10 points you should know before buying an industrial tablet computer

The industrial tablet – also known as tablet computer or tablet PC – is one of the handheld devices. The lightweight design and a touch-sensitive screen ensure easy and mobile handling. But not only that: industrial tablets are extremely powerful, stable and reliable. Areas of application and applications naturally require extreme robustness, durability, compatibility, expansion options, long-term availability of components, suitable interfaces, high quality and individualization. The focus in the product selection is on the ideal mix of customer requirements, precisely fitting components for hardware and software as well as highly competent advice with intensive industry experience. 

1. Areas of application for industrial tablets, PDAs and vehicle mount computers

Industrial tablets and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant) perform many tasks in warehouse logistics, production control, process control and data acquisition. They are ideal companions in warehouses, logistics, automotive, outdoor, smart factories, field service, maintenance, etc. Vehicle mount computers specialize in the installation of vehicles and forklifts. Industry 4.0 increases productivity enormously - networked farm and construction machines impressively demonstrate this. 

2. Designs of industrial tablets

Rugged and ultra rugged industrial tablets
Rugged and ultra rugged industrial tablets have a robust design and a slim design. With IP65, they are waterproof and dustproof as well as shock, vibration and fall resistant in accordance with MIL-STD-810G.

Rugged industrial PDAs
The smaller rugged industrial PDAs are available in a robust aluminum-magnesium housing. They are protected against dust and water up to IP65. They also have shock, vibration and fall resistance in accordance with MIL-STD-810G.

Vehicle Mount Computer
Vehicle mount computers are specially designed for vehicle and forklift installation. The resistant magnesium alloy housing is IP65 waterproof and dustproof. Shock and vibration resistance according to MIL-STD-810G is mandatory.

3. Industrial tablet operating systems

Operating systems that we use in our industrial tablets:
•   Windows 10 IoT
•   Android
•   Ubuntu

4. Industrial tablet display and operation

The size of the displays ranges from 5.0 inches for PDAs to 13.3 inches for industrial tablets. A high level of brilliance with a wide viewing angle ensures that the display is easy to read even outdoors. A precise 10-point multi-touch screen is ideal, which includes the operating modes hand / rain mode, touch pen and glove operation. The projected capacitive multi-touch screen (PCAP) is also more resistant to dirt or liquids than other touch technologies and ensures high transparency and visibility, especially outdoors.  

5. Robustness with industrial tablets

Rain, falls, vibrations ... Rugged industrial tablets must be equipped to withstand all environmental influences and dangers. The so-called IP codes define the penetration of foreign bodies and water. For example, IP65 means "dustproof and protected against water jets from any angle". IP67 means "dustproof and protected against temporary immersion".

MIL-STD-810 plays an important role. The standard stands for a military standard with which devices are tested for their resistance to extreme conditions. This standard also qualifies industrial tablets that have to withstand harsh conditions. If they have the designation MIL-STD-810, they have been approved with verifiable tests that are constantly being further developed. The standards MIL-STD-810G and MIL-STD-810H are currently available.

6. Accessories for industrial tablets

Function and equipment of industrial tablets are diverse: from the integrated kickstand to a large Li-Polymer battery that has a mileage of up to 11 hours and can optionally be changed during operation. Depending on your needs, you can choose between an enormous number of connection options, options and accessories for data acquisition, communication, docking, installation, power supply, peripherals and transport.

7. Reliability and market availability for industrial tablets

Maximum reliability and reliability is a must for tablet computers. They have to prove the promised robustness in use in the long term. And of course it also counts that equipment and components have a long market availability.

8. IoT and Microsoft Azure certification

TL Electronic offers rugged tablets from Winmate that are Microsoft Azure certified. Customers can use it to quickly and easily implement IoT solutions with tested and verified hardware and software in connection with Microsoft Azure IoT services. By working with Microsoft, partner company Winmate is improving the integration of enterprise mobility solutions and embedded IT technology into today's IIoT applications. The industry achieves real-time insight into their plants and at the same time reduces device downtime through preventive maintenance solutions. The new products work with an entire ecosystem of devices and platforms so that companies can further advance the implementation of IoT.

9. Cost of an industrial tablet

Of course, a perfect price / performance ratio is important. We attach particular importance to absolutely high-quality components and durable solutions so that unnecessary follow-up costs can be saved. So the investment in an all-round optimal industrial tablet pays off quickly.

10. Buy industrial tablet

If you already know the requirements for your industrial tablet, there are some top sellers in our online shop for immediate purchase and fast delivery. If you have any special requests or need advice, we are happy to help.