Rugged Computers, Tangent’s Five Favorites

At Tangent, we strive to make all of our computers as durable and dependable as possible. This vision is most accomplished in our line of rugged computers, each one custom designed to work in the harshest work environments possible. Every rugged computer from Tangent has a unique design and set of features that makes it stand out; this ensures that whatever the task, a Tangent rugged computer will be up to it. While every rugged computer from Tangent is worth a look, we’ve picked five of our favorites for their own spotlight.

 

Tangent Rugged Mini Tank
Tangent Rugged Mini Tank

 

Rugged Mini Tank

The Rugged Mini Tank from Tangent is named aptly, being one of Tangent’s most durable rugged computers. The Rugged Mini Tank meet military standard specifications for dust, shock, vibration, rain, humidity, solar radiation, and more. The fanless design coupled with a solid state drive means that this rugged computer has no moving parts whatsoever, and can withstand shocks and drops commercial PCs couldn’t fathom. In addition, the Rugged Mini Tank can operate in extreme temperatures from -4° to 158°F without any damage to the rugged computer. These features combine to make the Rugged Mini Tank the perfect in-vehicle computer for any vehicle. Whether it’s equipped to a tractor going through a bumpy construction site or a forklift in a warehouse on a hot summer’s day, the Rugged Mini tank will be able to perform as if it was sitting in an air conditioned office.

 

Tangent Rugged Mini E3
Tangent Rugged Mini E3

 

Rugged Mini E3

The Rugged Mini E3 is the latest in the E line of rugged computers from Tangent. The Rugged Mini E3 is one of the most powerful rugged computers out there, sporting one of the latest Intel Core I7 processors and a built in graphics controller. This small rugged computer packs a massive punch, and with Windows 7 and 10 available it can put this power to good use on any computer program. The Rugged Mini E3 also comes equipped with extra drive bays, meaning that you can expand its memory capacity whenever needed—by terabytes. The Rugged Mini E3 is perfect for situations where human error can lead to a rugged computer being needlessly left on, as it features an auto-shutoff timer. This makes the Rugged Mini E3 ideal for vehicle mounting, ensuring that a left-on computer will not drain the battery.

 

Tangent Rugged Mini S
Tangent Rugged Mini S

 

Rugged Mini S

The Rugged Mini S from Tangent is a sleeker rugged computer, being 33% lighter than the Rugged Mini Tank. No compromises were made to achieve this smaller size however, the Rugged Mini S also sports one of the latest Intel Core I7 processors and can be equipped with a massive 32 gigabytes of DDR4 RAM. RAM stands for random access memory, and serves as a temporary storage area for programs that are in use. Having more RAM built into a computer means that the computer can multitask on numerous programs without lag. The large capacity of RAM on the Rugged Mini S makes it perfect for situations where numerous programs must be run at the same time, such as on a medical cart. When equipped to a medical cart, the Rugged Mini S can operate all the various sensors and programs required of it simultaneously, without delay. The Rugged Mini S also features a TPM security module that protects the rugged computer from any unauthorized requests for sensitive information, saving your hospital from costly data breaches.

 

Tangent Rugged Mini I
Tangent Rugged Mini I

 

Rugged Mini I

The Rugged Mini I from Tangent ups the ante when it comes to rugged computers, being able to support not one, not two, but three monitors simultaneously. When you need to work on a complex job that requires multiple programs or web pages operating at the same time, the Rugged Mini I is your solution. Triple monitor support also makes this rugged computer perfect for digital signage, as its wide operating temperature range and solid chassis allows it to display advertisements or information consistently. Clocking in a mere 2.42 pounds, this rugged computer can be placed in any situation while providing the power needed to display extremely large images. 

 

Tangent Rugged Mini Q1
Tangent Rugged Mini Q1

 

Rugged Mini Q1

We’ve explored four of our top rugged computers on this list, with features ranging from triple monitor support to extreme temperature operation. But by far my favorite rugged computer in the Tangent line up is the Rugged Mini Q1 for one simple reason: it’s the smallest one yet. To call the Rugged Mini Q1 a “mini PC” is an understatement, the Q1 weighs 1.29 pounds, that’s almost half the weight of the already incredibly small Rugged Mini I. The extreme lightweightedness of this rugged computer is matched by its tiny dimensions, coming in at 4.33 inches by 4.56 inches by 1.93inces—less than 2 inches tall! This insanely small size allows for the Rugged Mini Q1 to fit between a monitor and it’s mount, making this rugged computer ideal for situations where room is scarce. The Rugged Mini Q1 comes with Windows 7 or 10 preinstalled, and has the CPU and RAM  power needed to run medical, industrial, or advertisement software.

