Mobile computers

[wb647]

Has anyone had expierence with using different types of squad computers- specifically an all-in-one (what looks like a tablet PC) versus a Toughbook type computer? It seems that most of us have only used one or the other, and therefore only have an opinon on one style.


http://www.datalux.com/images/tracer_images/small_touch.jpg

-versus-

http://lh6.google.com/tjackermann/RstYh8GDSVI/AAAAAAAAAhs/lnOP1YzuWG4/Cruiser61-18%20JUL%202005.jpg?imgmax=512

Specifically, I'm wondering how much the screen wabbles when going down the road or when the touch-screen is used; durability; safety- i.e. crashes, airbag deployments; docking vs. fixed; creature comforts for both driver & passenger; durability, espically of the touch screen & keyboard.

If you've only used one of the styles and have opinions on it, by all means- fire away.

[Drummadude12]

I've used both types of computers. Of course I'm not an officer so I don't know how the tablet would work out in a car but I know I had trouble using it just sitting on my couch (my dad got one where he used to work).

The officers here use Itronix computers that is a normal laptop with a touch screen, so they can select different parts of the MDC program with their fingers and just type whatever is needed.

[Catman]

The Itronix VR2 is the best notebook I've seen for a police car. Call your HP state and local rep, they can get them for less than $3000 with the three year warranty with accidental damage protection.

[GeekWithAGun]

Has anyone had expierence with using different types of squad computers- specifically an all-in-one (what looks like a tablet PC) versus a Toughbook type computer? It seems that most of us have only used one or the other, and therefore only have an opinon on one style.


http://www.datalux.com/images/tracer_images/small_touch.jpg

-versus-

http://lh6.google.com/tjackermann/RstYh8GDSVI/AAAAAAAAAhs/lnOP1YzuWG4/Cruiser61-18%20JUL%202005.jpg?imgmax=512

Specifically, I'm wondering how much the screen wabbles when going down the road or when the touch-screen is used; durability; safety- i.e. crashes, airbag deployments; docking vs. fixed; creature comforts for both driver & passenger; durability, espically of the touch screen & keyboard.

If you've only used one of the styles and have opinions on it, by all means- fire away.


We steered our agency away from laptops (Toughbooks) and into actual fixed mount computers. As the guy who supports over 130 of these types of computers, I cannot say enough good stuff about them. Specifically the Data911 product. Not only are they fully airbag compliant (big difference between friendly and compliant), but they are very rugged and have withstood the typical use/abuse in the field. Cost is approximately $5K-6K depending on different variables. Good luck!

[Monkeybomb]

I have a data 911 currently in my cruiser. I have also had a toughbook. Between the two I prefer the toughbook. You can use it with gloves on and it seems that down time is far less than with the 911 system. The screen is easier to read on the toughbook and it doesn't block heater and radio controls like the 911.The toughbook does leave a little less room in the passenger side but no biggie. The 911 leaves almost no room in the trunk because the tray takes up most of the space and then your spare tire. If you are tactical and have to carry raid gear and extra weapons, shield etc good luck you have to stack stuff in the back seat. It sucks for space without all the extras. Give me the toughbook back anyday.

[Drummadude12]

5 to 6 k for a computer? By fixed mount, do you mean that there's still a tower like in the trunk or something and a screen and keyboard up front?

What I like about the Itronix is that the keyboard keys are translucent, which allows for a backlight. Also the touchscreen plus keyboard is a nice combo. Of specifically-for-police-duty computers, the Itronix is the only one I've used.

[Narco]

We use Toughbook CF-29s and they're good computers. VERY rugged, touchscreen is a breeze, and the keyboard is backlit. I prefer a laptop over a fixed mount b/c I can take it wherever I need to to do my work.

[Catman]

We use Toughbook CF-29s and they're good computers. VERY rugged, touchscreen is a breeze, and the keyboard is backlit. I prefer a laptop over a fixed mount b/c I can take it wherever I need to to do my work.

An important point for some. Not to mention that maintenance is easier.

[twbrown]

The Itronix VR2 is the best notebook I've seen for a police car. Call your HP state and local rep, they can get them for less than $3000 with the three year warranty with accidental damage protection.

How many did you have to purchase for this price? we only bought 12 and paid almost 700.00 more for ours.

