A Beginner's Guide to Choosing a Rugged Tablet

A rugged tablet is a touchscreen device that can withstand tough conditions.

The average citizen's tablet, usually not a rugged tablet, should last around five years. However, the average citizen's home is a lot different than a harsh working environment.

For example, a home is more likely to have floors that are covered with soft carpets. These are less likely to damage a tablet if it falls. Factories, on the other hand, more often have floors made of hard concrete that can quickly shatter a dropped tablet's screen.

Then there's the movement. The average homeowner is more likely to lay back on a sofa or bed with their tablet. A factory worker should be constantly moving around the workspace with the device in his or her hand.

Homes are also less likely to experience many extreme temperature conditions. Factories often have freezer sections or places that are hotter from machinery.

All of these harsher factory floor conditions can severely reduce the lifespan of the average tablet. Therefore, if we supply our businesses with them, we'll be replacing them constantly. Getting a rugged tablet is a better option.

Read on to learn how to choose the best rugged tablet.

What Is a Rugged Tablet?

Some professionals believe that a rugged tablet is merely an average consumer tablet with a particularly tough case around it. However, there are numerous more features innovators have added to rugged tablets to make them last longer in harsh environments.

These inclusions do make them cost more than the average tablet. However, the many benefits of a rugged tablet, as listed below, can make the price tag worth it.

Wireless and Compatibility Features

Professionals might feel concerned that a rugged tablet's hardware and software features may be too different than what's used in their facility. However, rugged tablets still come equipped with standard wi-fi, Bluetooth, and 4G or 5G connection features. The operating systems that the rugged tablets use can also be the same as what our facilities use with their other technologies.

Built-In Additional Tools

Rugged tablets are not limited to the hardware that comes on regular tablets alone. Buyers have the option to purchase tablets that have built-in hardware features like barcode scanners and card-readers. These can both add another level of security and facilitate higher production speeds.

Variety of Size Options

One downside that a rugged tablet has but a standard tablet doesn't have to do with weight. The added features of a rugged tablet can make it heavier than the standard versions. This can make it somewhat difficult for workers to carry them around.

However, there are a variety of options when it comes to size. If it seems that a tablet is too heavy for workers, we can choose smaller rugged tablets instead.

No Moving Parts

The hard drive on a basic consumer-level tablet has a lot of moving parts. When a tablet with one of these hard drives gets dropped, these parts get jostled. As a result, they're likely to sustain a lot of damage.

Rugged tablets don't have this weakness. Manufacturers often fit them with flash or solid-state hard drives. This makes the devices far less susceptible to hard-drive fail should they get dropped in the line of duty.

Sealed Against Dust and Water

Being dropped in water is often the last action that a consumer will take with their tablet. Dust, sand, and other particles that enter a device's vent can also interfere with the tablet's functionality. As industrial situations deal with these materials often, one may think that professionals would be replacing their tablets often.

However, rugged tablets are sealed against these dangers. This is possible because they use an internal heatsink rather than a fan.

Optimal Screen Features

Many rugged tablets come equipped with screens made of shatter-resistant materials like Gorilla Glass. Despite this, many are still sensitive enough to sense gloved hands. This allows workers to use the device while still following safety protocols.

Also, it's often difficult to see the screens of regular consumer tablets in direct sunlight. This can make it difficult for outdoor workers to use their devices. The option for a rugged tablet screen to resist sunlight glare mitigated this issue.

Longer-Lasting and Replaceable Battery

The battery charge of a regular tablet is rather limited. This isn't always an issue for the usual consumer. They'll more than likely be in a situation where they can just plug their tablet into a nearby outlet and continue using the device.

This isn't the case for industrial workers as they often need to keep moving around a space. In many cases, they may also be in outdoor situations where there isn't a charging station for miles. Luckily, many rugged tablets have batteries with long lifespans.