The best-rugged tablet for contractors is simply a tablet that can stand up to hard everyday use, even at a construction site. A good construction tablet will stand up to drops, temperature changes, heavy dust, potential moisture, and so much more.
With that in mind, not every tablet will be a construction tablet, no matter how powerful it might be. We’ve rounded up the best rugged tablets available to help you make an informed choice.
What to Look for in a Work Construction Tablet
The best work construction tablet is going to be something that meets your individual needs. Sturdiness aside, there are certain features that all tablets for construction should have.
Screen size
Not all tablets are going to be the same size. However, the best tablet for construction is going to be one that is large enough to see and work on easily without being so large as to be cumbersome to carry.
If you only pop out to the site occasionally, then a small tablet may be perfect. Small tablets are typically no larger than six inches.
Conversely, if you do most of your work in the field, then a larger tablet may make your job easier in the long run. These can be anywhere from 9-13 inches.
Tablet Specifications
Every tablet is going to have unique specifications, but all good rugged tablets will need the following:
- Quick connectivity
- Reliable OS
- High IP rating
- Plenty of storage
- Enough RAM to multitask with ease
You’ll need to be able to get online fast in the field, and having an OS system you can rely on is equally important. Apple iOS and Android OS are both intuitive to use. There are Microsoft options, but these often lack access to apps that are readily available (and you may need) on iOS and Android.
Most importantly, you’ll need to look at the Ingress Protection (IP) rating to ensure your tablet really is rugged and meant to be used outdoors in harsh environments.
Lastly, the best work construction tablet will have plenty of storage space for every app and program you need and enough RAM (how fast the processor works) to get everything done.
Typically, that’s at least 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.
Battery Life
This is similar to the size of a tablet. What qualifies as the best tablet for contractors is going to depend on what you need.
If you aren’t in the field long, then a battery that only lasts an hour or two will be plenty. However, if you spend most of the day out of doors, you’ll want something that will last a long time between charges.
The Best Rugged Tablets for Contractors
The best tablet for outdoor use may vary depending on your needs, but we’ve gathered the top rugged tablets of the industry to help you make your decision.
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2
Price: $354
For those who work long hours in the field, this may be the best construction tablet available. The battery lasts 11 hours, but you can also easily swap it out with a fully charged replacement when necessary.
Plus, it comes with an IP rating of 68, meaning it can stand a decent beating in the field.
It offers biometric access (fingerprint scanning) to make logging in secure. The Galaxy Tab even comes with a tablet pen (and a pen slot) that has its own IP68 certification.
2. GETAC UX10
Price: Unlisted
One of the most impressive tablets for construction is the Getac UX10. It’s 10 inches, has 8GB of RAM, and storage starts at 256GB and goes up to 1TB.
It’s IP65 certified, vibration resistant, and can handle drops from up to six feet. It can even withstand salt fog. It’s about as hearty as they come, so it’s great for extra rough construction sites.
However, it’s almost three pounds, and its battery lasts about ten hours. The worst drawback is the lack of price. To find out what you’ll need to spend, you have to contact them to request a quote.
3. iPad Pro
Price: $799-$999
If you need to be able to take high-quality photos at a worksite, then the iPad is the obvious choice. It also has plenty of storage, which starts at 128GB and scales up to 1TB.
It isn’t nearly as sturdy as other models, but thankfully iPads have the most accessories of any tablet. You’ll be able to get a waterproof case with an IP rating of 68, which isn’t too shabby at all.
Unfortunately, its battery life isn’t too spectacular, either. At most, you can expect it to last about ten hours.
4. Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 Rugged Tablet
Price: $3,659
While the Panasonic Toughbook has a Microsoft OS, its ample features make up for any clunkiness in its operating system.
It has 8GB of RAM, a screen size of 12 inches, and 256GB of storage. It comes with a detachable keyboard and an IP rating of 65. Needless to say, this model is incredibly durable against any shocks, dust, liquid, or drops.
On the downside, its battery only lasts about ten hours, and its price may be staggering compared to other models.
Summary
What it boils down to is that the best tablet for construction will depend on your individual needs.
Have any other rugged tablet recommendations? Reach out to us on Twitter or Facebook!
FAQ
What is an IP Rating?
IP stands for Ingress Protection and is a method of determining how sturdy a device is against outside forces, such as dust, water, and drops. The higher the rating, the more secure your tablet will be outside.
Do Tablets Have Cellular Capabilities?
Yes, most tablets (especially rugged tablets) will have cellular capabilities. That means you’ll be able to sign up for a data plan, allowing you to connect to the internet even when you don’t have WiFi out at a site.
Which OS is Best?
Both Android and iOS are the preferred operating systems. Microsoft OS (typically Windows 10) may not have access to all the apps you could get with Android or Apple, but it’s still an intuitive OS to use.
