Tablet comparison for demanding environments: Rocktab U210 G2, Rocktab U210 Pro and Rocktab S510
The increasing digitalization in all industries offers many advantages and makes daily work easier. Capturing documentation in the field, optimizing communication or autonomously controlling machines are just a few of the possible applications for tablets. But when it comes to working in harsh environments, tablets have to offer much more. In addition to performance, criteria such as robustness, durability, user-friendliness, protection and more play an important role in the decision-making process. Here, we take a closer look at three of our rugged tablets, compare their features and highlight the differences. We also discuss various usage scenarios. We compare the Rocktab U210 G2 – a compact format with many features, the U210 Pro – the big brother and the Rocktab S510 – an extremely robust tablet for harsh environments. All models are designed for use in demanding environments, but differ in some features.
Robustness, ergonomics and protection
All models are dust and waterproof according to IP65 for use in harsh environments. All tablets have been tested according to military standards. Particularly noteworthy are the Rocktab U210 G2 and the Rocktab U210 Pro, which not only meet but exceed military standards. The Rocktab S510 can survive falls from up to 1.2 meters and thus comes in last in this comparison. The Rocktab U210 G2 and the Rocktab U210 Pro offer more protection: they can survive 26 falls from up to 1.5 meters and 40 falls from one meter. All models have an extended operating temperature range for optimal indoor and outdoor use. In addition, all rugged tablets have ruggedized enclosures with rubberized covers that protect the ports from dust and water ingress. The Rocktab U210 Pro has fan cooling, but has an IP65 rating.
To be able to carry the robust tablets around with you all day, the weight plays a crucial role. The Rocktab U210 G2, Rocktab U210 Pro and Rocktab S510 score points here with a low weight of max. 1.1 kg.
Another important point is the battery life. The Rocktab U210 Pro scores with a battery life of up to 8 hours, while the Rocktab S510 has a battery life of up to 9 hours. The Rocktab U210 G2 brings up the rear with a battery life of up to 7 hours. Thanks to the replaceable batteries, the battery life of each model can be extended to work continuously throughout the day. The Rocktab U210 G2 and Rocktab U210 Pro have a hot-swap function that allows you to change the battery during operation. The Rocktab S510 can also be used without a battery.
Depending on the application scenario, the requirements for robustness and protection can influence the purchase decision; not every environment requires maximum drop resistance.
Performance, operating system and specifications
All models shown are Windows compatible. The following section takes a closer look at each processor and shows which models can run Android.
The Intel N100 processor in the Rocktab U210 G2 has four cores and can be clocked at up to 3.4 GHz. It is equipped with 16 GB of RAM. The Rocktab S510 offers two processor options. On the one hand, the Intel Celeron N5100, also with 4 cores and 2.80 GHz, or the Mediatek® Helio G99 8-core processor with up to 2.2 GHz. On the other hand, it scores with up to 8 GB of RAM, enough space for pictures, documentation or similar. In comparison, the Rocktab U210 Pro, equipped with an Intel Core i5-1335U, 10 cores and a maximum clock speed of 4.60 GHz, is more powerful than the other models. This is currently the most modern processor in our tablets and is also equipped with 16 GB RAM (alternatively, 8 or 32 GB are also possible).
All models support Windows 11 Pro, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise. The Rocktab S510 can also be equipped with Android. For the Rocktab U210 G2 and Rocktab U210 Pro models, on the other hand, Ubuntu can also be selected as the operating system. The Rocktab U210 G2 and the Rocktab S510 have integrated Intel® UHD graphics, while the Rocktab U210 Pro has Intel® Iris® Xe graphics.
Finally, let’s take a look at the individual specifications and extensions. The Rocktab S510 has a system memory of 128 GB and is not expandable. The Rocktab U210 G2 and the Rocktab U210 Pro can be expanded by 256 GB via micro SD card with a removable M.2 NVMe 256, 512 GB or 1 TB, and the Rocktab U210 G2 can even be expanded up to 2 TB.
To summarize: the more cores and the more power a tablet has, the faster the battery life decreases. So it’s important to know what you need the tablet for. Do I need maximum performance? Do I need a long battery life because charging can be difficult? Do I need high graphics performance? How much storage space do I need?
