I should mention that 2-in-1 hybrids are hot. Hot enough to be a rapidly growing part of the overall tablet market. Hot enough for almost all the major players now offering cleverly designed detachable keyboards that add a lot of functionality. And also hot enough for rugged notebook market leader Panasonic to replace their two major traditional Toughbook laptops with 2-in-1 hybrids.

Unlike the weird waver-thin accessory keyboards offered for many consumer tablets, MobileDemand's Flex 10A keyboard is a true keyboard with full keyboard functionality, good key travel, and excellent tactile feedback. It also has a very sturdy hinge that allows for a very solid connection to the tablet. Combined with the easel, it makes for full and complete laptop functionality, should that be required.

About the only criticism we have is that the QWERTY layout is only 87%-scale. That makes it more difficult to use for touch typists. Slightly shrinking the punctuation and ancillary keys to the left and right of the QWERY layout would have easily allowed for a full-scale implementation.

Where does the X5 prefix come from? That's because having used the i3/i5/i7 prefixes in their more expensive Core processors to indicate good/better/best, Intel wanted to apply that system to their Atom processors as well. So the X5-8350 chip in this xTablet would be a mid-range offering with more capabilities and features than an X3 CPU, but not quite as much as an X7-class processor.

The X5-Z8350 processor in the Flex 10A has a base frequency of 1.44GHz, almost the same as the Atom Z3770 in the predecessor Flex 10 tablet's 1.46GHz. However, maximum burst frequency in the newer chip is just 1.92GHz versus the 2.39GHz of the Z3770.

To provide an idea where the xTablet Flex 10A stands in terms of overall computing performance, we ran our two standard performance benchmark suites on our evaluation unit. Passmark Software's PerformanceTest 6.1 runs about 30 tests covering CPU, 2D graphics, 3D graphics, memory, and disk and then computes scores for each category and an overall PassMark score. As a cross check, we also always use the CrystalMark benchmark suite that tests various subsystems and then provides an overall score.

Given that both chips have the same SDP, how could the new Flex 10A have 65% longer battery life?

To measure power draw, we used the PassMark BatteryMon utility to examine power draw under different settings. We discovered that the Windows Power Settings control panel, which usually allows you to select from various power settings, in the Flex 10A is limited to "Balanced." The explanation in the Windows Help panel was that this was because of the system's InstantGo (see Wiki on InstantGo) that allows systems to wake up instantly from sleep with apps and data up to date.

When running the drawdown test, with the tablet's backlight set to its dimmest, BatteryMon shows an impossibly low 0.75 watts. With the backlight in normal indoor setting, that rose to 1.0 watts and with the backlight at its maximum, it rose to 1.3 watts.

0.75 watts would be by far the lowest power draw we've ever seen in our lab. If the battery provides 21.5 watt-hours as the specs say, that would translate into a theoretical battery life of almost 29 hours. Even with the backlight on full bright, it would still mean 16.5 hours until a full battery is completely drained. We don't think that's the case, even with the different display of the Flex 10A and the 14nm process technology of the Cherry Trail chip. So BatteryMon is likely incompatible with how the Flex 10A power system functions.

Taking apart the Flex 10A means you first have to separate the tablet from its elaborate protective plastic/rubber case. This requires very careful twisting and prodding to gently torque the tablet out of its cocoon.

Once that's done, you're holding in your hands the bare Flex 10A, a remarkably sleek and elegant tablet device measuring 10.1 x 6.8 inches, and perhaps a third of an inch thick, if that.

Anyone expecting, based on the very low price, to find a generic "white box" tablet inside the hefty custom casing may be surprised at the understated elegance of the Flex 10A tablet with its matte-black backside, the solid materials, and the very precise manufacturing. The picture on the right shows the Flex 10A protective case with the tablet removed.

In terms of construction, the Flex 10A housing consists of two black ABS plastic halves. The backside is an elegant matte-black. The front is glossy black with just a very thin bezel extending past the pre-applied screen protector. Separating the two halves requires very careful prying the case open with suitable plastic wedge tools, without breaking any of the small plastic snaps and retainers inside. Twisting too much or forcing things apart can easily result in damage. There is no seal between the two halves as the Flex 10A is not a sealed unit.

Once separated, there are no wires or ribbon cables between the two halves. All the electronics are attached to the front side. The backside contains nothing but some metallic shielding and two sturdy metal anchors for the optional (and very highly recommended) attachable keyboard. There is no frame; all components are mounted onto the frontal polycarbonate half of the housing. The picture below shows what things look like inside the Flex 10A:

The motherboard measures a super-compact 100 x 70 mm and has all of its edge-mounted I/O concentrated along one side of the main board. The Flex 10A does not need a fan. The Intel Cheery Trail processor and ancillary electronics generate so little heat that the metallic backside of the LCD seems sufficient to dissipate it.

