JLT Mobile Computers is launching Flexible Fixed, a new concept for vehicle-mounted computers that give users the flexibility to easily detach it from the vehicle.

“Flexible Fixed is a key strategy to satisfy customer needs. We recognise that it is more cost effective for our customers to use a rugged computer designed for fixed in-vehicle installations that can also be easily removed for mobile computing tasks. There is a great need for this flexibility in such industries as transportation, warehousing, logistics, construction and public safety. With Flexible Fixed we strengthen our position further in the markets where we are strong,” said Christian Funk, product and marketing manager for JLT Mobile Computers.

jFlex will operate in temperatures from minus 30 degrees Celsius to plus 55 degrees Celsius and be resistant to vibration in excess of the recommended limits for trucks and warehouse trucks. It will have an Intel Atom 1.6 GHz processor, which allows it to operate at a high performance level and supports various kinds of operating systems including Windows 7, Windows XP and Linux. jFlex will be available for sale from the third quarter of 2011.

The Flexible Fixed product concept was developed following JLT’s survey of users in Europe and the USA about how they use computers in vehicles. JLT saw an increased use of handheld tablet PCs being used as on-board computers, however, the computers broke down because they were not rugged enough. Common problem areas with the tablet PCs were caused by vibration and shock, too high or low temperatures, water and dust damage, and problems linked to the power supply. JLT’s Flexible Fixed solution overcomes these problems by providing rugged vehicle mounted computers that are also easy to remove from the vehicle without the need for tools or disassembly.

“There are many benefits of Flexible Fixed. It is easy to move the computer between vehicles, and the computers can be personalized to reduce abuse and repair costs. It is quick and easy to remove the computer from the vehicle overnight, reducing the risk of theft while at the same time protecting confidential information. Service and updates can be done much faster. The customer can get a replacement unit that only takes a few seconds to change, without using any tools. It also allows the flexibility to use the computer outside the vehicle, for example when a police officer writes a fine or a warehouse employee needs to go into areas that cannot be accessed by forklift trucks,” continued Funk.