Ultra-rugged Tablet PC with numeric keypad
(by Kirk Linsky)

The PWS-8101M is a rugged industrial tablet computer made by Advantech, a Taiwanese embedded and industrial computing conglomerate. Founded in 1983, Advantech provides web-based technology, computing platforms and customization services in three business groups (embedded & industrial computing, eServices & applied computing, and industrial automation). Advantech has almost 3,500 employees, and operates a sales, marketing and support network in 18 countries. The company sells directly or works with third parties to provide complete computing solutions for various industries. These include medical computing, vehicle mounts, panels, rugged handhelds, and the rugged industrial Tablet PC shown here.

The PWS-8101M (also available as the Ridgeline T600/T650 from Glacier Computer in the US in different configurations) is powered by a 1.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo U7500 and is primarily designed to run Windows XP Embedded. The platform comes with up to 2GB of DDR2 533MHz SDRAM and a 2.5-inch 80GB SATA hard disk. A 58 watt-hour Li-Ion battery is good for about four hours between charges.

The computer has a 10.4-inch display and an industrial-quality touchscreen that can handle a million touches at the same point. The LCD display has XGA (1024 x 768 pixel) resolution, and a sunlight-viewable transflective option is available. A phone-style numeric keypad can speed up data entry. There is also a navigation diamond with enter key and four hardware functions keys.

The PWS-8101M is a very rugged system with an aluminum-magnesium housing and an ABS plastic front. It carries an IP65 ingress protection rating where the "6" stands for total protection against dust and the "5" protection against low-pressure jet of water from all directions. The computer can operate within a wide temperature range from -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. 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 states compliance with requisite tests per MIL-STD-810F and MIL-STD-461E.

Advantech ships the PWS-8101M with internal 802.11a/b/g WiFi and Bluetooth Class 2, both with integrated antennas. Internal 3.5G/HSDPA wide area wireless is optional, and the device can also be equipped with built-in GPS with integrated antenna.

Depending on its configuration, this Advantech tablet can be used in a wide variety of mobile and vehicular applications. Accessories include a hand strap, shoulder bag, VESA mounting brackets and a vehicle dock.