 

Rugged PCs Made for the Military

Whether it’s a months long deployment, or a routine test, having the right rugged PC for your military operation is critical to the success of the mission. Rugged PCs work in situations that commercial PCs simply can not operate in, being designed to endure harsh, ever changing environments. Here are some critical features of Rugged PCs that make them perfect for military use:

 

Built Tough

When there’s no telling what the next environment you’ll be in is, having personnel worry if their PC can survive is the last thing you want them to be doing. Rugged PCs like the Rugged Mini E3 from Tangent are built with this in mind, meeting military standards for dust, shock, vibration, rain, humidity, solar radiation, altitude, and temperature extremes. Tangent’s custom fanless designs on their rugged PCs ensures that no matter how dusty or dirty a situation gets, there is no chance that anything will get inside your rugged PC. Military grade shock resistance means that rugged PCs from Tangent can take a beating and keep operating as though they were in a civilian office.

Rugged Mini E3
Rugged Mini E3

Built Smart

Just because you’re in a remote location doesn’t mean you don’t need top of the line computing power. Tangent knows that having durable equipment is important, but ultimately the power of the equipment is what makes the difference in operations. Rugged PCs like the Rugged Mini Tank from Tangent are not just built tough, they’re built smart. With powerful i7 quadcore processors built in, rugged PCs from Tangent can run any programs required of them. Even better, having the latest i7 chips ensures that these rugged PCs will be able to run any new software that is developed without needing upgrades.

Rugged Mini Tank
Rugged Mini Tank

Built Versatile

What good is having top of the line durability and power if you can’t use it? Rugged PCs from Tangent are built to be extremely versatile, and fit for every situation required of them. Rugged PCs like the Rugged Mini E2 from Tangent are ready to perform in any environment they are needed in. With a wide-ranging power input going form 9 VDC to 48 VDC, this Rugged PC can be fitted into a jeep, tank, or troop transport all the same. WIth VESA/DIN-Rail mounting, Rugged PCs from Tangent can be securely mounted in any location. With Windows 10 preloaded onto the system, military personnel will be able to use these military grade computers in intense situations as easily as they use their own personal laptops.

Rugged Mini E2
Rugged Mini E2

Rugged PCs aren’t just built with the military in mind, they’re built for the military. Rugged PCs from Tangent meet and exceed the standards set forth by the military, all while providing the power and comfort of civilian computers.

Rugged Mini PC Created for Factory Floors

Calling a device “rugged” has lost most of its meaning in an age where supposedly rugged phones shatter from a small fall. But at Tangent, rugged isn’t just a simple marketing term, it’s a limit being constantly pushed against. Rugged mini PCs from Tangent are built from military grade components and tested in the harshest environments factories have to offer to produce computers capable of a long and productive life. 

 

No Moving Parts

 

Rugged Mini E3
Rugged Mini E3

Rugged mini PCs from Tangent have no moving parts whatsoever, meaning that a fatal drop for a commercial PC is nothing more than a small jolt for a rugged mini PC. Rugged mini PCs like the Rugged Mini E3 are equipped with solid state drives(SSD) that unlike normal hard drives, do not contain any fragile spinning disks. In addition, an advanced fanless cooling apparatus ensures that rugged pcs from Tangent remain at optimal temperatures without drawing in dust or other fatal contaminants from the factory floor.

 

Customizability

Don’t let their small size fool you, rugged mini PCs are just as capable as their macro counterparts, and far more versatile. Rugged mini pcs from Tangent are small enough to be placed on a forklift or other vehicle, and their wide range of power input options means that they can be powered by the vehicle they are attached to. Lightning fast intel processors combined with watchdog timers work to make your factory floor as efficient as possible, without errors commonly found in commercial computers. But like commercial computers, rugged pcs from Tangent run Windows operating system, meaning that they are just as easy to use and customizable as your own desktop computer.

 

Connectivity

Rugged mini pcs are the epitome of portability, and can be placed nearly anywhere on the factory floor. But some rugged pc companies subtract from their products’ capabilities by not building wi-fi capabilities into them.

 

Not at Tangent.

Rugged Mini O
Rugged Mini O

Every Rugged mini PC sold by Tangent, such as the Rugged Mini O, can utilize WLAN technology to connect to your existing Wi-fi network. Other rugged pc companies put 3G/4G/LTE chips into their rugged mini pcs, which require separate internet plans and cause you to in effect pay twice for the same thing. Rugged mini pcs from tangent save you this hassle, and ensure that all of your factory’s data can sit on one safe network.

 

Rugged mini PCs from Tangent are at the forefront of factory floor innovation, being able to work under the harshest conditions the floor has to offer without sacrificing in any department.