Month: July 2013

It’s Good to Have Options – T710 Tablet Docking Options

Glacier Computer’s new T710 Rugged Tablet Computer is getting a lot of attention, and docking options are an important part of that mix.

Having a tablet computer that is completely sealed from dust and particulates and can withstand a water bombardment of 12.5 liters per minute from a nozzle is great. Having a piece of hardware that can be dropped from 6 feet and still be well within warranty coverage and specifications is even more enticing. And by itself, the T710 has plenty of mobility, features, and I/O to become the managing resource for all of your data collection activities. But what if you want to put it on a cart or a lift, or dock it in a vehicle?

The T710 has two different docking solutions with multiple applications.

The optional Mobile mount a dock gives you the option of putting the tablet wherever you need it. You can dock it in a vehicle, on a forklift, a 4-wheeler, or a golf cart. Fixed mount the system to a wall, at a point of service, or on a production line. If an when you need it more mobile, just remove it and use it like a tablet.

While mounted the dock provides 4 USB ports, a VGA out, RJ45, twin RS232 pots, and two antenna connections for GPS or other applications. There’s a key-lock to keep the T710 secured in the docking station until you need to remove it.

The T710 also comes with an optional desktop dock. This docking station provides 2 additional USB 2.0 ports , HDMI, VGA, and a LAN port, with a DC-jack, and Kensington lock. Combining these accessories would allow you to use the T710 as a desktop computer, a tablet computer, as a mobile mount unit in a vehicle, or in multiple fixed or mobile mount applications, wherever and whenever you needed it.

The T710 is just one of several 7″, 8″ and 10″ rugged and semi-rugged tablet solutions available from Glacier Computer to provide you with all the mobility and “rugged” you require for your data delivery and collection needs.

Glacier Tech Tuesday – A 3D Printing Revolution

Computer aided or assisted design has evolved thanks to the robotic revolution and innovations that made 3D printing a reality. Today’s designers and craftsman can exchange the hand-tools they used to use for digital design tools and equipment that allows them to turn their imagination into a part or product in a fraction of the time. And not just where they are, but anywhere in the world where the equipment and materials are at hand, without ever having to leave their workshop.

Financial Times

Thanks to technological strides in computer-aided manufacturing, jewellery designers are now able to release more unique designs more frequently – and they are precisely matching supply and demand in the process.

“With 3D printing, it doesn’t matter how intricate a design is or how many variations you make, the cost of production is only determined by the material used,” says Duann Scott, designer evangelist at Shapeways

“This means a unique item costs the same price as a one-size-fits-all item.

“Because all items are 3D printed to order, supply exactly meets demand. Customisation is free, there is no inventory and no risk to innovate,” says Mr Scott.

3D modelling and printing allow you to redesign on the fly, prototype and literally ‘fax’ finished parts. And while almost anyone could push some buttons if that all it took, it does not take away from the talent or vision of artists or designers that will be needed to make the system work.

“We are seeing an emerging field of expertise called digital craftsmanship,” says Mr Scott. “Three-dimensional modelling techniques require an understanding of material, process and digital tools all honed over time with a meticulous eye for detail in much the same way as traditional craftsmanship.”

At some future date, when equipment and material costs allow, the article points out that 3D printers could be part of every household. You could order a part for a kitchen appliance and have it in your hands shortly after. With no need to maintain inventory or a distribution network, costs could be reduced considerably, as long as long as the networks, computing power and base materials were at hand.

Before we get to that point, business and industry will be able to capitalize on the same benefits with custom 3D printers that can create specialized parts, materials, or tools they need, when they need them.

Depending on its evolution the 3D printer could completely change distribution and supply chains for a wide range or products and materials in the years to come.