ARCHIVE FOR THE ‘rugged’ CATEGORY

RuggON Corporation, a leader in the design and manufacturing of ruggedized computing products, recently launched a new rugged in-vehicle terminal, the VX-601, which provides superb visibility from a large, bright, sunlight-readable touchscreen display; great durability; seamless connectivity and communications; as well as smart power management.

The VX-601 is suitable for challenging environments and diverse applications such as intralogistics, cold chain logistics, waste management, mining, harbour freight handling, agriculture and construction. The VX-601 is a full-featured industry-standard computer, based around a powerful Intel® Core™ i5-6300U 2.4 GHz CPU, with up to 8GB of memory, an 80mm M.2 SSD for storage, and internal mini-PCIe slots for expansion.

User friendly in-vehicle terminal

The VX-601 saves time and increases productivity with its outstanding user interface design. The ultra-bright 1200 nits display dims automatically in low light to save power and prevent eyestrain. Even in direct sunlight, a special anti-reflection layer is available to help keep the screen readable. Dedicated user-programmable function keys around the touchscreen provide instant access to important operations, including brightness and volume. A tough projected capacitive touchscreen (PCT) option is available for improved gloved operation.

Based on extensive experience with real-world applications, RuggON has developed the user-friendly DashON interface. With DashON users can easily monitor or adjust numerous important settings and features. RuggON also provides a complete SDK, allowing users to quickly develop their own applications.

Tough enough for any task

RuggON specialises in rugged design, and the VX-601 is built from the ground up for durability and reliability, with IP66 (IEC 60529), MIL-STD-810G and IEC 60721-3-5 Class 5M3 compliance. Waterproofed external connectors are available. Operating temperature range is -30°C to 55°C – with an optional defroster/defogger to keep the screen readable. Together, these features ensure the VX-601 will always be ready for action, in any environment, indoors or outdoors.

The VX-601 accepts a wide power input range, from 9 to 60 VDC, for compatibility with almost any vehicular electrical system. The built-in rechargeable 4500mAh battery pack not only acts as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) during brief power outages, but provides 1.5 hours of working time for mobile use, or when an external power source is not available. Smart power management features include ignition sense support to prevent glitches caused by voltage transients. The power connector features any easy relea5se hand-rotatable mechanism to prevent accidental power cable detachment.

The in-vehicle terminal that’s designed for connectivity and expansion

This terminal provides an almost unlimited array of options for connecting to the world and other devices, and includes full GNSS support. Wireless communications are provided by 802.11ac WiFi at both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, High Speed Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Wireless wide area network (WWAN) support is also available. Wired connectivity options include Gigabit LAN, as well as extensive I/O features for field operations, such as powered RS-232 plus a separate RS-232/422/485 socket, GPIO and CAN bus (SAE J1939 / OBD II support), and optional four channel video input.

Based on popular industry-standard hardware for ease of expansion and maximum hardware and software compatibility, the VX-601 supports Windows 10 IoT. RuggON offers a diverse range of accessories and peripherals to suit any application.

Read more about the RuggON VX-601 – the ultimate in tough, reliable in-vehicle terminal computers – as well as VX-601 accessories, and other products from RuggON, the rugged computer specialists, here: http://www.ruggon.com/

 

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Logic Instrument, manufacturer of rugged mobile computers extend its range of the already widely accepted professional Fieldbook tablets with a new model that combines ruggedness, lightweight and unique functionalities offering multiple uses in industrial environments. Its 12.2-inch format ensures great display comfort that is vital for specialists in the fields of automation, automotive, construction or service technicians across all industries.

 The “cross-usage” Fieldbook combines the functionalities of a laptop and a tablet: a large screen, a full-sized, detachable keyboard, mobility and a variety of interfaces – all this considering its reduced weight and increased flexibility.

“This cross-usage tablet represents a new step in the evolution of Logic Instrument’s product range. It allows us to position ourselves in new markets with a device that is 50% lighter and fully rugged, for application in harsh industrial environments,” says Loïc Poirier, CEO of Logic Instrument.

Big Screen with Full HD Resolution

The 12,2-inch screen with 1920x1200 pixels displays all the details even of complex applications, GIS maps or large spreadsheets. The IPS technology allows for wide viewing angles with high contrast and good color reproduction. At the same time, the screen is protected from scratches and drops by Corning’s Gorilla® Glass. Data input can be made either with fingers, even on a wet surface or with gloves on, as well as with the attachable keyboard.

