14 DAY TRIAL // Yesterday we told you “some like it big” when it comes to tablets and we showed you the 13.3-inch model that wants to conquer the tablet market.
It appears the makers of the slate aren't the only ones to think bigger is better. Rugged device manufacturer, Motion Computing is planning to take on Panasonic’s line of Thoughpads with its latest tablet that goes by the name R12 Platform.
The tablet is slightly larger than Samsung’s new GalaxyPRO models, as it comes with a 12.5-inch display, but unlike the fancy professional Sammy slates, it's aimed at those working in hostile environments.
As you might have guessed, the R in R12 Platform stands for “rugged” and the tablet has been MIL-STD-810G certified. That means the tablet can handle a 4-foot / 1.2 m drop and extreme temperature shock. Furthermore, the Platform has been IP54 rated so it’s basically water, dust and splash resistant.
To give it its though properties, Motion Computing has coated the device with a rubberized enclosure and added a magnesium-alloy internal frame especially conceived for the slate.
In the specifications department, Motion Computing is pretty flexible and invites customers to choose what they want to have onboard, based on their needs.
So one can select from an Intel Core i5-4210Y or i7-4610Y Haswell processors fitted with either 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB, 128GB or 256GB solid-state storage.
The OS sector is also open up for debate, so customers can opt to have either Windows 8.1 Pro or Windows 7 Pro.
Other specifications you expect to see on a tablet include, HDMI out, USB 3.0 ports, SD card slot, two cameras.
The good news is that unlike the 13.3-inch tablet we saw yesterday that came with a ridiculous low resolution, the R12 packs a full HD one.
Being a rugged tablet, don’t expect it be feather-like, as the tablet weighs a hefty 2.95 pounds / 1.3kg (similar to what an Ultrabook might weight).
The R12 Platform offers a variety of accessories, including a wireless keyboard, a built-in stand and the SlateMate module that lets users add other items like barcode scanner or RFID reader.
The slate is also security sensitive, so it comes equipped with a built-in finger print reader, Trusted Platform Module and CompuTrace software (optional) used to protect the data on the tablet.
Like most of the tablets with large display, the Platform doesn't come cheap, not by a long shot. The slate will be made available next month for $2,229 / €1,620 a pop (and this is just the base configuration we’re talking about).
