Rugged computer specialist Getac has released a new rough and tumble piece of hardware and this time it isn't messing around. Designed specifically for those working in hazardous environments, the T800-Ex Windows tablet is dustproof, waterproof and, hopefully redundantly, explosion proof.
Targeted at those performing pipeline inspections or maintenance operations in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, oil, and gas industries, Getac says its new T800-Ex tablet has received US military MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certifications, meaning it's built to handle knocks and stay safe from water and dust ingress. But where it really steps things up is with its ATEX Zone 2 and Zone 22 ratings.
ATEX is a European certification for all explosion proof equipment, with Zone 2 and Zone 22 certification meaning that the T800-Ex is safe to use in areas "in which an explosive mixture is not likely to occur in normal operation and if it occurs it will exist only for a short time." So it is ok to use in the presence of flammable gases (Zone 2) or dust (Zone 22), but caution is still advised.
Since plugging or unplugging devices in such environments can cause sparks, the tablet's input/output ports are wireless, with built-in Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11ac featuring 3D antenna technology to improve reception. It also includes 4G LTE support.
The T800-Ex weighs in at 915 g (33 oz) and features a 8-1-inch 1,280 x 800 pixel display. Inside it packs an Intel Quad-core N3530 2.16 GHz processor and comes loaded with either Windows 7 or Windows 8, so users will be in line for a free Windows 10 upgrade. Battery life can run to 16 hours with an optional SnapBack backup battery module, with 1D/2D barcode scanners also available as optional extras.
This is no ordinary tablet for ordinary web-browsing folk, and it is priced accordingly. The T800-Ex is currently available in Germany, Italy and Australia with a suggested retail price starting at AUD3,570 (US$2,620).
Source: Getac