The majority of the interior real estate of the Flex 10A is taken up by its battery. It is a thin 5-1/4 x 4-3/4 inch affair that is not accessible from the outside and not user-replaceable. It's however accessible enough so that a service department could easily get to it and probably replace it. The battery packs 21.46 watt-hours, and MobileDemand documentation claims about 10 hours of battery life.

There are no miniPCIe or other expansion connectors visible, nor can you see the storage or RAM modules. That's because the tablet's eMMC (the "e" stands for "embedded") storage is part of the motherboard and RAM is likely as well.

It's been our experience that capacitive touch controllers have very narrow tolerances of what they do and do not recognize as touch/contact. There are now some such controllers that can sense touch even from a small fraction of an inch away from the surface, and that makes such systems somewhat usable with thin gloves. The Flex 10 is not one of them, and it appears that the addition of the relatively thick protective screen cover, which adds a small bit of distance between finger and glass surface, means the Flex 10 requires a slightly firmer touch than it otherwise would.

Cameras

Default 1080p video, too, works remarkably well. The camera does not fall behind and the image is sharp enough. Note that the Flex 10A cameras use the default Windows 10 Camera app. In the Flex 10A it allows setting white balance, shutter delay, exposure compensation, shutter speed, ISO, and even manual focus. But that's about it for options. Anything beyond that will require a third party camera app.

Remarkable ruggedness

Here it gets interesting. While the bare Flex 10A tablet itself is consumer-grade, neatly protected inside its rugged case it can actually survive the MIL-STD-810G 26 drops from four feet onto concrete. That's impressive.

MobileDemand says that you can also drop an 8-ounce steel ball from a meter onto its screen and it won't get hurt due to the special screen protector (we didn't try that!).

The operating temperature range is narrower than for MobileDemand's fully rugged gear, but 32 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit should cover most business users' needs.

Despite its protective casing and nicely implemented protective rubber plug for all I/O ports, the Flex 10A isn't considered a sealed unit and does not have an IP rating. That means no working in the rain. However, the special coating on the screen protector makes water perl off.

The video clip to the right shows some of the "torture chamber" tests MobileDemand subjected the Flex 10A to.

In MobileDemand's own words, "the rugged case has two layers for drop protection. The first layer is rubber with bumpers similar to what you see on other fully rugged MobileDemand tablets. The second layer is a high impact polycarbonate case that holds the rubber layer in place, but also provides mounting details for critical user carrying accessories including a back hand strap, a briefcase handle, a stylus holder, and an I/O door cover."

So, again, while the xTablet Flex 10A looks like a fully rugged device, it is a consumer tablet inside a very intelligently designed case system. It can handle a lot more abuse than any sleek consumer tablet, but it is not a sealed unit and it is not designed for use in truly harsh and unforgiving environments.

xTablet Flex mounting options

Most tablets used in business or on the job come with some kind of docking and mounting options, and the Flex 10A is no different. And whereas MobileDemand did not offer the kind of full office and vehicle docks available for most of its higher end tablets for the original Flex 10, things have been improved for the new Flex 10A.

For vehicle use, MobileDemand provides the professional-grade xTablet Flex Standard Vehicle Mount a flexible arm that makes for ergonomic access to the tablet in virtually any vehicle.

The mount features a quick release mechanism for rapid switching from vehicle to field operations. Included in the package is the previously available Snap Mount no-drill base that attaches to the passenger seat floor bolt that secures the passenger seat to the floor.

Also available is the xTablet Flex Standard Wall Mount. It includes a Snap Mount plate that attaches to the back of the Flex device, and arm, a wall plate and all the anchors a and ties to mount the Flex tablet on a wall.

The image to the right shows the components of the two kits, the one above the no-drill base installed in a vehicle.

Bottom line: MobileDemand xTablet Flex 10A

With the second gen xTablet Flex 10 tablet, now called the Flex 10A, MobileDemand presents a fine-tuned update to its revolutionary concept of combining basic modern Windows tablets with specially designed and preinstalled ruggedness armor. The protective layered casing is even better, the price even lower, and the new version occupies a more firmly defined place in MobileDemand's growing product line. The new xTablet Flex 10A busts the old adage that you get what you pay for; here you get more than you pay for. There are some constraints, of course, but this deal is almost too good to be true.

