3 January 2012

Tablet computers look set to take an increasing share of the mobile computing market, thanks in large part to their user-friendly credentials. Here's the m.logistics guide to the latest developments

For make-by-make listings of some key manufacturers, click here.

You won’t find the iPad reviewed in this m.logistics feature. Despite its psychological impact, the iPad has not been considered tough enough for widespread adoption in challenging industrial environments – though plenty of businesses are now using them.

But the iPad’s fame has prompted renewed interest in tablet PCs as a breed – especially 7in or 8in ultra-portable devices with a non- or semi-rugged specification, rather than a fully-rugged one.

While tablets have great potential to benefit a wide range of business data capture tasks, one size (in the generic sense) doesn’t necessarily fit all. Indeed, the tablet PC market looks like developing along the same lines as handheld computer market, with various form factors and levels of ruggedness emerging to suit various business sectors.

 

That means you’ll find a wide range of tablet PCs, from semi-rugged 7in devices, through to 13-in fully-rugged ones; and the devices are often modular. This variety allows you to choose the operating system, memory, data capture and communication options, for example, to meet your requirements without having to pay for options you don’t need. However, it also means you need to give careful consideration to what you want your devices to do, and what their working environment will be.

A variety of manufacturers are trying to grab a share of this burgeoning market. Some handheld computers are adding tablet PCs to their range, while notebook computer manufacturers are also developing more tablet offerings.

Meanwhile, some of the manufacturers of in-vehicle computers are equipping their products with connectivity and power options that allow them to be used out of the vehicle; in other words, they’re giving them most of the attributes of tablet PCs.

And if you simply can’t choose between a notebook and a tablet, Getac and Pansonic both have models with a screen that swivels to lay flat over the keyboard, potentially offering you the best of both worlds.

Form factor

Tablets combine the user-friendliness of a large screen size, previously limited to notebook computers, with a compact easily-portable form. Generally you have to say goodbye to the keyboard that is the trademark of the notebook, though some fully-rugged tablets do incorporate a mini keyboard to the left of the screen. Smaller tablets, however, rely on touch screens for data entry, using virtual on-screen keyboards for typing.

That said, if you want the best of both worlds, many of the larger tablets come with optional docking stations or portable carry cases that incorporate a full QWERTY keyboard.

Durabook and Panasonic offer a third alternative: a notebook computer with a swivel top that converts it into a tablet.

If you’re comparing the tablet computer with a handheld computer, there are fairly obvious benefits. Not only are their screens larger than the quarter VGA-screens of many handhelds; their screen resolution can be higher too. This may benefit some mobile workers – making it easier for them to read complex diagrams, for example, or to play instruction or diagnostic videos

Performance

Tablets have impressive RAM and storage facilities. Solid-state memory is now widely available. There are a variety of processor chips, reflecting the ever-increasing range uses to which tablet PCs are being put. Intel dominates, providing its Atom processors, its new i-series chips and even the latest industrial PC chips.

The i-series in particular offers low power consumption benefits, which in turn allows manufacturers to design out the need for a cooling fan.

Operating systems

Microsoft Windows 7 is the preferred operating systems for tablets, although some manufacturers offer alternatives. Potential business users are currently reported to be holding out for the mobile version of the forthcoming Windows 8.

Android is still perceived by the market as being mainly for consumer products rather than for enterprise-class devices, although Motorola’s newly-launched semi-rugged tablet, the ET1, has Android as an alternative operating system. Do check that any software you want to run is compatible with the operating system, or that you can get an updated driver or emulator so that it will be.

If the form factor of non-rugged tablets tempts you to choose one of these models, do bear in mind that their operating systems are often derived from those used by smartphones, and the refresh rate for OS versions is still quite frequent.

This can have an impact on device management and whole-life costs. Google, for example, has just launched Ice Cream Sandwich, the catchy name for version 4.0 of its Android OS, which seeks to address issues such as data encryption. The step forward looks good, but at such times you need to consider the implications for legacy software as well.

Battery life

The latest multi-processor chip architecture has helps preserve battery life, as do smart power management features. However, some tablets are being used for intensive tasks, and typical battery life may be only five or six hours. Some manufacturers incorporate hot-swapping; users can exchange battery packs while the machine is still powered up.

If battery life is critical, do check how the manufacturer’s quoted battery life was calculated and compare it with your own requirements. Was the battery life recorded with just the power on, running a single application, or running a power-hungry one such as GPS?

Screens

Some of the fully-rugged tablets in this guide were developed for field service operations, so there’s a lot of data on outdoors screen visibility and NITS (the measure by which visibility in strong sunlight is described). There are various ways of improving visibility in strong light; generally the best results are achieved by a combination of reducing visibility loss through reflection off the screen and colour management.

Capacitive screen technology such as that found on smartphones is now often found on the latest generation of tablets, allowing for finger data entry, scrolling and interacting with icons and so on. Touch screens incorporate four- and five-wire technology behind the screen to maximise sensitivity and accuracy, but results can vary, so do test when comparing devices.

CommunicationsThere is no shortage of communications tools on tablets, including Wi-Fi wireless networking, Bluetooth, USB and GPS. Do check that the communication methods you need are incorporated; some may be optional rather than standard.

Data capture

Some tablets incorporate barcode readers that use the integral camera. Others offer an optional dedicated barcode reader module. US manufacturers, in particular, are starting to offer magnetic-stripe card readers with or without chip-and-pin handling. This is, in part, a reflection of the widely-held view that tablets will have especially appeal for in-store retail applications.

Front and rear cameras are common; one is generally used for image capture, the other for conference-calling.

Security

Another benefit of the upgrade to the latest Intel chipsets is enhanced built-in security. Rugged tablets may incorporate biometric fingerprint log-on, often with what’s called a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip to guard against misuse resulting from physical theft or a malware attack. 

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