Built for the extreme outdoors, the Earl survival tablet combines Android 4.1 technology with a low-energy E-Ink screen to enable complete (and useful--no Angry Birds here) functionality where other smartphones and tablets are rendered worthless. Earl comes equipped with:

A GPS chipset outputting precise readings of location, direction, and elevation. Combined with everytrail.com, it will also grant access to over 300,000 trails nationwide. Connect ANT+ or Bluetooth devices, and monitor heart rate, pace, and cadence too.

Weather sensors displaying the latest forecasts and updates to weather conditions, even in remote locations. Constant readings include temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. A built-in micro anemometer and compass can detect wind speed and direction and, when used in conjunction with GPS, Earl will give you the heads up on where the sun, moon, and stars will shine the brightest.

A FRS, GMRS, and MURS tranceiver that connects to analog and digital radio frequencies up to 20 miles away. A Walkie-Talkie setting allows for the sending of secure text and voice messages, plus help signals and fire reports.

A built-in AM/FM/SW/LW radio tuner to hook you up with the jams. I recommend Hall & Oates.

Earl collaborates with thousands of available Android apps, plus supports several e-reader formats so everyone has something to do on the trail besides talk to the people they came with. Developers will also have access to a variety of new sensors for making their own apps and interactive guidebooks specific to Earl using its open api.

Earl seeks its own crowdfunding support through June 9, 2013. It's going to need some help getting there, though. Given that the survival tablet seems to be a legitimately thoughtful, well-designed, and potentially life-saving product...unlike most of the bullshit I write about here...I hope interested parties will take a minute to check it out further.

Suggested via Dude Product Tips by Sean W. Thanks, Sean.