eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
The latest enterprise-class tablets from Zebra Technologies, the ET50 and the ET55, are available with either Windows Industry Embedded 8.1 Pro or Android 5.1 operating systems, as well as with 8.3-inch or 10.1-inch displays, giving users a wide range of options to find the devices that best fit their business needs.
Both models, which Zebra announced on Sept. 15, are the first Zebra tablets that run Windows 8.1 and allow the devices to be connected to legacy Windows systems. Meanwhile, the Android version of the ET50/55 tablet computer comes with Zebra’s Mobility Extensions, which provide enterprise-class security, device management and data capture capabilities.
A key difference between the ET50 and the ET55 is that the ET50 only offers WiFi connectivity with 802.11a/b/g/n support, while the ET55 also has 4G LTE cellular capabilities for users who need more flexible communications options.
Both models are ruggedized to sustain abuse in challenging physical environments indoors or outdoors and can withstand drops of up to 3.2 feet on concrete, as well as dust, dirt, humidity and other hazards. They are IP65-compliant and can survive a water hose-down at full force.
The technical specifications of the Windows and Android versions of the tablets have minor differences.
The Windows Industry Embedded 8.1 Pro versions of the ET50 and ET55 Zebra tablets include Intel quad-core 2.4GHz 64-bit processors, 4GB of LPDDR3 RAM and 64GB of on-board eMMC flash storage.
The Android 5.1 Lollipop versions of the ET50 and ET55 Zebra tablets include Intel quad-core 1.9GHz 64-bit processors, 2GB of LPDDR3 RAM and 32 GB of eMMC flash on-board storage.
Meanwhile, all ET50 and ET55 models include displays that are covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. All ET50/55’s with an 8.3-inch display use a 5,900mAh Smart Li-ion battery, while all devices with 10.1-inch displays feature an 8,700mAh Smart Li-ion battery.
Both tablet models also include a capacitive 10-point multi-touch display that allows users to operate the display even when wearing gloves. The displays are backlit and feature ambient light sensors and several keypad options.
The Zebra ET50 and ET55 enterprise tablets can also be outfitted with a wide range of accessories that allow them to be tailored for data capturing barcode scanning and more, depending on the tasks at hand. Expansion battery chargers and batteries are also available.
“The rugged ET50 line of tablet computers addresses all the business issues associated with deploying tablets inside and outside the four walls of the enterprise—from durability, security and expandability to device and application management,” Joe White, vice president of enterprise mobile computing at Zebra, said in a statement. “And with the addition of Windows 8.1 to our tablet portfolio, customers can truly choose the enterprise-class tablet that best fits their mobile strategy.”
In May, Zebra unveiled its TC75 and TC55 handheld enterprise mobile computers for industrial and business users. The TC75 is an Android device that includes multicarrier 4G LTE capabilities for constant connectivity wherever it is used. The TC55 has been updated to use the Android 4.4 KitKat operating system and includes an integrated 2D imager to speed barcode scanning and other data collection.
The TC75 handheld computer includes a 4.7-inch HD display that can be touched using gloved hands, an optional stylus or bare fingers; a tough Corning Gorilla Glass outer covering; a 1.7GHz dual-core processor; 1GB of RAM; and 8GB of internal flash storage. It also features two Nano SIM slots and a Mini SIM/SAM slot, an 8MP rear auto-focus camera, a front 1.3MP fixed-focus camera and a Li-ion 4,620mAh replaceable battery. The computer is 6.3 inches long, 3.3 inches wide, 1.1 inches thick and weighs 13.3 ounces. The ruggedized TC75 features IP67 certification to battle against dust, dirt, water, extreme temperatures, repeated 8-foot-high drops on concrete and more. It runs on the Android AOSP 4.4.3 operating system and includes 4G LTE connectivity.
The TC55 includes a standard 2,940mAh Li-ion battery and weighs 7.8 ounces. It features an 8MP auto-focus camera and a wide range of barcode scanning capabilities, as well as enterprise-ready applications and security features. The TC55 handheld is 5.4 inches long, 2.7 inches wide and 0.63 inches thick.