May 29 2008
Rounding Up Rugged Tablet PCs
There is some software designed specifically for construction that works specifically with a tablet PC. One in particular from Vela Systems uses modules to automate common tasks like filling in a punch list, commissioning, creating change orders and tracking issues. Basically the tablet PC replaces the clipboard and uses this software to not only make tasks easier but also more instantly available to others involved in the processes.
I began wondering about these tablet PCs and about their ability to withstand the rigors of a construction site.
At MobileDemand I found some rugged tablet PCs that have been tested using MIL-STD-810F. You should be aware that these military standards allow some "tailoring" by the testing parties so that real world use is closely simulated. The xTablet T8600 has a backlit numeric keypad with navigational buttons, a 7 hour battery, and a built-in bar-code reader. One of the toughness tests meant the thing was dropped 26 times from a height of three feet onto a piece of plywood laid over concrete. The display is a little bigger than 8 inches diagonal. One price I saw was $3700 (rounded up).
General Dynamics offers the Gobook featuring a touch screen, up to four integrated wireless technologies, high contrast so you can better see what’s on the screen while in bright sunlight, and the ability to keep on running even when its fan is underwater. This one is tested using the same MIL-STD 810F and complies with standards relating to operating in hazardous materials areas. Gobook has an 8.4 inch display and will cost somewhere around $3200. Another interesting feature I saw was a hard drive heater allowing it operate at -20 degrees centigrade, otherwise the boot temp is 0 degrees centigrade.
Xplore Technologies has a few offerings and I took a close look at the iX104C2. Once again the unit is tested to MIL-STD 810F. The screen like the Gobook is a touch screen so you can use the stylus or fingers. Battery life here is three and a half hours although if you get the optional extended life battery you get five hours of operating time. The display is a couple of inches larger than the other two above. This one has an optional snap-on GPS module that the company says has excellent performance even in urban canyons and places with limited sky view.
The prices I found on the xTablet and the Gobook were from a third party page that was comparing these kinds of PCs. It was dated January 2008 but half of the product links weren’t active any more. None of the companies showed their prices on their own web sites. I don’t know about you but whenever I come across a company selling something that doesn’t want to even give me an idea of what it costs I have to wonder about their motivations. Am I supposed to guess at the cost? Perhaps I’ll just keep them guessing about whether or not I’ll buy it.
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