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Rugged devices are a hugely important tools available to field service organisations to empower their engineers with mobile tools that are designed to survive the rigours of remote working environments. However, for the uninitiated, there can be a bewildering amount of terms used by rugged manufacturers (and increasingly their consumer-focused cousin) so let’s take a quick refresher of some of the key language used in the world of rugged...

 

Fit-for-purpose

With no shortage of devices to choose from, deciding what’s best for your service operation is no easy task. Fit-for-purpose should be the starting point for any deployment, say the experts.

Indeed, the first question any company should ask when looking for new devices for their engineers or technicians is “what tasks will the device be used for?”

Mobile devices in field service are mission-critical – they are not just “nice-to-have”, they are the lynchpin of your operations essential to the efficient running of the operation. Ease-of-use of can have a big effect on productivity and user-acceptance – would an integrated barcode scanner, for example, be better than a more fiddly-to-use camera?

 

"The mobile device is more than your service technician’s new pen and paper; it carries the job schedule, customer details and equipment data..."

 

Remember, once you’ve made the shift away from paper, there’s no going back – the mobile device is more than your service technician’s new pen and paper; it carries the job schedule, customer details and equipment data.

Your customers will become used to the higher service levels.

So, above all, the devices you equip your field workers with need to be reliable.

Can it survive the technician dropping it? Are the processor and memory up to running several apps at once if that’s required? Is the screen readable in strong light? Will the touchscreen work if it gets wet? Can it last a whole shift without recharging the battery?

Is it Fit-for-purpose?

 

MIL-STD810G

Almost every rugged device you see will proudly boast the magical code MIL-STD 810G somewhere in the specs but what exactly does it mean and why is it just so important?

Well as you may well have guessed MIL-STD is actually short for Military Standard. In fact, it is an American military standard that although has it’s origins with the US Air Force is now upheld in a tri-service agreement between the US Army, US Navy and US Air force. However, the standard is widely adopted amongst commercial products that need to be able to hold up to rigorous environmental tests.

The G if you were wondering, relates to the current revision of the certification document and we have been at G since 2008.

General Program Guidelines

The first part of the MIL-STD-810G is a set of general guidelines that describes management, engineering, and technical roles in the environmental design and test the tailoring process. It focuses on the process of tailoring design and test criteria to the specific environmental conditions an equipment item is likely to encounter during its service life.

Laboratory test methods

The second element of MIL-STD-810G is focussed on the environmental laboratory test methods to be applied using the test tailoring guidelines described outlined in the general program guidelines.

With the exception of Test Method 528 (Mechanical Vibrations of Shipboard Equipment), these methods are not mandatory, but rather the appropriate method is selected and tailored to generate the most relevant test data possible.

The tests themselves are varied across a range of different environmental stresses which include:

 

• Temperature ranges
• Shock
• Vibration
• Humidity

 

Tested to. Vs. Engineered to

One problem with MIL-STD 810G testing is that it can be very expensive and it’s important to remember that MIL-STD-810 is not a specification per se but a standard. A specification provides for absolute criteria which must be satisfied to “meet the spec”. MIL-STD-810 as a standard provides methods for testing material for use in various environments but provides no absolute environmental limits.

Therefore, some OEMs will skip the whole second part of MIL STD 810G (the actual testing part) yet still claim their devices are engineered to meet MIL-STD 810G standards.

Whilst such devices may well be more than capable of surviving the rigours of your field engineers toughest day, the simple fact is that they haven’t been actually tested to do so.

That said most of the dedicated rugged players within the space such as Janam, Getac, Panasonic and Xplore et al will all have their own internal testing facilities and will also often engage with a third party to validate their findings.

 

IP Ratings

IP environmental ratings along with MIL standards (MIL-STD) are perhaps the most widely recognised yet also perhaps the least fully understood of the standard definitions of what makes a mobile computer or tablet rugged.

What the IP figures mean

IP ratings are defined by International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards and tell you how well devices are sealed against dirt and moisture ingress and the level of protection components have against whatever is thrown at them.

IP ratings have two numbers: the first indicates the degree of protection against dust, dirt and foreign bodies entering the device while the second is about how resistant the device is to the ingress of fluid from drops, sprays and submersion. Ingress protection ratings can be affected by the number of ports on a device and whether they are sealed or open, by keyboard design and a number of other factors.

 

"If like me, you’ve ever spilt tea or coffee on a computer keyboard, you’ll know that water ingress can be the kiss of death to electronic components.."

 

For field service, the numbers to look out for on a rugged mobile device are “5” and “6” for dust protection and 4,5,6, or 7 for water or fluid ingress. (In comparison, consumer devices typically have a rating of IP42 or lower although high-end consumer mobile devices are frequently now seen to have IP67 ratings)

Both are important when assessing devices: if like me, you’ve ever spilt tea or coffee on a computer keyboard, you’ll know that water ingress can be the kiss of death to electronic components. Less dramatic but in the long term just as damaging are ingress of dust and dirt particles. They can cause keys to stick and generally penetrate causing damage to components.

While “6” is dust-proof, a “5” rating doesn’t mean the device will prove unreliable, just that it isn’t completely sealed against dust ingress. It’s worth noting, too, that complete sealing against water and dust ingress may increase internal temperatures which in turn might impact on processor performance.

There are more numbers for fluid or water ingress: a “4” rating signals protection from splashes, “5” against water from a nozzle, “6” will cope with more powerful water jets or sprays, while “7” means you can submerge the device in water and it will still survive.

Again, which is best for your operations depends on the working environment – for many field-service environments, a “5” rating and even possibly a ”4 “will be perfectly adequate.

 

Touchscreens:

In a world of smartphones and tablets touch-screens have become a universally understood means of interacting with a device.

Whether it is inputting data or simply navigating through an operating system, I would put a hefty wager on the fact that anyone reading this article is both familiar and comfortable with using a touch-screen device, such is the prevalence of the technology today.

Touch-screens are an important, even critical part of the user experience of almost all modern tablets and smartphones. Yet at the same time, the screen is of course the potential Achilles heel and an obvious weak spot in a rugged device. The balance therefore between delivering a screen that is sufficiently capable of withstanding drops and knocks, whilst maintaining high usability, is absolutely critical for a rugged device.

So let's look at some of the various options you may find in differing rugged devices when it comes to the screen and explore exactly what these options actually mean.

Almost certainly the biggest debate when it comes to screen choices in rugged devices is whether capacitive or resistive screens are better suited for the task. But what is the difference between the two?

The older of the two technologies is resistive which relies on pressure to register input. This pressure can be applied by your finger, a stylus or any other object – think of the handheld computers that many delivery companies use, often covered in ink because when the original stylus is lost, the delivery driver often just uses a regular pen to collect a signature instead.

Resistive touch screens consist of two flexible layers with an air gap in between and in order for the touch-screen to register input, you must press on the top layer using a small amount of pressure to make contact with the bottom layer. The touch-screen will then register the precise location of the touch.

Rather than relying on pressure, capacitive touch-screens instead sense conductivity to register input—usually from the skin on your fingertip but also from dedicated styluses.

 

"The biggest debate when it comes to screen choices in rugged devices is whether capacitive or resistive screens are better suited for the task. But what is the difference between the two?"

 

Because you don’t need to apply pressure, capacitive touch-screens are more responsive than resistive touch-screens. However, because they work by sensing conductivity, capacitive touch-screens can only be used with objects that have conductive properties, which includes your fingertip (which is ideal), and special styluses designed with a conductive tip.

Initially one of the big advantages of capacitive touch screens was that they enabled multi-finger gestures – perhaps the most obvious example is pinching or stretching a document to zoom in or out. However, resistive touch screens have also supported multi-finger input for about three or four years now also.

The big advantage resistive screens have over their capacitive counterparts is the fact that the operator can still use the devices whilst wearing gloves – as the input is dependent on pressure rather than the electrical current being completed through a conductive material such as a finger.

An additional benefit is that light touch, such as rain landing on the screen, won’t register so the devices are far better to suited to being used in the wet.

