplore Technologies' current iX104C5-M, and is made to specifically meet the specialized security needs of military and government personnel.
Xplore Technologies' new DMSR-M2 fully rugged tablet, specially developed for the military and government. (Photo: Business Wire)
The new iX104C5-M2 introduces additional hardware security with a fully integrated common access card (CAC) reader, which provides a secure and more trusted platform experience for military personnel. An ISO 7816 smart card issued by the U.S. government must be inserted into the device to access information appropriate to the user's security clearance on the tablet. The CAC reader ensures that critical data is only accessible by the appropriate, qualified user. Since the CAC card is completely contained within the iX104C5-M2 CAC reader, it poses no threat of possible damage resulting from foreign objects.
"With the addition of an integrated CAC reader, military personnel will know that mission-critical information is contained securely on their mobile device," said Dan Morris, director of military programs for Xplore Technologies. "And like all of our other products, the new iX104C5-M2 is a wholly field upgradable rugged tablet that makes military and government organizations nimble and effective, no matter what conditions they might find themselves in."
The iX104C5-M2 rugged tablet is outfitted with an Intel® Core(TM) i7 processor, is Windows 8 compatible, and offers the most advanced performance platform in its class. The speed and efficiency of Xplore's military tablets allows federal and Department of Defense users to deploy high-end enterprise level applications with confidence and reliability.
"We work closely with our military and government customers to provide products that meet their very specialized needs," said Mark Holleran, president and chief operating officer for Xplore Technologies. "This next generation of our military-grade tablets provides added safety and security when our clients need it the most."
Xplore Technologies' iX104C5-M2 rugged tablet is designed for frontline personnel as well as fixed forward base operations, and is built to meet military specifications (MIL-STD-810G) guaranteeing performance in the most extreme environments. The tablet can withstand a seven-foot drop while operating, offers an award-winning sunlight readable display, is impenetrable to dust and debris, and operates safely in Class 1, Division 2 explosive zones. The new integrated CAC reader ensures that all data and material on the mobile device is safe and secure, increasing operational integrity.
Read the Full Article
Learn more about the iX104C5 DMSR-M2