Rugged tablets are being used across a range of industries around the country, whether that be oil and gas, logistics and transportation, mining and emergency services, just to name a few. Rugged tablets are helping to enhance the efficiency of field work processes and helping organisations to streamline communication across teams and departments.
Every rugged tablet on the market today has its pros and cons depending on what your preferences are, but you’re sure to find the one that suits you and your work requirements. We’ve put together a list of some of the best rugged tablets on the market in 2022 to help you view, compare and even choose the right option for your needs.
Panasonic Toughbook FZ-G2
For workers who need a light, compact, highly portable tablet, the Panasonic Toughbook FZ-G2 is perfect. The compact size makes it ideal for mobile workers from delivery drivers and ticket inspectors to automotive mechanics and warehouse operators.
The Windows 10 Pro tablet is powered by the 10th Generation Intel® Core i5-1031OU vPro™ processor. The 10.1” display is IPSa colour LCD 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA), readable in the sunlight and the touch screen can be operated with gloved hands, making it suitable for all mobile and field workers. The Intel® WI-Fi6 AX201 module detects its location and automatically optimises the Wi-Fi settings. Connect to mobile broadband with 4G LTE and 3G is also supported.
The tablet’s standard battery life lasts 12 hours while the optional extended battery can last as many as 18.5 hours. The device allows for optionable hot swapping of batteries so it never needs shutting down, even when it’s passed from one shift worker to the next.
The tablet is ideal for even the most security conscious industries with TPM (TCG V2.0 compliant), password security including supervisor password, user password and hard disc lock.
Getac UX10
Not only can the Getac UX10 Fully Rugged Tablet withstand the harshest environments, it’s made to hand over to the next shift at the end of each shift and continue working 24/7. While it’s a rugged tablet, an optional keyboard converts the Getac UX10 into a fully-functioned laptop. An optional retractable hard handle makes it easy to move with you. For enhanced versatility and improved productivity, a detachable keyboard is available for times when you need to type or enter data with speed.
The impressive 1000 nits of brightness means any worker can read the screen in the brightest midday sun. The screen’s 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution makes for a sharp 224 pixels per inch. Workers have the freedom of swapping between finger and glove touch and use a pen or digitizer. The unit can withstand rain and water spills on the screen with its IP65 sealing.
The UX10 uses an all quad-core 10th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and has 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage, with both capable of being upgraded.
The device comes with Getac’s popular 3 Year Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty for a hassle-free guarantee.
Getac F110
Getac’s F110 11.6-inch Fully Rugged Tablet is not only extremely tough when it comes to dealing with the harshest of environments, but it is also made work-ready with its easy-to-carry profile, multi-function touchscreen and industry leading power to run all of your applications - powered by a proven Windows operating system that you can trust.
Through its MIL-STD-810G, MIL-STD-461G and IP66 certifications, this rugged tablet is protected in all directions from exposure to low pressure water jets, while also being drop resistant for six feet, and is able to withstand vibration, rain, shock and liquid ingress. This particular make and model can also be ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 certified, which makes it suitable for use in explosive or hazardous environments.
So, not only can you be sure that this tablet is powerful enough to run the applications and software you need on shift, but you can also be confident that it is ready to tackle most (if not all) environments it may need to operate in on site.
Zebra L10 XPAD
The Zebra L10 XPAD Fully Rugged Tablet uses a Windows 10 Pro 64-bit operating system, with Zebra giving buyers their choice of processor. Choose between an 8th Generation Intel® Core™ Series Processor or an Intel® Pentium Processor - and if you partner your processor with the advanced 4G LTE card, both offer 600% faster download data and 300% faster upload data speeds.
Few tablets market themselves as being ergonomic, but Zebra believe their hard handle device is more comfortable for workers to use during long shifts on their feet all day. The slate design means the tablet is easy to transport and use between the office, vehicle and field. The 10.1-inch 2K resolution display, protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3, makes it suitable for most tasks that you would want from a mobile computer.
The L10 Fully Rugged Tablet is also a consideration for workers in hazardous locations as it is certified C1D2.
Panasonic Toughbook FZ-A3
While the Panasonic Toughbook FZ-A3 is almost double the weight of the Toughpad at 900 grams, it’s still considered a lightweight tablet for mobile workers to carry all day. The 10.1-inch full HD resolution display is considerably bigger than the FZ-M1 and is considered one of its main selling points. Its 500-nit (800-nit maximum) backlit screen isn’t the highest available on the market, but combined with the anti-reflective treatment, the screen is user-friendly outdoors. Like the Toughpad FZ-M1, the 10-point capacitive multi-touch screen with rain and glove mode sensors make it easy to use.
With an 8MP rear camera and 5MP front camera, the image quality exceeds that of some laptop webcams on the market.
The rubberised corners help protect it from drops of up to 1.5 metres. A removable barcode reader called the Panasonic Gadget is also built into the case.
Powered by a Qualcomm® SDM660 Octa-Core Processor and Android 9.0 Pie, the Toughbook can last up to nine hours with the standard battery.
Getac ZX10
The Getac ZX10 10-inch Fully Rugged Android Tablet has been built to process, store and transmit large amounts of data between the field and the office, which has made it one of the most popular devices around the world. While this device is being used in many countries around the world, it’s also relied on across a range of industries - from police, utilities and defence to industrial manufacturing, automotive and mining.
With an impressive list of technological and rugged features packed into the ZX10, you can be confident in its ability to meet and exceed expectations when it comes to fieldwork. From boasting a strong battery life and the capability to use hot swappable batteries, to forklift mounting options and high-quality front and rear cameras, you won’t be disappointed with the ZX10.
The ZX10 also comes with Getac’s popular three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, which includes accidental damage cover as standard.
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab Active3 8-inch Fully Rugged Tablet is built to last, being certified to MIL-STD-810H standards with an IP68 rating. From being able to handle some of the most extreme environments to sustaining drops of up to 1.5 metres, this rugged tablet will give you peace of mind while working in conditions that a regular consumer device would fail in.
The performance and productivity features of the Tab Active3 are best suited to field-based workers who are always on the go. This tablet is almost tailor-made for workers who need a device that is easy to carry and transport, as well as workers who wear gloves, with Touch Sensitivity capabilities ensuring that workers don’t need to waste time taking gloves on and off in order to use the touchscreen.
3 Things to Consider When Buying a Rugged Tablet
Rugged tablets come in all shapes, sizes and operating systems. Choosing the right one depends on what your requirements are - from battery life to screen size, portability and speed, just to name a few.
#1 Screen Size
The screen sizes of tablets vary considerably depending on make and model. If you need a tablet predominantly for barcode reading, you won’t need as large a screen as a worker who is using the tablet for large spreadsheets and entering data. A smaller screen size means the tablet is lighter and easier to carry around than a larger screen device.
#2 Where the Tablet is Being Used
Most rugged tablets come with standard ingress protection, but if your workplace has a higher drop risk or more exposure to water, you should look for a tablet that can accommodate these requirements.
#3 No Warranty Worries
Warranty is not something you need to worry about when you buy from Roaming Technologies. All of the tablets we sell come with our extended warranty support at no charge for the lifetime of the device. Roaming Technologies will be your single point of contact to assist in any warranty or repair, so we can guarantee that it will be back with you in the field as soon as possible.
Need Help Choosing A Rugged Tablet?
There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to rugged tablets. If you’re not sure which one to choose, or you need some more information about the most suitable rugged device for your working requirements, give us a call on 1300 131 933 or contact us online so we can help narrow the field for you and find the perfect solution.