Tablet Computers are the ‘New Thing on the Block’ and there are many choices out there from the iPad using the iOS and other touch-screen devices using Android as an operating system. However, there are not that many that can claim to be rugged enough to be used as a business tool rather than a fancy home gadget. Even fewer run on a MS Windows environment to allow you to utilise all your business software as well as products like MS Office, Lotus Notes etc. Motion Tablet PCs are designed for mobile users in rugged environments and offer special features and benefits that support outdoor field users. Motion Tablet PCs run Microsoft Windows 7 Professional and are powered by up to the Intel Core i7 vPro Processor. . This range of Tablet Computers have features such as a rear-facing camera which can be used to take pictorial evidence / video in an audit or service / maintenance scenarios. It also has a front facing web-cam for Skype communication or similar. In addition, there are options that have Mobile broadband 3G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The Motion F5v model has an integrated 1D and 2D barcode scanner built into the carry handle as well as an option for RFID tracking. The Motion F5v comes standard with Gorilla Glass, offering up to four times the strength in breakage resistance,  It also has 180-degree viewing angles, Hydis AFFS+ LED backlit display and View Anywhere technology for reduced re?ectance and glar.for outdoor use. Improved battery life over typical displays and an extremely damage-resistant surface make the Motion F5v tough enough to withstand your work environment and powerful enough to get the job done. Connection ports such as a USB on the Tablet and Ethernet on the optional base / charging unit means that these Motion Tablet Computers are just like any other laptop or desktop , simple to add to your network. Running the IndySoft Gauge Management software on these Tablet Computers is very easy and works exceptionally well. Track Assets with the barcode scanner, perform on-site calibration or service / maintenance tasks, generate paperless certificates, print calibration labels from a portable printer via either USB or Wi-Fi and then return to the office / lab and synchronise the data back to the main server. www.IndySoftEurope.com

The  Rhopoint IQ can measure all aspects of reflective appearance quality.  It measures gloss, haze and DOI – complete reflective appearance analysis in a single reading.

A new generation of GapGun, the MX+, from Third Dimension, is an enterprise level, fully featured measurement system offering the full suite of facilities of all other GapGuns. It  provides completely independent operation, with no link to a PC or controller.

With a measuring resolution of 0.3nm, The Taylor Hobson Talyrond 500 range can  perform  multi-functional measurements on one system, roundness, form and surface finish, and is able to execute extremely accurate contour measurement routines.

The CENTOR Touch force gauges offer laboratory functionality in a shop floor instrument. The series comes in two ranges, the CENTOR Star Touch and the CENTOR Dual Touch., both can display a load graph and the Dual models have the ability to read two sensors simultaneously.

Mecmesin, specialists  in force and torque measurement,  has introduced  a longer-length test stands for improved determination of break strength and elongation when testing rubber and film samples.

Norbar Torque Tools has released a new App as a free iPhone and Android download.  Based on Norbar’s online Torque Wrench Extension Calculator, the App will calculate what value you need to set on a torque wrench to achieve the desired level of torque when the wrench is extended.

Mark-10 has launched Models 5i and 3i digital force/torque indicators with family of interchangeable remote force and torque sensors. With  Plug & TestTM technology, all calibration and configuration data is saved within the sensors’ smart connectors, not the indicator, allowing for true interchangeability. Force sensors are available in capacities up to 10,000 lbF (50 kN), and torque sensors are available in capacities up to 5,000 lbFin (550 Nm).

Dantec Dynamics will be giving a UK launch to two new systems at the Advanced Engineering UK 2011 events being held at the NEC, Birmingham 9-10th November. The first system will be the latest version of Dantec’s Q-810 Laser Shearography vacuum hood.