Navigating Your Business: Vehicle Mount Terminals VS Rugged Tablet PCs

As technology continues to revolutionize our work, companies with mobile workforces are increasingly turning to rugged computing devices to keep their teams connected and productive. Two popular industrial and commercial applications are vehicle-mount terminals and rugged tablet PCs. But which one is right for your business?

While both vehicle mount computers and rugged tablet PCs offer durability, reliability, and functionality against impact and vibration, each device has unique features and benefits that may make it more suitable for certain applications. This post will explore the differences between vehicle-mounted computers and rugged tablets to help you determine the best fit for your specific needs.

What are rugged tablet PCs?

Rugged tablet PCs are industrial device in the tablet computer form that meets certain requirements, such as protection against extreme and rough work environments. The device needs more than a showcase of a rugged shell to have rugged tablet features. It must have at least an IP65 dust and water protection rating. Best if the tablet meets MIL-STD protection standards, such as the MIL-STD 810G/H, to prove its ability to withstand extreme temperatures, drops, jolts, and much more.

Compared to regular tablets, rugged tablet PCs are usually equipped with sunlight readable touchscreen that is useable with gloves and wet fingers. Various scanners and sensors that usually cannot be found in regular tablets are found on the rugged tablet. Also, the longer battery power made it last the whole working day. These functions are necessary as rugged PCs are generally used in industrial production, construction works, warehousing, etc., which requires data collection and work shifts.

For three decades, Winmate has designed and manufactured various rugged tablets to meet various industrial demands. Winmate offers 4.3” to 14” rugged tablet PCs in Windows and Android operating systems equipped with long-capacity or hot-swappable batteries to support a whole day of work. Besides, Winmate also offers customization services to match your brand.

What are vehicle mount terminals?

Vehicle mount terminals usually go by various names. Vehicle mounted terminals, vehicle mounted computers, vehicle mounted units, etc. All describe a computer unit mounted to a type of vehicle. Vehicle mount terminals are usually designed with powerful computing power and communication antennas. Also, the IO ports can be easily configured for vehicles. They have been specifically designed durable to withstand vibrations from forklifts, delivery trucks, and a multitude of other vehicles.

Winmate offers various vehicle mount terminals in Windows and Android operating systems. All are available from 7-14” to increase productivity and reduce errors in the warehouse and logistic industries. These units are also extremely durable, rated IP65 and IK07 against water, dust, and impact.

So, which one is better?

There is no definite answer, as unfortunately, there is not a one size fits all scenario. It depends on how you are going to use the units. Are you need to remove the computer from the forklift or other vehicle? What about the work environment? Do you work in a cold storage environment?

Vehicle mount terminals are designed to be more stationary and typically connected to the vehicle. Meanwhile, the rugged tablet PCs may be mounted into the vehicle using the vehicle docking station hence providing more mobility. But rugged tablets usually do not possess a defroster that can prevent condensation and protect battery performance in cold areas. Rugged tablet PCs offer more versatility, but vehicle mount terminals are more durable.

If you are unsure which configuration fits you and your work environment, Winmate’s experienced teams can assist. Contact Us, and let us help you!

Learn more about rugged tablet PCs and vehicle mount computers at: www.winmate.com.