AIS Tablet Offers Intel Chips, Windows, Rain Resistance

American Industrial System (AIS) has added the 2.6-pound Semi-Rugged Touchscreen Tablet PC to its durable lineup of devices for field and field sales force automation applications.
No fancy name here (we’re looking at you, iPad), the AIS tablet pairs a low-power, high-efficiency 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 processor with a 10.4-inch XGA high-resolution LED transflective LCD that’s readable even in direct sunlight.
A GFG, or glass-film-glass, touch screen is also available, offering increased durability for heavy commercial applications where a standard touch screen would wear out.
Additional rugged features include a military rating of IP54 for water and dust resistance, as well as enhanced shock and vibration protection and the option of a rubber bumper that adds to its ability to withstand multiple 3-foot drops. The tablet is completely sealed – including its I/O ports – making it a fit for outdoor applications in rainy conditions.
Users can run enterprise applications, view documents and surf the Web with a number of connectivity options, including 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth version 2.0 + EDR, and available 3G and GPS modules.
The Semi-Rugged Tablet PC runs the Microsoft Windows XP Professional Embedded and XP Embedded operating systems. Battery options include a hot-swappable second battery for extended operation in the field – in combination with the original battery, the pair offer six hours of operating time.
AIS also offers a series of accessories.
“Mixing and matching optional modules such as the MSR credit card reader, barcode scanner and 3G wireless can turn the Semi-Rugged Tablet PC in to a mobile POS station, excellent for amusement park, drive-thru, mobile field sales automation, event parking and outdoor exhibits,” the company explained in a Feb. 1 statement. A dock/cradle for charging is also available.
AIS, which customizes solutions for vertical markets including industrial automation, military and aerospace, medical, utilities and transportation, didn’t disclose a starting retail price for the device. A fully rugged model introduced in August, however, started at $1,499.