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Juniper Systems, a provider of rugged field data collection devices, announced the release of its latest handheld product, the Mesa 2 rugged tablet.
The Mesa 2 boasts the largest display produced by the company to date, and the tablet is also Juniper Systems’ first handheld to run on the Windows 10 operating system.
The Mesa 2 is designed to perform reliably in harsh environments and is the only IP68-rated rugged Windows tablet available, providing protection against water and dust.
It also maintains a seal while its ports are in use and features an IllumiView display, providing improved visibility in any lighting conditions. Its chemically strengthened Dragontrail glass touch-screen provides enhanced durability, reducing haze from surface scratches and cracks that can be caused by accidental impact.
“Our customers value having a device that can be relied upon for many years and has the ingress protection and impact ratings they need to get their work done,” Nathan Holman, director of sales and marketing with Juniper Systems, told eWEEK. “That requires making the device a little larger and heavier than consumer devices. We wanted a product that still felt lightweight and comfortable to hold all day, so ergonomics was key.”
Holman explained that—with the right ergonomics—a device can feel much lighter and subject the operator to much less fatigue.
“We believe we have found the sweet spot for portability and toughness with the display size selection and our ergonomics,” he said.
In addition, the Mesa 2 battery provides users with a full 8 to 10 hours of runtime, and users can purchase an optional expansion battery from Juniper Systems that provides an additional 4 to 5 hours of runtime plus hot-swap capabilities for those extra-long days where extended battery life is required.
The tablet, which will begin shipping sometime this quarter, has some new competition in the form of the Panasonic FZ-Q1 Toughpad, which was launched last week.
Panasonic’s model boasts an Intel processor, runs Windows 8.1 Pro, and is designed for mobile field workers who need a device more durable than a consumer tablet.
To meet varying market needs, the device will come in two configurations, a performance version featuring an Intel Core i5-4302Y vPro processor, and a standard model with an Intel Celeron processor N2807.
“The evolution of rugged devices continues to follow a trend of taking those technologies that first appear in the consumer space and integrating those into the rugged space,” Holman said. “We keep a close eye on those consumer device trends and combine that with a deep understanding of the job our customers are trying to get done.”