Best Construction Tablets for Contractors

When working in a field service business, you use your tablet a lot. Filling out forms, looking at customer or job information, and even collecting payments—these tasks can now be completed digitally (instead of with a paper and pen) thanks to construction scheduling software. Tablets are in more demand than ever in the field service industry and understandably so. When looking to purchase a tablet for yourself or for your field technicians, it pays to understand your specific needs first. When you work out in the field, you need a more durable tablet. When considering models, look for something waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof. These features can be found in a device’s listed IP rating. IP ratings, or Ingress Protection, serve as good indicators of a tablet’s environmental endurance. These features are often necessary when you work in a hands-on work environment. Here are four excellent rugged tablets your team can use to mobilize your field service operations:

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 $435.99

• Longest battery life
• Pen slot
• IP68

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 holds a unique spot as a ruggedized mid-level tablet. It is built for the outdoors with an IP rating of 68 (protection against dust and protection against temporary immersion in water) and good visibility in sunlight. Its rubber shell features a slot for its stylus pen. At 7”, this small but durable tablet fits perfectly in the hand. The device also has cellular capabilities, allowing you to use your field service software from anywhere.

iPad $329-$1,149

• Most accessories
• Best camera
• Different size and storage options
• Requires case

If you are looking for a versatile tablet, the iPad is for you. Running on Apple’s iOS, the iPad is sleek, easy-to-use, and can easily shift from work to play. All iPad models can be purchased with cellular capabilities and come with awesome cameras. Unfortunately, the iPad is generally delicate compared to some of the other rugged tablets on this list. To surmount this obstacle, a vast selection of rugged cases and screen protectors can help protect these devices, making them better suited to field service work. Because Apple has the largest supply of accessories, you can also find keyboards, scanners, and all the other add-on pieces you can imagine. The iPad provides a good deal of size and storage options, meaning your company can easily find one suited for your needs. The size of the screen ranges from 9.7” to 12.9” and the devices can hold a (nearly) unlimited supply of equipment pictures and notes, with internal storage options ranging from 32 GB to 512 GB. Because of this, the price ranges from $329-$999 without cellular connection and $459-$1,149 with cellular capabilities.

Getac ZX70 $999

• Sunlight viewable
• ATEX certified
• IP67

This rugged android tablet offers everything you need for field work. It has 4G cellular capabilities, excellent vehicle mounting accessories, and cool features like a built-in barcode scanner (though you can use your camera as a barcode scanner on other tablets). At 7” this is a small rugged tablet. It is large enough to fill out digital forms, but may be a bit on the smaller end for some of your other field service needs. This is a rugged tablet though, and it has the qualifications to prove it. With tempered glass, LumiBond sealing, and an IP of 67 (protection against dust and protection against strong water jets), this tough tablet can handle extreme temperatures, a 6 foot drop, water, and dust without breaking on you. It also offers a sunlight readable display that you can use with your gloves on. If the environment you work in is potentially explosive, you have no need to worry. This durable tablet is ATEX certified, meaning it will not ignite in temperamental environments. Even if you do doubt its level of ruggedness, the Getac ZX70 has a 3-year warranty to boot.

Xplore Xslate R12 $2,299+

• Sunlight viewable
• Requires add-on for cellular functionality
• Companion keyboard
• Lots of ports

If you want a rugged tablet that looks tough, the Xplore Xslate R12 is for you. Even the name sounds like someone you wouldn’t want to enter a boxing ring with. 12.5” is on the larger side for tablets, but that can be nice when trying to look at documents or fill out forms. At 2.95 lbs it is the heaviest of the tablets listed here and boasts an IP of 54 (protection against dust and protection against strong water jets). The multitude of ports available on this tough tablet makes it perfect for contractors, architects, and project managers who have to deal with USB drives and large files.

Comparison

Galaxy Tab Active 2 iPad Getac ZX70 Xplore Xslate R12 Price $435.99 $329-$999, $459-$1,149 $999 $2,299 + Screen 8" 9.7"-12.9" 7" 12.5" Battery Life 10-12 hrs 10 hrs 10 hrs 9 hrs Cellular Yes Yes 4G Yes, with add-on Storage 16 GB 128 GB - 1 TB 32 GB - 128 GB 128 GB IP 68 add on 67 54 Display in Sun Good add on Good Good OS Android iOS Android Android Camera 8 MP 8-12 MP 8 MP 8 MP Weight .91 lbs 1.03-1.4 lbs 1.7 lbs 2.95 lbs

Questions to Ask Yourself

Tablets can constitute a large purchase. They are wise investments, and like any investment, they require planning. Asking yourself these questions can help you decide which rugged tablet works best for your business. 1. What is my budget? Take time to figure out how much money you will put into this investment now and in the future. 2. What is the total cost of ownership? Keep in mind that the cost of a tablet is never just the price listed. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is how much the device will cost in the long run. Repairs, accessories, and even replacements can all go into the TCO of a new tablet. So sometimes, a cheap tablet isn’t always the cheapest choice. 3. Do I need cellular capabilities? If your field service business dispatches jobs with software like Smart Service, it is probably best for you to use a tablet with cellular capabilities. If you only fill out forms on the job and don’t need to collect payments or keep track of employees, a non-cellular rugged tablet may suffice. If direct communication is your primary goal, tablets might not be the choice for you! Perhaps a rugged cell phone would fit your needs better. 4. How volatile is your work environment? If your work environment is actively volatile, it may be worth it to dish out $2,000+ for a very rugged tablet. If you are trying to prevent your field service tablet from sustaining everyday damage while out on the job, you’ll probably be more than fine with a cheaper tablet and a sturdy tablet case. 5. Do you rely on pictures? While a low megapixel camera can do the basics, you’re not going to get a lot of detail on that image. Taking pictures and adding them to your notes can be a handy way to keep track of past jobs. How necessary is that in your business? 6. Is it easy to handle? Everybody loves a huge screen, until they have to hold it all day. Test out varied rugged tablet sizes to see what feels the best in your hands.

Conclusion

In the end, only you and your business can decide what factors are most important and which rugged tablet is right for you.