This week DT Research launched a new line of rugged tablets with Intel processors, Windows 10 software, and walkie-talkie function for 2-way communication.
While the company is positioning the new DT361AM and DT361AD devices as handheld tablets for military and law enforcement customers, their 6 inch displays and low-power Intel chips also hint at what Windows phones would look like in 2021 if Microsoft hadn’t given up on smartphone operating systems, instead shifting its focus to supporting apps for Android and iOS.
Both of the DT Research 6 inch tablets feature 1440 x 720 pixel displays, 7-watt Intel Core i7-10510Y Amber Lake-Y quad-core processors, and support for WiFi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, and a hands-free walkie-talkie feature for communicating with one or many other users at the same time using the built-in mic and speakers.
These are rugged devices with IP65 and MIL-STD-810H ratings, thick cases, and big, thick cases. And while the tablets have capacitive touchscreen displays, there are also four programmable buttons as well as a push-to-talk button and power and screen brightness buttons.
Other features that make it pretty clear the DT361 series devices aren’t your typical consumer-friendly tablets or phones include:
- Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 Type-A, and USB 3.1 Type-C ports
- Hot swappable 3,100 mAh battery (it can be replaced without rebooting)
- A display that’s designed to be visible at night and which won’t conflict with night vision goggles
- Optional vest mount
The tablets also run Windows 10 IoT Enterprise software, and the DT361AM model has a smart card reader (while the DT361AD has an SD card reader instead).
So yeah, not exactly something most end users are going to be buying. But it’s still interesting to see a fanless Wintel device with a 6 inch display, designed for mobile use… even if it does come in a package that measures 7.6″ x 3.7″ x 1.3″ and weighs 1 pound.
DT Research says the tablets are available for purchase from resellers now and come in 8GB/256GB or 16GB/512GB versions.
nice idea, but I’m to old for small screen. Minimum 11 inch
True, but the 800-nit screen is strong point. The sticking point is they will probably be targeting a $2000 price point given its mil-spec design.
This would be nice to take with me when backpacking/hiking.
Is there a 4G option? Then again, I assume these aren’t going to be sold for personal use.
Built in LTE would be nice.
Looks like they have a different 6 inch rugged tablet with 4G but it uses a slower Atom based Pentium CPU.
https://www.dtresearch.com/en/Windows-Rugged-Tablets/DT363GL.html
why windows? I need linux!
Indeed
…
Install it
Nice.
Too bad it only has a smartcard slot instead of SD or MicroSD
It does look like the DT362GL has MicroSD.
https://www.ruggedpcreview.com/3_slates_dtresearch_dt362_full.html
Maybe this one has it as well.
Thanks.
I still can’t figure out how to buy one.
I don’t think these are available on the market yet, but their last model is. There’s a link on their site “where to buy” and there are quite a few resellers listed. I’d say if you’re serious though use the general sales contact they list.
https://www.cdw.com/product/dt-research-rugged-tablet-dt362gl-6-pentium-silver-8-gb-ram-256-gb/6130789?pfm=srh
“3100mAh and 6200mAh battery packs.”
I wonder what the battery life is.
The batteries are hot-swappable so it does not matter as much.
I’d buy one but I assume it’s super expensive and not purchasable by individuals.
To be honest from the photos it looks quite difficult to accurately navigate Windows on such a small screen. I guess that Windows 11’s redesigned U, that Microsoft has basically recycled from the aborted Windows 10X, might actually be quite useful for these rare Windows devices feauturing sub 10inch screens.
There is a pen
I could be more excited about it if I knew that they’d sell one to me, and if I knew exactly what bands they mean when they say “walkie talkie” (if it’s just the ones you can legally transmit on without a license it can’t replace your radio).