Lehigh Acres, Florida based DLI was founded in the early 1990s as a manufacturer and reseller of wireless data collection devices. The company carries mobile computers, rugged ultra-mobile tablets, handhelds, scanners and vehicle mounted computers. The DLI 10 shown here was introduced in November 2014 as a ruggedized tablet solution with capacitive touch and the ability to run either Windows or Android.
The DLI 10 is a timely product as it addresses the rising demand for a contemporary tablet solution that's more rugged and more durable than popular consumer media tablets. Providing capacitive multi-touch with its effortless tapping, panning, zooming and pinching, and supporting various versions of Windows 7, Windows 8 and also Android 4.4.4., the DLI 10 brings versatility and ease of use into numerous mobile point-of-sale applications.
While the company introduced the DLI 10 late 2014, the product is actually based on the earlier DLI 9000, which was initially launched early 2011, one of the first vertical/industrial market tablets to offer procap. At its announcement RuggedPCReview.com said that introducing the DLI 9000 looks like a smart move at the right time. This means that the DLI 10 is actually a second generation product.
In terms of hardware, the DLI 10's 10.5 x 8.1 inch footprint is just a bit larger than that of the iconic iPad. As a rugged product, of course, it's thicker (0.84 inches) and heavier (2.6 pounds), but still remarkably compact and handy. The 9.7-inch display with 1024 x 768 pixel XGA resolution is the same size, format and resolution as the original iPad and iPad 2.
What has changed from the DLI 900 is the processor. The original was based on the 1.5GHz Intel Atom Z670 whereas the next-gen DLI 10 uses a quad-core Intel "Bay Trail" N2930 running at a base frequency of 1,83GHz and capable of reaching burst speeds of up to 2.16GHz. While "Bay Trail" uses a significantly overhauled Intel Atom processor architecture that now includes Intel HD Graphics, the N2930 is actually sold under Intel's Celeron brand name and is an entirely more powerful platform.
Do note that the performance impact of this processor switch is likely drastic. Based on RuggedPCReview's benchmark database, the new DLI 10 should be much faster than the older DLI 900, with an overall performance increase in the 3-4X range. That is very noticeable in everyday use. RAM has doubled to 4GB of faster DDR3L memory, and for storage there is a 64GB mSATA Solid State Disk.
For wireless connectivity, the DLI 10 offers dual-band Cisco CCX4-certified 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, optional ublox 7 GPS, and optional mobile broandband. On the wired side there are two USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI 1.4a port, as well as I/O and antenna pass-throughs to a cradle. There are also two cameras, one facing forward (2mp) for conferencing, the other (5mp, LED illuminator) on the backside for documentation. Both cameras have higher resolution now.
While the DLI 10 has appeal in a wide variety of business applications, DLI initially introduced the DLI 900 specifically as a mobile payment processing system. To that extent, the DLI 10 is available with a 5-in-1 payment module that includes a magstripe reader, a debit pin pad, RFID/NFC contactless payment, EMV Smartcard reader, and 1D/2D CMOS barcode imaging. The optional 5-in-1 module bolts onto the back of the tablet. An optional 3-in-1 module with RFID/NFC and MSR is available also.
As the "rugged mobile tablet" description suggests, the DLI 10 was designed for use in the field where conditions can be rough and accidents can happen. The impact-resistant ABS+PC polymer housing provides IP54 sealing which means the device is protected against dust and also against water spray from all directions (though both with limited ingress permitted). The operating temperature range is a wide 14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The tablet can survive multiple 4-foot drops to concrete, and also the degree of shock and vibration commonly experienced in vehicles.
The next-gen DLI 10 is undoubtedly an important part of DLI's broad lineup of tablet computers, each providing a unique set of tablet functionality. What the 10 offers is the familiarity of the iPad form factor, screen size and capacitive multi-touch digitizer, but with a choice of either Windows or Android, and now with significantly more powerful Intel Bay Trail processor technology.
