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Let’s face it: Your average laptop or tablet is a pretty fragile piece of technology. One accidental drop, and more often than not, something critical — usually the display — decides it’s had enough. This leaves you with hefty repair bills, a lot of frustration, and potentially some downtime you didn’t plan for. 

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This is exactly where ruggedized systems step in to save the day. These devices are purpose-built to withstand the harshest environments and the toughest conditions. And when it comes to ruggedized tablets, they don’t get much tougher than the DT Research DT312RP 2-in-1 rugged tablet. 

I’ve also used it in ways that mimic how ruggedized tablets are typically handled by professionals who rely on them in the field. That means dropping it, placing it on sharp rocks and rubble, covering it in mud, and rinsing it off at the end of the day. Spoiler alert: it handled everything I threw at it like a champ.  

But before we dive into how it performed, let’s take a closer look at what’s under the hood of the DT Research DT312RP.

The specs and build quality

Depending on your performance needs, the DT312RP offers two processor options: a 4.6GHz, 10-core Intel Core i5-1335U or a 5GHz, 10-core Intel Core i7-1355U. These are backed by 8GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 512GB to 2TB, giving you plenty of room for data-intensive tasks.

The system runs Microsoft Windows 11 IoT Enterprise operating system.

One standout feature is that the system is passively cooled, meaning there are no fans. This not only reduces the risk of mechanical failure but also ensures the device remains quiet, even under heavy workloads.

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On the front, you’ll find an 11.6-inch, 1920 x 1200 LED-backlit touchscreen display that’s sunlight-readable with an impressive 1000 nits of brightness. This makes it perfect for outdoor use, even in bright conditions. The front panel also includes a microphone, speaker, and an array of buttons: a power button, two brightness controls, and five programmable buttons for added customization.

The side of the tablet houses various ports, including USB-A, USB-C, gigabit Ethernet, and a DC input. The battery is a hot-swappable 11.4V, 3800mAh unit, with larger battery options available if you need extended runtime.

On the back of the unit, there’s a kickstand and access panels to swap out the battery and storage. While the top has a robust carry handle, which is perfect for handling the tablet while wearing gloves. 

The entire system is encased in a durable chassis made from a combination of ABS and polycarbonate polymer and magnesium-aluminum alloy. It measures 8.3 x 12.4 x 0.78 inches (212 x 316 x 20 mm) and weighs 3.43 lbs (1.55 kg). This robust construction allows the tablet to meet IP65, MIL-STD-810H, and MIL-STD-461G certifications, ensuring it can handle dust, water, shocks, and extreme temperatures. Here’s a clip of me dropping the tablet from chest-high.

The system can be expanded with an optional keyboard, digital pen, batteries, and storage expansions. Camera options include a 5-megapixel front camera, 8-megapixel back camera, 4G LTE/AWS, GPS, and barcode scanner.

Performance in the Field

This is where the DT312RP truly shines. This system is built to endure conditions that wouldn’t just break but completely destroy most other devices. The tablet can survive drops, scrapes, and bumps, and it operates flawlessly in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C) and as high as 149°F (65°C).

During my testing, I left it out in the rain and fog, knocked it around on sharp rocks, dropped it repeatedly onto mud and rubble, and even froze it solidly in a freezer. Each time, it powered on without hesitation and performed as if nothing had happened. 

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This level of durability is exactly what you’d expect — and demand — from a ruggedized tablet designed for demanding environments that end up in the hands of law enforcement, EMS, or those working in professions such as forestry, auto mechanics, and local and federal government. 

ZDNET’s buying advice

The DT Research DT312RP is a ruggedized tablet that doesn’t just talk the talk; it totally walks the walk. No matter what your profession, if that demands a device capable of withstanding the elements, this tablet is up to the task. It’s tough, reliable, and packed with enough power to handle a wide range of applications.

But as you might expect, these tablets are not cheap. The system I tested with the Intel Core i7 and 512GB SSD retails for $2,100, with the Core i5 version a little cheaper at $1,809.

So, if you’re weary of fragile devices that can’t keep up with you and your work environment, the DT312RP might just be the PC package you’ve been looking for. This isn’t just a tool; it’s a partner you can rely on, no matter what you need to do or wherever your job takes you.