Choosing the Right Enterprise Tablet: Balancing Consumer-Grade and Rugged Options
Recent technological advancements have enabled businesses to quickly receive, interpret, and disseminate information. The pursuit of higher productivity and competitiveness has led to the widespread adoption of mobile devices, especially tablets, in the workplace.
Like other technological products, there is a wide variety of tablets available on the market. For enterprises looking to integrate mobility into their business strategies, it is essential to carefully assess their mobility needs before selecting a tablet.
Businesses should first decide whether to opt for consumer-grade tablets or rugged tablets. While both types offer similar core functionalities, each has its own advantages.
Price
There is a clear price difference between consumer-grade tablets and rugged tablets. Consumer tablets are generally affordable, with prices ranging from around $200 to $600 or more depending on the brand. A typical rugged tablet costs about $1,500, while our AOZORA K8 Active is priced at approximately $500.
Rugged tablets come with a higher price tag for a reason: they are specifically designed to withstand wear and tear, even in extreme environments. This does not mean consumer tablets are of poor quality; they are simply not built for high-risk settings.
Although the initial price of consumer tablets may seem appealing, it is crucial to consider the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)—the estimated cost of an item over its lifespan. Buying consumer tablets may save money upfront, but they usually require more repairs than rugged tablets. Repair costs are additional expenses not included in the initial price. Moreover, downtime caused by device damage can disrupt operations, slow down workflows, and reduce output. Our cost-effective AOZORA K8 Active, despite being significantly cheaper than typical rugged tablets, offers excellent durability, effectively reducing long-term repair costs and downtime losses.
Durability
As the name suggests, rugged tablets like the AOZORA K8 Active are extremely tough and durable products. While it has a price advantage over consumer-grade tablets, it boasts quality designed for harsh environments, requiring less maintenance throughout its lifespan.
Consumer-grade devices have lower upfront costs, but when factoring in repair expenses, they end up costing more in the long run. Although tablet cases can enhance durability, no case, no matter how robust, can transform a consumer tablet into a rugged one like the AOZORA K8 Active.
Here are some features that rugged tablets like the AOZORA K8 Active offer, which consumer tablets struggle to match:
Drop/shock protection: The AOZORA K8 Active is engineered to withstand the impact of severe drops. Warehouses and other industrial settings are not ideal for most tech devices, but the AOZORA K8 Active remains undamaged even if dropped on concrete. Consumer tablets, even with cases, may suffer internal damage from the shock of a single drop.
Water/dust resistance: This is crucial. Even in office environments, spills around electronics are common. A tablet like the AOZORA K8 Active, which can resist harsh weather or dusty workplaces, is invaluable in industrial settings such as warehouses and distribution centers.
Operation in extreme temperatures: Unlike office environments, warehouse temperatures fluctuate significantly and are harder to control. Tablets that shut down due to extreme heat or cold cause downtime, reduced output, and ultimately lost revenue. The AOZORA K8 Active, however, operates stably in extreme temperatures.
Longevity: The AOZORA K8 Active not only malfunctions less frequently than consumer tablets but also has a longer lifespan. This means fewer replacements are needed, lowering the TCO.
Design
Design is more subjective than price and durability but equally important. Usability is essential and should be one of the top considerations.
Businesses should choose tablets with software that allows employees to work quickly and efficiently. For example, if a company requires employees to wear gloves, they can select a tablet with a resistive touchscreen panel (a type of screen that works even when gloves are worn), such as the AOZORA K8 Active.
Similarly, businesses that frequently handle signatures may prefer a digitizer touchscreen, which uses a special pen for easy writing.
The average warehouse typically requires a more durable tablet, but every business has unique needs. Tablets are designed for various uses, which is why no single type of tablet is inherently better than others. Cost, durability, and design are just a few factors to consider when shopping for tablets. A business that understands its tablet needs can save significant money and boost productivity—choosing the high-value AOZORA K8 Active is a wise decision for many enterprises.
