RuggON PM

RuggON PM-501

Taiwan-based Versatile semi-rugged, Intel Atom-powered 10.1-inch tablet computer with function buttons, nav control, expansion modules RuggON Corporation was established in 2014 as a provider of ruggedized computing products. The company, however, is not a newcomer to the field - they are a spin-off from FIC (First International Computer), an experienced electronics designer and manufacturer, and also a pioneer in tablet computers. RuggON's stated mission is to raise the productivity of rugged computing solutions through creative, pioneering technology. Their lineup consists of RuggTAB tablets and RuggVMC vehicle mounts. On this page we're describing the PM-501 10.1-inch rugged tablet.

The PM-501 is somewhat unique in RuggON's lineup for two reasons:

First, it's the only one listed as 'semi-rugged' instead of fully rugged. There are no clear, universal definitions as to what constitutes the various degrees of ruggedness, but genereally 'semi-rugged' implies somewhat lighter construction, somewhat less sealing, and lower cost. It also can mean more onboard ports (ports are costly to seal) and additional functionality compared to fully rugged designs.

Second, not exactly knowing when the PM-501 was introduced makes it somewhat difficult to comment on its current usefulness. For example, while the unit's 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 has seen wide application in embedded and vertical market devices, it's been replaced by several newer and more powerful generations of Atom chips. The cameras, likewise, have lower resolution than what we'd expect in 2014, and 5-wire resistive touch has pretty much been replaced by capacitive multi-touch in most modern tablets. On the other hand, the unit's wide-format 1366 x 768 pixel display remains useful and is well suited for Windows applications.

In terms of size and weight, the PM-501-designed for a wide range of field and office deployments-measures 10.8 x 8 inches and is just over an inch thick. Weight is 2.42 pounds, very manageable for a semi-rugged unit. Looking at the tablet, size and weight specs presumably are without the large protective rubber bumpers.

Among the unique features of the PM-501 are the five large programmable function buttons and the large navigation diamond. When programmed for frequently used functions, or integrated in custom applications, this can make for easy, efficient, and error-free use. In addition, for scanning applications the PM-501 has large trigger buttons on each side of the display.

There are two cameras, a 1.3mp front-facing conferencing cam, and a rear-facing 2mp documentation camera. There's 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth v2.1 and RFID, as well as, optionally, 3.5G mobile broadband and magnetic stripe reading, barcode scanning and GPS via snap-on modules. Wired connectivity includes two USB 2.0 ports as well as audio in/out.

One of the benefits of the PM-501's miserly Atom Z530 processor is minimal battery draw. This allows the PM-501 to run 10+ hours on a charge if equipped with dual batteries.

Though the PM-501 is only considered 'semi-rugged,' environmental specs are quite impressive. IP55 sealing, which means its largely dustproof, and can also handle low-pressure water jets from all directions (albeit with limited ingress permitted). It also has a reasonably wide operating temperature range of 14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, and can be dropped from five feet (undoubtedly thanks to its solid state disk and hefty protective bumpers).

Overall, there's definitely a place for a tablet like the semi-rugged RuggON PM-501 with its large wide-format display, programmable physical buttons for easy device operation, availability of all sorts of data collection snap-on mopdules and accessories, and those big protective bumpers. And there are still sers who prefer resistive touch for outdoor and field operations. The Z530 is a bit of a question mark, but since the PM-501 comes with an emebdded version of Windows, which is always far less resource-intensive than the full consumer versions, it may well be enough for many applications.

Taiwan-based RuggON is a spin-off from First International Computer, one of Taiwan's premier forces in technology research, product development and manufacturing services. RuggON consists of FIC's Industrial Computer Business Unit and FIC's original R&D team. RuggON products include rugged tablet computers such as the PM-522 described on this page. (by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

Specifications RuggON PM-501

Added

08/2014

Form-factor

Semi-rugged tablet

CPU Speed

Intel Atom Z530 1.6 GHz

OS

Win XP Embedded or Win XP Pro Embedded

RAM

2GB DDR2 800 SDRAM SO-DIMM

Storage

32GB SATA Solid State Disk

Card slots

none

Display type

TFT with 200 nits LED backlight

Display size/res

10.1 WXGA (1366 x 768 pixels)

Digitizer/pens

5-wire resistive touch screen

Keyboard/keys

Onscreen or optional external; 5 function buttons, 2 trigger buttons, RF button, navigation diamond

Navigation

Touch, stylus, navigation diamond

Housing

Unknown

Operating Temp

14° to 122°F (-10° to 50°C)

Sealing

IP55

Vibration

Unknown

Shock

Multiple 5-foot drops (MIL-STD-810G)

Certifications

CE, FCC, CB, CCC

Size (WxHxD)

10.8 x 8.0 x 1.05 inches (275 x 204 x 27 mm)

Weight

2.42 lbs (1.1kg)

Power

Internal smart Li-Polymer 7.4V/3800 mAH 28.1 watt-hours; optional external 4,200mAH battery pack

Sensors

Ambient light sensor

Cameras

1.3mp front camera, 2.0mp rear camera with flash

Interface

2 x USB 2.0, audio in and out

Wireless

Bluetooth V2.1, 802.11b/g/n, optional snap-on GPS/RFID/MSR modules, 3.5G WWAN

List price

inquire

Web page

RuggON PM-501 product page

Brochure

RuggON PM-501 brochure (PDF)

RuggON PM-501 Docks/Accessories

RuggON Corporation 3F., No.129, Minquan Rd., Xindian Dist. New Taipei City 23141, Taiwan Telephone: 886-2-8797-1778 Fax: 886-2-8797-1881 Web: http://ift.tt/1usD7Dq

http://ift.tt/1hgKyaM For tablet reviews of the best budget tablets