Dell has expanded its Rugged line-up with a new Latitude tablet designed to operate in the harshest of environments. This model is resistant against mud, dust, sand, spillages and other hazards. The tablet can even be dropped from over four feet and has a temperature threshold between -20 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This device is capable of withstanding war zones, high-altitude mountains and industrial workplaces. According to Dell, the unit is,

“Designed for performance and reliability in the harshest conditions.”

In terms of specifications, the tablet features a multi-touch, 11.6 inch 1366×768 panel which can be easily viewed in direct sunlight. Furthermore, it is equipped with a 5th generation Intel Core CPU, Windows 8.1 (fully upgradable to Windows 10), up to a 512GB Solid State Drive and a battery lasting upwards of 12 hours. Dell also utilized a quad cooling solution to prevent throttling in hot locations. I can see this being useful during expeditions near volcanoes or climates with a blistering heat.

Pricing and availability is still unknown, but the niche nature of this device will incur a hefty price tag. Dell’s existing Latitude 12 Rugged laptop contains an Intel Core i3 CPU and 4GB of RAM which retails for $3,649. I wouldn’t expect the final price to be this high but the reinforced casing will undoubtedly increase manufacturing costs.

The Latitude 12 tablet is massive overkill for 99.99% of people but provides a vital service for those who require reliable hardware in tough situations.

Thank you Engadget for providing us with this information.