Filed under: Announcements, Editorial Opinion, Remote Computing | Tags: Dell, Digital Nomads, Mobility, Third Space
Joining The Digital Nomad Community
Digital Nomads are all the rage, now that Dell has launched an interactive website-blog named Digital Nomads Dot Com. Not to knock good marketing and the money behind it, but this blog and many others have been devoting much time and energy to this particular subject for some time. Books have even been written about the subject, and much research devoted to the phenomena of “third space”.
Do a search on the term “Digital Nomads”, and you will find that the blogosphere is suddenly buzzing left and right with posts about this new breakthrough trend. No sour grapes here, it just is somehow odd how everyone is lauding a mainstream consumer electronics company for re-stating the obvious, and presenting nothing really new.
Visit some of the original digital nomads at the links below, and then watch a rather esoteric video on the subject of being a nomad, coexistence, and relationship to resources. “The master program is the nomad.”
Nomad4ever
Nomadesigner
Working Nomad
Brave New Traveller
Notes from the Road
Leave the Office
NuNomad
Rugged Notebooks: Extreme Computers for Extreme Conditions™
Filed under: Announcements, Editorial Opinion, Wireless Technology News | Tags: FCC, Net Neutrality, Save the Internet
Regulators Push Back on Telco and Cable Network Providers
A “more free” and “more open” Internet is taking shape thanks to the efforts of the Net Neutrality Movement pushing to advance and preserve the issues of Net Neutrality, Open Access, Online Privacy and digital inclusion. This is an important development for anyone that connects to the grid, and not just those of us interested in mobile access and the prospect of a truly wireless network.
On August 1st, the FCC handed a victory to the grass roots movement that keeps an eye on regulators, hoping to to continue to create a path to more accessible, more open, and a more affordable Internet.
“It’s only recently that the well-heeled phone and cable lobby have been beaten back by a well-organized public. We are coming together in increasing numbers to see that these special interests are not allowed to set Internet policy for the nation.
The Internet’s true greatness lies in those of us who use its level playing field to challenge the status quo, create and share new innovation and ideas, take part in our democracy and connect with others around the world — without permission from any gatekeepers.” - Save The Interent
In what has been characterized as a landmark decision, the FCC issued an “enforcement order” against Comcast that will require the cable giant to stop monitoring and interfering with peer-to-peer software sharing applications being used by network subscribers.
Apparently the FCC has finally sent a powerful message to the telcos and cable companies that messing with Internet traffic and the throttle on bandwidth is not going to be tolerated. Someone in government finally has done something right.
Rugged Notebooks: Extreme Computers for Extreme Conditions™
Filed under: Editorial Opinion, Portable Computing | Tags: Cloud Computing, Rugged Laptops, Virtualization, Wireless Internet
If you are not familiar with the concept of “cloud computing”, better get used to hearing about the term. Cloud computing aggregators and integrators are beginning to emerge, make waves, and make sense for mobile computing. Future economies of scale will be driven by the need from the enterprise side, B2B, and consumer needs, plus the various design influences of hardware, software, security, and the new mobile technology coming online. Both from a logical and a logistical vantage point, the broad utilization of mobile Thin Clients and Dumb Terminals are probably somewhere in the near future.
“… “the cloud” is a familiar cliché, but when combined with “computing” the meaning gets bigger and fuzzier. Some analysts and vendors define cloud computing narrowly as an updated version of utility computing: basically virtual servers available over the Internet. Others go very broad, arguing anything you consume outside the firewall is “in the cloud”, including conventional outsourcing.” - InfoWorld
Just as laptops are now replacing the desktop PC, mobile computing will eventually rely on the virtualization aspects of plugging into the wireless network and the “cloud” for more computing power, more storage, and more security. And as we always point out, smaller mobile computing devices by any name, or form factor, will become more “rugged” by design default.
Rugged Notebooks: Extreme Computers for Extreme Conditions™
Filed under: Editorial Opinion, Portable Computing | Tags: Acer Ferrari, Branding, Laptop Marketing
Maybe not so “rugged”, but perfect subject matter for a late weekend post, this has been in the bookmarks for some time wating for the right moment. We cannot say for sure how well these “highly-branded” portables sold in the marketplace, but they sure do look good.
This references a post almost two years ago from the gadget blog Technogad, that did not get noticed much. The original post was simply titled “Acer Ferrari 1000″. So much for branding with popular and well known logos, since all indications are that they did not sell well…but they still are fun to look at.
Rugged Notebooks: Extreme Computers for Extreme Conditions™
Filed under: Editorial Opinion, Portable Computing | Tags: Being Digitial, Digital Nomads, Rugged Laptops, Rugged Notebook
Rugged Gear for Digital Nomads Becoming More Vogue
It’s uncanny, but we seem to be ahead of the curve by about 18 months. That also is the seemingly well documented time-frame for a paradigm shift in the tech world, whether it be a new product launch, or in reference to the now infamous Moore’s Law.
We have been plugging away on the subjects of “rugged portable computing” and “digital nomads” for about that length of time. Perhaps it is the reality of a lagging US economy, the looming job losses, and energy concerns, or maybe the fact that a recession has a way of bringing abut change. Whatever the facts, the idea behind Digital Nomads and the concept behind The Rugged Notebooks Blog is starting to show up in the news more often.