And yet, true it is. Weighing just over 2.5 pounds including case, handle, handstrap, capacitive pen and easel, MobileDemand's 10.1-inch "thin-and-light" offers a new answer for customers who seek the convenience, low cost and ease of use of a sleek consumer media tablet in something that's better protected and doesn't cost anywhere near as much as a fully rugged (or even semi-rugged) tablet.

The Flex 10's quad-core Intel "Cherry Trail" processor yields decent performance, the kind available only from Intel Core-powered (and much more expensive) devices just a few years years ago.

The low cost might one lead to expect low-end componentry, but the xTablet Flex 10A impresses with an remarkably bright and vibrant display that offers 1280 x 800 pixel resolution (though sadly down from the 1920 x 1200 resolution of the original Flex 10), a perfect viewing angle from all directions, and no color shifts. Its 10-point capacitive multi-touch screen is quick and very responsive, and works well with Windows 10 and touch-optimized applications. The included capacitive stylus has the usual broad tip, but it's of the metal mesh variety and works quite well.

For an inexpensive thin-and-light tablet the Flex 10A has good onboard connectivity, including a full-size USB 3.0 port as well as micro-USB and micro-HDMI. The 2mp and 5mp cameras offer consumer tablet performance (i.e. quite good).

Inside its excellent rubber and polycarbonate casing, the xTablet Flex 10A is remarkably well protected and can likely handle a good deal of abuse. This is not a sealed unit, so no dunking, but temperaturewise this tablet can handle almost anything.

Offering good performance, very low power draw, a remarkably good display, and surprising ruggedness, the fanless xTablet Flex 10A represents a compelling, and compellingly inexpensive, package for anyone who needs Windows on tough jobs that don't require the higher protection (and cost) of a fully rugged device.

We highly recommend the optional keyboard and easel that convert the Flex 10A into a remarkably cohesive 2-in-1 tablet/laptop hybrid.

Overall, the very low cost means some compromises. The Flex 10A does not offer Windows 7 for those who still want or need it, is not sealed, does not have a replaceable battery, performance is not at the Intel Core level, the unit does not offer an integrated scanner (nor RFID or GPS), and we do miss the even sharper screen of the original Flex 10. If that doesn't matter, the xTablet Flex 10A may well fit the (very small) bill. -- Conrad H. Blickenstorfer, March 2017

MobileDemand xTablet Flex 10A Specs:

Type	Thin-and-light rugged Windows Tablet PC
Added	Full review 03/2017
Processor	Quad-core Intel Cherry Trail X5-Z8350
Processor speed	1.44GHz, 1.92GHz burst frequency
Scenario Design Power	2 watts
Display Chipset	Intel HD Graphics 400, 500MHz burst frequency, 2GB graphics video max memory
OS	Windows 10 Home or Professional
Memory	4GB DDR3L-RS-1600
Display	IPS LCD with 280 nits LED backlight
Display size/res	10.1-inch, 1280 x 800 pixel, 149 ppi
Digitizer	OGS (One Glass Solution) 10-point capacitive multi-touch/capacitive stylus
Keyboard	Optional detachable keyboard for 2-in-1 functionality (US$70, highly recommended)
Storage	64GB eMMC
Expansion slots	1 x microSD
Housing	ABS plastic tablet housing inside rubber glove with protective rubber bumpers, polycarbonate case, and briefcase handle
Size	10.5 x 7.14 x 1.22 inches (267 x 181 x 31mm)
Weight	2.4 lbs. (1.1 kg) with case, handle and hand strap
Operating temperature	32° to +120°F (0° to +49°C)
Humidity	5 to 95% non-condensing
Ingress protection	Not rated
Drop/shock	MIL-STD 810G, 516.6 IV: 26 repeated drops to 1 operating unit on to plywood over concrete from 48 inches
Tumble	1,000 one-meter tumbles (simulates 5 years worth of drops and tumbles)
Vibration	Est: Accelerated extreme truck and forklift vibration testing, 21G peak acceleration, 10 to 1,000Hz (6 hour test simulates intense forklift vibration extremes and a total of 100,000 miles at 55mph on average US roads)
Power	Internal non user-replaceable Li-Ion 3.7V, 5,800mAh, 21.46 watt-hours ("10.1 hours")
Cameras	2mp camera front, 5mp camera with LED flash rear (up to 2592 x 1944 pixel)
Sensors	Est: Light, G-sensor, Gyrometer, e-Compass
Interface	1 x micro USB 2.0 (for charging), 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x mini-HDMI, audio, power, docking
Wireless options	802.11a/b/g/n/ac with Bluetooth 42
Price	US$595 with Windows 10 Home, US$670 with Windows 10 Professional
Warranty	1 year
Contact	xTablet Flex 10A web page
Brochure	xTablet Flex 10A PDF spec sheet

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