For skilled technicians who often weather harsh conditions in the field, on the job site, or on the factory floor, deadlines and dollars don’t take days off for blazing sun, pouring rain, or accidental equipment damage. In such unforgiving environments, it takes a can-do attitude and rugged gear to get the job done. As workers forge ahead on the frontlines of productivity, the last thing they need is equipment that lets them down. There are many protective cases on the market that claim the ability to “ruggedize” consumer tablets, and then there are purpose-built rugged tablets that promise full functionality in extreme circumstances. For companies that can’t afford costly downtime or delays, it’s vital to choose a computing solution that holds its own when the going gets tough.
Using a battery of tests that we designed to simulate demanding real-world work environments, we compared the durability and performance consistency of Dell Latitude 7030 and 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablets to comparably sized Apple iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S-series tablets fitted with top-rated rugged cases. We measured performance degradation in extreme hot and cold temperatures, documented case damage and system functionality through 26 precision drops, determined usability during and after a 10-minute water shower, and tested screen brightness for outdoor viewability.
Severe temperatures, multiple drops, and torrential rain had less of an impact on the Dell Latitude 7030 and 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablets than they did on the consumer-grade tablets we tested with rugged cases. In addition, the Dell tablets we tested provided far better outdoor visibility and offered capabilities not found in the other tablets, such as dual, hot-swappable batteries and glove-capable touchscreens. Our results show that the Dell Latitude 7030 and 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablets we tested can provide a level of consistent performance and durability that can help skilled technicians and field workers stay on the job in extreme conditions.
For more details about our rugged tablet testing, check out the report, infographic, and video below.
Principled Technologies is more than a name: Those two words power all we do. Our principles are our north star, determining the way we work with you, treat our staff, and run our business. And in every area, technologies drive our business, inspire us to innovate, and remind us that new approaches are always possible.