Both of these factors are of course particularly useful in a number of field service environments.

However, another key factor for rugged devices is of course reliability and durability and in this respect, capacitive touch screens have the advantage – especially in heavy use applications.

Resistive screens can have a tendency to eventually begin to wear down in frequently used areas. Such areas may be prone to becoming faded and may ultimately even become unresponsive. Also in terms of reliability, if a capacitive touch-screen does happen to become pierced or cracked it is still likely to function – think how many times you have seen someone using a smartphone with a cracked screen?

However, a break anywhere on a resistive touch-screen will often mean that it no longer works.

In terms of field service, this is a potentially huge advantage for capacitive screens as it allows for a field service technician to continue to utilise their device until they can get the screen repaired.

Ultimately, there are many different rugged devices available these days ranging from rugged smart-phone style handhelds through to fully rugged detachable laptops. As we mentioned at the beginning of this feature ensuring the devices you select are fit for purpose is crucial.

In order to do this, we advise getting a real understanding of how your field service engineers and technicians are doing their job - what environments to they work in and what is there workflow. Get them in to give you some input or get out there on some ride-alongs. Because, if you have an understanding of this you will find a device that fits your needs.

 

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Captec, designer and supplier of specialist computer platforms, has announced the launch of a brand new fully rugged tablet, built specifically for mobile workforces.

The lightweight, 8-inch VT 681 provides smaller fleets with an affordable Windows-based tablet and has been developed by Captec to disrupt the market currently dominated by more expensive rugged hardware.

Ruggedisation features include IP-67 protection and drop-testing to 1.2 metres, enabling the tablet to comfortably withstand the stresses of challenging environments including rough treatment, dust and water ingress and shocks.

With built-in GPS and an optional barcode scanner, the VT-681 supports the application needs of today’s mobile workforce across sectors including construction, field services, utility fleets and emergency services.

The addition of an integrated hand strap delivers maximum comfort on-the-go, while the active stylus pen increases the functionality available to field service professionals, even in wet conditions.

 

"With built-in GPS and an optional barcode scanner, the VT-681 supports the application needs of today’s mobile workforce across sectors including construction, field services, utility fleets and emergency services..."

 

For mobile workforces requiring use in and out of vehicles, Captec has also developed the IVM-681 vehicle dock, designed to accommodate the VT-681 tablet.

The new Captec dock is robust, compact and quick and easy to use. It features USB and power pass through and has been constructed to offer hassle-free, one-handed cost-effective docking.

To meet the critical safety requirements of in-vehicle applications, the dock has been tested for its ability to endure shock and vibration – enabling tablets to stay securely mounted, even in the event of a collision.

Gerard Marlow, Sales Director, Captec, said:

“We’re excited to be able to introduce this new rugged tablet into our range. Our aim is to provide mobile workforces with flexible, powerful and cost-effective mobile computing solutions that make their jobs easier and provide peace of mind that they’re equipped to withstand all the rigours associated with fieldwork.”

As well as developing the new tablet and dock, Captec offers a complete installation service. By fully managing everything from vehicle audits and custom cable looms to installation and through-life support, Captec optimise in-vehicle applications for reliability, safety and longevity.

Find out more about the Captec VT-681 rugged tablet here - https://www.captec-group.com/product/captec-vt-681-fully-rugged-tablet/

 

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A new fully-rugged solution purpose-built for the challenging conditions and uncompromising demands of those working within hazardous industries

Getac announced last week the launch of the new F110-Ex fully-rugged tablet, as an enhancement to its popular F110 model, designed to deliver unrivalled efficiency, reliability and safety to workers in hazardous environments.

In many industrial sectors, extreme temperatures, poor weather conditions and close contact with dangerous substances are all factors to contend with daily. Workers need devices they can rely on for efficient field maintenance, accurate safety checks and equipment monitoring tasks. IT failure not only has a significant impact on productivity, it also puts lives at risk.

The new F110-Ex fully-rugged tablet has been designed with this in mind. Featuring an 11.6-inch sunlight readable display and weighing just 1.49kg, it is both versatile and compact providing reliable operation in the field. MIL-STD810G and IP65 water and dust resistance certifications ensure seamless operation in wet, dirty environments, while an operating temperature range of -21°C to +60°C ensures full functionality in even the most extreme conditions.

The F110-Ex features intrinsic safety design limiting electrical and thermal energy output to a level below that required to ignite hazardous atmospheric mixtures. Like all of Getac’s Ex fully-rugged tablets it is certified to ATEX, UL913 and IECEx standards, for complete operator safety.

Powering digital transformation

Advances in AI and IoT technologies are powering digital transformation across all industrial sectors and the F110-Ex allows those businesses working in hazardous environments to fully benefit from productivity and process improvements and migrate legacy paper-based documentation to live and even cloud solutions.

Chris Bye, President at Getac U.K. Ltd, comments, “The F110-Ex enables users to safely collect and send digital data, capture images and even engage in video communication in high-risk environments, helping enterprises complete the last mile of digital transformation.”

Exceptional performance and security

Equipped with the 7th generation Intel Kaby Lake Core processors and multi-factor security mechanisms, the F110-Ex provides exceptional computing power and secure authentication. Full data protection is provided by Windows 10, with an optional face recognition camera compatible with Windows Hello, as well as barcode scanner and (LF/HF)RFID reader.

As one of the top rugged solution providers, Getac offers a comprehensive portfolio of vertically integrated solutions for all types of extreme operating conditions.  In addition to the new F110-Ex, Getac’s fully rugged tablet portfolio includes the EX80, ZX70, T800 and other ATEX-certified models, all delivering exceptional ruggedness and performance for hazardous industries.

Availability:

The new F110 will be available to buy from 27th September 2018. For more information, please visit: www.getac.com

 

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We return to our ever popular hardware review series as Kris Oldland runs the rule over the newly beefed-up XSLATE R12 from Xplore Technologies...

What the manufacturers say...

Think you need a desktop, laptop, and rugged tablet to excel at the tasks you complete in the office, in-vehicle, and in the field? You don’t...anymore. You just need the highly mobile, extremely flexible and always resilient Xplore XSLATE® R12 tablet PC.

The transformational 2 in 1 device gives you all the high performance capabilities and complete computing functions you need in a single platform.

You’ll have the right connectivity and ergonomics for a quick transition from the field to a full desktop computing experience – and the most conveniently stored Companion Keyboard on the market. It's fast to deploy when you want a notebook, and even easier to store when you don't. This makes the XSLATE R12 rugged tablet much more evolved than traditional detachable tablets, improving upon its own award-winning R12-series predecessor.

First impressions...

OK I'll open with full and honest disclosure.

When Xplore acquired Motion and took on their product range some time ago now, the device I was most keen to see harness the benefit of two expert teams of rugged R&D specialists was the R12. It was always my favourite of the old Motion line up, looking as close at the time as a consumer unit a rugged device could get and packing a decent punch in terms of power.

Similarly, I'd always liked the aesthetics of the Xplore range, and their heritage as an ultra-rugged manufacturer meant that their devices were as tough as you could get. 'When the Xplore team start chipping in with the next gen R12 it'll be a pretty impressive machine' was one of my first thoughts when I heard about the acquisition.

So needless to say when the demo unit arrived here at Field Service News Towers expectations were high.

Would the new XSLATE R12 live up to those admittedly high expectations, or would it be a missed trick?

 

In terms of first impressions it is in fact exactly what I envisioned it to be.

The heritage of the original Motion R12 is still there, it's a sleek looking tablet by any standards, yet it now undeniably looks like an Xplore tablet at the same time. I can't quite put my finger on why, but it is instantly recognisable as such even from the front where there are no obvious logos or markings.

Xplore's claims for this tablet is that it is a 'transformational 2-1 device' and i'm not 100% sure if that is accurate (more on that later) but what they are referring to here is the fact that the tablet has a rather lovely optional attachment to the back that not only acts as a kick stand but also houses and charges a decent size (about 4/5 the size of standard) bluetooth keyboard which even has a track pad within it.

