Surviving A Rough And Tumble World

Solution providers looking for powerful mobile computers that can withstand the most brutal environments will welcome three new Tablet PCs recently unveiled by vendors known for their rugged computers.

The CRN Test Center reviewed the three offerings, two of which are slate-style Tablet PCs, and the third, a convertible unit.

The slate-style Tablet PCs are the CT60 Rugged Tablet PC by Intermec Technologies, expected to be available in July, and the iX104 Rugged Tablet PC by Xplore Technologies, which is available now. The convertible unit is the Panasonic Toughbook 18 Touchscreen PC, which is slated to be available later this month. A true Toughbook Tablet PC version, which will include Windows XP Professional Tablet PC Edition and some related capabilities, is scheduled to be available in July with a price tag of $4,100.

Rugged Tablet PCs are targeted at markets such as the military and emergency services, where they can be used to transfer data and reports and conduct background checks, as well as for navigation when combined with GPS systems. In the field-service and utility markets, rugged Tablet PCs can be used for accessing and submitting repair and sales information. In the manufacturing and transportation markets, they are used for shipment tracking.

The Tablet PCs reviewed by the Test Center possess numerous rugged features and capabilities, in addition to the versatility and wireless connectivity of standard Tablet PCs. They are all designed to meet MIL-STD 810E military ruggedness specifications, meaning that they can endure drops, spills, humidity, temperature extremes, shock, high altitude, vibration, etc. The iX104 is also HazLoc certified, which allows it to be used in industries where flammable gases could be present (such as the petroleum, chemical and airline industries).

The Test Center evaluated the units based on two of the MIL-STD 810E requirements. The units all survived 3-foot falls onto concrete on all of their surfaces, edges and corners (while in non-operating mode). Test Center engineers had some initial concerns regarding the Panasonic Toughbook because it is a convertible unit, but it survived the falls well, thanks in part to its reinforced rugged hinge (with the only damage being some superficial scratches on the unit). The three units also all survived immersion in water.

Rugged computers are often used outside, and therefore the screens should be readable in sunlight. The Intermec was the easiest to see in sunlight, and it also includes a customizable auto dim and backlight that automatically respond to changing light conditions. Each of the units offer the choice of a transmissive (indoor) or transflective (outdoor) screen version.

The Panasonic and Xplore units both include wireless WAN support, and the Intermec and Xplore units include vehicle and desk mounts, which are enhanced by the Windows XP grab-and-go capability that enables constant use of the unit.

The Intermec Tablet PC includes dual hot-swappable batteries, while the Xplore Tablet includes a warm-swappable battery, both of which are useful given the short life of most Tablet batteries.

The Intermec CT60 is manufactured by Walk-about Computers and is the most well-designed of the reviewed units. The CT60 is protected by a milled aluminum housing and is enclosed in a padded case with carrying straps and a tether to ensure that the stylus is not lost. A battery-charge meter is conveniently located on the front of the unit.

However, the CT60 lacks exterior function buttons, such as a screen rotate option, which are useful and are found on the other units.

The iX104 from Xplore has a rugged magnesium chassis. Rubber covers hide the unit's printer, USB 2.0 and FireWire ports, along with headphone, microphone and power jacks. Function buttons on the unit's face allow for screen rotation and backlight, though the power button is poorly designed and the unit can be easily turned off accidentally.

Customers should invest in extra styluses, as the stylus holder on this unit is insecure.

The Panasonic Toughbook 18 has a magnesium alloy case and the most solid feeling of the reviewed units. Because it is a convertible model, the Toughbook 18 is suitable for rugged industries, such as law enforcement, that require the use of a fixed keyboard. Status lights on the unit's front indicate network connection, new e-mail, etc., and feature buttons allow for screen rotation, brightness adjustment and on-screen keyboard access.

Sealed and lockable covers hide the unit's power, two USB 2.0 ports, battery and jacks for headphones and microphones.