Long-life Battery

The Fieldbook K122 is powered by a 13,000mAh battery that keeps the device running for more than a normal working day. And if necessary, the user can easily replace the battery without needing specific tools.

Well Balanced

Powered by an Intel x5-Z8350 quad-core processor, the Fieldbook K122 achieves great performance combined with low power consumption. The standard version already has 4GB of RAM and 128GB storage, which can be extended by a micro SD card. An integrated WWAN module offers mobile broadband up to 4G/LTE speed. Also integrated are dual-band WiFi and an uBlox GPS module. Two USB type-A, one type-C, HDMI, Gigabit-LAN and up to two serial interfaces are available for wired connections.

A Fieldbook Loyal to Its Principles

Straight from the line of the Fieldbook, this K122 model does not deviate from the rule that has made the success of this equipment for many years: ruggedness, performance and versatility at the best price. Thanks to its hardened design, the K122 resists dust, water (IP65), drops as well as high and low temperatures. This ruggedness makes the Fieldbook K122 the ideal companion in all environments, even the most hostile.

The Fieldbook K122 will be available from February 2017 at a MSRP of 1598€.

 

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As we continue our series decoding the language used by rugged hardware manufacturers we turn our attention to one of the most widely cited certifications MIL STD 810G

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 (the artwork was probably a give away wasn’t it?) 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 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.

Each test method also supports the test engineer by describing preferred laboratory test facilities and methodologies. These environmental management and engineering processes can be of enormous value to generate confidence in the environmental worthiness and overall durability of equipment and material.

 

However, it should be noted that there are always limitations inherent in laboratory testing that make it imperative to use engineering judgment when comparing lab results to how a device may cope in real world environments as in many cases, real-world environmental stresses (both singularly and especially when combined with other stresses) cannot be duplicated practically or reliably in test laboratories.

That said the MIL STD 810G is accepted as a global standard when it comes to the robustness of rugged devices.

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

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• Temperature ranges
• Shock
• Vibration
• Humidity
• Salt fog
• Explosive atmosphere

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As well as a number of other environmental stresses. However, a device can be tested and certified as MIL STD 810G for each and any of these tests individually and they are not mutually dependant on each other. So for example a device could be tested to MIL STD 810G for shock (test 516) only without having to be able to pass any other MIL STD 810G criteria.

In terms of rugged devices suitable for field service perhaps the most important of these tests (and the most likely you are going to see in manufacturers spec sheets) are Shock, Operating Temperature, and Vibration. There are MIL STD 810G tests for sand and dust ingress as well as contamination by fluids but generally most manufacturers stick with the IP rating system for these areas.

Test 516: Shock

Almost certainly the most widely cited of the MIL STD 810G tests by rugged manufacturers, this test method is often referred to as the “drop” test as it gauges how well a device holds up to impacts while falling from certain heights.

The tests are designed to find out just how much general physical abuse a device can take while in operation and there are eight different procedures to choose from that each use different ways to cause shock or impact but of these the most common is procedure IV.

 

Just how extensive the test is down to a devices weight but generally tablets, phones and laptops all fall into the first category (weights of less than 100 pounds and lengths of less than 91 cm). The devices are dropped from a height of 4ft onto each of it’s six faces 12 edges and 8 corners onto two inches of plywood over concrete (which apparently is the most common surface a device is likely to land on). Testers then visually inspect for damage and determine whether the device still works after each drop.

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 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.

What MIL STD 810G does do however, particularly when it comes to the ‘drop test’ is give you a base line understanding of what you can expect your field service engineers shiny new tablet etc to withstand.

 

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Thames Water staff using the V110 have praised the device for important features such as how lightweight it is, its highly sensitive touchscreen and digitised stylus, as well as its superior processing power - especially noticeable when using the GPS functionality to bring up large, detailed Map/GIS software, critical to productivity in the field. Here we look at the case study of why the water utilities giant selected the device...

Challenge

Thames Water is under constant pressure from regulators and customers to reduce bills while having to maintain some truly challenging infrastructure, especially in the City of London.

To keep the taps running for nearly 30% of the UK’s population, Thames Water makes heavy demands on its technology, requiring reliability in tough conditions, the best connection available, high processing speed, large memory for files stored offline and the capability to run the latest operating systems. The hardware needs to be easy to use, durable and perform seamlessly, allowing operatives uninterrupted service.

 

With a 2,000-strong field force as well as contractors, Thames Water employees find themselves in extremely challenging conditions; often working below the ground, in difficult weather conditions, frequently with dark, or even very bright lighting, and even at non-typical angles, in which they need to access and input data onto their devices.