Of course a tablet on a kickstand, using a keyboard and trackpad doesn't mean this is still necessarily going to deliver a laptop experience - as anyone who has used either an Android tablet or iPad in such as way will attest, there is more to using a laptop than setup - namely the ability to run 'proper' applications - which of course all depends on the processors.

The Microsoft Surface was arguably the first device that could genuinely claim to have finally cracked the 'tablet that could replace a laptop' category, although the Panasonic ToughBook20 (another device i'm a fan of) does things the other way around (i.e. a laptop with a screen that can be detached and act as a tablet) but essentially offers a different take on the same concept in a fully rugged form factor.

 

So perhaps the first question we need to ask is how does the XSLATE R12 stack up when it comes to CPU?

Processing power

In fact it does pretty darn well.

One of the key points raised in the XSLATE R12's marketing blurb is that the device comes in a number of flavours in terms of processors.

In fact there are four options:

• Intel® Core™ i7 vPro™ 7600U up to 3.9 GHz, 4 MB SmartCache
• Intel® Core™ i7-7500U up to 3.5 GHz, 4 MB SmartCache
• Intel® Core™ i5-6200U up to 2.8 GHz, 3MB SmartCache
• Intel® Celeron® 3865U 1.8 GHz, 2MB SmartCache

Now, if we are to compare this to the Panasonic ToughBook20 - which is perhaps the easiest device for comparison, the Celeron configuration is less powerful, the Core i5 is pretty much on a par (albeit with a smaller cache) but the two Core i7 configurations are both superior in terms of processing power.

 

Indeed, at the top end with the i7 vPro configuration, the XSLATE R12 even sits well alongside the top end of consumer devices including the Microsoft Surface 4. From a hands on perspective I used the XSLATE R12 for a number of my day to day tasks many of which require fairly demanding applications such as video, audio and image editing and the tablet accounted for itself well, with no issues and similar response levels as the MacBook Pro I generally use when I'm on the road.

Operating system

The XSLATE R12 is available primarily on Windows 10 64 bit which is to be expected given the fact that Microsoft put out an end of life announcement for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 in the last quarter of 2016.

The good news is that whilst they may have taken their time to get there and made a few mistakes along the way, almost all of Windows 8 for example felt rushed and ill thought out (hence the quick reworking that became Windows 8.1), Windows 10 is a genuinely intuitive and powerful OS.

Of course, being on a Window's system in the field may be helpful for the many, many organisations that are using such systems in the office as well in terms of mobile device management and cyber-security etc. Also for those who have yet to migrate to Windows 10 the XSLATE R12 does come with downgrade options to either Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 which will be available until October this year.

The Ins & Outs

Data input options: Bluetooth Keyboard

Let's start off with the area that Xplore themselves have highlighted as a key USP for the XSLATE R12, namely the way they have approached the 2-in-1 category. My initial thoughts on this, as alluded to above, is that just adding a kickstand and a bluetooth keyboard doesn't necessarily mean that we are getting a true laptop experience.

However, perhaps the biggest obstacle for a tablet to replace a laptop is the processing power and as we have seen above the processing power of the XSLATE R12 is certainly in the laptop replacing category. In the terms of being considered a 2-in-1, the approach taken by Xplore (i.e. integrating a kickstand that can also act as a holder and charger for the bluetooth keyboard) is a innovative and slick approach to the form factor.

 

The keyboard itself connected through the bluetooth easily, quickly and with no issues at all and was of a decent enough size to be more than comfortable for typing anything of length and the trackpad was also equally responsive and a useful inclusion. Indeed the experience of using the XSLATE R12 with the keyboard is very much that of using a laptop, also from my experience using the device, the lack of the physical connection between the screen and the keyboard actually lends itself to more flexible, and thus more comfortable use.

Finally, it should be highlighted that the entire kickstand mechanism including the keyboard is able to be detached very easily (it is attached magnetically) at which point the XSLATE R12 becomes a powerful tablet. It is certainly a heavy duty device weighing in at fairly hefty 2.9 lbs. To put that into context that is almost twice as heavy as the 12.9 inch iPad Pro - a good comparable device in terms of screen size. However, perhaps a more even comparison would be with the Dell Latitude Rugged 12 as consumer devices are of course lighter than their rugged counterparts and in this instance the XSLATE R12 is indeed around 20% lighter of the two.

Date input options: Pen input: 

As you would expect of a professional grade 2-in-1 device the XSLATE R12 comes with a pen stylus for written input. The tablet has a neat built-in holder for the pen, which would be very familiar to anyone who has ever used a Samsung Galaxy Note tablet or smart phone, and the stylus itself has a similar level of variance in stroke pressure to that of a Wacom stylus and comes with a standard, but still highly useful, button that can be set up for a number of uses (personally I find it useful as a right mouse click replacement.)

Data input options: Cameras

The camera options for the XSLATE R12 are sufficient if not groundbreaking.

There are two cameras on the device a front facing camera which has become an absolute necessity for field service work as the concept of remote assistance via video calls becomes a very standard approach amongst field service organisations. Given the primary function of this front camera the 2.0 Megapixel spec is more than sufficient - anything more than that would just get wasted in compression codecs used for video streaming - particularly over 3G internet signals.

On the rear of the tablet there is an 8 Megapixel camera which also has a LED flash.

Whilst of course this is adequate for most of the tasks required of it - which are for documentation purposes rather than taking award winning landscapes, in dark corners (where field assets can often reside) capturing clear photographs was slightly less straightforward.

However, this is a minor gripe, and for the most part the rear camera fared well in our test scenarios.

Data input: additional options

The tablet is also capable of including additional data input options which come in the form of Xplore's proprietary add-on system called slate mate.

Additional options for the XSLATE R12 include a 13.56 MHz HF RFID with reader with write capability and a Barcode reader that works with both 1D and 2D barcodes. Both of these inclusions are optional extras.

I/Os:

In terms of it's inputs the XSLATE R12 is not particularly rich in options that come as standard. There is only 1 USB port (which is USB 3.0) although there is a HDMI port. I flagged this up as a benefit when reviewing the XSLATE R12's sister device the XSLATE B10 as it is certainly something useful for those working in telco/pay TV sector - which I understand is where the original request for inclusion of HDMI in came from.

However, the XSLATE B10 comes with an extra USB port making it less of a trade off.

For the R12, especially given that it seems to be aiming for a wider market - trying to step into not just field workers but the wider arena of enterprise mobility perhaps, then I felt that perhaps this bit of real estate on the tablet could have been better served as a second USB.

The team at Xplore I am sure would argue that the XSLATE R12's docking station is designed to overcome exactly this issue offering not only an additional four USB ports but a whole plethora of other I/Os (including another HDMI port plus also an ethernet port and a serial port both of which are only available on the tablet itself as additional upgrades which incorporate a slightly clumsy sounding dongle based solution.

 

Indeed, on reflection I guess they would have a point.

Realistically, given the fact that the keyboard is bluetooth and the screen is touch sensitive, then the requirements for a second USB port in the field may be fairly limited, and the docking station really does open the R12 up into desktop level experiences and for many organisations could be a hugely beneficial addition. However, if i'm being hyper critical I still think if given the choice between an additional USB port or a HDMI port many field workers would opt for the former. Perhaps a choice between the two could be integrated into future iterations of the device?

In terms of connectivity, the XSLATE has space for a SIM card to provide mobile internet coverage, and comes with three internal options for configuration of LTE networks depending on region and requirements - which is of course an essential inclusion for field workers. This is acts as a compliment to the Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 Wi-Fi which picked up good speeds on our wireless network.

For storage there is a MicroSD slot to expand the XSLATE R12's internal capacity which ranges from 64GB up to 512GB.

Finally, the XSLATE R12 has a standard 3mm audio jack plus 2 integrated speakers and 3 microphones (2 front facing and one rear facing). The XSLATE R12 also features RealTek noise reduction which worked very well when we made a test call from outdoors in what was a very windy environment.

