Panasonic Toughpad: A Rugged Tablet Inside and Out

We have covered a few portable rugged tablet computers here at KinecticShift, but these products aren’t exactly as sexy-looking or easy-to-use as Apple’s iPad. In fact, they are designed for mobile workers and more adept at actual productivity, running some version of Microsoft Windows. Panasonic’s new Toughpad line of rugged Android-based tablets may just finally deliver a device that balances play and work in a tough exterior.

Although it looks chunkier than many consumer tablets on market, the Toughpad looks like a tablet you wouldn’t mind throwing into your bag when compared to other rugged tablets available. When it comes to creating rugged devices, Panasonic has lots of experience in this department. The company has been making rugged computers under the Toughbook name for some time; the Toughbook line has a Windows-based tablet computer, as well. But the Toughpad seems better suited for carrying around, especially if you don’t need the full Windows operating system to get stuff done. And in the sea of Android tablets currently on the market, Panasonic’s stands out. Sure, you can wrap an iPad with a rugged case, but the Toughpad is a different breed of tablet computers with specific users in mind. Continue reading Panasonic Toughpad: A Rugged Tablet Inside and Out

Adidas Takes to the On-Field Tracking

In the old days “track and field” use to mean the sport, but today data tracking allows for better training and conditioning on-field and on-court. Adidas has unveiled its new miCoach SPEED_CELL, the first device to capture information from motion in every direction and measures key performance metrics including speed, distance and time during practice and competition.

The device, which sits inside a specially designed cavity in the outsole of the shoe, can work with a range of sports including soccer, football, basketball, tennis and running, allowing users to monitor, evaluate and increase their performance.

“Understanding individual performance data is one of the best ways to improve your game,” said Mark Verstegen, founder and president of Athletes’ Performance. “For the first time, amateur athletes can have access to the performance tracking and analysis technology available to professional athletes.” Continue reading Adidas Takes to the On-Field Tracking

Timbuk2 Rolls Out Bags with Bike-Friendly Features

Whether you bike your commute to work, are out for fun or extensive exercise, you may have some gear to tote along. A shoulder bag gets in the way, and sometimes even your standard backpack feels inappropriate while riding.

Timbuk2 has a few new bag designs that address the specific needs of cyclists. Those are streamlined, well-balanced and with the right pockets to store laptops and tablets, every day items and even bike-specific gear such as helmets and locks.

While the bag company showed its upcoming products for the year at CES earlier this month, some of its bike-friendly bags won’t be available until about September’s Interbike. The new line of backpacks,  includes the Amnesia, Hemlock and Q. The former is something we’ll be sure to remember as we wait for it to arrive.

The Amnesia features a ventilated back panel to help ensure that you don’t get too hot under the collar, while custom-fit straps give a truer, more comfortable fit. The refined weave 840 ballistic nylon pack offers a “swing around” side access compartment that can fit a laptop or tablet up to 15-inches. Separate front organizer pockets are available for accessories. This bag features an bottle opener on one of the straps. Once you’re off your bike you can use the paired Velcro loops on the bag’s face to secure your helmet or headphones – we recommend you keep the helmet on your head while on the bike. Continue reading Timbuk2 Rolls Out Bags with Bike-Friendly Features

CES 2011: GammaTech Gets Tough

There are times when the going gets tough, and in some of those times you need to keep the computer going. At this week’s Consumer Electronics Show GammaTech will roll out its line of military-grade rugged notebooks and tablet computers.

Among the line of products to be shown include:

*  The D12C – 12.1″ mobile rugged, convertible notebook computer
*  The D15C – 15.6″ rugged portable notebook computer
*  The MT10L – 10.4″ Intel Health Mobile Clinical Assistant tablet PC

So move over iPad, you might be great for the living room. But for those who need to do more than sit on a couch, GammaTech is the name to beat.

GammaTech Official Website

Rugged Convertible Notebook for World Travelers

Planning a trip around the world, or just need to update your Facebook page while you’re off hiking? Either way the GammaTech D12C rugged notebook will survive the journey. This convertible notebook does the transformer thing, going from a traditional notebook to a tablet in a blink of the eye. It features a 12.1-inch Touch Screen display, along with a Web cam and HD stereo audio.

It is drop and shock resistant and tested to stringent MIL-STD-810G requirements. It further features a unique spill resistant design protects it from accidental spills, utilizing a C-face that helps protect the area around the keyboard, touchpad, speakers and wireless and power switches. When off in the wild the D12C is practically air tight as all input/output ports are fully dust resistant as well. Continue reading Rugged Convertible Notebook for World Travelers