[zxed]

This doesnt add to the fixed mount question... but why are people still stuck to the fixed mount stuff?

what stops you from moving to mobile devices? (motorola mc70, intermec cn3, janam, etc. ?)... im not talking about using a cell phone., im talking about enterprise level rugged mobile devices that you cld use as a night stick if needed :).,

[913]

My dept. has used Toughbooks for several years, and have had laptops since the late 90's. We currently use the CF-30, although I still have a CF-29 in my rig. I sure like them. I like the laptops because I can take them out of the rig and use them at home, office, out of town in training, etc.

[Monty Ealerman]

This doesnt add to the fixed mount question... but why are people still stuck to the fixed mount stuff?

what stops you from moving to mobile devices? (motorola mc70, intermec cn3, janam, etc. ?)... im not talking about using a cell phone., im talking about enterprise level rugged mobile devices that you cld use as a night stick if needed :).,You don't want stuff flying around and maybe hitting you if you have to go high-G.

[Seventy2002]

what stops you from moving to mobile devices? (motorola mc70, intermec cn3, janam, etc.

Offhand, I'd say tiny screens and keyboards. They might work quite well for citation writing but I wouldn't want to use them for CAD or report writing.

[Rush817]

The Itronix VR2 is the best notebook I've seen for a police car. Call your HP state and local rep, they can get them for less than $3000 with the three year warranty with accidental damage protection.

We had Itronics just before we went to the Panasonic Toughbook. Itronics sucked!:mad: The keys would stick or not work at all, the keys would never light up like they was supposed to. We could never keep them working long enough to be worth a dam.

The Toughbooks are light years better than the Itronics. I'm glad we switched over to the Toughbooks.

[zxed]

You don't want stuff flying around and maybe hitting you if you have to go high-G.

:) "Most" have rugged mounts that hold things in place

[zxed]

Offhand, I'd say tiny screens and keyboards. They might work quite well for citation writing but I wouldn't want to use them for CAD or report writing.

good point., but do you really draw a full blown CAD while out in the field in your car?

I agree with you on the citation part, the do work great as its usually straight forward, license reads in making it quick, depending on how smart the app is (GPS for location, 1-2 seconds to select violation's and a 5 second print) can give you a citation in under a minute...

Depending on how smart the company who wrote the report writing software is,,, you could have a report wrtier on a 2.5 inch screen that would be faster and more efficient than having it on a full screen (15inch) display..

An Event-driven report writing mobile device application will do that for you.. ive written on of those :)

[eortiz]

In my department we use DATA911 systems. They are installed in the glove compartment. We have used trunk mount but since we are in AZ the heat during summers cause problems with the PC because of the high temperatures. While in the glove compartment the air conditioning is running so they work great!

see the units @

http://www.data911.com/mountinghardware/

Stay safe out there!

[NHNSP_ADMIN]

NH uses tough books but is moving away from them to the touch screens. The only benefit to the tough books is that you can smack someone with it if you really needed to. However i DONT recommend using them as a shield, we've tested doing that, it doesn't work :-)

I like the touch screens myself.

[zxed]

NH uses tough books but is moving away from them to the touch screens. The only benefit to the tough books is that you can smack someone with it if you really needed to. However i DONT recommend using them as a shield, we've tested doing that, it doesn't work :-)

I like the touch screens myself.

p.s. if some do not know :) some toughbooks have a wireless touchscreen module... toughbook laptop stays in vehicle, you walk around with wireless touch screen

[PeteBroccolo]

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police uses Itronix MWS in "K" Division (the Province of Alberta), and Panasonic Toughbook CF-30 in "F" Division (the Province of Saskatchewan). I have used the CF-27 through to the CF-30, but not the Intronix.

"F" Division uses cell modems and EVDO data transmission system. The Force uses a version of XWave's ROADS (our acronym is SAMM) for CAD access, messaging and CPIC / NCIC access, and a version of Niche's RMS (re-named PROS) for mobile RMS real-time access / maintenance / creation.

The CF-27 to CF-29 and previous modems had problems with loss of connection due to poor coverage and power issues, but the CF-30 and new modems have performed very well. I use the touch screen, keyboard and mouse pad a lot.

The ergonomics of using these MWS from the driver's seat is not great, and even worse from the front passenger seat, but the advantages that the MWS provides - instant access to CPIC and NCIC, messaging from car-to-car / car-to-CPIC / car-to-dispatch, AVL / GPS map real-time self-monitoring and snap-shot-in-time of other units, access to our legacy and current RMS - FAR outweigh those problems.