Battery Life:

It is slowly become a bit of a moot point in the world of industry level devices at least to discuss battery life and for the XSLATE R12 that is almost certainly the case. Essentially, the device is capable of running forever via hot swappable batteries - which can be purchased as additional accessories.

Even for those who don't have a second battery the stated life time of the device is over 9 hours. However, it should be mentioned that we found this to be slightly lower (closer to 6 or 7) and looking at the fine print Xplore do state that 9+ hours is based upon the Core i5 configuration.

However, we also found that in our tests batteries were charging close to full within a little over 2 hours - which again is pretty much in line with Xplore's stated claim of 2.5 hours.

Ruggedity:

I mentioned earlier in the review that the XSLATE R12 seems to be aimed at a slightly different market to where Xplore have played in traditionally. Indeed, I recall Mark Holleran, COO of Xplore telling me that he saw the Motion range more in the semi-rugged space compared to the original Xplore tablets and when the XSLATE R12 was launched John Graff, VP of marketing at Xplore was quoted as saying “No one sits still anymore at work”.

Which is very much true, but is this an indication that the XSLATE R12 is not being targeted only at field workers, but at the wider (and much bigger) market of mobile workers, i.e. those who are essentially based primarily in an office but work on the road as much as they do at HQ?

 

Maybe I am reading between the lines here but the rugged specs for the XSLATE R12 would appear to back up this assumption.

Whilst the device is certainly robust - the fact that it is tested to MIL-STD-810G standards means it is capable of taking more than it's fair share of knocks and drops, it's relatively low IP rating of IP54 means that this is not a device particularly suited to the outdoor life.

For reference a rating of IP54 means that the device is neither protected against dust ingress nor anything more than splash proof. In a world where many top-end consumer smartphones are now rated IP67 or even as is the case with Samsung's last three flagship devices IP68 (meaning completely closed off to dust ingress and submergible in water for up to 30 minutes) it is a surprise that the XSLATE R12 scores so lowly in this regard.

Yet, whilst the XSLATE wouldn't be too happy getting dropped in a muddy puddle, on the flip side it's screen brightness rating of 800 NITS means you would be able to see the screen clearly even in bright sun if you did take it outside - so just be careful where you put it down.

Finally, the XSLATE R12 is also C1D2 certified for hazardous locations, an important inclusion for those working in such environments.

Conclusion:

There is so much good to write about the XSLATE R12. It is comfortable as both a laptop and a tablet which makes it a good option for those companies whose engineers are currently still using multiple devices.

It has plenty of power for more CPU intensive tasks such as CAD based design work and for a rugged 12inch tablet it is a sleek looking and not to cumbersome to carry around, and as mentioned it is certainly capable of surviving a fair few knocks and drops.

However, there is a certain element of Jeckyl and Hyde in the XSLATE R12 that I just can't get my head around.

It's low IP rating certainly surprised me when I looked through the specs and based on it's rating of IP54 I certainly wouldn't recommend it to an organisation whose engineers work outdoors on anything near even a semi-regular basis. In the world today our field engineer's mobility tools are critical to his role, and no matter how good those tools are, they are useless if they are broken.

I'm sure that the team at Xplore would quite rightly point out the fact that they offer other tablets which are "fully rugged" as they term it - such as the XSLATE B10 which is IP67 rated for field technicians working in such environments, but what confuses me is that the XSLATE B10 has a significantly lower (although admittedly perfectly acceptable) screen brightness compared to the XSLATE R12 - so in very bright sunlight the XSLATE R12 would be easier to view than it's more rugged cousin the XSLATE B10.

But as mentioned the XSLATE R12 isn't really suited to outdoor environments where it could get dusty or wet - so why bother giving it a NIT rating of 800 in the first place? It is this kind of lack of connection in reasoning that makes me think that even the R&D team at Xplore may not truly know exactly which vertical this device is aimed at.

However, this doesn't mean that the XSLATE R12 is not an excellent tablet and could be a perfect tool for some field technicians. The inclusion of HDMI as mentioned does make it an excellent choice for field service technicians working in the installation and maintenance of PayTV systems for example and of course such indoor environments would mean less exposure to wet or dusty environments - so for telcos the XSLATE R12 could be a great choice.

 

Indeed, with the application of this same logic the XSLATE R12 would be a good fit any sector whose field workers were largely based either within homes or offices.

Although, again when we look at these sectors we need to ask whether consumer devices within rugged casing may be suitable alternatives and similarly whether simpler tablets can be deployed in cases where the impressive processing power of the XSLATE R12 is simply going to waste?

The XSLATE R12 is undoubtedly a very, very good device and if your field service company is one of the many whose engineers are currently using both a tablet and a laptop then this could certainly be a device worth exploring. In this regard it certainly could potentially find a much bigger home outside of field service in the hands of the general mobile worker.

However, if your field service engineers do work in more challenging environments than homes and offices then regardless of the XSLATE R12's many impressive facets, you are probably best looking at alternatives such as the XSLATE B10 or the Panasonic Toughbook20.

 

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The term closest competitors could have been coined for Xplore Technologies and Motion Computing. Whilst they both competed in the niche market place of rugged computing, physically they were even closer - both being based on the same stretch of road in Texas. So it was almost inevitable that the two would eventually merge, which they did in April 2015 - making them the world’s 2nd largest manufacturer of rugged tablets overnight.

But when something is inevitable it doesn’t always mean it’s easy. Kris Oldland spoke exclusively to Mark Holleran COO, Xplore Technologies to find out more about the recent past, the present and the near future of the Texan Rugged Specialists.

It is testament to Holleran’s hands on approach to managing Xplore Technologies and his resulting busy diary that it has taken the best part of three months of diary juggling on both sides of the Atlantic before we are finally able to schedule a call that actually worked for this interview.

With this in mind, ahead of the call I was expecting it to perhaps be a somewhat hurried affair, with Holleran spouting off some pre-scripted soundbites that most CEOs seem to usually have to hand - particularly when being questioned about M&A activity. Generic quotes about mutual respect, optimistic futures and grandiose visions of world domination that to put it politely aren’t never quite in tune with reality.

Fortunately, it turns out my instincts were wrong.

Whether it was a result of the legendary friendly nature of Texans so often commented on, Holleran’s genuine passion for his company and the industry at large (he has been with Xplore for over 13 years and in the tech space for over 30) or as is more likely a combination of both factors, Holleran proved to be both engaging and insightful during the hour and a bit that we spoke.

Indeed, he was not only prepared to take the time to answer the questions put to him with thoughtful and reasoned responses, but also with a level of straight honesty that is all too often missing in trade journal interviews today.

Often, the real insight within an interviewee’s responses can get buried under wave after wave of hyperbole and over exaggeration that often needs to be translated back from marketingspeak.

At the same time it seems that many trade journalists are frightened to ask anything too probing these days in case it upsets any commercial relationships.

Whilst as Editor-in-Chief, I have the ability to control at least one side of this set of challenges to help ensure we continue to publish content our readers value, I’ll readily admit that some interviewees make our lives as business journalists that much easier when they just speak from the heart and shoot from the hip.

 

Fortunately in Holleran, it seemed I had discovered a kindred spirit in someone that believes in the virtues of just saying it as it is and letting the story speak for itself.

That said, it does of course help when the story is as compelling as Xplore’s acquisition of Motion which suddenly catapulted them to being the world’s second largest manufacturer of rugged tablets, seemingly almost overnight.

As mentioned above the prospect of Xplore and Motion coming together at some point had a certain sense of inevitability about it.

However, most analysts would have predicted it would have been Motion who acquired Xplore rather than the other way around and the speed of Xplore’s acquisition of their rivals from up the road certainly took a few in the industry by surprise.

“I think Motion was foreclosed on Friday, on the Monday we bought the assets and the next Friday we had a BBQ where there was 53 people all together” Holleran explains when we discuss the speed at which everything was completed.

Indeed, the shared culture of the two companies that were literally based on the same road in Texas, was already firmly in place well before the acquisition happened.