Here are two recent examples that showed up today in my email for Google Alerts. The first one is from “Allow Your Employees to Be Digital Nomads” at Marcelino 2.0.si.
“Digital Nomads are growing in numbers, and they will create ripples, accelerating the use of Web 2.0 technologies in the workplace. Over time, they may have some effect on marketing channels, potentially slowing the efficacy of e-mail marketing and accelerating the reliance on social-media engagement in marketing.”
The second is about some tech toys for roadies at “12 Great Gadgets for the Digital Nomad”, and is a list of gadgetry worthy of checking out.
“Calling all digital nomads… your mobile gear has to be small, light and able to come through for you while making you look good. Regardless of whether it’s a Wi-Fi smart phone, a solar-powered battery or a portable printer, it has to get the job done without making you work up a sweat.”
Rugged Notebooks: Extreme Computers for Extreme Conditions™
Filed under: Editorial Opinion, Industry News | Tags: Ruff PC, StarupBooster, Web 2.0
StartupBooster Gives Ruff PC Dot Com a Boost
“StartupBooster” recently featured a post on The Ruff PC Website, an online rugged laptop sales portal geared towards the consumer market. Read the article at “RuffPC.com - More Durable Laptops”. Then check out what StartupBooster is all About.
StartupBooster was created to give entrepreneurs a boost in early stages of their startup. The website reviews web startups mostly in the Web 2.0 arena. However, if you have another interesting or unique website, then you should contact StartupBooster for an online boost for your online business venture.
Rugged Notebooks: Extreme Computers for Extreme Conditions™
Filed under: Editorial Opinion, MIL-STD 810F, Uncategorized | Tags: rugged notebooks, MIL-STD 810F, Rugged Portable Computers, Fully Rugged, Rugged Lapotps
Special Ops for Special Operation Military Style Computing
Almost synonymous with the infamous 810F Military Standard, fully rugged computers have from the beginning enjoyed a special relationship with government operations. This post deals with the obvious influences that will change the duties of those ordered to serve the special services in the military rugged portable computing marketing niche. The category Rugged Notebooks is always at the forefront of product innovation and is an early adopter of new technologies.
Government and military operations have always been the proving ground of cutting edge tech for obvious reasons. As all “mobile & wireless” computer devices get smaller, they are designed to be more “rugged’ by default. Field operation computers may end up becoming “dumb terminals” (thin clients) connecting to a central command system. Having minimal resident memory and storage means that information is centralized, and wireless data is encrypted, preventing compromised data from a single device.
The military form factor will first follow the platform of a UMPC (Ultra mobile PC) and eventually evolve into something similar to what we know in the consumer market as a PDA or Smart Phone, and such sophisticated devices most certainly already exist, and have been tested and deployed. Look to the design of the XO and Classmate PC as examples of transitional form factors. Cheap to build and essentially a “disposable computer” with regard to harsh conditions and field operations.
Improving design influences will continue to include heat pipes (heat sinks), sunlight readable LCDs, SSDs (Solid State Drives), and mesh network capabilities with multiple built-in wireless modalities. Another example of technology probably already adapted and in use is “Mobile WiMAX”.
There most likely will be an increased demand for this type of ruggedized technology over the last couple of years, as consumers, and therefore consumer brands, have discovered the “ruggedized”, “semi-rugged”, and “fully rugged” niche. “Business rugged” and Industrial laptops are now becoming the norm. All trends indicate business users and consumers are opting for mobile computers over their desktop PCs.
There will always be a higher standard for military computers. The military and government services are the proving ground for nascent technology. Some aspects of military technology always remains classified for security reasons. However, just like space tech from NASA, much of the new mobile & wireless technology will be adopted into new consumer products.
Rugged Notebooks: Extreme Computers for Extreme Conditions™
Filed under: Editorial Opinion, Industry News, Portable Computing | Tags: 3G, Apple iPhone, rugged portable computing
Not to jump on the bandwagon, since there is plenty to read about the upcoming introduction of the Apple 3G iPhone, however, I did feel it appropriate to comment on the new device. If you frequent this blog, you know that I personally expect this form factor to end up being the computer in your pocket. It just makes sense that your cell phone (PDA) will also become your mobile computer.
New online services are starting to pop up that you will want to have on board your wireless gear as well. Services like SelfBank for mobile commerce, Meet Franklin for a social mobile marketplace, and Hulu for mobile entertainment.
This is just a matter of time, as mobile and wireless devices get smaller, and a third “wireless” pipeline is a reality. So iPhone fits the rugged space somehow, and yet, Apple has little noticed the rugged portable computing niche (see ToughMac). Is the iPhone rugged? I only know what I read in reviews, blogs, and the news.
Here are very different views from several vantage points that have recently been circulating on the Internets and The Google (with minor edits to fit this post).
The advantages of using iPhone for your business are (from work.com):
- Powerful computing device which keeps you connected with business information, but fits in your pocket.
- Get rid of those heavy laptops.