Technology naturally needs replacing as devices reach the end of life, and when this time came for computing devices at Thames Water, the challenge was to find a new solution that would meet these stringent requirements and provide a robust, intuitive platform for a variety of staff.

Solutions

Thames Water prioritised its requirements for a water resistant, drop-proof rugged device that would be able to stand the test of time. It carried out exhaustive trials with three competitive devices involving 200 Thames Water engineers. The competitive devices were tested in the field against important criteria such as: battery life (over six hours), GPS signal, 3G+ and 4G capabilities, speed, durability and scored each from one to 10.

Other hardware features, such as 10 to 12 inch screen, physical keyboard and sensitive touch screen were also important assessment criteria. It was important that the device would be compatible and work well with ClickMobile, a solution Thames Water uses to better manage and optimise its workforce.

Getac performed exceptionally in the field, with around 90% of users rating it by far the standout device across the board.

Xplore Technologies has recently launched the XSLATE R12 detachable rugged tablet PC in the UK and Europe.

Key features include advanced communications capability, and noteworthy is the ease with which it transforms from a tablet, to a notebook or desktop with a keyboard, and back.

Xplore incorporated specific customer feedback into the 12.5” rugged tablet design making it highly suitable as the primary computing device for emergency services, manufacturing, utility, insurance, and construction industry professionals alike.

The XSLATE R12's customer-requested features include antenna pass-through capabilities, an RJ-45 + Serial Port dongle and a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard that magnetically stows on the back of the tablet even when docked. It has an optically bonded 800 Nit "View Anywhere Display". It is also designed to sync with existing back office systems and software to deliver real-time data via multi-authentication access.

Steve Priestley, Xplore Director of Sales, Europe, said: "As well as the technical features, key to its practicality to user groups is the ease with which R12 transforms from a tablet, to a notebook or desktop with a keyboard, and back.”

It’s equipped with pen and touch capabilities, and backed by a Bluetooth-connected keyboard , and the standard hot-swappable battery is critical for long shifts while the large, outdoor-viewable display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass for damage-resistant, day-and-night viewing.

R12 also features more connectivity options than others in its class, including those antenna pass-through capabilities, an RJ-45 and True Serial port dongle, and a SlateMate barcode reader and HF RFID reader combo. It will also be available with multiple internal configurations, including a 7th generation Intel Core i7 processor with Windows 10 and 6th generation Intel Core i5 with Windows 7, 8.1 or Windows 10. As part of Xplore’s commitment to its customers’ security, the XSLATE R12 enables multi-factor authentication capabilities for enterprise environments through a combination of TPM 2.0, an integrated fingerprint scanner and an optional Smart Card/CAC reader.

 

"The antenna pass-through technology will allow police, fire and ambulance services to prepare and share incident response plans from vehicles, but in the commercial sector the same technology means  organisations of all sizes can to mobilise data in real-time to improve productivity and efficiency of those responsible for assembly, maintenance, logistics, inspection, and testing across many industries, such as manufacturing and utilities,” said Steve Priestley.

The XSLATE R12 is fully supported by a complete line-up of accessories purpose-built to ensure a seamless desktop-to-tablet transition. These include a desktop docking station, Secure Mobile Dock, and Work Anywhere Kit featuring a carrying case and tablet kickstand. This latest addition to Xplore’s line of award-winning tablets coincides with the company’s industry record-setting 20th anniversary as the only OEM to exclusively design and deliver rugged tablets for as long.

 

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As we continue our series evaluating the latest rugged devices to come onto the market we look at Janam’s new entry into the rugged tablet market, the XT2. Traditionally a rugged handheld computer manufacturer, how has their expertise translated into what is arguably their most consumer-looking fully rugged device yet as they step into the increasingly popular form factor of smaller rugged tablets...

What the manufacturers say:

Productivity and resource utilisation are critical to the success of any mobile workforce. Janam’s XT2 rugged touch computer enables mobile employees to work smarter and more efficiently – ultimately improving operating results and increasing customer satisfaction.

Weighing only 10 ounces, the XT2 is smaller, lighter and faster than other rugged mobile computers in its class and equipped with a brilliant 5-inch colour display with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3. With an impressive smartphone like design, the Android™-powered XT2 is equipped with the latest technological advancements, including 4G LTE wireless connectivity for lightning fast access to voice and data, dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and high sensitivity GPS.