Holleran recounts how at that inaugural group BBQ one very astute individual asked all those who had previously worked for both companies to stand up - about 40 people did so.

In fact, there had already been previous conversations about bringing the two companies together as Holleran explained.

“It was originally the Motion founders that approached Xplore, but my predecessor wasn’t receptive to that, we did talk and in the end we did try and help each other.”

“For me, did I think we would we eventually work out something – yes I’d like to think so. Then we took the opportunity when it came around and fortunately for us we were in the better financial health - so it was us who acquired them,” he adds.

What is particularly interesting however, is that despite both companies sitting in the rugged tablet space, being in the same location and as a result of that proximity even having an informal movement of personnel between one another, the product ranges were actually very complimentary and with very little overlap.

 

As Holleran explains “If you look at Xplore’s history we were in the Ultra Rugged tablets space, we made the most rugged PC in the world. Then about five years ago we decided to enter to the fully rugged space but we didn’t really compete with Motion, who would have been in what we viewed as the semi-rugged space. So we saw a unique opportunity to acquire an asset that was very complimentary, their products are 100% complimentary to ours. Their channel was also very complimentary with around 80-90%, distribution which was also something they did which we didn’t do, They were working on a dual tier model and we were working on a single tier  model,” he adds.

Basically, what Xplore did well, Motion was weaker at and vice versa and this also translated into vertical and geographical exposure.

“Some major companies and customers are now embracing our products more because Motion was number three in the market and we’ve got over 20 years experience,” Holleran asserts before making the bold, yet perfectly valid statement that with Motion and their product range brought into the Xplore fold they now “have the god given right now to expect to be on every major rugged tablet RFP.”

At this point we do need to address the elephant in the room. Namely the fact that the reason Xplore was able to acquire their bigger competitor was largely due to the fact that Motion had suffered from issues in the supply chain, that ultimately led to financial challenges.

Was this an issue that was now fully resolved?

“There are always issues in the supply chain but if you understand that and you work closely in the supply chain they can be overcome,” insists Holleran.

“Myself, I travel to Taipei once a quarter. And don’t forget we’ve been doing this longer than anyone else. We were there 14/15 years ago so we understand their culture and their history, we have long standing relationships over there and we have an excellent reputation there,” he adds.

Yet, supply chain challenges are not the only potential threats to the ongoing success of Xplore Technologies. Is the rugged tablet market itself in a healthy position?

It is all very well being the second largest maker of rugged tablets in the world- but should the market move away from tablets and embrace the newly emerged form factor of the convertible or detachable does that leave them exposed?

 

I was keen to get Holleran’s opinion on products such as the Panasonic CF-20 - a fully rugged detachable that offers the dual benefit of being both a laptop and tablet at the same time. Will we ever see a similar device from the Xplore team?

“We never say never but our speciality and history is in tablets and we consider ourselves the world experts on rugged tablets – we’ve been doing it for twenty years which is longer than Panasonic has,“ he replies when I put the question to him.

“We’re investigating that area – but I would say that basic physics says that you cannot build a notebook or a 2-in1 device as rugged as a tablet”

“It all depends on your needs – if you're really keyboard centric and data intensive then a 2-in-1 is for you, but as soon as you put a keyboard onto a device it is not a truly mobile device to use. You can carry it, but you can’t just pull it up within one hand and then use it, that’s only the function of a tablet. So if you need mobility, if you need to have one hand free to keep other things working – then you really do need a tablet,” he added.

Of course, another threat to rugged manufacturers is that of the consumer OEMs.

In the past the argument from rugged manufacturers was a fairly straight forward one. If you worked in an environment where your tablet could get a bit wet or accidentally knocked about then you really needed to go with something rugged.

However, with consumer manufacturers releasing products that are themselves becoming more rugged such as recent Samsung products being IP68 certified - are the lines between business-rugged, semi-rugged and rugged all blurring somewhat? If so why should we invest in devices from specialist rugged manufacturers such as Xplore?

“I would say that ruggedization has various hats,” Holleran begins.

 

“If you are looking at an IP rating, which means it is protected against dust and water that’s one thing, but you can’t use these devices in extreme temperatures, you can’t see them in the bright sun, you still can’t drop these devices,” he adds.

“There is a need for different types of devices but those devices are not enterprise class PCs. They’re basically for reading your emails, watching a video or game – if you want them for doing a dispatch, accessing your ERP or picking system for example then no – they’re not going to run.”

“Our market is not inside an office or going out occasionally. Our market is in nasty plants, outside, with rain, sleet, snow, hot, cold, vibrations from vehicles. So if anything we see it [competition from consumer brands] as good for us as it lends more credibility to the need for fully rugged devices.”

“It gives some people a better understanding of the fact that in different environments you’ll need different types of ruggedization and there are considerable degrees of ruggedization. There are different needs for different people of course.”

For Holleran it all comes down to a simple question of reliability, which given the often mission critical nature of both installation and maintenance work carried out in the field, is of course paramount for most field service organisations.

 

“Basically it’s simple – when the product is a tool for your job, in other words if your computer is not working then you cannot do your job – then you really need a rugged device. If you’ve got your dispatch system, your inventory systems, your schedule, your maps, your components then if that computer is not working you can’t do your job – so people in that scenario want a rugged device that’s going to last.”

“Our marketing strategy is quality; our products exceed our customer’s specs.”

“If you want a product that can stay in the field for three or four years, then you need a rugged device, you can’t put an enterprise device in – it just won’t last,” he concludes.

What about the sometimes mooted concept of just having a rack of pre-loaded cheap tablets, so when one device fails an engineer can just pick up a new one from HQ?

“The problem with this idea problem is how do you get to all your data?” Holleran retorts.

“If your computer breaks, that data has then got to be put on a new computer and then you have to make sure that the new computer has all the security protocols etc, so your talking about days - maybe even a week if there is a backlog. A week where nothing happens and a guy can’t work? Do they just get an extra vacation whilst you lose money?” He asks.

From our conversation it seemed clear to me that Holleran not only has a strong depth of knowledge about his own market and the wider sectors he operates in, but also has similar depth of knowledge in understanding his customers needs and their workflows. I was keen to discuss this further so asked him how prevalent was such knowledge of their customer’s workflows across the company and was this ingrained into the success of Xplore to date.

“That is very important to us – Xplore is very much a customer centric company,” he begins.

“We will even put features into a product for the customer if required. For example, in our Rugged Android D10 we have HDMI-in port which allows it to work as a Telco testing device. So yes, that is one of our core competencies, it’s critical to the company and is a foundation which the business has been built upon.“

Indeed, it seems that the future for Xplore Technologies is well plotted and in Holleran they have a leader who has a clear understanding of where their strengths lie and how they can leverage those to best serve the markets they operate within.

“We still have new products under development the XSLATE will be the brand. We will continue to be a premium supplier with innovative technology; we have some new innovations under development,” he asserts.

“We intend to be the world’s expert authority on rugged tablets and peripherals attached to that. I tell people if you really want to buy a rugged notebook go buy Panasonic.”

“If you want to buy a rugged tablet come to Xplore – that’s what we do and we are the world's best at it.”

 

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Rugged computer designer and manufacturer Getac has unveiled the third generation of its F110 tablet and V110 convertible rugged computers. They feature the latest Intel Core processors which as well as optimised power performance, image processing, networking speed and efficient power management also deliver higher levels of data security.

Robby Swinnen, Vice President,  Sales and Marketing Group,  at Intel Corporation explains; “Data breaches start with misused or stolen user credentials. To address this concern, 6th generation Intel Core vPro  processors  feature Intel Authenticate Technology, a hardware-enhanced, multi factor authentication solution that strengthens identity protection by capturing, encrypting, pairing, and storing PINs, biometrics, keys, access rights, as well as other identification data in the hardware, thereby hiding the target from hackers to effectively strengthen the protection of corporate identities,”

Chris Bye, President, Getac UK, comments; “Rightly our customers demand the highest levels of performance available from Getac devices. With the latest upgrades to the V110 and F110 we’ve clearly achieved that as well as incorporating new technology from Intel to protect customers against modern data security threats.”

