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Xplore Technologies announces series of rugged tablet PCs

Teaser
While the iX104C5 line of tablets aren’t exactly for the average consumer, its spec sheet reads like a business-grade laptop stuffed into one of the most rugged tablet casings ever built

Xplore Technologies, a company that has been specializing in rugged mobile computing since 1996, has announced a new line of ultra-rugged tablets designed to be the “industry’s most powerful, rugged, and sunlight-readable PCs ever developed.” Judging by the pictures and specs, they sure are not fooling around, as “normal” tablets pale in comparison in terms of girth and hardware. Even the rumored rugged tablet from Motorola looks like child’s play compared to the offerings from Xplore Technologies.

The lineup is called the iX104C5 family, which “sets new benchmarks for rugged tablet computing,” says Xplore CEO Mark Holleran. This lineup itself is made up of five different models of the same 10.4-inch, 1024x768 resolution screen, separated by intended application. Each tablet can be powered by a 2.13GHz Intel Core i7-620UE with Intel HD Graphics and up to 8GB of user-removable RAM. Additionally, the Windows 7 tablet will house dual D HD   user-removable SSDs, SIM and microSD slots, GPS, USB 2.0, and a 10-cell battery for up to 6.5 hours of use. With all these amazing internals, expect the 1.6-inch thick tablet to weight at least 5.25 lbs (2.27kg).

Perhaps more impressive is the extensive physical strain and environmental punishment the tablets have been designed to withstand. Each tablet in the iX104C5 has been tested for vehicle vibration, temperature extremes, thermal shock, blowing rain, sand, and dust, salt fog, crash shock, fluid contamination, and even fungus, to name a few. Even the screen is of AllVue Xtreme technology, meaning its LCD screen will be fit for all kinds of lighting conditions. In terms of drops on direct concrete, the tablets should be as good as new even if dropped from a four foot height.

The iX104C5 line of tablets are specifically designed and made for hazardous and outdoor or military use, thus users must request a quote directly from the manufacturer to get an idea of the price. We can’t imagine that the tablets come cheap, of course, but a 3-year warranty will come standard. Still, the full spec list of these tablets and its press release are definitely worth checking out.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2011 05 > Xplore Technologies announces series of rugged tablet PCs
Allen Ngo, 2011-05-10 (Update: 2012-05-26)