The XT2 is a purpose-built device designed to foster more collaboration across mobile workforces. High-performance 1D and 2D barcode scanning, as well as RFID and NFC reading capabilities, ensures organisations can address a full spectrum of data capture needs with one device. Integrated 8.0MP/2.0MP front and rear-facing colour auto-focus cameras enable customers to capture high-resolution photos, signatures and more.

The XT2 is sealed to IP67 standards against dust and immersion in up to 3 feet of water. It can withstand multiple 5’/1.5m drops to concrete per MIL-STD 810G across a wide temperature range.

First impressions:

The last time Field Service News got our HandsOn a device from Janam (The XM5) our one criticism was that whilst the device ticked all of the boxes in terms of relative processing power, ruggedness and functionality, it still had a slight air of yesterday’s device about it.

In fairness, as we pointed out at the time, this was less about the XM5’s profile and more about the form factor itself. It was a great example of a device within the traditional handheld computer form factor, but in an age of tablets and smartphones, the traditional looking handheld, especially fully rugged variants, just look that little bit dated.

Of course, we are firm believers in the ‘fit-for-purpose’ argument and at the end of the day performance is far more critical to a field engineer than simple good looks.

 

That said however, there is also an argument that a device that has more of a ‘consumer feel’ about it is potentially more likely to engender faster adoption rates. Indeed, we have seen a growing trend in recent years for rugged manufacturers to start emulating the sleeker lines of consumer devices where possible as long as they aren’t sacrificing ruggedity.

Gen2Wav and Honeywell have both recently released products that are fine examples of fully rugged devices that do just this and Panasonic’s soon to be launched FZ-F1 will also be in a form factor that is as close to a smartphone as it is a tablet and such devices make a good comparison for the XT2.

The device is lightweight and sleek. Despite being referred to as a rugged touch computer, it has more of a feel of a large smart phone and when we look at it alongside other rugged smartphones, it is a fine example of what can be achieved in terms of a slim and sexy form factor in a rugged device.

Processing power:

The XT2 has a reasonable Quad-core Qualcomm MSM8916 CPU @1.2GHz which whilst not being the fastest on the block (Panasonic’s FZ-N1 runs a Qualcomm® MSM8974AB 2.3GHz Quad Core for example) it is certainly up there with the majority of similar devices within the field.

The XT2 operates on up-to 2GB RAM with 16GB ROM which is somewhere in the middle of the pack and definitely suitable for a number of field service applications - the memory is also expandable via a user accessible Micro SD slot with SD and SDHC support

Operating system:

The XT2 is currently running Android 5 (Lollipop) which is a common standard for industry focussed devices.

Lollipop is now tried and trusted and enterprise secure. There is unlikely to be an issue with any applications devised for it and equally introducing it into the IT mix shouldn’t be too much of a headache in terms of both implementation and a security protocols as the OS has been around for sometime now.

Whilst Android 7.0 is now appearing in the latest consumer handsets and Android 6.0 is now fairly prevalent in the consumer world, in terms of the UX , whilst there is some difference in terms of functionality, visually the difference between Lollipop(5) to Marshmallow (6) is very small.

Therefore, the benefits of Lollipop in terms of stability make sense whilst the fear of the OS taking the shine off the consumerised feel of the XT2 are also minimal.

The Ins & Outs:

Whilst the XT2 doesn’t have the world’s greatest amount of Input/Output options (which is to be expected in a device with such a light footprint) it does include all of the key essentials.

There is a 3.5mm headphone jack, which can be vital when it comes to making audio/video calls whilst in the field, and a USB 2.0 port brings the option for both commonplace universal charging as well as data syncing.

 

Where the XT2 has a distinct advantage over many rugged smartphones/mini tablets that aren’t designed with industry in mind is its inclusion of a dedicated bar-code scanning engine (Zebra SE4710 1D/2D imager) as well as the ability to read all NFC types and RFID tags in the 13.56 MHz range.

Coupled with four programmable power buttons, which are likely best put to use to trigger the barcode scanner and this could be highly advantageous for field engineers whose role includes swapping out a large number of parts.

Connectivity:

In terms of connectivity the XT2 supports Dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n and is Cisco certified which covers most of the available bases and should allow for good Wi-fi connectivity speeds regardless of the signal it is using. In addition to this the XT2’s Wi-fi security protocols are also robust. The device also supports EDGE/GPRS/GSM, WCDMA and LTE for 4G mobile internet.