There's a choice of two Intel Core processors available: an i5-6200U 2.3GHz (2.8GHz) or an i&-6500U 2.5GHz (3.1GHz).  Improved RAM (up to DDR4 (expandable to 16GB) is matched to SSD  hard drives of 128GB , 256GB or 512 GB

There is built-in Intel dual band Wireless AC-8260 supporting WLAN 802.11ac, plus Bluetooth 4.2. The Intel HD Graphics 520 graphics card paired with a dual-lens design enhances on-site evidence collection and image processing capabilities.

Screen enhancements include 11.6in TFT LCD capacitive multi-touch screens, which are equipped with Getac 800-nit LumiBond 2.0 technology for clear visibility under bright lights. As well a touch, there is a new stylus pen and digitizer pen for more accurate interacting with applications while on the go.

A higher resolution FHD webcam will support video calls as well as facilitating streaming situations back to base, for example in healthcare or defence. Both tablet and convertible incorporate Getac’s LifeSupport hot-swappable battery design for uninterrupted productivity.

The V110 and F110 devices are certified to for water/dust resistance, protection against falling damage (up to 4 ft.), operating temperature range from -21°c to 60°c, as well as MIL-STD 810G and MIL-STD 461F for military standards, and the e-Mark vehicle safety certification.

 

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Next up in our Hands On series reviewing some of the  key contenders in the rugged device sector is Xplore Technologies’ X Slate B10 rugged tablet.

It’s been a very busy year for Xplore Technologies. With neighbours and fellow rugged tablet manufacturers Motion suffering from the closure of a parts supplier,  Xplore made the bold move of launching a takeover. It was a definite case of the little fish eating the bigger fish and a move that caught many in the industry by surprise.

However, whilst certainly a bit of a shock from an outsider’s viewpoint the coming together of the two companies certainly makes sense on a product level. Xplore has established a reputation as being the company to go to for ultra-rugged devices with their XC6 range, which are fully submersible, drop tested to the highest existing standards and are pretty much the most rugged tablets out there. Needless to say Xplore was a name well recognised in defence circles.

Motion’s devices on the other hand sat more towards the larger fully rugged sector, so whilst devices such as the Motion F5M could still take a pounding, they are more geared towards the average field based worker, who needs a tablet that can cope with being shunted about from vehicle to work-site but still provided both the computing power and range of peripheries needed to get an engineer through the day whether it be on the road or back at HQ.

So whilst there was some crossover in technologies the two companies actually complement each other very, very well and are now a major player in the rugged tablet space (in fact only Panasonic now have a bigger market share).

So with the potential for cross development spanning both sets of R&D talent it was with excited anticipation when I received the demo unit to put it through its paces. Just how much influence would both the design team at Motion and their counterparts in Xplore have in the look, feel and performance of this new device - the first device to come out of the Xplore stable since the merger? Would it be a Motion looking tablet or Xplore, or perhaps like most babies a mixture of both parents?
Let’s get hands on and find out...

What the manufacturer says...

Designed to meet the needs of the mobile professional who requires a supremely rugged Windows-based PC that can weather any environment, the XSlate B10 addresses both processing and connectivity concerns directly.
The powerful and fast XSlate B10 accelerates through workflows in the field, in real time, resulting in a more efficient and productive workforce that reduces errors and costs, while improving customer experience

First impressions...

Well she’s certainly got her mother’s eyes.  Whilst this is the first tablet to come to market since Xplore's  acquisition of Motion there is no denying that the XSlate B10 is very much from the same stable as the Bobcat, which we reviewed last year - check out our report here.

In fact the comparisons to the Bobcat could run so deep that this device must surely be viewed as part of the same product line in all but name.

 

And for me this is no bad thing. I felt the Bobcat was a well-made, aesthetically-pleasing device especially when held up against the F5M which always feels a little clunky to me because of the moulded integrated handle. Yes, I know it’s a functional inclusion, and many will appreciate the ease with which the F5M is carried around but if I’m honest I’m glad that Xplore have stuck with the detachable hand-strap, in the same manner as they opted for in the Bobcat.
The handle also acts as a neat holder for either of the two styli that the device comes with.

When it comes to the feel of the tablet again one need look no further than the Bobcat for an easy comparison. Both devices appear to share exactly the same chassis, including a magnesium alloy mid-frame to add further strength.

When reviewing the Bobcat, I pointed out that the design had a feel of something akin to a ‘more -robust-than-average’ consumer tablet to it. Given the shared body, this remains true of the XSlate as well. The XSlate we received had a lot more optional extras than the Bobcat we reviewed and these certainly add to the bulk of the device even if they do add functionality. However, this is the price you pay for customisation and any of Xplore’s competitors would face the same challenge in terms of keeping additional accessories sleek and unobtrusive.

If we look at base models, I’d have to say that the device is by no means the most cumbersome rugged tablet in the world even if it doesn’t quite match up to the sleek lines of the Getac T800.

 

Like the Bobcat, the X-Slate B10 feels sturdy and with a base weight of 1.09 kg it’s in a similar weight bracket as Panasonic’s FZ-G1 and significantly lighter than the Getac F110 - both of which would be comparable devices to the XSlate.

Finally, when it comes to button layout control power, volume and a screen orientation lock all remain on the right hand side whilst a Windows button remains front facing in the centre.

One nice addition on the XSlate missing from the Bobcat is a fingerprint sensor, adding an additional layer of security where required.

Processing power
There really is very little difference between the two siblings under the hood. With its Intel Core i5-5350U processor capable of 2.9Ghz of boosted processing speed (there is also an option for – Intel Core i7 vPro) coupled with 8GB memory, the XSlate sits right at the top of the tree amongst rugged tablets. Only its stablemate, the Motion F5M, is built to a higher specification and even then, that would only be for the very top customisation level.

The XSlate also comes out ahead of the competition when it comes to the graphics card as well – one area that the Bobcat was lacking in compared to the competition. In fact the X-Slate’s Intel Integrated HD 6000 Graphics Card is one of the best performing cards on the market currently and with this alongside its superior CPU then the XSlate should be able to handle pretty much any program that is thrown at it.

Operating system
Officially the XSlate B10 comes with the option of Windows 7 or 8.1 although as soon as we booted it up and logged into the device it automatically offered us a free upgrade to Windows 10.

Particularly interesting, however, is the announcement of the XSlate D10 - basically the B10 but in Android flavour. Whilst most users will be suited with Windows, there is certainly a large enough appetite for Android based mobile devices. With Connected Vehicles looming on the horizon it could well be that the Android version of this tablet becomes a more appealing option despite it being more closely specced to the Bobcat than the impressive B10.

 

The Ins & Outs
The shared chassis means the XSlate B10 has an identical I/O set up to the Bobcat - a major plus point in our opinion.  The standard models in both tablets are identical apart from the XSlate’s having an optional HDMI-in socket.

Like the Bobcat, the B10 comes with two separate USB3.0 ports  - a feat unmatched by all of their competitors. It can sometimes be something of a challenge to fit in ports left, right, and centre and most rugged tablet manufacturers tend to shy away from this challenge so it is great to see Xplore include two USB ports again.

The B10 also has a MicroSD slot, providing the option of expanding the 128GB internal memory (upgradable to 256GB) and also a potentially useful means of transferring files developed in the field onto a desktop at any point.

 

Should your engineers need to give presentations of the work being undertaken at any point then the micro HDMI out will allow them to easily share directly from the B10.

Other ports on the B10 include a RS232 serial Ready Port, headphones/speakers mini-jack stereo port plus DC power input.

Connectivity:
Connectivity is of course vital for the field engineer and this is yet another area in which the X Slate excels, again sharing a number of its systems with the Bobcat. These include the latest standard in mobile internet including an 802.11ac wireless LAN (wifi) receiver, providing both 2.5GHz and 5GHz bandwidths and enhanced speeds. A 4G LTE mobile broadband receiver is optional giving fast connectivity outside of WiFi coverage provided that is mobile network connectivity.

