8” Android/Linux Rugged Tablet

Saintway is committed to providing rugged devices with features for mobile applications that streamline your data collection operations - from distribution to warehousing, freight, field service, construction and manufacturing environments.

Apps for Android tablets include picking and stocking, dock management, inspection, work order and service call processing, and shop floor data collection.  

An Android rugged tablet is a touchscreen device that can withstand harsh conditions. We explain here how to choose a rugged tablet and key applications.

The average citizen's tablet, which is not usually a rugged tablet, should last about five years. However, the average citizen's home is very different from a harsh work environment.

For example, the floor of a house is more likely to have soft carpeting. If a tablet is dropped, they are less likely to damage it. Factory floors, on the other hand, are usually made of hard concrete that can quickly shatter the screen of a dropped tablet.

Then there's movement. The average homeowner is more likely to be lying on a couch or bed looking at a tablet. Factory workers are expected to walk around the work area constantly with their devices in hand.

Houses are also less likely to experience many extreme temperature conditions. Factories often have refrigerated areas or areas with higher machine temperatures.

All of these harsher factory floor conditions can severely shorten the life of the average tablet. Therefore, if we provide them to our business, we will be replacing them constantly. Getting a rugged tablet is the better choice.

What is an Android rugged tablet?

Some professionals believe that a rugged tablet is just a normal consumer-grade tablet with an extra rugged case around it. However, innovators have added more features to rugged tablets to make them last longer in harsh environments.

These inclusions do make them more expensive than regular tablets. However, the many advantages of rugged tablets can make them worthwhile.

Wireless and compatibility features

Professionals may be concerned that the hardware and software features of Android rugged tablets may differ too much from those used in their facilities. However, rugged tablets still come with standard Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 4G or 5G connectivity. Rugged tablets can also use the same operating system as the other technologies used in our facilities.

Built-in add-on tools

Rugged tablets are not limited to the hardware that comes with a regular tablet. Buyers can choose to purchase tablets with built-in hardware features such as barcode scanners and card readers. These can add another level of security and facilitate higher production speeds.

Multiple size options

Rugged tablets have one drawback, but standard tablets have nothing to do with weight. The additional features of rugged tablets make them heavier than standard versions. This can make it difficult for workers to carry them around.

However, there are a variety of options when it comes to size. If workers find the tablet too heavy, we can choose a smaller, triple-rugged tablet.

No moving parts

The hard drives on basic consumer grade tablets have many moving parts. When a tablet with one of these hard drives is dropped, these parts can collide. As a result, they can suffer significant damage.

Rugged tablets don't have this weakness. Manufacturers often equip them with flash memory or solid-state drives. This makes the device less prone to hard drive failure if it is dropped while performing a task.

Sealed against dust and water

Dropping a tablet into water is usually the last action consumers take with a tablet. Dust, sand and other particles that enter the device's vents can also interfere with the tablet's functionality. Since industrial environments often handle these materials, one might assume that professionals would change their tablets frequently.

However, rugged tablets are sealed against these hazards. This is possible because they use internal heat sinks rather than fans.

Optimal screen characteristics

Many rugged tablets are equipped with screens made of shatterproof materials such as Gorilla Glass. Nonetheless, many are still sensitive enough to be felt on gloved hands. This allows workers to use the device while still following safety protocols.

In addition, it is often difficult to see the screen of a regular consumer tablet in direct sunlight. This can make it difficult for outdoor workers to use their devices. Choosing a rugged tablet screen to resist sun glare can alleviate this problem.

Longer-lasting and replaceable

The battery power of a typical tablet is quite limited. For the average consumer, this isn't always a problem. They are likely to encounter situations where they can simply plug the tablet into a nearby outlet and continue using the device.

This is not the case for industrial workers, who often need to keep moving around in a space. In many cases, they may also be in outdoor environments where there are no charging stations for miles. Fortunately, many rugged tablet computers are equipped with long-lasting batteries.

When workers will be away from charging stations for extended periods of time, there is another option. Unlike many consumer tablets, the batteries in rugged tablets are replaceable. As a result, workers can carry several batteries with them, allowing them to use their devices for longer periods of time.

Certified Tough

It's enough that a rugged tablet can withstand harsh conditions. Yet another added benefit is that we don't have to take the manufacturer's word for it. Rugged tablets typically undergo several tests to ensure they meet certain industry standards.

Other frequently used standards are IP dust and water resistance protocols. As the name implies, this standard tests devices for the difficulty of particles and liquids entering the device software.