The XT2 also features Bluetooth 4.0 so can be paired with additional tools in the field including potentially Android Wear based smart watches or glasses as well as a keyboard for data input.

Additionally, the device offers Qualcomm® IZat™: Gen 8 support for three bands concurrently (GPS, BeiDou and GLONASS or Galileo) which can be invaluable in the field both in terms of updating asset information as well as geo-location functionality, to a precise degree.

Ruggedity:

It is when we look at the rugged specs of the XT2 that the device really stands out as a great example of what can be achieved in such a sleek form factor.

The Janam XM5 handheld is a solid, robust device which, with it’s IP rating of 65 is totally impervious to dust and can cope with all but the worst soaking, however, the XT2 pushed the rugged specs even further with an IP rating of 67 meaning not only is it impervious to dust but it is also capable of being fully submersed in water up to 3 feet deep.

 

In terms of drop resistance the device is tested against the standard 1.5 meter MIL-STD 810G drop tests onto concrete from all angles across a wide range of temperature ratings. The fact that it is dropped directly onto concrete, instead of two inches of plywood as required for MIL-STD 810G, also adds further to its rugged credentials.

The XT2 also has an operating temperature range of -20º to 60º C so should be functional in even the most testing environments.

Battery Life:

In terms of battery life the XT2 comes with a 3000mAh battery as standard but with the option to upgrade for a 4000mAh version also available.

Whilst in theory this should be enough to see out most engineers working days and in our own testing the battery lasted a full day with moderate to heavy usage, there is also an extended battery kit available.

Conclusion:

First up the XT2 is a great looking device and it feels good in hand. It’s both lightweight and comfortable and could easily pass for a smartphone at first glance. An important factor in terms of user adoption given the proliferation of the consumerisation of mobile computing today.

In terms of ruggedity, the XT2’s IP rating of 67 is highly impressive and this is a device that would be suited to even the most extreme of field service environments.

 

Although the processing power isn’t quite at the very top end of its category, there is still plenty of power to run the vast majority of apps a field service technician would likely need - it’s certainly no slouch and responded quickly in our own tests.

All in all the XT2 is a fantastic option for any field service technician, it is a lightweight device and the programmable buttons could greatly improve work-flow in some areas. However, the XT2 is especially suited for those field technicians working in an environment where a fully rugged device becomes essential.

 

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Xplore Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: XPLR) has started its 20 year anniversary celebration.  Since 1996, Xplore Technologies has exclusively engineered and delivered one of the most complete lines of purpose-built rugged tablet technologies on earth...

According to VDC Research, out of all of the mobile computer original equipment manufacturers (OEM) operating today, Xplore, with a UK base in Warwickshire, is the only OEM to have focused on rugged tablets – and only rugged tablets – for 20 years.  This market focus is what has made Xplore a trusted authority in the rugged tablet space.

This unprecedented industry achievement comes on the heels of Xplore’s fifth consecutive year of market-exceeding growth.

“The fact that Xplore is still at the forefront of the turbulent rugged tablet market after 20 years of changing market conditions and a rapidly evolving tech landscape is a true testament to the strength of our company and the value that customers put on the unique mobile computing capabilities only Xplore rugged tablets can provide,” said Mark Holleran, president and COO of Xplore. “Rugged tablets are all we do, and we do it best.”

 

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Rugged comes in many different flavours from Business Rugged to Ultra Rugged. In the latest feature in our Rugged Decoded series Kris Oldland takes a look at each of the main different classes of rugged devices and outlines what level of rugged is right for your field technicians...

As we continue our series looking at the various elements that define what makes a rugged device rugged, and try to decipher what the various alpha numeric codes and other associated technical jargon actually mean in reality, we now turn our attention to perhaps one of the most confusing areas of terminology – namely rugged definitions.

So let’s take a broad look at what exactly companies mean by the terms semi-rugged, business rugged, fully rugged and ultra rugged, highlighting examples of each asset class, and their possible use cases.

Business Rugged:

The business rugged device is the first entry into the rugged sector, although business rugged devices essentially offer little more protection and reliability than a consumer device in protective casings. Generally business rugged devices are designed for travel use, but are not sealed and prepared in the same manner as a semi-rugged or fully rugged device.

A business rugged device will have shock mounted hard disk drives and magnesium casings, to protect them from light drops and knocks but they are not waterproofed and sealed. They can survive a small fall, but not necessarily a drop of greater than 18 inches.

