GPSXCAD Rugged Tablet PC

		Gecko Software AutoCAD Extension Software

		GPSxCAD Home \| Features \| FAQs
Commands \|Technical Support \| GPS Supported \|-Ruggedized Tablet PC \| About Us \| Contact Us

What is a Tablet PC

Tablet PCs are laptop computers with a touch sensitive screen designed to interact with a complementary pen. The current operating system for tablet computers is Windows XP Tablet PC edition, which is base upon Windows XP Professional. Tablet computers run PC programs including AutoCAD.

	Convertible model Tablet PC Has a conventional laptop PC keyboard and design, but the screen can be rotated 180° and layed over the keyboard converting it to a tablet.

	Slate Model Tablet PC This model lacks a keyboard and is designed to be an ultra-light weight field computer. Some models come with a detachable keyboard and all offer on screen keyboards and inovative docking solutions and wireless connectivity. These models perform very well with menu driven graphics programs like AutoCAD.

	Rugged Model Tablet PC Rugged Tablet PCs are convertiable models with an industrial-strength shell and shock-mounted hard drive. Rugged models are ideal for people who use their PC in a construction zone, while on patrol, in military situations, or simply for those who need something ultra durable.

Ruggedness Rating

There are several rating systems used to determine the ruggedness of tablet PCs. The most common rating listed by Manufacturers is the military rating MIL-STD (Military Standard). The MIL-STD 810F standard is an all-encompassing standard that is frequently used for ruggedization testing by mobile computer manufacturers. It is important to note that this rating is commonly used for shock and vibration rating. Waterproofing and dust protection may not be provided. The International Electrotechnical Commission IP (Ingress Protection) rating lists protection provided from solids and liquids and is written as a two-digit number. In this example IP rating IP-66, the first number is protection from solids and the second is protection from liquids. The higher the numbers the greater the protection. More information can be found in the Pen Computing article by Tim Crews A Guide to Understanding and Interpreting Rugged Computer Specs.

Description of Ruggedness

Light Ruggedized Computers

A light ruggedized computer is a typicall commerical computer with standard componets thad has been enhanced for rugged use. The plastic case is replaced with metal or rubber bumpers may be added to protect the plastic. Hard disks are mounted with shock absorbing material. A rubber sheet underneath the keyboard may be added for water-resistance and the display may be sealed. The ruggedized computers a suitable for business traveler or field work in protected environments.

Full Ruggedized Computers

A fully ruggedized computer is designed and engineered for rugged environments. The case and components are engineered to protect the computer for dust, water and shock. Full rugged computers can take direct sprays from and survive dusty conditions. These computers are suitable for all but the most extreme environmental contions.

Ultra Rugged Computers

These machines are engineered for the most extreme environments. Often these computers are designed to operate and perform specific tasks, such as underwater, in extreme cold or heat, or in flammable or gaseous environments.

OtterBox 4600™ Tablet PC Ruggedized Cases

The OtterBox™ ruggedized case provides a suit of armor for your tablet PC. The OtterBox 4600 tablet PC case provides waterproofing, dustproofing and drop protection. The OtterBox provides a IP67 and MIL SPEC 810F Ruggedness Rating to a standard Fujitsu™ Tablet PC. This combination is the most rugged Tablet PC available.

Features

IP67 and MIL SPEC 810F Approval Ratings.
Waterproof, breathable Gore™ membrane facilitates heat and pressure dissipation, a flexible and waterproof PVC screen membrane.
Access to all major functions through the case (power, PC card slot, ETC.)
Case does not interfer with wireless communications.
Case provides rubberized gripping surface.

For more information on Otterbox cases go to: http://www.otterbox.com

Outdoor Displays

Until recently outdoor or sunlite displays were expensive and users sacraficed picture quality in indoor environments. New technologies such as the XGA TFT display provide good quality and affordable view anywhere capabilities. These monitors are available from many manufactures as optional upgrades.

Tablet Computer Recommendations and Reviews.

Our friends at Group Mobile have made execellent recommendations on Tablet PCs. Their full list of recommendations is at: Best of Group Mobile. TabletPC2.com has reviews for several tablets and accessories TabletPC2.com Reviews. Tablet PC Reviews have articles, reviews and discussion groups; TabletPCReviwSpot.com

-
		Copyright © Gecko Software 2005