Did you know that in tough work conditions, nearly three out of four standard tablets break within a year? I have seen this happen far too often. For those in construction, the oil industry or similar fields, this translates to big problems and lost money. That is why drop-tested rugged tablets are so important. These are built to last, even when the going gets rough, protecting your investment and keeping you productive.
Picture this: a construction site. The project manager uses a tablet to view blueprints, talk to the team and enter data. A simple drop could destroy a regular tablet, causing delays and headaches. A rugged tablet? It is built for exactly that kind of accident.
Rugged tablets are made to take a beating and resist damage from:
- Drops and Impacts: They have reinforced frames and materials that absorb shocks to reduce damage from falls.
- Extreme Temperatures: They are designed to work in both very hot and very cold conditions.
- Water and Dust: Sealed cases keep out water and dust, so they keep working in wet or dusty places.
- Vibration: They can handle the vibrations found in vehicles or factories.
Beyond protection, drop-tested rugged tablets keep your data safe, reduce downtime and make your devices last longer. This means you save money and work more efficiently over time.
Understanding MIL-STD-810G/H for Rugged Tablets
When shopping for rugged tablets, check if they meet MIL-STD-810G or MIL-STD-810H standards. These military grade tests mimic harsh conditions to make sure devices are tough. I have personally seen these tests and can vouch for how thorough they are.
MIL-STD-810 is not just one test. It is a series of tests that check how a device performs under stress. Key tests include:
- Drop Test: This test sees if the device can survive repeated drops from certain heights onto various surfaces.
- Vibration Test: This test mimics the vibrations a device might experience during shipping and use.
- Temperature Test: This test exposes the device to very hot and very cold temperatures.
- Humidity Test: This test checks how well the device resists high humidity.
- Altitude Test: This test mimics the effects of high altitude.
- Sand and Dust Test: This test measures how well the device resists sand and dust.
- Water Resistance Test: This test determines how well the device handles water exposure.
MIL-STD-810G vs. MIL-STD-810H: Key Differences
MIL-STD-810H is the newest version of the standard. It includes updated tests that fix problems found in MIL-STD-810G. Key improvements include:
- More Realistic Testing: MIL-STD-810H tries to replicate real world conditions more closely.
- Improved Drop Testing: Drop tests are better, with different heights, surfaces and device positions.
- Focus on Life Cycle: Test parameters consider how long the device will last.
Both standards are useful for measuring ruggedness. However, MIL-STD-810H gives a more modern look at how well a device lasts.
Besides MIL-STD-810 certification, some other things add to a rugged tablet’s toughness. These are important to think about:
Display Protection
The display is often the weakest part. Look for these things:
- Chemically Strengthened Glass: This makes the glass harder to scratch and break. Corning Gorilla Glass is a good choice.
- Optical Bonding: This reduces glare, makes the screen easier to read and improves impact resistance by filling the space between the display and the touch panel.
- Raised Bezel: This protects the display from touching surfaces directly if dropped.
Housing and Construction
The housing protects the parts inside. Keep these points in mind:
- Material: Materials often used include:
- Polycarbonate: Known for resisting impacts well.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Gives strong protection.
- Magnesium Alloy: Resists impacts and dissipates heat well, all while staying lightweight.
- Design: Important design elements include:
- Reinforced Corners: Extra padding in the corners, where damage is more likely.
- Sealed Ports: Covers to keep out dust and water.
- Internal Frame: Provides strength and absorbs impact.
Drop Height and Testing Methodology
Look closely at drop height numbers and testing methods. A tablet that survives a four foot drop onto plywood might not survive a six foot drop onto concrete. Ask for test reports to confirm drop resistance. I always check these reports before making recommendations.
Ingress Protection (IP) Rating
The IP rating tells you how well a device is protected against solids and liquids:
- First Number: Protection against solids (0 to 6, with 6 being dust tight).
- Second Number: Protection against liquids (0 to 8, with 8 being submersible).
For example, a tablet rated IP68 is fully dust tight and can be submerged in water beyond three feet. Pick an IP rating that fits your work setting.
Operating Temperature Range
Make sure the tablet works well in the temperature range of your environment. Search for devices with broad operating temperature ranges in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Battery Life
Longer battery life is key in the field. Look for tablets with high capacity batteries and power saving modes. Some even let you swap batteries while the device is running.
Connectivity and Communication
Reliable connectivity is a must. Think about these options:
- Wi Fi: Support for different Wi Fi protocols ensures stable wireless connections.
- Cellular: Gives you data network access without Wi Fi.
- Bluetooth: Lets you connect to accessories.
- GPS: Lets you track location and navigate.
Accessories and Customization
Accessories make rugged tablets more useful:
- Hand Straps and Shoulder Straps: Make it easy to carry.
- Vehicle Docks: Let you mount the tablet in a vehicle.
- Barcode Scanners: Make data capture faster.
- Styluses: Allow for precise input.
- Protective Cases: Add extra protection.
See if you can customize the tablet to fit your specific needs. This could include custom branding, software or accessories.
Field Service: Technicians use rugged tablets for fixing things, accessing schematics in real time, cutting down on repeat visits.
Construction: Project managers use rugged tablets for accessing blueprints, tracking progress and talking to the team, improving project timelines and reducing mistakes.
Law Enforcement: Officers use rugged tablets for database access, report writing and evidence collection, increasing confidence in the field.
Warehousing and Logistics: Staff use rugged tablets for managing inventory and fulfilling orders. The savings from reduced damage often pay for the tablet within a year.
Oil and Gas: Engineers use rugged tablets for keeping an eye on equipment and collecting data, where extreme temperature resistance is essential. Regular tablets often do not last long due to high replacement costs.
Transportation: Drivers use rugged tablets for navigation and electronic logging, with vibration resistance being a key feature.
Choosing a drop-tested rugged tablet means thinking about your needs and work setting. Know what dangers are present and focus on the most important features. Get expert advice and read what other users say.
Think about the total cost, including the purchase price, accessories and repair costs. Rugged tablets might cost more at first, but they can save you money in the long run.
Check the manufacturer’s warranty and support services to have peace of mind and reduce downtime.
The rugged tablet market is always changing, with improvements in how long they last, how well they perform and what they can do. Expect to see more:
- AI and Machine Learning: Enabling predictive maintenance and data analysis.
- Augmented Reality (AR): Making remote support and training easier.
- 5G Connectivity: Giving you faster data transfer speeds.
As technology improves, rugged tablets will become more important for helping workers and boosting productivity in tough industries. These devices give you confidence and reliability in challenging situations. By carefully considering your needs and picking the right device, you can protect your investment and be ready for anything.