- Use of the iPhone to access the Internet is seen as a logical mobile device.
- Employees with iPhones will gladly use it for business purposes on the road.
- Employees can collaborate on critical information when they need it.
“I think people have tried to build a $100 laptop, and here is a $200 phone that can do all that over 3G.” - Ralph de la Vega, CEO of AT&T Mobility (from gigaom.com)
“It’s just like the “$100 laptop”! Except not rugged, with a tiny screen sans dedicated reading mode, without a reasonable prolonged-use input device, with a $100 fee for a software development certificate, without USB ports or a video camera, with a prohibition on interpreted software and a by-design inability to share software due to DRM, and requiring wi-fi access points or expensive 3G GSM infrastructure to communicate.
And, um, with a $200 retail price after massive subsidy by AT&T which attaches it to a mandatory two thousand dollar contract.” (from radian.org)
Rugged Notebooks: Extreme Computers for Extreme Conditions™
Filed under: Editorial Opinion, Remote Computing, Wireless Technology News | Tags: Mobile and Wireless Communications, Rugged Portable Computers, Wi-Fi, Wireless Tech
Here are a few quotes from an item posted on the CNET blog today, “Cell phone operators cautiously embrace W-Fi”.
Perhaps we are visionary. The sleeping giants are starting to wake up to the idea of “Wi-Fi”. What’s next in the pipeline for these guys, WiMAX?
“Wi-Fi offers us a way to provide high-speed access in an area where we don’t have 3G, like in a rural setting,” said Mike Woodward, vice president of business mobility for AT&T. “There might be a coffee shop or some other hot spot in that area that offers our Wi-Fi service, and customers can connect that way.”
“Once seamless hand-offs between Wi-Fi and cellular are mastered, there are essentially no technical barriers that would keep a cell phone operator from using Wi-Fi technology. And, in fact, carriers could reap many benefits from using Wi-Fi to offload voice traffic, especially as the price for voice minutes continues to decline.”
As discussed on this blog in many posts, this is not an “either or/neither nor” proposition. There is no reason to choose sides in these debates. Networks, platforms and technologies always tend to overlap. They all will play a part in the emerging and ever changing wireless and mobile sector.
This will have widespread implications for the rugged laptop, rugged notebook, rugged portable landscape, and the evolving third pipeline for an infamous information highway that goes rugged as it goes wirelesss.
Rugged Notebooks: Extreme Computers for Extreme Conditions™
Filed under: Editorial Opinion, Remote Computing, Wireless Technology News | Tags: Mobile WiMAX, Disruptive Technology, Rugged Portable Computers
WiMAX Could Prove a Better Resource for Mobile Workers
This blog has posted fairly consistently with updates in support of WiMAX as a wireless standard, most recently with the addition of videos…some old and some new. Still it seems that Wi-Fi gets most of the play in the US mainstream media.
Here is a synopsis from IDG out of Norway on many of the attractions for the deployment of Mobile WiMAX. See the full article at “Six Reasons to Start Considering WiMax Today”.
“Mobile WiMax is quite new. Its IEEE standard 802.16e was only ratified in December 2005 as a set of amendments to 802.16-2004, the WiMax standard. These two standards work together in lockstep; without 802.16, there can be no 802.16e. The critical difference between the older foundation technology and mobile WiMax is that 802.16e can support mobile clients moving at up to 100Kmph.”
Here are a few of the attributes of WiMAX to consider for future wireless network needs.
1. Lower Acquisition Costs. Only the need to install a single Mobile WiMAX AP, instead of dozens of 802.11 access points, and the necessary wiring and the associated power needs for comparable Wi-Fi coverage. A corporate WiMAX network should not require any more bandwidth.
2. Public WiMAX Networks. Sprint, Clearwire, Intel, Google, Comcast,Time Warner Cable, Brightcove, and others have have joined forces to create nationwide Mobile WiMax Networks. Mobile users will be able to use a WiMAX network just like they now use Wi-Fi hot spots.
3. No Vendor Lock-in. The WiMAX Forum will not certify equipment unless it is interoperable. Equipment from one vendor will work with devices you get from another company. The bottom line: No incompatibily.
4. Broad Vendor Support. Mobile WiMAX wireless technology has industry support from: Intel, Cisco, Microsoft, Nokia and over one hundred other major vendors.
5. Lower Management Costs. Do the math. A single WiMAX ground station vs dozens of Wi-Fi APs. Support for hundreds, or even thousands of 802.11 Aps vs two to three WiMAX stations?
Bonus Number Six. New generation electrical power meters with built-in mobile WiMAX and a Smart Grid communications and networking platform promises to make WiMAX as ubiquitous as electrical power.
“Unlike 802.11 Wi-Fi, WiMax incorporates QoS (quality of service) by assigning each device using its service an access slot. Depending on the overall use of the WiMax network and the kind of traffic the device requires, this slot may expand or shrink, but a device is also guaranteed a minimum amount of access to the network. In contrast, it’s all too possible for a Wi-Fi AP to be overwhelmed by multiple clients demanding simultaneous access.”
Source: new.idg.no
Rugged Notebooks: Extreme Computers for Extreme Conditions™
