How to Choose the Best Industrial Tablet?

Introduction

Choosing the right industrial tablet is crucial for professionals looking for a reliable and robust tool that can withstand demanding environments. These devices must withstand shocks and bad weather, while offering the performance and connectivity needed for complex industrial tasks, especially in the context of Industry 4.0 . This article will guide you through the essential criteria to consider in order to make the right choice.

Criteria for selecting an industrial tablet

A. Durability and resistance

Durability is a key factor when choosing an industrial tablet. Look for devices that are IP (Ingress Protection) rated, which guarantee resistance to water and dust. For example, a tablet rated IP67 is fully protected against dust and can be submerged in water up to one meter deep for 30 minutes. Also consider drop resistance standards, often measured in meters (typically around 1.2 meters, according to the military standard MIL-STD-810G) that ensure the device can survive drops onto concrete.

B. Performance and technical specifications

For performance, look for modern processors like the Intel Core i5 or i7 family, or ARM alternatives for better power efficiency. At least 4GB of RAM is recommended, though 8GB or more is ideal for more demanding applications. Storage options typically range from 128GB to 1TB, providing plenty of space for industrial software. SSDs are preferred over HDDs for better resiliency and performance.

C. Battery life

Battery life is crucial, especially in environments where access to charging sources may be limited. Look for tablets that offer at least 8 hours of battery life, although 10 to 12 hours is best for a full workday. Some models offer hot-swappable batteries that allow you to replace them without turning off the device, which is a significant advantage for continuous use.

D. Connectivity

Connectivity is essential to maintaining effective communication in the field. Rugged tablets should support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth at a minimum, with recent standards like Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 providing better range and reliability. LTE cellular connectivity options are also important for mobile teams. USB ports, Ethernet, and SIM or SD card slots can also be useful depending on specific needs.

E. Additional Features

Depending on the specific requirements, certain features may be necessary. For example, glove-friendly touchscreens are a must for cold or dirty environments. Tablets with docking options, built-in barcode scanners, or compatibility with various industrial peripherals can also enhance on-site productivity. Also consider security options such as biometric recognition or advanced encryption systems to protect sensitive data.

How to assess your needs?

To effectively choose an industrial tablet, it is crucial to understand your specific needs. Start by assessing the environment in which the tablet will be used: is it dusty, humid, or subject to extreme temperatures? The need for a tablet with high shock resistance and compliance with high standards of protection against natural elements then becomes a priority. Also consider the frequency of use and the types of tasks you want to accomplish with the tablet. Do you need advanced features like barcode scanners or extensive connectivity? Think about compatibility with other equipment and software already in use in your company. Determining your needs precisely will help you filter the available options and focus your choice on the most relevant models.

The best industrial tablet models on the market

After defining your needs, look at models that are known for their reliability and performance in the industrial sector. Here are some examples of highly rated industrial tablets:

• Yatoo CW-S10 : Made in France by Coworker, this high-end rugged tablet features a 10" WUXGA high-definition screen, and is equipped with a high-performance processor, including models such as the Intel® Pentium N5030 Quad Core , 8G of RAM, and a 128GB SSD, running Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11. It is ideally designed for demanding industrial environments where performance and robustness are essential.

• Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 : This model is known for its ruggedness and compliance with military standards for shock and drop resistance. It also offers excellent visibility in direct sunlight thanks to its bright screen.
• Getac V110 : Convertible into a laptop, the Getac V110 features a versatile design with a detachable keyboard. It is ideal for users requiring a hybrid machine with solid performance and good battery life.
• Zebra XSLATE B10 : Well suited for extreme environments, this tablet has varied configuration options for scanners and communication modules, making it extremely flexible for different industrial applications.
• Dell Latitude 7220 Rugged Extreme Tablet : Delivering high performance with its 8th generation Intel processor and a bright Full HD display, this tablet is designed for those who need power and durability.

Easily compare all your favorite industrial tablets on the digitalfactory.store website and make the right choice.

When choosing from these or similar models, make sure the technical specifications meet your professional requirements. It is also wise to read current user reviews and test reports to assess the long-term reliability of each device.