The growth in the use of tablets – iPads, Fires, Galaxies, Nexuses, Surfaces, and the like – is phenomenal. According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center's Pew Internet & American Life Project (www.pewinternet.org), this year a third of American adults age 18 and older own a tablet computer, about twice as many as owned one in 2012. And according to Parks Associates (www.parksassociates.com), the number of U.S. tablet users will increase by 61% from this year to next.
As such, the tablet is becoming the universal interface to the world of electronics. The only thing that has been standing in the way of its more widespread application is the fact that the devices by themselves are not equipped to withstand the stresses and strains that real-world use can put upon them. Nowhere is this more true than in the industrial world, where the rigors of exposure to very harsh conditions – high humidity, dust, and the elements in general – would shorten tablet life unacceptably.
Fortunately, a number of enclosure manufacturers, realizing how important it will be to allow tablets to go to work in rough environments, have designed enclosures that can protect tablets from these conditions.
Tablet enclosures from Bud Industries
Bud Industries (www.budind.com) recently introduced TB-3261x series tablet enclosures. Available in sizes from 5.5 x 3.9 x 1.2 in. to 12.7 x 9.1 x 1.2 in. and in black or white from stock, these enclosures are inexpensive, costing just $7 to $32 depending on size. That makes them 20% to 30% less expensive than leading competitive enclosures, yet without sacrificing quality. Aimed at portable, desktop, or wall mounted applications, the enclosures are made of high-impact ABS plastic that is flame retardant to UL94-VO (white) or UL94-HB (black). The design uses tongue-and-groove sealing to offer superior protection and, when used with an optional silicone- sponge gasket, achieves an IP65 rating for waterproofing and dust. Simple modifications to meet customer requirements can be made in only five days.
The Hoffman TB series tablet enclosure and stand introduced earlier this year is a heavy-duty tablet protection solution from Pentair Equipment Protection (www.hoffmanonline.com). With the optional Tablet Carrying Case , which is certified to MIL-STD-810 and IP52 per IEC60529, it provides industrial-strength shielding and security for iPad 2 and 3 devices used in demanding environments, such as manufacturing plants. The stand can be adjusted to four different heights (46 in. max) without the use of tools, or disassembled for easy portability. The enclosure can also be used with a low-profile, wall- or table-mount for space-restricted areas. Available accessories also include a Kensington key-lock, 6-ft tablet charging cord, and four swivel locking casters that mount to the stand's bottom plate. Pricing and availability is available privately from the company.
Enclsoure for Microsoft's Surface Pro tablet from ArmorActive
Following the release of Microsoft's Surface Pro tablet, ArmorActive launched the Surface Pro Metal Jacket Tablet Enclosure (www.tabletenclosures.com/) aimed at such applications as a digital signage kiosk, loyalty kiosk, and information kiosks, to name a few. A unique feature of this powder-coated steel enclosure is a full-size USB 3.0 port, which enables cables to be routed through the Surface Pro enclosure to the tablet while maintaining a slim design. Other features include key-locking tablet security, 75 and 100-mm VESA mounting pattern, Open-Windows button access, administrative access to buttons and ports, and front camera access while the tablet remains secured. A tablet cradle, stand, and PoS package are available as options.
Advertisement
