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Magical medical-grade computers

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Magic MRK8I used to work in healthcare, and like many people involved in that field, I became quite cynical about its practice.  For one thing, modern medicine may be hi-tech, but people can treat it as if it was magic. Patients sometimes demand prescriptions from a doctor for medicines that they can get over the counter. The prescription is unnecessary, but it is “magic,” because it is from a doctor.  Doctors have been known to take x-rays, not for diagnostic purposes, but because the “magic” image impresses patients and helps ensure compliance.

What about so-called “medical-grade” computers? Do doctors really need one? What exactly is a “medical-grade” computer, and is it good for anything else besides healthcare?  Are they magic or hi-tech?

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A tale of Two BOBs: Simple Solution for a Complex Problem

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AMREL customizes a lot of computers.  Sometimes, the customization is almost a complete build-to-order.  Other times, it’s as simple as adding a connector to a laptop or tablet.  Actually, adding a connector isn’t so simple. Consider the conventional way of adding a connector to a mobile computer:

  • First space must be found to accommodate the connector
  • A hole and mount points must be machined into case wall
  • Power and signal wires must be soldered to mainboard and routed to backside of the connector
  • Finally, the laptop or tablet is reassembled and tested Read more
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James Gathings Joins AMREL

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James Gathings has joined AMREL as the new Senior Design Engineer. James is well known in the specialized field of rugged computer customizations.  Very few engineers have James’s background in this niche area. In addition to modifying computers at Getac for 13 years, James has a certificate of completion in Airframe and Powerplant. Read more

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Tablets rule, for now

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It may be hard to remember all the way back to 2010, but when the iPad was first introduced, no one was sure if the public would actually adopt it.  “People already have a smartphone and a laptop,” ran a common refrain, “What’s the point of another mobile form factor?”

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AMREL at AUVSI 2011

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See AMREL’s new interoperable Payload Controller Paylaod Controller, handheld OCU, as well as the the Rocky DB6, the world’s smallest rugged computer with full Windows 7/Linux. Stop by AMREL’s booth #3030, and get a good look at our line of fully rugged computers as wll as our suite of interoperable solutions.

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ROCKY DB6 at FOSE

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See the Rocky DB6, the world’s smallest rugged computer with full Windows 7/Linux, at FOSE 2011.  This powerful little handheld weighs only 1.5 pounds, but supports the same programs as a laptop at a fraction of the energy.  Come by AMREL’s booth 115 and ask about our FREE life-size die cuts!

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Free ROCKY DB6 Life Size Cut-Out

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See for yourself just how compact the ROCKY DB6 handheld isDB6 DyeCut. Put it in a cargo pocket or hold it in your hand, the ROCKY DB6 handheld is the smallest rugged computer with full Windows/Linux in the world. To get a FREE life size cut-out, just click here.

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COTS Obsolescence & Total Cost of Ownership

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The initial purchase price of your rugged computer may only be aCOTS Obsolenense  small part of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Platform support, customization, integration, connectivity, and inadequate durability may make your “bargain” very expensive.  Will your rugged computer be good for your ROI five or ten years from now or just for today?

Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) products are attractive for the price and established supply chain. However, there is a fundamental problem buying mass-produced off-the-shelf items. New and upgraded products typically generate more profit than old ones. Corporations prioritize the overhead of product support for the greatest revenue earners, i.e. the new products. Support for older platforms is phased out. Read more

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Does your rugged computer need legacy Wi-Fi?

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Some computer manufacturers are eliminating IEEE 802.11b protocols, claiming that it will improve 802.11g.  Since 802.11n is the fastest WLAN standard, why have any legacy Wi-Fi at all?

You need a, b, and g, because not all hot spots are running n. For example, if you’re operating an MQ-1 Predator by a wireless control system, while sipping a Frappuccino at Starbuck’s (you have your fantasies; I have mine), your computer better accommodate legacy Wi-Fi networks.  If you know that your computer will be solely dedicated to a network that only supports 802.11n, then you don’t need connectivity for the older standards.

By the way, when you use your computer to conduct major combat operations from the local coffee house, be careful where you sit; data throughput dramatically decreases the further away you sit from an access point.

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Custom Rugged Computer Quiz

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Mobile_mesh_networkAt AMREL, we see a lot of other people’s mistakes. Clients frequently come in with tales of woe, asking us to clean up messes made by them or their previous customization company. Some errors are specific to the customization process; others are true for rugged computers in general.

Of course, we’re happy for the business, but we think a little bit of knowledge can save everyone a lot of headaches.  So, before you begin your journey through customization, take this short test to see if you’re ready.

Part One: True or False

Please indicate which of the following statements are true.

1) Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) is a valid way of comparing quality of parts from different companies.

2) Customizations must be done by third parties.

3) The manufacturer’s warranty never includes customization.

4) Low-volume customizations are too expensive to be practical.

5) The warranty and purchase price reflect the true cost of the computer.

6) A signed obsolescence agreement with your vendor ends your worries about End of Life issues.

7) No such thing as “Customized COTS.”

Part Two: Name three wrong things the narrator did in the following story

“I needed a customized application for rugged computers. It was quite tricky.  My team sat down, created a solution, and wrote the specs for it. We weren’t sure which rugged computer company to use, so we picked a large one, assuming they had the best capabilities. They explained to us that our specs weren’t practical. For one thing, the solid state hard drive required by our specs was much more expensive than we expected. We had to eliminate some of our wireless capabilities and other features in order to meet our pricepoint.”

Part Three: In one word, what is the most important thing to look for in a supplier of customized rugged computers?

For the answers to these questions, click here.

 

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