Semi-rugged Intel Atom N2600-powered 10.4-inch Tablet PC with optional data collection modules
(by Conrad Blickenstorfer)

The Advantech PWS-770 is a semi-rugged industrial-grade tablet computer designed to run either Windows 7 Professional or Windows Embedded Standard 7 on its power-efficient Intel Atom N2600 processor. Geared towards industrial and commercial use in any environment, the PWS-770 is highly customizable, comes in various configurations, and can accommodate a variety of optional bolt-on data capture modules.

Measuring 10.4 x 8.4 inches, the PWS-770 is only 0.7 inches thick and weighs under three pounds, making it both easy to mount almost anywhere, or carry around on the job. The tablet's display measures 10.4 inches diagonally and offers 1024 x 768 pixel resolution in a 4:3 aspect ratio. As a semi-rugged industrial Windows tablet, the PWS-770 uses a 4-wire resistive touchscreen and not projected capacitive touch. The tablet's display is available in both standard and sunlight-readable versions.

As can be seen on the angle views above, despite its slender design and low weight, this Advantech tablet offers plenty of onboard connectivity and expansion. There are two USB 2.0 ports, a legacy serial RS232 port, VGA, separate audi in and out jacks, and also a SDHC card slot.

The device uses the Intel Atom N2600 processor, a third generation dual-core Atom design that's significantly quicker than early Atom processors and also provides decent graphics performance. There's 2GB of DDR3 RAM and up to 128GB of solid state drive storage. The tablet's standard battery has 21 watt-hours, a configuration best used for stationary of vehicle deployment. For mobile use, we recommend the optional and much more powerful secondary 42 watt-hour battery that permits full shift operation and also allows hot-swapping of the batteries.

Advantech considers the PWS-770 semi-rugged. It carries an IP54 ingress protection rating where the "5" stands for it being protected against dust and the "4" meaning it can handle water sprays from all directions, albeit with limited ingress permitted. The computer can operate within a reasonably wide temperature range from 14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, good enough for most applications. It can also survive a three foot drop to concrete. Rubber bumpers protect all four corners -- a simple but very effective way to reduce damage and scratching.

Advantech ships the PWS-770 with internal 802.11b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 Class 2, both with integrated antennas. Optionally available are internal WWAN, GPS and a 2-megapixel camera. For data capture applications, the tablet can be equipped with optional bolt-on magnetic stripe reader, barcode scanner and RFID.

Depending on its configuration, this handy and attractively designed Advantech tablet can be used in a wide variety of mobile and vehicular applications. Accessories include a hand strap, shoulder bag, VESA mounting brackets, as well as desk and vehicle cradles.