The integrated GPS has improved accuracy and Bluetooth 4.0 allows the device to be paired with other tools being used by your team.

Finally, the XSlate has options for including Near Field Communications (NFC) reading capability and Barcode scanning both of which can be useful tools when updating parts inventory.

Ruggedness:
As one would expect from a manufacturer of ultra rugged tablets, the X Slate is absolutely ready for even the most clumsiest of field engineers. With a MIL-STD 810G certification the tablet is both water and dust resistant and can operate in a range of temperatures ranging from -20°C through to 60°C which should cover all but the absolute extreme of field service environments.

The XSlate is capable of surviving a 5 foot fall and thanks to its lightweight rugged magnesium mid-frame the LCD and electronics are also particularly well protected should the device be accidentally dropped on more than one occasion.
Battery Life:
Finally the battery life of the X Slate is certainly capable of lasting an engineer throughout their day. The full battery life is listed as up to 8 hours however with the inclusion of shot swappable batteries could potentially last for up to 20 hours with moderate usage.

Conclusion:

Having given the Bobcat a relatively good review it is impossible to not give the X Slate anything but a glowing recommendation.

The device is good looking, the buttons intuitively placed and the processing power is right at the top-end of the spectrum. It’s also highly certified in terms of ruggedness and has great connectivity specifications. Overall this is a fantastic tablet for somone working in a reasonably hostile environment but needs a powerful device with lots of CPU power.

Ultimately what the XSlate does is take the strong form factor of the Bobcat and delivers a truly high-end tablet to further increase the competition with Panasonic.

 

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As we continue our new series reviewing some of the key rugged hardware we now turn our attention to the Xplore’s rugged tablet the Bobcat…

What the manufacturers say...

The Bobcat tablet is the latest in Xplore's family of fully-rugged tablets. Featuring an array of integrated options, and a sleek, sophisticated design, the Bobcat will change the way you look at tablets. With a MIL-STD-810G rating and Windows® 8.1 Pro, the Bobcat can go from the boardroom to the work site without missing a beat.

First impressions...

With the recent acquisition of Motion Computing by Xplore Technologies the obvious initial comparison to make for the Bobcat is with it’s new sibling range and when compared to the Motion F5M the Bobcat certainly has a much more aesthetically pleasing style.

Whilst the F5M with it’s integrated handle looks like a product that was only ever designed with industry in mind, the Bobcat whilst still having a clear ruggedity about, it could pass far more easily for a consumer device.

Of course one could ask why does this matter? And when we talk about pure functionality, and viewing tablets simply as a tool for doing the job, the answer is of course it doesn’t. However, when we spend just a moment to consider the human, emotional side of getting our engineers buy in the fact remains that a ‘sexier’ more consumer-looking device is more likely to get the approval of a field engineer, which of course could lead to swifter adoption times.

 

And whilst the Bobcat isn’t perhaps as sleek as the Getac T800 or Panaosonic’s Toughpad 4K it is certainly not the ugliest tablet in the Rugged World.

In the hand, it feels sturdy enough without ever feeling cumbersome. In fact weighing in at just over 1 kilogram the Bobcat is a similar weight to the Panasonic FZ-G1 and weighs in a lot third lighter than Getac’s F110 model.

When it comes to buttons and peripherals the Bobcat’s layout makes sense and was easily navigated with placing being intuitive. Also the optional handle that can be attached whilst not offering the solidity of the integrated handle of the F5M does offer the option of easily carrying the device around in such a manner although personally I found the handle slightly uncomfortable when carrying and bit awkward and in the way when using the device. It is however a detachable accessory so this isn’t a significant problem.

Processing power

When it comes to what’s underneath the hood, the Bobcat falls a bit short of many of it’s peers. With Panasonic’s FZ-G1, Getac’s T800 and F110 models the Motion F5m all boasting faster processing power than the Bobcat’s relatively modest 1.91Ghz processer as standard with most offering the option of even better processing speeds if required.

That said the Bobcat should be able a large majority of tasks that it would be expected to deal with in the field however, it perhaps isn’t the choice for mobile workers who will be using a lot of CPU hungry applications.

As for the graphics card, the Bobcat’s Intel Integrated Mobile Gen7 Graphics card is also a little lacking compared to some of it’s competitors but again it should still be sufficient enough for common usage that we would see in field service.

Operating system

As with most tablets in this space The Bobcat is a windows based tablet coming currently in the two flavours of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 (with upgrade options to Windows 10).

Whilst this is great for the majority of companies that are using Windows for their office based systems as well as it helps for easier transfer of data from field to office and back. Perhaps an option for an Android OS may appeal to some and would be a welcome inclusion however as mentioned most tablets within this class are Windows based so it would be unfair to single out Xplore for criticism here.

The Ins & Outs

Where the Bobcat does impress is in the number of included ports – something that is often a challenge for rugged tablets. The Bobcat comes with 2 separate USB3.0 ports a feat unmatched by all of the above mentioned competitor devices except for an optional upgraded configuration of the Panasonic FZ-G1.

The Bobcat also has a MicroSD slot which not only gives the option of expanding the 128HB internal memory (upgradable to 256GB) but is also a potentially useful means of transferring files from developed in the field onto a desktop at any point.

 

Should your engineers need to give presentations of the work being undertaken at any point then the micro HDMI out will allow them to easily share directly from the Bobcat.

Other ports on the Bobcat include a RS232 serial Ready Port, headphones/speakers mini-jack stereo port plus DC power input.

Connectivity:

Of course for field engineers to get the most out of any mobile computing device connectivity is absolutely key. The Bobcat has a number of integrated communications solutions embedded within it including an 802.11ac wireless LAN (wi-fi) receiver, which not only allows the device to connect to both 2.5GHz and 5GHz but also delivers enhanced speeds.

The tablet also comes with an optional 4G LTE mobile broadband receiver meaning so even out of Wi-fi range as long as there is mobile coverage the device is capable of connecting at the fastest speeds available in any given area.

There is also integrated GPS with an accuracy of 2.5 metres and Bluetooth 4.0 so the device can be paired with other tools being used by your field engineer such as in cab communications or smart watches etc.

In addition to this there is a both a front facing and rear camera alongside integrated speakers and microphone which allows for video conversations between engineers for knowledge sharing etc.

Finally the Bobcat also has options for including Near Field Communications (NFC) reading capability and Barcode scanning both of which can be useful tools when updating parts inventory.

Ruggedity:

As one would expect the Bobcat meets the standards of a fully rugged tablet. With a MIL-STD 810G certification the tablet is both water and dust resistant and can operate in a range of temperatures ranging from -20°C through to 60°C which should cover all but the absolute extreme of field service environments.

The Bobcat is also capable of surviving a 5 foot drop and thanks to it’s lightweight rugged magnesium midframe the LCD and electronics are particularly well protected should the device be accidentally dropped. In addition to this a the clever design which incorporates raised corners the screen remains protected whilst for further reassurance there is also the option of upgrade of an Armortech Screen Guard.

 

Battery Life:

Finally the battery life of the Bobcat is certainly capable of lasting an engineer throughout their day. The full shift battery life is listed as up to 8 hours however, the Bobcat has a hot swappable battery and with additional external battery options the tablet is comfortably capable of making it through a 20 hour day .

Conclusion:

The Bobcat offers a good combination of being a good-looking tablet that is up to the daily grind of most field service applications. It is well designed with intuitively placed buttons and a good amount of I/O ports and support for peripheries.

The obvious weakness of the Bobcat is in it’s processing power lagging behind it’s closest competitors, however it’s competitive pricing makes it a very good option for those companies whose engineers needs’ are not particularly CPU intensive.

 

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Our  new Hands On  regular feature focuses on the hardware choices available for field service organisations, from smartphones to tablets.  To set the scene, Sharon Clancy runs through some of the key specification points to consider.