They do, however, tend to have the most flexibility of rugged devices when it comes to style and performance, since a greater range of parts can be used as part of their design. A business rugged device is a generally regarded as being geared towards traveling executives and other people who will be on the road often, but who will not be using their device as part of fieldwork on a regular basis. Therefore business rugged devices are not ideally suited for most field service roles.

Semi-Rugged:

A semi-rugged device is a standard notebook, smartphone or tablet that has been adapted to rugged use.

Semi-rugged devices will have gone through a process known as ruggedization. This will includes giving them a magnesium case, a shock or gel-mounted hard disk drive, and a spill-proof keyboard.

Such devices are able to withstand reasonably high and low temperatures ranges, however they may suffer a decrease in performance in those environments. For example, the gel in the screen might freeze at very cold temperatures, reducing visibility for a short period of time.

Semi-rugged devices are still very good for travel and outdoor use, and are best for people who travel often and need to occasionally work outside, but who don’t want the higher cost of a fully rugged laptop.

Therefore, they can be a good option for field engineers who are largely working in indoor client sites, such as those working in office based maintenance and repair sectors like print services, vending machine repair or IT infrastructure.

Fully Rugged:

A fully rugged device has been designed from the ground up with one overall purpose in mind: to be able to function anywhere, even in outdoor, dusty, or extreme weather conditions.

Each component is carefully weatherproofed and sealed to prevent salt, sand, moisture, or other environmental hazards from affecting it. The screens are specially designed to reduce glare, making it possible to use the device outdoors and in bright sunlight.

These devices can typically withstand freezing temperatures and heat up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and are able to still function without a significant reduction in operating performance in a greater range of temperatures than a semi-rugged device.

Fully rugged devices will also generally have been tested to MIL STD 801G which will include drop testing across numerous different angles from a set height, which means that the device is capable of withstanding most drops and knocks likely to occur in a a field service engineers day.

Fully rugged devices are ideally suited for field engineers working outdoors and in more challenging environments such as those in utilities, construction, oil and gas or anybody else who is likely to need a computer outside and in an extreme working environment.

Ultra Rugged:

Ultra rugged devices are the most rugged devices available. They are tested to be able to withstand even greater drops, be fully submersible and impervious to dust ingress and are essentially able to operate within the most inhospitable environments on Earth with little to no reduction in operational performance.

Generally for most field service requirements ultra rugged devices are perhaps a touch of overkill as they are generally designed primarily for military use, however, field technicians working in environments such as deserts or at sea including oil rigs might also want the uncompromising reliability that an ultra rugged device can provide.

 

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Rugged computer designer and manufacturer, Getac, today announced the release of its second generation T800 fully rugged tablet -- the T800 8.1.

Its thin and ergonomic design allows greater productivity for mobile field workers and those operating in tight spaces and extreme environments.

It offers best-in-class battery and an optional hot-swappable SnapBack battery for potentially limitless life.

“Getac continues  to push the boundaries for mobile rugged devices and the Getac T800 fully rugged tablet does just that with its improved power efficiency, durability and security options,” says Chris Bye, President of Getac UK.

The new 8.1” touchscreen T800 includes an Intel® ATOM™x7 Quad Core processor, providing improved power efficiency as well as the best battery run-time performance in its class. The tablet also takes advantage of the advanced security solution that’s in-built in Windows 10.

Other features of the T800 include:

• 10 hours of battery life with an additional 10 hours using a hot-swappable SnapBack battery option.
• Additional SnapBack options include a 2-in- 1 SmartCard and RFID/NFC reader, or 2-in-1 SmartCard and magnetic stripe reader.
• Getac’s signature sunlight-readable LumiBond® 2.0 display and a 170-degree screen viewing angle that is large enough to comfortably view documents and complete data entry with minimal scrolling.
• A full HD webcam for video conferencing, an 8MP rear camera with LED flash for crisp images and video, and dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and optional 4G for reliable connectivity. Optional Discrete GPS provides high-performance location awareness.
• Other security features include: TPM 2.0 monitors and protects system start-ups to ensure the device is tamper-free before releasing control to the operating system, while BitLocker protects data at rest, in use and in transit. Multifactor authentication options, such as a SmartCard and RFID reader, work in tandem with Microsoft Windows 10 identity protection features, including Microsoft Passport and Credential Guard for additional protection.
• MIL-STD810G and IP65-certified to survive drops up to six feet, rain, dust, vibrations, shock and extreme temperatures from -14.5 to 50°C (operating temperature) and -40°C to 71°C (storage temperature).

 

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Check out our review of the Getac V110 rugged convertible here 

 

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