Display quality and usability
All models have a 10.1-inch display and are equipped with a capacitive multi-touch screen with 10 touch points. They enable easy operation and fast response times. All displays are scratch-resistant to withstand harsh environments and ensure a long service life. A major advantage of this technology is its water resistance, easy cleaning and comparatively higher resistance to chemicals and dirt. In addition, all models offer high image resolution, which is optimal for editing documents.
For optimal user-friendliness, the Rocktab U210 G2 and Rocktab U210 Pro can be optionally equipped with a suitable active digitizer pen to accurately capture signatures, drawings or the like. In addition, all models can be combined with universal (active) input pens to avoid fingerprints and for precise typing, writing and drawing.
One disadvantage of capacitive multi-touch screens is that they can only be operated with bare fingers or very thin gloves. The glove mode of the Rocktab U210 G2 and Rocktab U210 Pro is therefore an advantage for working outside.
Harsh environments are not limited to indoor spaces; outdoor areas are also affected. An important factor when selecting a rugged tablet may be readability in direct sunlight. The Rocktab U210 G2 and its big brother, the Rocktab U210 Pro, are convincing in this regard. With 800 cd/m², they provide ideal conditions for working outside.
The question here is also: What are the requirements for my tablet? Do I need a long battery life? Sunlight readability? Requirements for an outdoor tablet? For high-resolution requirements, such as in architecture, a high level of image sharpness is required. For outdoor use, a suitable display with sunlight readability is required.
Connectivity and Network Capabilities
While the Rocktab S510 is WiFi5 certified, the Rocktab U210 G2 and Rocktab U210 Pro upgrade their communication to WiFi 6E for high-speed connections. All models feature 4G LTE high-speed internet for fast connections and download speeds. The Rocktab S510 goes one step further and achieves up to 400 Mbps. All models support Bluetooth, but here too there are differences. The Rocktab S510 scores with Bluetooth 5.2. The Rocktab U210 G2 and U210 Pro support Bluetooth 5.3. Ethernet is supported by all models and can be connected to other peripherals via numerous ports. The optional office docking station for the Rocktab U210 G2 and Rocktab U210 Pro transforms these robust tablets into a fully-fledged office workstation.
Additional Features and Expansion Options
A barcode scanner is essential in many environments. All our models are equipped with a scanner or can be optionally equipped with a scanner. The Rocktab S510 can optionally be equipped with a 2D barcode scanner with a short range of up to 38 cm. All other models have an integrated high-end 2D barcode scanner with an extended range of functions. These rugged tablets offer extremely high scanning performance with a standard reading distance of up to 80 cm. All common 1D and 2D barcodes can be read with these scanners.
GPS modules are very important in certain environments. Each model is supported by GPS modules, making it ideal for forestry or rescue operations.
Integrated sensors can make demanding tasks easier. While the Rocktab S510 only has a tilt sensor, the other models score points with additional sensors. The Rocktab U210 G2 and Rocktab U210 Pro have a proximity sensor, a brightness sensor, a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor. The Rocktab U210 Pro and the Rocktab S510 can be upgraded with an optional NFC module.
Conclusion
All our tablets are dust and water resistant to IP65, making them suitable for use in harsh environments. In addition, all models have rubberized connectors for added protection against dust and dirt. If you are looking for maximum robustness, the Rocktab U210 G2 and the Rocktab U210 Pro, which even exceed military standards, are the right choice. Weight plays an important role in long-term use. The Rocktab U210 G2, Rocktab U210 Pro and Rocktab S510 impress with their low weight of less than 1.1 kilograms. If you are looking for a combination of a rugged tablet and a full-fledged office workstation, the Rocktab U210 G2 or Rocktab U210 Pro is the right solution for you. The Rocktab U210 Pro with integrated Intel Core i5-1335U offers state-of-the-art performance. The Rocktab U210 G2 and Rocktab U210 Pro are ideal for outdoor work due to their high readability even in direct sunlight.
The rugged tablets in comparison offer robust protection for use in harsh environments. The differences between the models mean that there is an optimal solution for every application scenario. We would be happy to find a solution for your application scenario as well. Click HERE for a no-obligation consultation today.
