Portable Computers Lead Product Parade

Efficiency and productivity are emphasized over 'coolness' ofnew technology

There was a time when new technology products were designed morefor a "gee-whiz" response than a "hmm... that could be useful"reaction, but times have changed, and practicality and productivitynow rule the roost--especially in insurance and financialservices.

While we still may delight in the "cool" features of a techproduct, most of us want to know how such a product will make ourjobs easier and/or impact the bottom line, and tech productmarketers are all too willing to tout such benefits.

That brings us to the current crop of cutting-edge products, ledby three new portable computers designed to make life on the roadeasier for busy agents and other financial servicesprofessionals.

o Itronix Corp. has introduced the Duo-TouchTablet PC, "a next-generation portable, wireless, rugged slatetablet PC for mobile professionals in industries such astelecommunications, utilities, government and insurance."

According to Spokane, Wash.-based Itronix, the Duo-Touchimproves on the company's previous models with an upgraded Intelprocessor, integrated global positioning system, more memory, abrighter display, and a more rugged case.

The Duo-Touch name refers to the fact that the unit'stouch-screen can be operated with a stylus or with the user'sfinger, a company representative said.

The unit utilizes the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Editionoperating system, making it easy to use for those already familiarwith Windows XP, the company said. In addition to faster speed andbetter performance than previous models, the Duo-Touch includes anoptional integrated GPS receiver, enabling real-time location offield personnel and assets.

An all-magnesium case for better drop/shock durability isanother key improvement, said Itronix, along with an externalantenna switch for improved radio performance inside vehicles. Theunit weighs in at just 3.9 lbs.

According to the company, "extreme climate changes such as rain,snow, wind, dust, vibration, shock and chemical exposure will nothinder [the unit's] performance." It is designed for exposure totemperatures ranging from -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Duo-Touch Tablet PC carries an MSRP of $3,195, said Itronix.Details are available at www.itronix.com.

o Motion Computing has also introduced a tabletPC, the LE1600, "a slate tablet PC that enhances user productivitywith its improved ergonomics, technology innovations and advancedsecurity capabilities in a slimmer, lighter and more durabledesign."

The new unit, said Austin, Texas-based Motion, includes thelatest Intel Centrino mobile technology, longer battery life thanprevious models, and durability for "mobile professionals in healthcare, field sales, and service, government and education."

Centrino technology centers on a processor that delivers higherperformance and lower power consumption, which results in longerbattery life.

The clipboard-sized LE1600 weighs 3.1 lbs. and runs Windows XPTablet Edition 2005, the company said. The unit also includes 512MB(megabytes) of upgradeable memory and a 30GB (gigabyte) hard drive,which can be upgraded to 60GB. The hard drive is "shock-mounted"for increased durability.

The unit's standard battery provides more than three hours ofuse, and an optional extended battery attaches flat against theback of the LE1600, the company noted. Used in tandem, the twobatteries can provide up to eight hours of computing time.

The LE1600's standard screen offers a 12.1-inch high-resolutionviewing area and viewing angles of up to 180 degrees "to simplifycollaboration," said Motion. The unit also features a Digital VideoInterface port for output to high-resolution flat-panel monitorsand projectors.

On the security front, the LE1600 includes an embedded TrustPlatform Module that enables hardware-protected encryption andsecures digital certificate storage for authentication. A built-infingerprint reader uses biometric data to prevent unauthorizedaccess to the system and the encrypted data, the company noted.

The LE1600 carries an MSRP of $2,199, while a Celeron(lower-tier processor) version, the LE1600c, sells for $1,899 MSRP,said Motion. Details are available at www.motioncomputing.com.

o Toshiba's Digital Products Division hasre-launched its "libretto" brand with the U100 mini-notebookcomputer for those looking for a real lightweight unit.

According to Irvine, Calif.-based Toshiba, the unit weighs just2.16 lbs. while delivering "full computing functionality." The U100features a 7.2-inch diagonal liquid crystal display that is backlitto increase brightness.

A half-size 802.11b/g wireless card and a 60GB hard drive arealso offered. According to Toshiba, new "miniaturizing technology"used on the U100 motherboard has reduced the size of the unit by 30percent.

A hard disk drive protector that detects any "suddenacceleration" immediately places the drive into a protected mode"until the system determines it is safe to resume normaloperation," the company claimed. Fingerprint authentication and aZooming Utility--allowing users to zoom in and out on a screenimage--are also featured.

The unit comes with 512MB standard memory and Microsoft WindowsXP Professional operating system, making it "a full-featurednotebook in a tiny, conveniently portable package," saidToshiba.

Suggested retail price for the U100 is $1,999, the companyadded. Information is available at www.toshibadirect.com.

o O&O Software has released O&O DefragV8.0, a software tool designed to optimize the performance ofdesktop PCs and servers.

According to Berlin, Germany-based O&O, "fragmented filesare the main cause of performance loss on PC systems today." Thenew software recombines such fragmented data on computerdrives.

"Using O&O Defrag will ensure users 100 percent performanceout of their desktop PCs and servers, leading to both time andmoney saved," the company stated. The software's "OneButtonDefrag"capability "automatically ascertains the optimal settings for eachindividual system."

A Screen Saver Mode in the software allows for defragmentationto be done while the user is on a break or away from the computer."As soon as the screen saver is ended by the user, thedefragmentation halts, to be continued at a later time," saidO&O.

The product is compatible with all versions of WindowsXP/2003/2000/NT and is available in Professional and ServerEditions. Suggested retail price for the Professional Edition forWindows desktop PCs is $44.95. The Server Edition for Windowsservers is priced at $219. A free trial version of O&O Defragis available for download at http://www.oo-software.com/.

The Itronix Duo-Touch provides mobile users with an integratedglobal positioning system to help busy agents and other insuranceprofessionals find their way in the field.