Rugged tablets are built for work in the field, warehouse, factory or vehicle, where an ordinary tablet would soon fail from dust, moisture or drops. Our range has over 100 models running Android and Windows, with ZEBRA, GETAC, HONEYWELL, SAMSUNG and PANASONIC as the main brands.
How to choose a rugged tablet
Protection level. Start with the IP rating and drop testing. IP65 protects against dust and water jets, while IP67 or IP68 allows brief immersion in water. Drop resistance is often confirmed by the MIL-STD-810 standard, but it is worth checking from what height the device was actually tested.
Operating system. Android is easier to manage across a large fleet through mobile device management systems. Windows is needed when classic business or diagnostic software has to run on the tablet. The software you rely on should decide this, not the hardware.
Display. Outdoors, brightness matters, so choose a screen that stays readable in direct sunlight. Check that the touchscreen responds to gloves and wet fingers if you will work in rain or cold.
Battery. A tablet used on shifts needs a battery that lasts a full working day. Some models allow the battery to be swapped without interrupting work, which helps when the device is used across several shifts in a row.
Extra features. Warehouse and retail staff will want a built-in barcode scanner, NFC and mobile connectivity (LTE or 5G). If the tablet will be mounted in a vehicle, check that brackets and charging docks exist for the model you choose.
Brands in our range
- ZEBRA: the largest part of our range; known for business mobile computers and barcode scanning solutions for warehouses, logistics and retail.
- GETAC: specialises in rugged laptops and tablets used by field workers, utilities and public safety services.
- HONEYWELL: known for industrial mobile computers with data capture features, aimed at logistics and manufacturing.
- SAMSUNG: its Galaxy Tab Active Android tablets look like ordinary tablets but are protected against knocks, dust and water.
- PANASONIC: known for the Toughbook line, made for particularly harsh working conditions.
- ULEFONE, HOTWAV and BLACKVIEW: offer rugged phones and tablets aimed more at everyday and outdoor-hobby use than at large corporate device fleets.
Also in our range: BEA-FON and AGM.
Frequently asked questions
How does a rugged tablet differ from a normal one?
A rugged tablet has a reinforced casing, sealed ports and a screen that withstands knocks and drops. It is protected against dust and water according to its IP rating, and often against temperature extremes too. A standard tablet would not survive these conditions for long.
What do IP65 and IP68 mean?
The first digit shows protection against dust, the second against water. A 6 means no dust gets inside. IP65 withstands water jets, while IP68 allows longer immersion under the conditions the manufacturer specifies.
Should I choose an Android or a Windows rugged tablet?
Android suits work that can be done with mobile apps and where simple device management matters. Choose Windows if you need classic desktop software, such as diagnostic or company management programs. Check which system your applications support before buying.
Can a rugged tablet scan barcodes?
Yes, but only models with an integrated scanner, which are usually the business-oriented devices. On other models the camera can read codes, though it is slower and less convenient for intensive work. Look for a built-in scanning module in the specifications.
