GETAC unveils RX10 rugged tablet

Oct 21, 2015 • Hardware • News • Getac • rugged tablet

Rugged technology designer and manufacturer Getac has launched a rugged tablet targeted at the field service sector and developed using the principle of "marginal gains" - an approach adopted by Britain's all-conquering Olympic cycling team, explains UK President Peter Molyenux.

The Getac RX10 is a lightweight tablet with features aimed at shaving minutes off field service worker tasks, meaning more work can be done, more reliably, resulting in increased time efficiency in a number of challenging working environments.

The RX10 specifications include an integral "grab-and-go" carry-handle, a 10.1in 800 nits Lumibond HD screen incorporating sunlight readable technology, HD webcam, 8M pixel rear facing auto focus camera, smartcard reader , 3D antenna and integral GPS. Computing power is provided by an Intel M vPro processor with up to 1.2Ghz, or 2.9Ghx with Intel Turbo Boos with 4MB Intel Smart Cache and up to 256MB SSD. Windows 10 is pre-installed.

The 2D barcode scanner is located for ease of us while the clearer screen, slightly better camera resolution, higher rugged rating, better ease of cleaning and hot-swappable battery all add up to improve productivity, says Molyneux.

A great deal can be accomplished by somebody in the field in six minutes...

"On the face of it, RX10 is marginally better an offering than current-market specialist tablet products. But that's the key, it doesn't need to be that much different. It is the slight changes and enhancements in each feature over and above the current benchmark that make the difference, and means that workers dependent upon such technology can accrue a series of 'marginal gains' in time as their day goes on - ultimately adding up to completing more work in a typical shift, thereby saving money.

"If every feature contributes to an accrued tiny percentage improvement or gain in performance of a worker from a time-efficiency perspective, then it means, for instance, a single engineer or technician or using a tablet on a typical - but probably unscheduled - ten-hour shift will gain five or six minutes. A great deal can be accomplished by somebody in the field in six minutes: an equipment check, surveying a snag, uploading a report, a key component change.

"For instance, the 3D antenna means communication and data downloading is slightly faster; it also means that communication can be sustained in areas where coverage is patchy. The processor does not need a cooling fan., meaning less draw on power, but, importantly, avoiding the consequences of the tablet overheating and shutting down for ten minutes. The grab-and-go handle means potentially fewer drops.

Rugged credentials include certification to MIL-STD-810G and IP65 and the RX10 comes with a three-year warranty. "While rugged tech is often labelled expensive, in reality the gap is closing between something like RX10 and a consumer-market adapted tablet with rugged case."

"The extra few metres of communications provided by the 3D aerial can mean better coverage or faster data flow. Aligned with discrete built-in GPS that can mean a field-service operative is better able to locate equipment or infrastructure on a site visit. If it is an emergency repair, then that could impact, for instance, how quickly a building, industrial plant or even a town is reconnected to essential services.