As more field service companies automate their business processes, so is the market for the devices required to capture all that useful data. Consumer devices are proliferating thanks to their low initial cost and this has given new impetus to the rugged v. consumer device discussion but has also raised questions about what type of mobile device best suits the task in hand.

Rugged tablets, for example, have given excellent service in sectors such as utilities and emergency services, where processing power, outdoor screen visibility and high levels of reliability are required. Rugged handheld computers might lack user-appeal but they are reliable, versatile and easily configurable. Their relatively small 3.5in screens are not seen as a particular deterrent because the data capture tasks they are used for are simple.

At the other end of the spectrum are consumer devices - cheaper, with user-appeal shine and intuitive apps, but also with components not designed to last the rough-and-tumble of an intensive eight-hour daily use. In the middle are a new breed of hybrid devices with shiny smartphone-style skins underpinned with rugged features to enhance reliability.

Price pressures are certainly driving some of this innovation with consumer and lower-cost devices being deployed in operations where traditionally only rugged devices would be considered. Buyers might agree that the up-front cost of a device is just a fraction of its total life costs but a low initial device cost can get a project green-lighted - important for field service managers keen to gain the operational and cost efficiencies mobile devices deliver.

 

Device names can be confusing - one manufacturer's rugged smartphone is another's Personal or Enterprise Digital Assistant (PDA and EDA). The straightforward approach is to focus on what functionality you need the device to have and also on dimensions and weight. For example, does it need to fit in a pocket; does the data task require a keyboard; a scan engine;  or a camera. What connectivity does your operation need?

We've put together this short guide for buyers to guide to help ensure the devices you choose are fit-for-purpose.

FSN Buyer's checklist

1. Ruggedness
   The rugged specification of a device is more critical for some field service operations than others. Compromises on IP (ingress protection against dust and water) and drop-spec ratings are possible in some environments, but push that too far and the result will be more downtime and repair costs.A typical rugged spec for devices used mainly indoors, for example, might be IP54 for dust and water ingress and a 1.2 metre or 1.5 metre drop rating. some models are rated as high as IP67 and some survive 1.8 metre drops. Check if the drop test is to a soft surface or to concrete (which mimics a fall on to a car park floor).
2. Functionality
   This is a key differentiator when choosing between consumer devices and rugged ones. Rugged devices tend to be built on a modular platform that allows varying degrees of customisation: you get a device precisely tailored to your data capture needs. Specifications for consumer devices are less, if at all, configurable. One area where this manifests itself is in whether the device has a dedicated scan engine for barcode scanning or relies on device camera with a scanning app. A camera might be fine for occasional scanning, but if your service worker has to scan frequently, using a camera is a much slower and fiddly process, affecting productivity and, possibly, data accuracy.
3. Form factor
   With form factors ranging from 2.8in screens on smartphones to 10in or more on tablets, service organisations are spoilt for choice. Small devices are portable, but the small screen may hamper productivity; tablets allow more information to be displayed and usually have more configurability, making it easier to get the exact fit for your processes.Some rugged devices incorporate a hard keyboard matched to a small screen, but user experience with consumer smartphones is helping to create demand for similar larger screens in the business world.
   [quote float="right"]There is intense competition in the 5in and 7in tablet sector

    

   - an area also populated by rugged smartphones. (The main difference is that while smartphones automatically include voice functionality, tablets may not.) Some fully-rugged tablets incorporate a mini-hard-key navigation keyboard to one side, whereas smaller tablets and smartphones rely on touch screens.The use of larger tablets for enterprise is a fast-expanding sector. Rugged tablets may not be as slim as Apple’s iPad, but they are still ultra-portable, with some incorporating a carry handle.
4. Screens
   Screens can be glass or polycarbonate: glass is more fragile and scratch resistant, while polycarbonate is flexible so less likely to crack, but over time can dull with scratches. Toughened glass such as Corning's Gorilla glass is popular in tablets and in some of the rugged smartphones now appearing on the market, while other manufacturers are using bonded screens that are as scratch-resistant as glass but more flexible.Not all mobile devices have the capacitive touch screen technology found on smartphones and tablets for touch data entry and screen. Some rugged devices have resistive screens which are said to be more responsive to touch when the user's finger is wet or gloved, but less responsive than capacitive to bare fingers. However, the latest generation of resistive screens can handle finger-touch input as well as stylus input. Everyone's had the experience of a slow-responding touch screen when navigating: one technical factor can be the number of wires incorporated in the screen, so do ask.

   For field service, there are two other important factors to take into account when it comes to screen specifications: how easy are they to read in bright sunlight and how wide is the viewing angles. NITS is the measure by which visibility in strong sunlight is described and there are various technologies that improve visibility in strong light, usually involving a combination of reducing loss through reflection off the screen and colour management.

5. Operating systems
   When selecting devices, it's important to think about the Operating System as it could impact on whether or how your apps run on it. For Apple fans, iOS is standard; for other devices there is a choice of various Android OS or Microsoft Windows OS in their various guises.[quote float="left"]Device OS is particularly important when you have legacy applications

    

   OS is particularly important when you have legacy applications: they may have been developed with earlier software development tools that are incompatible when it comes to upgrades. Bearing in mind, for example, that Apple iOS is incompatible with a lot of enterprise legacy software systems unless deployed with some sort of mobility management system, for example.Device manufacturers can also tweak the OS, so the more frequently a device is refreshed, the higher the risk that an app which ran happily on an older model won’t on the new one. This is more of a concern with consumer devices which have more frequent model updates than rugged devices.Android is popular with software developers who like the open-nature of Android. Android was once labelled as not-fit-for-enterprise: earlier versions (2.0 or Gingerbread) are more vulnerable from security-wise and may lack enterprise-friendly features such as mobile device management functionality - they can still be found on some older rugged models. Expert advice is to opt for Android 4.0 or later.Tablet manufacturers and their enterprise customers have remained loyal to Microsoft Windows, partly because of its easy integration with desktop software. Some tablet makers now offering licence-free Android as an alternative OS, especially on small form-factor devices where cost is a factor.

   Microsoft's tardiness in releasing a roadmap for 6.5 embedded (popular with rugged device manufacturers) and less-than-stunning Windows 8 has seen customers desert it for Android. However, the newly launched Windows 10 may help it regain some of that lost traction in enterprise.

6. Processing power
   Having sufficient processing power is key if you intend to run multiple applications on any device. Many, but not all, devices now incorporate dual or quad processors with advanced power management that help preserve battery power when running multi-applications.  Some low-cost devices may have older generation, slower, processors. Tablets, especially those 10in and above have impressive RAM and storage facilities, with solid-state memory now widely available. Intel’s Atom or i-series processors and Texas Instruments’ OMAP family are the most widely used.
7. Connectivity
   While smartphones tend to come as standard with all the connectivity you could wish for, on rugged devices, there's greater variation in what is standard and optional. GPS or A-GPS is usually standard on devices aimed at field operations, as are network radios from 3.5G upwards. WiFi and Bluetooth may be operational rather than standard.
8. Batteries
   Some features considered essential for field service management (GPS location fixes and 3G or 4G communication, for example) are notoriously power-hungry, so do compare battery life claims. Smart battery management is now a feature on many devices. Some of the latest generation of rugged devices claim impressive battery life of up to 20 hours, thanks to a new generation of higher-capacity batteries coombined with smart battery-life management and power-saving multi-processor architecture. Light and proximity sensors, for example, power the device or applications on-and-off and battery-condition monitoring and reporting are often included.If the app or operation will be particularly demanding of battery life, it's worth checking how the claimed life was calculated: some manufacturers now quote different hours between recharges for different types of use.It's easy to forget that battery replacement needs factoring into total-cost-of-ownership calculations: the more discharges, the shorter the battery life and the sooner they will need replacing. Don't forget either, think about how devices will be recharged and check the comparative costs of types of in-vehicle chargers.Rugged tablets designed for field service often have hot-swappable batteries which allows users to change batteries without losing data.[/ordered_list]

 

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